The Grand Prix of Cleveland began in 1982 as the Budweiser 500. In 1990, the race was shortened, due to the extreme heat generated by the asphalt airport tarmac that was converted into the 2.48-mile course. Budweiser retained rights to the race through 1994. Since then, Marconi, US Bank, and Medic Drug Stores have sponsored the event. The 2007 race is sponsored by LaSalle Bank.