Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Partners With Tom Gores and Platinum Equity to Light Up MacArthur Bridge and Scott Fountain Lagoon

Belle Isle Bridge Lighting Powered by Platinum Equity from Platinum Equity on Vimeo.

Installation of All New LED Lights Improves Visibility and Safety on Belle Isle

Detroit – (May 21, 2015) – The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix today announced that thanks to a $50,000 donation from Tom Gores and Platinum Equity, all of the broken and aging lights and fixtures lining the MacArthur Bridge have been replaced with high-efficiency LED technology, improving visibility and safety for visitors to the island. The lights surrounding the lagoon near Scott Fountain are all being replaced as well, as the result of the partnership between the Grand Prix and Platinum Equity.

The new lighting that will illuminate the bridge each night consists of 76 LED corn lamps (45-watts each). New globes were also installed for each lighting fixture including 76 large acorn-style globes and 154 12-inch white globes. It took 384 man hours to replace all the old lighting on the bridge with the new components as all the new globes had to be modified so they could attach properly to the existing structures.

The new lights lining both sides of the bridge will be lit tonight during a special ceremony beginning at approximately 9:30 pm ET.  A Chevrolet Camaro SS 2015 Pace Car will drive over the bridge as the newly-installed LED lights are illuminated.

“We want to thank Tom Gores and Platinum Equity for helping to light up Belle Isle and ensure that the future is bright on the island,” said Roger Penske. “We have such a beautiful island park located right here in our city and we look forward to showcasing it to the rest of the world around the Grand Prix.  We need support from terrific companies like Platinum Equity to help with needed improvements at Belle Isle. Thanks to their efforts, visitors to Belle Isle will be greeted by the stunning LED lights on the MacArthur Bridge and the lagoon around Scott Fountain has never looked better. This initiative is one more example of the tangible benefits that have been made with the Grand Prix being hosted at Belle Isle Park.”

Mr. Gores applauded the hard work of Mr. Penske and his team, Grand Prix organizers, volunteers and countless others who have contributed to the transformation of Belle Isle.

“It’s important that we all work together to help improve safety and the quality of life for people who live and work in Detroit,” said Mr. Gores, who is Chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity and principal owner of the Detroit Pistons.

“Signature events like the Grand Prix help stimulate the local economy and showcase to the world what a great place we have here. Roger and his team have done an amazing job and we are proud to play a role.”

Two years ago Mr. Gores partnered with Mr. Penske in a program to acquire new emergency vehicles and police cars for the city. Mr. Gores said he will continue working with Mr. Penske on programs that contribute to the revitalization of Detroit.

The new lighting on the bridge to Belle Isle also represents a more efficient and enduring form of illumination. The lights have a 70,000 hour life expectancy and the savings in energy is expected to be about a third of the cost of previous lighting system.

About the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix

The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is a 501(c)3 organization and a subsidiary of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Scheduled for May 29-31, 2015, the event will include the Chevrolet Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans featuring cars of the Verizon IndyCar Series, the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic presented by the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers with the sports cars of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, the high-performance vehicles of the Pirelli World Challenge Series in the Cadillac V-Series Challenge presented by the Metro Detroit Cadillac Dealers and the high-flying trucks of the SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road presented by Traxxas. Partners for the 2015 Grand Prix include General Motors, Quicken Loans, MotorCity Casino Hotel and Verizon. For more information, visit www.DetroitGP.com and follow our social media pages at www.facebook.com/detroitgp, www.twitter.com/detroitgp and www.instagram.com/detroitgp.

Media Contacts:              

Merrill Cain, Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
(704) 677-9200, mcain@detroitgp.com

Dan Whelan, Platinum Equity

(310) 282-9202, dwhelan@platinumequity.com