Detroit gears up for racing and space adventures

The streets of downtown Detroit will buzz with speed and energy later this month as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix hits town for another round. This marks the fourth time the event has taken over the city’s pavement, giving locals a chance to watch high-octane racing right where they live and work. Beyond the roar of the engines, the race has become a big deal for the local economy, bringing in visitors and keeping businesses busy. It’s not just about the cars, though—next up is a special race in Washington, D. C. , timed to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. That one will be a big moment for motorsports fans too.While the city revs up for the Grand Prix, the Michigan Science Center is shooting for the stars with its space-themed exhibits and planetarium. A recent donation helped rename the planetarium to honor Penske, adding a fresh layer to the center’s offerings. The planetarium isn’t just a cool place to visit—it’s part of a bigger push to get kids excited about science, technology, engineering, and math. Summer camps and hands-on programs give young learners a chance to dive into STEM subjects in fun, interactive ways. The Science Center isn’t working alone, though. Local organizations like the Boys and Girls Club get involved too, helping kids unleash their creativity by painting murals around the race track. Every year, a student from the Center for Creative Studies designs the official event poster, blending art and motorsports. These projects show how events like the Grand Prix can do more than just entertain—they can inspire the next generation.