IndyCar 101: What You Need to Know Before the Detroit Grand Prix
The Detroit Grand Prix is one of the most exciting weekends in American motorsport—and if you’re new to IndyCar, don’t worry. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before the cars hit the streets of the Motor City.
What is IndyCar?
IndyCar is North America’s premier open-wheel racing series—think Formula 1 with a rougher edge and a distinctly American flavor. The cars are lightweight, insanely fast (topping out around 240 mph), and built for versatility, competing across ovals, permanent road courses, and tight street circuits like Detroit.
The Detroit Grand Prix
Held in the heart of Downtown Detroit, this race transforms city streets into a competitive circuit. As part of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, it’s one of only a handful of temporary street races, bringing fans right up close to the action with sharp turns, concrete barriers, and nonstop intensity.
What Makes IndyCar Unique?
- Spec Chassis: Every team uses the same Dallara chassis, which helps keep the field competitive.
- Engine Suppliers: Honda and Chevrolet power the grid, fueling a longstanding technical rivalry.
- Push-to-Pass: Drivers can activate a limited boost of horsepower to make strategic moves.
- Diverse Tracks: No other series combines high-speed ovals, winding road courses, and narrow street circuits like IndyCar.
Key Drivers to Watch in 2025
- Álex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing): Defending champion with unmatched consistency.
- Josef Newgarden (Team Penske): Two-time champ and always a threat, especially on ovals.
- Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren): One of the most exciting talents on the grid.
- Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing): A six-time champion and 2024 Detroit Grand Prix winner.
- Colton Herta (Andretti Global): A fan favorite known for his aggression and raw speed.
Race Weekend Format
- Practice: Held Friday and Saturday to let teams fine-tune setups.
- Qualifying: Knockout format leading to a final “Fast Six” shootout for pole position.
- Race Day (Sunday): The main event. Expect over 100 laps of high-speed action through Detroit’s narrow course.
What to Watch for in Detroit
- Tight Street Racing: Limited passing zones make positioning and pit stops critical.
- Late-Race Chaos: Cautions and restarts can reshuffle the field in the final laps.
- Strategy Plays: Tire wear and pit timing often determine who’s in victory lane.
Tips for New Fans
- Tire Colors: Red sidewalls = softer compound, Black = harder compound.
- No DRS Here: Instead, watch for drivers using their push-to-pass advantage.
- Where to Watch: NBC and Peacock carry race coverage in the U.S.
- It’s Not Just Speed: Fuel strategy and tire management matter just as much.
Who Won in 2024?
Scott Dixon took the win in last year’s Detroit Grand Prix, marking his fourth career victory at the event. Known for fuel-saving mastery, Dixon held off Marcus Ericsson in a race full of cautions, claiming his 58th career win.
Fan Essentials: Detroit Grand Prix 2025
Viewing & Experiences
- Free Prix Day (May 31): Free admission to the venue and Grandstands 1 & 9.
- Rooftop Viewing: Watch from above at River East Garage, Franklin Garage, and more.
- Tailgating: Available at Franklin Garage with parking, rooftop access, and paddock entry.
- Paddock Access: See the cars and crews up close with select ticket packages.
Navigation, Entertainment & Logistics
- Live Music: Free Saturday night concerts at Cadillac Square.
- Free Shuttles: Golf cart-style transport to navigate between venues.
- Prohibited Items: No weapons, drones, glass, alcohol, or large coolers. Full list at detroitgp.com/fanguide.
- Visitor Info: Find hotel and restaurant options at visitdetroit.com.
- Tickets: Purchase at detroitgp.com/tickets or call 866-464-7749.
2025 IndyCar Drivers & Teams
Team Penske
- #2 Josef Newgarden
- #3 Scott McLaughlin
- #12 Will Power
Chip Ganassi Racing
- #8 Kyffin Simpson
- #9 Scott Dixon
- #10 Álex Palou
Andretti Global
- #26 Colton Herta
- #27 Kyle Kirkwood
- #28 Marcus Ericsson
Arrow McLaren
- #5 Pato O’Ward
- #6 Nolan Siegel
- #7 Christian Lundgaard
- #17 Kyle Larson
A.J. Foyt Enterprises
- #4 David Malukas
- #14 Santino Ferrucci
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
- #15 Graham Rahal
- #30 Devlin DeFrancesco
- #45 Louis Foster
Meyer Shank Racing
- #06 Hélio Castroneves
- #60 Felix Rosenqvist
- #66 Marcus Armstrong
Ed Carpenter Racing
- #20 Alexander Rossi
- #21 Christian Rasmussen
- #33 Ed Carpenter (Indy 500 only)
Dale Coyne Racing
- #18 Rinus VeeKay
- #51 Jacob Abel
Juncos Hollinger Racing
- #76 Conor Daly
- #77 Sting Ray Robb
Prema Racing
- #83 Robert Shwartzman
- #90 Callum Ilott
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing w/ Cusick Motorsports (Indy 500 only)
- #23 Ryan Hunter-Reay
- #24 Jack Harvey