Latest news with #Lear
Fox Sports
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Paddock Buzz: David Malukas Gets Up-Close View of Practice Dustup
INDYCAR David Malukas had a surreal moment during Friday's NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. While easing off the throttle to find space for a clean lap around the tight, 1.645-mile downtown street circuit, Malukas briefly felt as if he was in a virtual world – like iRacing rather than the real-life cockpit of his No. 4 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet for A.J. Foyt Enterprises. That illusion hit when, out of his peripheral vision, he noticed an unusual scene: Kyle Kirkwood's No. 27 Siemens AWS Honda being pushed down the track by Will Power's No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. 'I totally do that video game,' Malukas said. 'It was pretty cool to see them blast through and driving by going in the air. I was like, 'What the hell is going on?' I couldn't believe it. I thought something was wrong, and Power was towing him across like the 'Cars' movie. It was interesting at first, but then I realized it was not.' With qualifying simulations hinging on a clear, traffic-free lap, frustration was inevitable. Malukas slowed, Kirkwood got bottled up, and Power came barreling in. "Everyone is going slow around here,' Kirkwood said. 'The track isn't big enough to fit all the cars, and he got frustrated.' Power took matters into his own hands, literally, by pushing Kirkwood's car and then shoving him aside. 'I came around, and he (Kirkwood) slowed up in the middle and I made contact,' Power said. 'So, I thought I may as well get a gap now, so I just pushed him by the car in front, then booted him out of the way and got a nice gap. If I hadn't touched him already, I thought: 'Oh, well, I'm already touching him, I might as well keep pushing.' Kirkwood, who had a similar run-in with Santino Ferrucci during last year's practice, was less amused. 'It's whatever, I guess,' Kirkwood said. 'Does it give him the right to push my car through a couple of corners and almost cause a wreck? I don't think so ... Everyone's stopped. I don't know. I'm not upset. I don't care. I'll move on. I've never seen that before.' Despite the chaos, Kirkwood emerged fastest in the session with a lap of 1 minute, 1.7509 seconds. Power was third at 1:02.3862. 'Andretti has always done a great job preparing street course cars, and this is another example of that,' Kirkwood said. 'Hopefully we can continue this pace throughout the weekend.' Kirkwood earned NTT P1 Award honors on the streets of Long Beach and led 46 of 90 laps in victory in the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13. He's the only driver not named Alex Palou to win a race this season. Hamilton Returns to Booth with New Knowledge Davey Hamilton's two-week 'vacation' from the INDYCAR Radio Network booth turned into one of the most hands-on learning experiences of his broadcast career. Swapping his analyst headset for a strategist's one, former INDYCAR SERIES driver Hamilton called the shots for Jack Harvey's No. 24 DRR CUSICK INVST Chevrolet during the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. 'It was a learning curve,' Hamilton said. 'I was a little nervous coming into it. We got Jack from the back to the front. I worked hard. I think I overstudied a little bit, to be really honest with you.' Harvey began the race from the 26th starting position. Hamilton guided Harvey to stay out under an early-race caution, launching him up to fifth place on Lap 24 as one of just six drivers on that alternate call. The strategy worked well until a brake issue entering pit road derailed the run, dropping Harvey to a 22nd-place finish. While the race result may not have yielded a top finish, Hamilton walked away with a far greater understanding of today's NTT INDYCAR SERIES landscape that will enhance his storytelling and analysis from the booth, starting in this weekend's Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. 'That's really going to help me a lot,' Hamilton said. 'I learned so much that's going to relate to the fan now that I can tell about the cars and what they're going through. I feel my strategy is going to be better in the radio booth now than it was before because you've got to take gambles starting in the back and risk it to take those gambles.' The strategist stint gave Hamilton an updated, first-hand view of the current generation of INDYCAR machinery. 'These cars, the hybrids, the aero settings, the extra weight – there's so many things,' Hamilton said. 'It kind of got me really up to speed.' Team Penske Keeps Indy 500 Timing Stand Personnel Team Penske is maintaining the same personnel on its three timing stands this weekend in Detroit as it did for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, where several leadership changes were made prior to the May 25 race. The changes stemmed from a rule violation in which two of the team's entries were found in violation of INDYCAR rules during '500' qualifying weekend. Team President Tim Cindric, INDYCAR Managing Director Ron Ruzewski and INDYCAR General Manager Kyle Moyer were released from the team, and all three also served as respective race strategists for Josef Newgarden, Power and Scott McLaughlin. Team Penske shuffled the timing stands for all three cars for the '500,' and those movements are in place for Sunday's 100-lap race. For Newgarden, Luke Mason is serving as strategist and Raul Prados from the Porsche Penske Motorsport sports car team is serving as the lead engineer. Ben Bretzman has moved from engineer to strategist for McLaughlin, with Malcolm Finch as the lead engineer. Porsche Penske Motorsport Managing Director Jonathan Diuguid is serving as Power's strategist, while Dave Faustino remains as Power's lead engineer. The short turnaround between races, plus IMSA's race at the same Detroit street course, enables a seamless integration of personnel from Penske's sports car program into the INDYCAR operation. McLaughlin was second fastest Friday while Power and Newgarden were third and fourth, respectively. 