Michigan’s First Adult Pinewood Derby Comes to the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
Boy Scouts Celebrate 60 Years of Racing Tradition
Southfield, Michigan (April 9, 2013) – Fifth Third Bank is proud to be the title sponsor for Michigan’s first adult pinewood derby competition to be held at the site of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on Tuesday, May 28th from 1-6pm. The Boy Scouts of America Michigan Crossroads Council is embracing the excitement of world-class auto racing as they bring this time-honored scout tradition to Detroit’s premiere racing venue.. The Fifth Third Corporate Pinewood Grand Prix will be the first official event to kick off Grand Prix Week.
Teams will take an actual pinewood derby kit still used today by the Boy Scouts and build their race cars. The strict rules that all pinewood derby races abide by will be applied to this event as well. Car specifications for weight, length, width and building materials will follow the Boy Scout tradition. These race vehicles will compete in racing heats on Pit Lane at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park circuit to see if their team has what it takes to win! Awards will be given to the fastest three teams as well as the top car designs. All participants will be treated to a post-race reception at the Grand Prix Club Chalet located next to the Scott Fountain.
Whether the focus is on speed or on style, the Fifth Third Corporate Pinewood Grand Prix gives team members a chance to be a kid again and be a part of the Grand Prix Week celebration.
Detroit and the surrounding region are full of creative and technical thinkers from automotive companies, design firms and parts suppliers as well as strong engineering colleges. The competitive spirit and innovative ideas from these men and women will be combined not only with the racing tradition rooted in the Motor City, but also with the classic 60 year-old racing tradition of the Boy Scouts. You won’t want to miss this inaugural event to cheer on your favorite car and “driver”!
“We are very excited to host the very first Fifth Third Corporate Pinewood Grand Prix on Belle Isle,” said Charles Burns, Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix General Manager. “This event is a great way to wave the green flag on race week activities and we look forward to working with Fifth Third Bank and the Boy Scouts of America Michigan Crossroads Council to create a unique and memorable experience.”
A portion of the entry fees will go towards funding valuable Scouting programs throughout the metro Detroit area.
“Since 1953, millions of Cub Scouts and their families have participated in pinewood derby races. The Pinewood Derby is now a premier annual event of the Cub Scouts. Over 50 million kids and their parents have built and participated in pinewood derby races,” stated Gary Gilger, Chief Development Officer, Michigan Crossroads Council. “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Pinewood Derby; the adult pinewood derby competition that is taking place is a fundraiser for the Michigan Crossroads Council, Boy Scouts of America. We are excited about this partnership with Fifth Third Bank and the ability to bring this tradition to the Detroit Grand Prix week celebration.”
“As a sponsor of the Chevrolet Belle Isle Detroit Grand Prix I could not be more pleased than to have the Fifth Third Corporate Pinewood Grand Prix serve as the kickoff event to Grand Prix Week in the Motor City,” stated Jack Riley, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Fifth Third Bank. “This fundraiser is the springboard for Fifth Third’s sponsorship of the Boys Scouts of America Michigan Crossroads Council.”
The Fifth Third Corporate Pinewood Grand Prix is a chance for teams from across the region to challenge their skills, satisfy their need for speed or break the rules and create a concept car they’ve always dreamed of. Wait for that green flag to fly and be a part of a new Michigan tradition.
For more information on the Fifth Third Corporate Pinewood Grand Prix and to register for the race, please visit www.michiganscouting.org.
About Post Author
