For the third consecutive year, Comerica Bank sponsored Free Prix Day, giving fans of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix the chance to enjoy an entire day of race activities for free. As part of its partnership with the Grand Prix, Comerica also treated Detroit Institute of Technology (DIT) students at Cody High School to a behind-the-scenes tour into the world of professional racing.
“Comerica Bank Free Prix Day has been in existence for several years and we’re honored to once again have them sponsor this day,” said Charles Burns, general manager of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix during a Free Prix Day interview with WJBK-TV FOX 2. “We want everyone to come out and get a taste of it.”
What makes Comerica Bank Free Prix Day unique is that it gives Grand Prix fans the chance to not only experience the Grand Prix at no cost, but also gives people a look inside the paddock area, the locker room of motorsports. Race fans have the opportunity to get up close and personal with drivers and their crews.
For an even more memorable experience, Comerica invited the 30 DIT students on a special tour, exposing them to the expansive STEaM-related careers available in the racing industry complete with presentations with Chevrolet Verizon IndyCar Series Program Manager Chris Berube, TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Series drivers Ricky and Jordan Taylor, and Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix General Manager Charles Burns, as well as a tour of the Verizon IndyCar Series paddock with motorsports writer John Oreovicz.
A special day for the students, Comerica’s tour of the Grand Prix provided DIT teacher Chad Segrist the opportunity to expose them to many real life applications of what they are learning in the classroom.
“Today’s tour was a culmination of what the kids have worked with since Comerica first contacted us,” said Segrist. “It’s important to bring these experiences to the students and Comerica was just unbelievable in their flexibility and their willingness to let this happen for our kids.”
“We thought it’d be a great opportunity for (students from DIT) to have a backstage pass and see up close the science and technology that goes into this sport,” said Patricia McCann, vice president and national civic affairs manager at Comerica Bank.
Comerica’s sponsorship of Free Prix Day is another example of the bank’s commitment to metro Detroit communities and bringing the DIT students to the island was an opportunity to not only support local schools and promote education, but an amazing way to give the students an experience they won’t soon forget.
For more information about Comerica’s commitment to the community, please visit www.facebook.com/ComericaCares.
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