'Sort of a normal week,' Newgarden said. 'We prepped as much as we can.' Palou on F1 Drivers' Minds in Spain Alex Palou became the first Spaniard to win the '500.' With Formula One competing in Spain this weekend, Spanish drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz Jr. expressed admiration for their countryman and his accomplishments. 'I always rated Alex very highly because I was his teammate in cadet, and he was very quick in cadet karting,' Sainz said. 'What he's doing in America is something really admirable. I think to dominate in the way he's dominating, you have to be very good at what you're doing. Then Formula One is a completely different discipline, different world, but I don't have anything else but respect and admiration for what Alex is doing in Indy.' Alonso made three '500' attempts, qualifying for the race twice, and believes Palou is elevating the country to new heights. 'Great for Spain,' Alonso said. 'Great for him to have the Indy 500 now after winning the INDYCAR (championship) for a few consecutive seasons and now leading the championship, as well. 'So, he's doing great there. I know that most of the drivers dream about a Formula One seat and having a career here. But he had the opportunity in INDYCAR, and he maximized every single day there. He's a legend in INDYCAR, and he will be a legend always in INDYCAR. So, I think he's not missing Formula One, and I'm very happy for him because he's a very, very talented driver. 'We are just following him from here with a lot of respect and as a fan, because I was watching on Sunday the race and just hoping that he would finally make it – and he did it. So, happy for him.' VeeKay Believes DCR Changes Will Boost Results Michael Cannon returns to Dale Coyne Racing after spending six years (2014-19) engineering for the organization. He served as an engineer in recent seasons for Chip Ganassi Racing and AJ Foyt Racing. Cannon will engineer Rinus VeeKay's No. 18 askROI Honda in part of a personnel shakeup that also returns Mike Colliver to the team to lead engineer Jacob Abel's No. 51 Blue Oval SK Honda. 'He's synonymous with success in INDYCAR,' VeeKay said of Cannon. 'Really good to have him around. He seems like he's at home. A lot of people already knew him in the team. I'm really excited. I think everybody's a little bit more afraid of this team now.' VeeKay is 12th in points with three top-10 finishes this season. He believes Cannon can take his team to the next level with all his experience and knowledge. That showed Friday with VeeKay ending up ninth in practice. 'He has a lot of info,' VeeKay said. 'Like this season, we were kind of struggling with our brakes. He's already found one solution and has a backup solution to that solution. He has a backup to the backup solution. He just knows a lot of stuff. He's done everything 10 times.' Grid Penalties for Rahal and Dixon Scott Dixon's No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda had an unapproved engine change prior to last Sunday's '500.' As a result, the team was in violation of Rule 16.1.2.3.2 because this his fifth engine used this season. Graham Rahal also changed engines on Miller Lite Carb Day, violating Rule 16.1.5.4: Once an Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Engine is fitted to the Car, removal prior to the Indianapolis 500 Race is an Unapproved Engine Change-Out, unless it is replaced for Repair. Both will serve six-position grid penalties for Sunday's 100-lap race. Teammates Rossi, Rasmussen Reach Different Milestones Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen enter this weekend's race with very different trajectories but shared momentum from standout moments in last Sunday's '500.' Rossi led 14 laps, surpassing 1,000 INDYCAR SERIES career laps led, with 1,010 in 153 career races. However, his day was cut short by a mechanical failure after 73 laps, resulting in a 28th-place finish in the No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet. Rossi has been consistent on the streets of Detroit, finishing fifth in both races since the series returned to the downtown course. 'We need to minimize mistakes, execute in every session, and if we do that, there's no reason we can't be fighting for the podium,' Rossi said. Rasmussen, a second-year driver, made headlines by leading his first career INDYCAR SERIES laps – eight in total, at Indianapolis. He passed Rossi on the Lap 29 to lead his first career lap in the No. 21 ECR Splenda Chevrolet. 'Taking the early restart in second, I was thinking to myself, the smart thing here would probably be to stay in second,' Rasmussen said. 'Just stay behind and save some fuel. But coming to the green, I just couldn't help myself, so I came storming by Alex (Rossi). It was a cool experience and obviously special.' Energized by his Indy performances, Rasmussen eyes a good weekend in Detroit. 