IndyCar News: Chevrolet Detroit GP Preview – Come for Free!
Free is the Word
As Detroit celebrates the 34th Detroit GP event in the City’s history, May 31-June 2, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will once again offer an inclusive experience for fans as more than half of the event’s footprint will be open and accessible for free throughout the course of the three-day weekend.
On Comerica Bank Free Prix Day, visitors will be able to watch all the Friday on-track action from two of the most coveted viewing locations – in Grandstands 1 and 9 – at no cost , i.e Free.
Seating in these grandstands overlooking pit lane and the start/finish line on the 1.7-mile Downtown street circuit will be general admission and available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Thanks to Comerica Bank, no tickets will be required for fans to sit in either of these grandstands on Free Prix Day. Access to the paddock area is not included with Free Prix Day seating. Fans may also purchase tickets in other viewing areas for Friday, May 31 at the Grand Prix and paddock admission is included in all purchased tickets. To learn more and to purchase online, visit DetroitGP.com/tickets.
Comerica Bank Detroit GP Free Prix Day extends the legacy of the inaugural Grand Prix event held in the Motor City. Since the first event hosted on the Downtown streets in 1982, every Detroit Grand Prix has offered fans free access on the first day of on-track action – a unique tradition that defines the welcoming spirit of Detroit.
“With the support of Comerica Bank for the 11th consecutive year, we are proud to build on the Free Prix Day tradition at the Chevrolet Detroit GP presented by Lear,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit GP presented by Lear. “When we brought the Grand Prix back home to the Streets of Downtown Detroit last year, we wanted to ensure that everyone in our community had an opportunity to enjoy this special event. Fans enjoyed free access to more than half of the venue and we are excited to once again provide that complimentary experience in 2024. On Comerica Bank Free Prix Day, our guests will enjoy even more access with enhanced viewing opportunities and seating in two of our premium grandstands, completely free of charge.”
“Year after year, the Detroit GP delivers on its mission to present one of Detroit’s showcase events while also investing in improving the community through its economic impact and philanthropic outreach,” said Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President. “It was quite a thrill last year to see the weekend of racing festivities return to the Streets of Downtown Detroit, and we are honored to continue our partnership in providing free, unique experiences for Detroit-area students as well as fans.”
Detroit GP Entry List
|
CAR |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
CAR NAME |
TEAM |
ENGINE |
|
|
1 |
2 |
Josef Newgarden |
Nashville, Tennessee |
Hitachi Astemo Team Penske |
Team Penske |
Chevrolet |
|
2 |
3 |
Scott McLaughlin |
Christchurch, New Zealand |
Gallagher Team Penske |
Team Penske |
Chevrolet |
|
3 |
4 |
Kyffin Simpson (R) |
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands |
Journie Rewards Chip Ganassi Racing |
Chip Ganassi Racing |
Honda |
|
4 |
5 |
Pato O’Ward |
Monterrey, Mexico |
Arrow McLaren |
Arrow McLaren |
Chevrolet |
|
5 |
6 |
Théo Pourchaire (R) |
Grasse, France |
Arrow McLaren |
Arrow McLaren |
Chevrolet |
|
6 |
7 |
Alexander Rossi |
Nevada City, California |
Arrow McLaren |
Arrow McLaren |
Chevrolet |
|
7 |
8 |
Linus Lundqvist (R) |
Stockholm, Sweden |
American Legion Chip Ganassi Racing |
Chip Ganassi Racing |
Honda |
|
8 |
9 |
Scott Dixon |
Auckland, New Zealand |
PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing |
Chip Ganassi Racing |
Honda |
|
9 |
10 |
Alex Palou |
Barcelona, Spain |
DHL Chip Ganassi Racing |
Chip Ganassi Racing |
Honda |
|
10 |
11 |
Marcus Armstrong |
Christchurch, New Zealand |
Root Insurance Chip Ganassi Racing |
Chip Ganassi Racing |
Honda |
|
11 |
12 |
Will Power |
Toowoomba, Australia |
Verizon Business Team Penske |
Team Penske |
Chevrolet |
|
12 |
14 |
Santino Ferrucci |
Woodbury, Connecticut |
AJ FOYT RACING / SEXTON PROPERTIES |
A.J. Foyt Enterprises |
Chevrolet |
|
13 |
15 |
Graham Rahal |
New Albany, Ohio |
iPacket |
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing |
Honda |
|
14 |
18 |
Jack Harvey |
Bassingham, England |
Dale Coyne Racing |
Dale Coyne Racing |
Honda |
|
15 |
20 |
Christian Rasmussen (R) |
Copenhagen, Denmark |
Guy Care |
Ed Carpenter Racing |
Chevrolet |
|
16 |
21 |
Rinus VeeKay |
Hoofddorp, Netherlands |
Ed Carpenter Racing |
Ed Carpenter Racing |
Chevrolet |
|
17 |
26 |
Colton Herta |
Valencia, California |
Gainbridge |
Andretti Global w/ Curb-Agajanian |
Honda |
|
18 |
27 |
Kyle Kirkwood |
Jupiter, Florida |
AutoNation |
Andretti Global |
Honda |
|
19 |
28 |
Marcus Ericsson |
Kumla, Sweden |
Delaware Life |
Andretti Global |
Honda |
|
20 |
30 |
Pietro Fittipaldi |
Miami, Florida |
5-hour ENERGY |
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing |
Honda |
|
21 |
41 |
Sting Ray Robb |
Payette, Idaho |
Goodheart Vet/Pray.com |
A.J. Foyt Enterprises |
Chevrolet |
|
22 |
45 |
Christian Lundgaard |
Hedensted, Denmark |
Hy-Vee |
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing |
Honda |
|
23 |
51 |
Tristan Vautier |
Corenc, France |
Dale Coyne Racing |
Dale Coyne Racing |
Honda |
|
