Detroit Grand Prix dropped from Indy schedule

Scott Dixon of New Zealand, driver of the #9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, leads the other cars during the start of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix auto race in Detroit, Michigan, August 31, 2008.

DETROIT (Reuters) - The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix was dropped from the Indy Racing League (IRL) schedule on Thursday because of the deepening economic crisis in the Motor City.

Following talks with the city of Detroit, the state, sponsors and the race's sanctioning body, the IRL decided to postpone next year's event scheduled for September 4-6, according to a report in the Detroit Free Press.

"We've been evaluating for the last couple of months whether to cancel," Grand Prix chairman Bud Denker told the paper.

"The Grand Prix is supported by regional and national sponsors, the Big Three, Audi, Porsche. We consulted with the city, state and sponsors. Considering the tough times we're all experiencing, we just couldn't ask the parties to give, and give more.

"We think it's a prudent decision.

"We're looking to take a pause with the race but we are optimistic we'll get through the speed bumps."

After a six-year absence, Indycar racing returned to Detroit in 2007 and staged two successful events on the island course which each attracted more than 100,000 spectators.

Motor races have come and gone in Detroit over the years.

Formula One raced on the downtown streets of the Motor City from 1982 to 1988 before CART moved in in 1989, running races on Belle Isle until 2001.

(Writing by Steve Keating; Editing by Ed Osmond)