DETROIT, Mich. (August 24, 2007) –A recreational and educational epicenter for more than 120 years, Belle Isle park will sparkle once again during Labor Day weekend as world-class auto racing returns to Detroit, thanks in part to resident Bridgestone Firestone Original Equipment Tire (BFOE).

For the first time in six years, the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix – featuring the cars of the American Le Mans Series and the IndyCar Series – returns to the Raceway at Belle Isle Park, Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Firestone, the official tire of the IndyCar Series, will sponsor the Detroit Indy Grand Prix presented by Firestone on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 2. Bringing racing back to Belle Isle, where open-wheel cars competed from 1992-2001, is a success story for BFOE and other prominen Grand Prix partners, including the Downtown Detroit Partnership and Bosch, along with many others.

“Belle Isle represents the crowning achievement of Detroit’s public park system and has been a source of leisure and discovery for millions over many generations,” said Michael Martini, President, Original Equipment Consumer Tire, BFOE. “To have played an active role in the return of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is a unique privilege BFOE will forever treasure. This Labor Day weekend the roar of race engines will signal the rebirth of professional motorsports competition in the Motor City.”

The enhancement of Belle Isle is one of many community-outreach initiatives embraced by BFOE. The company’s philanthropic endeavors extend from Habitat for Humanity® Detroit and The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s ‘EyesOn Design’ benefit to a new venture this year, in the revitalization a 2,700 square foot playground on Belle Isle.

“We hope the Belle Isle playground offers a legacy we can leave behind for area children,” said Martini. “Helping bring the Belle Isle race back to Detroit is part of our contribution to the community, but creating a place for healthy, outside play is a special treat we hope families will enjoy for years to come.”

A grand opening ceremony was held at the Belle Isle playground earlier this morning and the playground will likely be a featured attraction of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, as it is in the midway area for race fans to enjoy.

BFOE also continually strives to enrich Detroit’s celebrated automotive heritage with annual support of the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance and the Dream Cruise on Woodward Avenue. In addition, BFOE participates in several charitable golf tournaments each year in Detroit.

In addition to serving as the presenting sponsor for the Detroit Indy Grand Prix, Firestone will also host a number of children on Free Prix Day presented by Comerica Bank, Friday, Aug. 31, as part of its Racing For Kids® sponsorship. Founded in Detroit in 1989, Racing For Kids is designed to use the increasing popularity of motorsports to focus public attention and funding on the health care needs of children. For more information or to donate, visit www.racingforkids.org.

The 2007 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is organized and promoted by a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, whose chairman is Roger Penske. Bosch, located just north of Detroit in Farmington Hills, will sponsor the American Le Mans Series race at Belle Isle – The Detroit Sports Car Challenge presented by Bosch – on Saturday, Sept. 1.

To learn more about the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, visit www.detroitgp.com. To purchase tickets, call (866) 464-PRIX or contact Ticketmaster at (248) 645-6666 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information about the history of Belle Isle, as well as a calendar of current scheduled events, visit the official Web site of the City of Detroit at www.detroitmi.gov.