Charles Burns, who has worked for INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 12 years, has been named general manager of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.

Burns, 44, will oversee day-to-day operations of the event that features IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights races. The 2013 race weekend is scheduled for May 31-June 2.

The Indiana native has extensive operational and security experience, helping to direct 12 Indianapolis 500s, seven Formula One Grand Prix events and numerous NASCAR and MotoGP races. Burns has served the sanctioning body as Director of Security since 2003.

“We are delighted to welcome Charles Burns to the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix team,” event chairman Bud Denker said. “Charles has a wealth of experience in motorsports and major events and his expertise and management skills make him an ideal fit for general manager of the Grand Prix. He is also very familiar with our event and with the various stake holders in our region from working with the Grand Prix team in his role with INDYCAR in 2007, 2008 as well as this past year. I look forward to introducing Charles to our sponsors and the community in the near future."

A Marine who was an Indiana State trooper for more than a decade, Burns is experienced in all areas event management.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix team,” he said. “The Grand Prix is such a positive event for Detroit, for Windsor (Ontario) and the state of Michigan. The event has quickly established itself as one of the premiere races on the IZOD IndyCar Series and Grand-Am Rolex Series schedules. I look forward to working with Bud and the team, the sponsors, the city and state leadership and with the community, to grow the Grand Prix into the future."