Debate over Grand Prix pronunciation divides race fans
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Ever since the Angie’s List Grand Prix rolled into Indianapolis in 2014, its pronunciation has divided race fans. Some fans use the American pronunciation of the word “grand” while others prefer the European articulation.
24-Hour News 8 decided to get to the bottom of the controversy (we use that term loosely). We asked people all over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to say the name of the race. It seems like a simple question, but getting a solid answer wasn’t easy.
Fans were split. Most folks from Indianapolis sided with the American pronunciation. Other fans from outside of Indiana went with the European version.
We took the question to Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles.
“I’m from Indiana, so I say [the American pronunciation of] Grand Prix. But every once in a while I catch myself [saying it the other way]… it’s a grand event,” Boles said.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett told us he uses the American pronunciation as well.
Of all the people 24-Hour News 8 asked, just over 60 percent say the American version.
Watch the video above to hear fans give their take on how “Grand” is really supposed to be said.