'Coming off a strong Indy 500, I'm really excited for the rest of the season,' Rasmussen said. 'The No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet crew has some solid momentum, and we're ready to build on that.' Country Star Wright To Sing Anthem, Perform at WWTR Country music singer Chase Wright was named as the national anthem singer for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline on Sunday evening, June 15 at World Wide Technology Raceway. The Indiana native also will pay tribute to St. Louis-area first responders and relief workers by performing a free concert. Wright offered the gesture following last week's tornado that affected the region. Odds and Ends Andretti Global added Siemens to serve as the primary sponsor on Marcus Ericsson's No. 28 Siemens Honda at this event. The company sponsored Kirkwood for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and continues to sponsor Kirkwood this weekend, along with Amazon Web Services. Andretti Global, Team Penske and Arrow McLaren had eight of the top 12 times on Friday. Chip Ganassi Racing was led by Palou, who was 15th fastest. Dixon was 18th and Kyffin Simpson 20th in the No. 8 Ridgeline Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Next up is practice at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday, followed by NTT P1 Award qualifying at noon. Both sessions will air on FS1, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network. recommended
Fox Sports
a day ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Favorites and Sleepers: Detroit
INDYCAR Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood won the last street-circuit race of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13. Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing won the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on March 2. Palou's teammate Scott Dixon is the defending winner of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. Given Honda's dominance on street courses, scoring 10 wins in the last 11 tries since the start of the 2023 season, this could signify a Chip Ganassi Racing vs. Andretti Global battle for Sunday's Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear (12:30 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network). Pato O'Ward's 2024 St. Petersburg win, driving the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, was the lone exception. Kirkwood, Dixon, Palou, Felix Rosenqvist, Scott McLaughlin and Christian Lundgaard are the six drivers to finish in the top 10 at both street course races this season. How many will remain on that list after an action-packed weekend around the 1.645 mile, nine-turn street circuit? Favorites Scott McLaughlin (No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet) McLaughlin finished seventh in 2023 and 20th last year in Detroit but placed fourth in St. Petersburg on March 2 and sixth on April 13 at Long Beach this season. He has three top-six finishes in the last four races on the season, too. Scott Dixon (No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) Over Dixon's last 16 street course starts, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver has four wins and nine top-six results, including a victory here last year and runner-up in this year's St. Petersburg season opener and eighth in Long Beach. He also finished fourth at Detroit in 2023. Alex Palou (No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) Palou has one finish worse than eighth in his last 17 street course starts. He has nine podium finishes and 14 top-six results on these tracks during that span, including a victory March 2 in St. Petersburg and runner-up April 13 at Long Beach. Palou won at Detroit in 2023 but placed 16th last year. On the season, Palou has five wins and a runner-up finish in six starts. Will Power (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet) Power finished fifth in Long Beach, runner-up and sixth, respectively, at Detroit, and produced seven top-seven finishes in his last 11 street course starts. He has four top-six finishes in the last five races. Kyle Kirkwood (No. 27 Siemens AWS Honda) All three of Kirkwood's NTT INDYCAR SERIES victories came on street courses for Andretti Global. He led 53 of 85 laps in his Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach triumph in 2023 and 46 of 90 in April, both from the pole. Kirkwood also earned his second career victory in August 2023 on the streets of Nashville. He finished fifth in St. Petersburg this season and sixth and fourth, respectively, in his last two Detroit starts. Sleepers Christian Lundgaard (No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet) Lundgaard finished eighth and third, respectively, on street courses races this season. His only NTT P1 Award and victory occurred in July 2023 on the streets of Toronto. This car has placed fifth in the last two Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix races. Lundgaard was 11th for Arrow McLaren last season. Alexander Rossi (No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet) Rossi finished fifth at Detroit the last two years driving for Arrow McLaren and was 10th in the season opener at St. Petersburg. Marcus Ericsson (No. 28 Siemens Honda) Three of Ericsson's four career NTT INDYCAR SERIES victories have come on street circuits. All three