24 |
60 |
Felix Rosenqvist |
Värnamo, Sweden |
AutoNation/SiriusXM |
Meyer Shank Racing |
Honda |
|
25 |
66 |
Helio Castroneves |
Sao Paulo, Brazil |
AutoNation/Arctic Wolf |
Meyer Shank Racing |
Honda |
|
26 |
77 |
Romain Grosjean |
Geneva, Switzerland |
Juncos Hollinger Racing |
Juncos Hollinger Racing |
Chevrolet |
|
27 |
78 |
Agustin Canapino |
Arrecifes, Argentina |
Juncos Hollinger Racing |
Juncos Hollinger Racing |
Chevrolet |
Fast Facts
Race weekend: Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2
Track: Streets of Detroit, a 1.645-mile, Nine-turn temporary street course (counterclockwise)
Race distance: NTT INDYCAR SERIES: 100 laps / 170 miles | INDY NXT by Firestone: 45 laps/55 minutes
Push-to-pass parameters: NTT INDYCAR SERIES: 150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation | INDY NXT by Firestone: 150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation
Firestone tire allotment: NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Six sets primary, four sets alternate (weekend). Teams must use one set of primary and one new set of alternate tires in each race. One additional set is available for the weekend’s first session. to teams fielding a rookie driver. INDY NXT by Firestone: Three new sets to be used during the race weekend. Two carryover sets from the Indianapolis event may be used in practice sessions before qualifying.
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TikTok: @INDYCAR @INDYNXT, #INDYCAR
YouTube: @DetroitGP, @INDYCAR
Event website: www.DetroitGP.com
INDYCAR website: www.IndyCar.com
2023 race winners:
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Alex Palou (No. 10 Ridgeline Lubricants Honda)
INDY NXT by Firestone
Race 1: Reece Gold (No. 10 HMD Motorsports)
Race 2: Nolan Siegel (No. 39 HMD Motorsports)
2023 NTT P1 Award winner: Alex Palou (No. 10 Ridgeline Lubricants Honda) 1:01.9410, 95.734 mph
2023 INDY NXT by Firestone pole winners:
Race 1: Louis Foster (No. 26 Andretti Autosport) 1:06.9468, 88.458 mph
Race 2: Louis Foster (No. 26 Andretti Autosport) 1:06.8374, 88.603 mph
Detroit GP Qualifying lap record:
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Kyle Kirkwood, 1:01.5305, 96.245 mph, June 3, 2023 (Set in Round 1 of knockout qualifying)
INDY NXT by Firestone
Louis Foster, 1:06.8374, 88.603 mph, June 2, 2023
USA Network race telecast: Noon (ET) Sunday, June 2, USA Network (live). Leigh Diffey is the play-by-play announcer for NBC’s coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, alongside analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe.
Peacock live streaming: All NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice sessions and qualifying will stream live on Peacock, NBC’s direct-to-consumer livestreaming product. NBC’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear race telecast for the USA Network will be simulcast on the streaming service. The INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix will be streamed on Peacock with practice and qualifying shown on INDYCAR LIVE.
INDYCAR Radio Network broadcasts: Mark Jaynes is the anchor alongside driver analyst Davey Hamilton. Jake Query and Nick Yeoman are the turn announcers. Michael Young and Ryan Myrehn are the pit reporters. The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear race (noon ET Sunday), INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix (10:15 a.m. Sunday) and all NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone practices and qualifying sessions air live on network affiliates, SiriusXM 218, racecontrol.indycar.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
Detroit GP At-track schedule (all times local):
FRIDAY, MAY 31 (All times local)
1:50-2:35 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone practice #1, INDYCAR LIVE
3-4:15 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice #1 (45 minutes all car session followed by two 10-minute group sessions), Peacock
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
8-8:45 a.m. INDY NXT by Firestone practice #2, INDYCAR LIVE
9:10-10:10 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice #2 (45 minutes), Peacock
11:20-11:50 a.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Qualifying (Two groups, 12-minute session), INDYCAR LIVE
12:15-1:45 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying for NTT P1 Award (Three rounds of knockout qualifying), Peacock (live)
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
9:30-10 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES warmup, Peacock
10:25 a.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Command to start engines
10:30 a.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix (45 Laps/55 minutes), Peacock (U.S.)/INDYCAR LIVE (Most international markets)
Noon USA Network on air
12:38 p.m. Command to start engines
12:45 p.m. Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear (100 laps/164.5 miles), USA Network (live)
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Notes:
- There have been five winners in the five NTT INDYCAR SERIES points-paying races to start the 2024 season. Pato O’Ward (Streets of St. Petersburg), Scott Dixon (Streets of Long Beach), Scott McLaughlin (Barber Motorsports Park), Alex Palou (Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course) and Josef Newgarden (Indianapolis 500) have all won in 2024. The record for most different winners in a season is 11 in 2000, 2001 and 2014.
