David Goricki

The Detroit News

Detroit — The Lear Corporation has jumped on board to become the presenting sponsor of the traditional IndyCar doubleheader on Belle Isle this summer.

The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear weekend will be held June 2-4 on the 2.3-mile street circuit on Belle Isle, the week following the Indianapolis 500.

“Lear is proud to partner with Chevrolet to bring the Grand Prix to the Motor City,” Matt Simoncini, Lear Corporation president and CEO, said in a statement. “Belle Isle Park is a perfect setting for an event like the Grand Prix. We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of race fans to Detroit and showcasing our city to a national television audience of millions. Detroit is America’s comeback city and a great place to live, work and innovate.”

The Lear Corporation, which has its headquarters in Metro Detroit, is a leading global supplier of automotive seating and electrical systems. Lear is an international brand, employing about 150,000 in 37 countries.

The Lear Corporation has been a Grand Prix partner since 2015.

“The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix is so proud to welcome Lear Corporation as our presenting sponsor in 2017,” race chairman Bud Denker said. “Lear and Matt Simoncini are great supporters of Detroit and our community. We could not ask for a better partner to team with Chevrolet and help us host world-class racing and a weekend full of fun and excitement in the Motor City.”

Tickets for the 2017 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.DetroitGP.com or calling 866-464-7749.

Sebastien Bourdais has won a race in each of the last two years on Belle Isle, winning race No. 1 last year with Penske driver Will Power earning the right to go to Victory Lane in Race No. 2.

Belle Isle has been a favorite for Team Penske drivers, including three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves who won his first series race on Belle Isle in 2000, climbing the fence in celebration.

The IndyCar season opener is set for March 12 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Team Penske driver Simon Pagenaud is the defending series champion.

Josef Newgarden is the newest Team Penske member, joining the team following the 2016 season. He replaces Juan Pablo Montoya and is now teammates with Castroneves, Power and Pagenaud.

Newgarden will be on hand Thursday night at The Palace as part of the Detroit Grand Prix Night at The Palace with the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons will be playing the Charlotte Hornets.

david.goricki@detroitnews.com

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