came at different venues, St. Petersburg, Nashville and Belle Isle. While he hasn't won on this Detroit circuit, finishing ninth in June 2023 for Chip Ganassi Racing and runner-up last year for Andretti Global, watch out. At the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, Ericsson finished sixth. Ericsson has qualified seventh and fifth in the pair of street races this season, too. Felix Rosenqvist (No. 60 SiriusXM Honda) Rosenqvist came from ninth in the 2023 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear to finish third and was eighth last June. This season, Rosenqvist finished seventh at St. Petersburg and fourth in Long Beach. He has five top-10 finishes in six races this season. Marcus Armstrong (No. 66 SiriusXM/Root Insurance Honda) Armstrong had four top-11 finishes in five street-course starts in 2023. Last season, he finished 12th in Long Beach, third in Detroit and fifth at Toronto. This year, he moved to Meyer Shank Racing and qualified fourth in St. Petersburg and seventh at Long Beach. If he can stay out of trouble, Armstrong could surprise everyone this weekend. recommended
CBS News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
IndyCar Series returns to downtown Detroit. Here's what to know about the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix
The 2025 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear returns to the streets of downtown Detroit on Friday, May 30. The three-day event runs May 30 through June 1 and is highlighted by the 35th running of the NTT IndyCar Series Detroit Grand Prix. When is the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix The 2025 Detroit Grand Prix is May 30 through June 1. Comerica Bank Free Prix Day is May 30, and includes practice rounds for the NTT IndyCar Series, INDY NXT and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. On May 31, qualifying for the INDY NXT race is set for 11:30 a.m., with IndyCar Series drivers taking to the streets of Detroit for their qualifying session at 12:20 p.m. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic caps off the day's racing action at 3:40 p.m. Saturday. The INDY NXT race is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 1. The green flag drops on the NTT IndyCar Series Detroit Grand Prix at 12:47 p.m. on June 1. Admission gates open at 8 a.m. each day. How to get tickets for the Detroit Grand Prix Tickets for reserved seats, rooftop viewing, the Turn 3 Club, pit lane suites, the Corvette Car Corral Experience, Franklin Garage tailgating and Franklin Garage parking can be purchased here. Parking and transportation at the Detroit Grand Prix Public parking is not available at the following structures during race weekend: Millender Garage, Center Garage, Port Atwater Garage, Beaubien Garage and River East Garage. Several surface lots and other parking structures are available throughout Downtown Detroit. Transportation options for spectators include the Detroit People Mover, Qline, Park Detroit app, ride-share and bus drop-off locations, Detroit Metro Airport bus service and bike rentals. Who's performing at the Detroit Grand Prix? Once Saturday's racing action concludes on the streets of Detroit, fans can head to the Cadillac Square Entertainment Stage in Cadillac Square and Campus Martius Park for two electronic dance music concerts on May 31. American singer Evan Giia opens the night of entertainment at 6:15 p.m. and is followed by American producer and DJ, Gryffin. Concert attendees are required to purchase a ticket. A race event ticket is not valid for admission.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Detroit Grand Prix 2025 guide: Free activities, road closures, parking, weather and more
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability subject to change. Engines will roar and tires will screech through downtown Detroit this weekend — but all that noise won't be coming from everyday traffic. The 2025 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, presented by Lear, is returning for its 35th year, bringing high-speed racing, interactive fan zones, live music and family-friendly activities to the heart of the city. Advertisement Here's everything you need to know to enjoy the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix, from the free festivities and food options to road closures, parking and weather. When is the Grand Prix in Detroit? The 2025 Detroit Grand Prix is set for Friday, May 30-Sunday, June 1. The 1.7-mile, nine-turn street circuit begins on Jefferson Avenue and ends at the intersection of Schweizer Place and Franklin Street, featuring a 0.7-mile straightaway on Jefferson between Rivard and Griswold streets. Admission gates open at 8 a.m. daily. What's new this year? New features at the Detroit Grand Prix this year include: The first-ever Grand Prix Cruise Night presented by the Detroit Auto Show on the evening of Friday, May 30, featuring classic cars and hot rods on the race circuit. A fourth rooftop viewing area on top of the Port Atwater Garage, offering views of Turn 9 and the double-sided pit lane. Rooftop access requires a rooftop viewing ticket. A new mountain bike stunt show by Dialed Action Sports, held several times Friday-Sunday. Tickets and Free Prix Day Single-day tickets and multi-day packages can be purchased. The Grand Prix is also offering rooftop viewing at four garages: three near the finish line and one near Turn 5. Luxury experiences are also