Buzz Builds as Detroit Grand Prix Kicks Off with Media Day Highlights

The Motor City is racing into action as the 2025 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix weekend officially kicked off Thursday with Media Day at the Renaissance Center. With representatives from Chevrolet, Lear, and Grand Prix leadership on hand—alongside drivers from both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and IMSA—momentum is already surging through the streets of Detroit.

Held in the heart of downtown, Media Day gave attendees a preview of the excitement to come, from the roar of race cars to the economic and cultural impact of one of Detroit’s premier sporting events.

A Citywide Celebration

Now in its 35th year, the Detroit Grand Prix has become a staple in the city’s sports calendar. Since returning downtown in 2023, the event has consistently drawn crowds of over 150,000 fans—and this year’s edition is expected to be no different.

Grandstand tickets for Sunday’s INDYCAR race are already sold out, and rooftop viewing passes remain one of the hottest options still available. Saturday night’s Cadillac Square concert and fan activations throughout the city are expected to draw large crowds.

“It’s the one event every year where Detroit shines on a global stage,” said one panelist. “And for a lot of locals, this weekend is their first experience seeing world-class racing.”

Economic Impact and Community Focus

Since moving the event back downtown, the Grand Prix has generated over $100 million in regional spending. But organizers emphasized the event’s deeper value—not just in economic impact, but in accessibility.

Over 50 percent of the track is free to the public, including riverfront zones and Spirit Plaza. The Grand Prix has also launched community partnerships with local artists, businesses, and youth programs, creating year-round opportunities that extend beyond race weekend.

“We’re not just putting on a race. We’re putting Detroit on display,” said Michael Montri, Chairman of the Grand Prix. “This is an inclusive, community-first celebration.”

Corporate Voices: GM and Lear Speak Out

Representatives from General Motors and Lear Corporation joined Thursday’s panel, highlighting their ongoing investment in motorsport innovation and community involvement.

Chevrolet, which helped revive the Grand Prix in 2012, now fields entries in both INDYCAR and IMSA. “Racing allows us to showcase our technology,” said Jim Campbell, GM’s U.S. VP of Performance and Motorsports. “Everything from propulsion systems to additive manufacturing starts here, then moves to production.”

Lear, the presenting sponsor since 2015, emphasized its commitment to both racing technology and local outreach. “From seating systems to EV electronics, we’re proud to show our work on track,” said Lear VP Christine Sho.

Drivers Set the Tone

The energy of the day was punctuated by appearances from some of the series’ biggest names:

• Scott Dixon (defending Detroit GP winner)
• Josef Newgarden (Team Penske)
• Will Power (Team Penske)
• Álex Palou (2024 Indy 500 winner)
• Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque (Wayne Taylor Racing – IMSA)

Drivers spoke on the intensity of racing downtown, the pressure of performing in front of hometown crowds, and the electric atmosphere unique to Detroit’s narrow, high-risk street circuit.

“There were people saying you couldn’t pass on this layout,” said Palou. “But last year’s 217 passes proved otherwise. Detroit brings out the best in us.”

What to Expect This Weekend

• Friday: Free Prix Day, track walk, and fan cruise night featuring over 100 classic vehicles
• Saturday: IMSA SportsCar Championship, fan zone activities, and evening concert at Cadillac Square
• Sunday: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix

Broadcast coverage includes:

• Saturday IMSA Race: 3:30 PM on Peacock
• Sunday INDYCAR Race: 12:30 PM on FOX
• INDY NXT: 10:30 AM on FS1

Closing Thoughts

As the weekend kicks into gear, the message from Media Day was clear: this year’s Grand Prix is bigger, more accessible, and more important than ever.

With record-breaking viewership numbers for INDYCAR, increased interest from a younger fanbase, and a deep investment from both the city and its partners, Detroit isn’t just hosting a race—it’s hosting a movement.

Stay tuned with Elevated Media all weekend long for trackside coverage, driver reactions, and behind-the-scenes insight.