The American Le Mans Series' first visit to Detroit and Belle Isle Park was without a doubt a success. All weekend long, Series drivers, officials, teams and manufacturers heaped praise on the venue and Roger Penske's effort to bring major auto racing back to Detroit. The Series made such an impact that event organizers announced its return in 2008 as part of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix weekend. Here is just a small sampling of the reaction to racing in Detroit:

Scott Atherton, American Le Mans Series President and CEO
"The entire Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is an event that meets the profile World Class. I was here in January and had been able to see the venue two or three times in the meantime. The progress and transformation of the area was remarkable. All credit goes to Roger, Bud Denker and their team. The real winner during the weekend was the city of Detroit."

Roger Penske, event organizer and Penske Racing owner
"Having the Series here in Detroit is so important to me and the city of Detroit. We can't thank them enough for putting this on their schedule."

Romain Dumas, Penske Racing
"We would like to thank him (Penske). Seeing the park and big screen for the spectators, it was fantastic and Penske-made. It's a very nice event and everyone is really happy. We won so for sure Roger is very happy."

Greg Pickett, Team Cytosport
"I really love this track. The whole city should be proud of how the circuit has improved since Roger took over, especially since I was here driving in Trans Am."

Ryan Briscoe, Penske Racing
"Roger certainly has done a first-class job here. It makes our race so much better when it is presented so nicely. I haven't heard a bad word about it yet."

Allan McNish, Audi Sport North America
"What Roger has done with the event is something that the American Le Mans Series should be proud of. It should stand up there as something every other circuit should aim toward in the way they put the show on."

The next round of the American Le Mans Series is the 10th running of Petit Le Mans, the annual 1,000-mile/10-hour endurance classic at Road Atlanta. The start is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 6. SPEED will provide live coverage from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 6:30 to 10 p.m. American Le Mans Radio and IMSA's Live Timing and Scoring will be available at www.americanlemans.com.