- The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will be the second INDYCAR SERIES race held on the new nine-turn, 1.645-mile downtown Detroit street circuit and the 34th INDYCAR SERIES race held in the Motor City. A 2.5-mile street circuit in downtown Detroit hosted CART events from 1989-91 before the event moved to Belle Isle Park in 1992.
- Will Power, Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves each won three times at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park and are tied for most wins by an INDYCAR SERIES driver in the Detroit Grand Prix. In addition to Power, Castroneves and Dixon, other previous Detroit Grand Prix race winners entered include Alex Palou (2023), Pato O’Ward (2021 Race #2), Marcus Ericsson (2021 Race #1) Josef Newgarden (2019 Race #1), Simon Pagenaud (2013 Race #2) and Graham Rahal (2017 Race #1 and Race #2).
| ACTIVE RACE WINNER | WINS | SEASONS |
| Helio Castroneves | 3 | 2000, 2001, 2014 Race #2 |
| Scott Dixon | 3 | 2012, 2018 Race #1, 2019 Race #2 |
| Will Power | 3 | 2014 Race #1, 2016 Race #2, 2022 |
| Graham Rahal | 2 | 2017 Race #1, 2017 Race #2 |
| Josef Newgarden | 1 | 2019 Race #1 |
| Marcus Ericsson | 1 | 2021 Race #1 |
| Pato O’Ward | 1 | 2021 Race #2 |
| Alex Palou | 1 | 2023 |
- The driver who has gone on to win the championship has won at Detroit eight times. Alex Palou won on the streets of downtown Detroit in 2023, Josef Newgarden won Race #1 on Belle Isle in 2019, Scott Dixon won Race #1 on Belle Isle in 2018, Will Power won on Belle Isle in 2022 and won Race #2 on Belle Isle in 2014, Alex Zanardi won on Belle Isle in 1998, Bobby Rahal won at Belle Isle in 1992 and Emerson Fittipaldi won in downtown Detroit in 1989.
- Milestones: Scott Dixon will attempt to make his 328th consecutive start, extending his record streak…Dixon will pass Tony Kanaan for third all-time in INDYCAR SERIES starts should he start on Sunday. The pair is tied with 390 starts.
INDY NXT by Firestone Notes:
- The ultra-competitive INDY NXT by Firestone season resumes with a downtown Detroit street circuit event. Jacob Abel leads the point standings on the strength of two wins in the first four races, but the other two race winners this season, HMD Motorsports’ Nolan Siegel and Andretti Global’s Louis Foster, remain threats to win the title and the financial benefits to advance to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
- Sunday’s Detroit Grand Prix will be the 500th race for the INDYCAR SERIES’ top level developmental series, currently known at INDY NXT by Firestone.
- The 2024 season features a deep and talented field with INDY NXT race winners such as Nolan Siegel, Louis Foster and Reece Gold joining a promising rookie class that includes Myles Rowe (2023 USF Pro 2000 champ), Callum Hedge (2023 Formula Regionals America champion), Michael d’Orlando (2022 USF2000 champion) and Caio Collet (Formula 3 race winner/Nissan Formula E reserve driver). Other contenders include returning drivers Jacob Abel, Josh Pierson, James Roe and Jamie Chadwick.
- For the second consecutive season, INDY NXT by Firestone has added a new team. Miller Vinatieri Motorsports – co-owned by former INDYCAR SERIES competitor Dr. Jack Miller and former NFL standout Adam Vinatieri – debuted at St. Petersburg with driver Jack William Miller.
Group qualifying will decide the starting grid on road and street circuits. Based on the best lap times from the practice session immediately preceding qualifying, the fastest driver in that session will choose which group will compete in the first of the two qualifying sessions. With 12 minutes allotted for each group (with a guarantee of one timed lap), the fastest driver between the two sessions will be awarded pole position with the drivers who finished behind that driver, in order and in that group, occupying the odd-numbered starting positions (3, 5, 7, etc.) for the race and the drivers who finished in order from the other group occupying the even-numbered starting positions (2, 4, 6, etc.). One driver and entrant championship point will be awarded to the fastest car in each qualifying group.