Engines are revving up for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix taking place Labor Day weekend, and fans from across the nation are racing to catch a glimpse of the action.

   
Comerica Bank is pulling no stops, when it hosts Free Prix Day on Friday, Aug. 31.

   
“Comerica is very proud to sponsor Free Prix Day and to welcome the Grand Prix back to the city,” said Sara Snyder, Comerica vice president of Communications. “The event brings excitement and vitality to the area. We are happy to share the day with our customers and the community.”

   
Spectators will get an up close look at some of the world’s fastest open-cockpit cars, watch its drivers gear up for the big race and see the pit crew rev into action at no charge.

   
It’s an experience that most won’t forget, as drivers from both the IndyCar Series and American Le Mans Series practice and undergo qualifying rounds, offering double the excitement all in one day. 

   
Don’t blink or you might miss some of the IndyCar’s favorites speed by such as 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr., 2005 Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series champion Dan Wheldon, 2004 IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan, two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves, 2005 Bombardier Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick, and 2006 Bombardier Rookie of the Year Marco Andretti.

   
Imaginations can roam free, as fans are allowed to stand on the starting grid minutes before the green flag drops for the American LeMans Series qualifying round.

   
Autographs from popular American LeMans drivers such as Patrick Long, Johnny O’Connell, Clint Field, Chris Dyson, Liz Halliday and others may also be gotten during a driver autograph session.

   
Returning after a six-year absence, the 2007 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix expects to be more powerful than previous events. This year also marks the celebration of the Grand Prix’s 25th anniversary.

   
The first Detroit Grand Prix was held in the streets of downtown Detroit in 1982. It shifted gears and moved to Belle Isle in 1992.

     
On Saturday, Bosch will present the Detroit Sports Car Challenge featuring American LeMans racers. The Detroit Indy Grand Prix is presented by Firestone and will feature IndyCar racers on Sunday.

   
Proceeds from weekend events will benefit the Belle Isle preservation project. For additional information, call (866) 464-PRIX or visit online at www.detroitgp.com.

   
Meanwhile, IndyCar drivers and teams will accelerate to push their engines to put out about 670 horsepower at 10,300 RPM in hopes of winning more than $1 million and the Firehawk Cup.

   
While only one team will dash away with the prize, Comerica will remain mobile in the community, sharing their winnings with thousands of customers, community members and visitors to the city on Free Prix Friday.

           
“We hope sponsoring Free Prix Friday will reinforce to customers and the community that we’re here, committed to Detroit and eager to see our customers succeed,” said Snyder.