available at the Turn 3 Club and pit lane suites, which offer up-close viewing of the action. Advertisement For details and to purchase tickets, visit Race car fans watch during the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship of Detroit Grand Prix in downtown Detroit on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Friday is Comerica Bank Free Prix Day. Grandstands 1 and 9 will be open to the public with free general admission seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. No ticket is required, though access to the paddock is not included. Fans can catch practice sessions from all three racing series on the morning of Free Prix Day. Six free viewing platforms will be open along East Jefferson Avenue throughout the weekend. The Pratt Miller Patio, on the south side of Hart Plaza, will also offer free views of Turns 5 and 6 on Saturday and Sunday. Advertisement More: Indy 500 winner Álex Palou looking to continue IndyCar dominance at Detroit Grand Prix Fan festivities and concert Three major fan zones — Woodward Avenue, Spirit Plaza and Hart Plaza — will be open to the public for free all weekend, offering a range of entertainment and activities. The Meijer Fan Zone, featuring free ice cream, interactive games, STEM exhibits from the Michigan Science Center, photo ops and appearances by Detroit sports legends, is now located on Woodward Avenue between Spirit Plaza and Campus Martius. Nearby, the Small Business Straightaway will highlight vendors from seven Detroit districts, open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advertisement Hart Plaza will feature racing simulators, giveaways, and a chance for kids to sit behind the wheel of a Detroit Grand Prix Indy car. Fans can buy official merchandise, take in skyline views from the Pratt Miller Patio and watch the daily mountain bike stunt show near the fountain, according to event organizers. Saturday night's entertainment includes EDM performances by EVAN GIIA and Gryffin on the Cadillac Square Entertainment Stage, presented by Priority. The concert starts at 6:15 p.m., with tickets starting at $25. Race tickets will not be accepted for entry. Autograph sessions will be held in the Renaissance Center on Level A, featuring drivers from the NTT IndyCar Series on Friday, and from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and INDY NXT series on Saturday. Dozens of fans lined up during the NTT IndyCar Series Driver's Autograph Session at the 2024 Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear Free Prix Day inside the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit on Friday, May 31, 2024. Food and drink options Concessions and dining options will be available throughout the Detroit Grand Prix venue, including rooftop areas, a food court behind Grandstand 9, and food trucks in Hart Plaza and along Woodward Avenue. Andiamo Catering, a longtime Grand Prix partner, will offer new menu items at select concession stands. Advertisement Additional options include paddock dining behind Grandstand 8, which requires paddock access, and fine dining inside the Renaissance Center. Fans can also explore a wide range of restaurants and bars in the surrounding downtown Detroit area. Road closures, parking and transportation During the race weekend, Woodward Avenue will be closed from Gratiot Avenue (just north of Campus Martius) to Jefferson Avenue. Cadillac Square will also be closed between Woodward and Bates streets. A map detailing the downtown closures can be viewed here. According to the Detroit Department of Transportation, bus service on Jefferson will remain closed through Monday, June 9, while crews remove race infrastructure. Advertisement Several parking garages within the race venue —including the Millender, Center, Port Atwater, Beaubien and River East garages— will be closed to the public during the event. The only in-venue garage open for paid public parking is the Franklin Garage, which also offers rooftop viewing. Parking passes must be purchased in advance and require a race admission ticket. Additional surface lots and non-venue garages downtown are also expected to be available. Parking can be reserved through the Park Detroit App or Spot Hero. More: Detroit Grand Prix wrapping up construction, with Jefferson Avenue under complete closure Advertisement Public transit access to the race venue is available via the QLine and the Detroit People Mover. The People Mover's Financial District, Millender Center and Renaissance Center stops all provide direct access to the event. Both transit options are free to ride. What will the weather be like? Friday will be warm, with a high in the mid-70s and a 40% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. After Friday's showers, the weekend is expected to be clear and pleasant for the rest of the Grand Prix. Saturday and Sunday highs are forecast in the low 70s, with lows dropping to the upper 40s Saturday night and low 50s Sunday night. Security measures Security measures at the Detroit Grand Prix include screening guests with handheld wands or walk-through metal detectors before entry. All bags are subject to search. Advertisement Prohibited items include weapons, drones, skateboards, glass bottles, alcohol, illegal drugs, large strollers, flags, chairs (except in Franklin Garage tailgating areas) and animals other than assistance dogs. Coolers, bags (no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches), cameras and binoculars are allowed. Admission tickets are required to enter parking garages, and free viewing from garages is prohibited. Franklin Garage tailgating The Grand Prix tailgating package gives fans a convenient way to enjoy the race. It includes a parking space on levels two through six of the Franklin Garage, four general admission rooftop tickets and paddock access. Guests can view cars racing into Turn 9, pit lane activity, and the finish line in front of Grandstand 9 from the Franklin Street side of the garage, according to the event guide. Race car fans watches from a parking garage as NTT IndyCar Series drivers compete during Detroit Grand Prix in downtown Detroit on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Tailgating guests may bring lawn chairs, tables, coolers and food to enjoy inside the Franklin Garage. Open-flame grilling is not allowed in the parking structure. Post-race celebrations The weekend wraps up with post-race celebrations on the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Pit Lane following Saturday's Chevrolet Sports Car Classic and Sunday's IndyCar Grand Prix. Fans can join the victory festivities and possibly catch souvenirs at the Autotrader Winner's Circle on the Franklin Bridge. Advertisement A full event guide and maps can be found here: Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@ Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Grand Prix 2025: Free events, road closures, weather and more
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Rocking 'King Lear' to draw young audience in Iran
An Iranian director is breathing new life into William Shakespeare's King Lear with a bold staging in Tehran infused with rock music and a dazzling light show to attract younger audiences. In Iran, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians and playwrights must walk a tightrope to avoid censorship of content the authorities deem inappropriate. But despite political tensions between Tehran and the West, many international works still make it to the Iranian stage. Now well-known actress Elika Abdolrazzaghi has taken on the challenge of reimagining King Lear or a contemporary audience. "If I had staged the original version, it would have been too heavy for people - they would have been bored," said the 45-year-old. Iranian actress-director Elika Abdolrazzaghi poses at Tehran's Shahr Theatre where she is presenting a bold staging of Shakespeare's 'King Lear'. Photo: AFP To inject energy into the performance, Abdolrazzaghi has incorporated music from British rock band Muse and German industrial metal group Rammstein. Vivid costumes and sparkling lights lend the production a festive atmosphere, despite the play's dark core. First published in the early 17th century, King Lear tells the story of a crumbling monarchy and a family torn apart by betrayal, power struggles and hunger for the throne. An ageing and weary Lear decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, based on how well they flatter him in public. 'No restrictions' Naive and prideful, Lear disowns Cordelia, his youngest daughter, who refuses to join the charade. "I transformed many word-heavy sections of the play into movement, imagery, music and dance," Abdolrazzaghi said. The actors wear richly detailed costumes in bold reds, greens and yellows, inspired by classic fashions from the 17th century. A young audience waits for 'King Lear' at Tehran's Shahr Theatre. Photo: AFP Reza Yazdani, a household name in Iran's rock scene, performs the Persian-language songs live on stage. The production has struck a chord with theatregoers. "We didn't think we could sit through a two-hour play," said Amin, a 32-year-old engineer. "But it was really good - from the actors' performances to the music and set design," he said after going to the play with his wife, Elham. With a company of around 100 people, including several dozen actors, Abdolrazzaghi and her team spent several months preparing the show. "In Iran there are many women directing theatre, but few are well known," she said. Abdolrazzaghi, who has performed in works by Bertolt Brecht, Friedrich Durrenmatt from Switzerland and France's Yasmina Reza, says the Iranian authorities impose "no restrictions" on staging foreign plays. 'A more just world' "Theatre is essentially a Western phenomenon and remains a young art form in Iran," said Abdolrazzaghi. Ahmad Saatchian, the lead actor and a stage veteran with two decades of experience, calls Lear "the greatest role" of his career. The bold staging of 'King Lear' blends rock music and a dazzling light show to draw younger audiences - while navigating censorship laws in Iran. Photo: AFP "Portraying one of the most important characters in literary history is a rare opportunity for an actor," he said. Tragedies such as King Lear are "universal and resonate with people around the world - that's why Shakespeare remains timeless," he added. In recent years, many of Shakespeare's works have been performed in Iran. "Countries that have experienced similar political dynamics - like Iran or those in Eastern Europe - tend to connect deeply with Shakespeare's work," said Saatchian. In the final act, Lear, broken by betrayal, regains clarity before his death. "In one scene, Lear calls on those in power to expose themselves to the suffering of the poor in order to build a more just world," Saatchian said. "That's a message that resonates everywhere." - AFP
