DETROIT – The three-day auto racing event scheduled for Belle Isle Park is the latest event to be hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event organizers announced on Monday, April 6, that the Detroit Grand Prix is being canceled, citing coronavirus concerns. It was scheduled for May 29-31.

Michigan – and Detroit specifically – are among the hardest hit areas in the nation from the virus. Michigan has 15,718 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 617 deaths, while Detroit alone has 4,495 confirmed cases and 158 deaths.

Officials from the city of Detroit, the state, the Belle Isle Conservancy and each of the racing series' worked to reschedule the event, but couldn't make it work.

“We looked at every possible scenario to reschedule the race," said Bud Denker, Chairman of the Detroit Grand Prix in a news release. "But all of them would have been too disruptive to the hundreds of fall events that will take place on Belle Isle. Some events, like weddings, family reunions and festivals, have been scheduled a year in advance and it would not be right to alter anyone’s plans."

The IndyCar Series, IMSA SportsCar Championship, Trans Am Series and Historic Trans Am Series all had races scheduled for the weekend event.

Ticketholders will be contacted soon about their purchase, the news release said.

The Saturday and Sunday Belle Isle races were supposed to be IndyCar’s first event of the year, after all others had been postponed or canceled because of the virus. The Indianapolis 500, which was scheduled for May 24, has been postponed to Aug. 23.

The IndyCar Series has raced at Belle Isle every year since 2012, including weekend doubleheaders since 2013. The Detroit Grand Prix will return in 2021, scheduled for June 4-6.

“We look forward to the Grand Prix returning in 2021 as we continue our mission of revitalizing Belle Isle Park and providing significant support to the Belle Isle Conservancy,” Denker said. "While helping to inject millions of dollars in economic benefit to our cities and our region.”

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

Read more Michigan coronavirus coverage here

Monday, April 6: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan