IndyCar News: Vautier Returns to Dale Coyne Racing for Detroit

Frenchman Tristan Vautier is returning behind the wheel of a Dale Coyne Racing car this weekend to take part in the Detroit Grand Prix aboard the team’s No. 51 Honda-powered entry.

Vautier last raced for the team in 2017 as a substitute for the injured Sebastien Bourdais at Texas Motor Speedway. His last time racing in Detroit (Belle Isle) for DCR came in 2015, where he finished an NTT INDYCAR SERIES career-best of fourth. Vautier has 31 career IndyCar starts including 12 with Dale Coyne Racing.

“I’m very happy to be returning to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Dale Coyne Racing this weekend,” shared Vautier. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in an Indy car but I’m very much looking forward to getting back behind the wheel this weekend and to be discovering the Detroit track. Coming back to Dale Coyne Racing is like coming back to family and I want to thank Dale and Falcon Motorsport for giving me this opportunity.”

In recent years, Vautier has had a successful career in sportscar racing, competing in both the IMSA Sportscar Championship, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) as well as the European Le Mans Series. He’s won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2021 and finished on the podium at both the 24 Hours of Daytona (3rd) and the 12 Hours of Sebring (2nd) in 2022.

Vautier will get his first taste of the 1.695-mile, nine-turn street circuit on Friday, May 31 at 3pm ET. Qualifing will take place on Saturday, June 1 at 12:45pm ET. The Detroit Grand Prix goes green at 12:45pm ET on Sunday, June 2. The race will be broadcast live on USA starting at Noon ET