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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Detroit Grand Prix: 5 narratives to watch during 2025 race downtown
The 2025 Detroit Grand Prix will be the third edition of the IndyCar race since it moved from Belle Isle to downtown Detroit in 2023. And along with the noise and celebrations it will bring to the city comes the excitement of the IndyCar season, already underway and approaching the halfway point. The 2025 race features many top drivers looking to jockey for position, all chasing one driver having a historic season. Advertisement Here are five narratives to look out for ahead of the race Sunday, June 1: Will Álex Palou continue his unprecedented start? Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) experiences a moment of joy after winning the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday afternoon May 25, 2025, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Spanish driver Álex Palou has already won three out of the past four IndyCar individual championships, and the start of his 2025 season has him on a historic streak. Palou has won five of the first six races of the IndyCar season, including his first Indianapolis 500 win on Sunday, May 25. He also won the 2023 edition of the Detroit Grand Prix, the first on the streets of downtown Detroit in decades. But no matter how much hardware he accumulates, Palou's thoughts about the Detroit Grand Prix mirror many of his competitors: It's a very difficult course to race. Advertisement "It's like, really short and really narrow," he said. "So for us to be on the limit and not end up in the wall, it just makes it very, very challenging." Legendary IndyCar driver Scott Dixon, Palou's teammate at Chip Ganassi Racing, won the 2024 edition and hopes his team can make it a three-peat in Detroit. "We're obviously trying to get that momentum rolling here in Detroit. Obviously, I'd prefer to win over Álex," he said while grinning. TRENDING: A beginner's guide to IndyCar Series racing How will Team Penske rebound from Indy 500 controversy? Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden gets out of his car after his car troubles in pit lane Sunday, May 25, 2025, during the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Arguably the biggest story out of last week's Indy 500 came from Team Penske, which had two drivers — previous Detroit IndyCar winners Josef Newgarden and Will Power — fail to pass inspection during Day 2 of qualifying. Advertisement As a result, Penske let go of some senior leadership, with team owner Roger Penske saying: "Nothing is more important than the integrity of our sport and our race teams." "We're just focused on the new weekend here trying to put our best foot forward," Newgarden said. Will rain put a damper on 2025 Detroit Grand Prix? Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon records a social media video after winning the NTT IndyCar Series of Detroit Grand Prix in downtown Detroit on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Rain played a big role last year, with a slick course leading to a crash on the opening lap. The weather forecast for Sunday predicts clear skies and no precipitation, but driver Santino Ferrucci would welcome the rain if it makes a surprise appearance. "The rain's always fun. It changes it up, makes it more entertaining," he said. Advertisement A bigger concern for Ferrucci, however, is the concrete located on some parts of the street course. "Concrete for our cars is like ice compared to asphalt," he said. Can a Detroit-born driver have a good showing? Indy NXT racer Nolan Allaer holds a customized Detroit Lions racing helmet inside the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit before the start of the Detroit Grand Prix on Thursday, May 30, 2024. He won't be racing in the big race Sunday, but Detroit-born Indy NXT driver Nolan Allaer is bringing his Lions helmet back home during the Indy NXT race on Sunday. "Obviously, this is the one that I would go to sleep thinking about, and this is the one you would want to do well at," he said. Allaer, who entered Grand Prix weekend 20th out of 25 drivers in the Indy NXT standings, calls the Detroit course the hardest course he has ever raced at. Advertisement "I've definitely prepared a lot for this one, but it's hard. It's very difficult to do, to get it right, but it makes it rewarding if you do." How will the drivers adapt to the course? A running theme for the drivers heading into the race is how big a challenge the course presents, especially after racing on the fast oval track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "It's a really difficult track," said Sting Ray Robb, who drives for Juncos Hollinger Racing. "And I think that coming off the month of May, where we're going from our fastest course now to literally our slowest and bumpiest course, it seems like this challenge is very, very unique in the sense that we're contrasting some of the last race." Advertisement Marcus Armstrong, who drives for Meyer Shank Racing, is anticipating a lot of caution laps. "History says it's going to be a lot of yellow flags," he said. "So that's kind of interesting for the fans, probably the spectators, and for the drivers who want to stay out of trouble." Andretti Global driver Colton Herta acknowledged the challenge, but also sees the fun in racing on such a difficult track. "It's a track that races pretty well for a street (course), and it definitely provides a lot of action," he said. "I think just with how long the back straight is, it promotes a lot of racing. So I think that's, like, a positive aspect of it." You can reach Christian at cromo@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Grand Prix race: 5 narratives to follow for 2025
Yahoo
6 days 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
Fox News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Indianapolis 500 payout reaches all-time high for fourth consecutive year
When Álex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing won the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday for the first time in his career, he earned $3.8 million from a purse of $20,283,000 — the largest total purse of all time. It also continued a trend of the Indianapolis 500's total winnings reaching a new peak for the fourth consecutive year. This year's average payout for INDYCAR drivers was $596,500, which also exceeded last year's average of $543,000. In 2024, the purse for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" was $18,456,000, and winner Josef Newgarden got a payout was $4.3 million, which included a $440,000 roll-over bonus from BorgWarner for earning back- to-back wins. In 2023, the purse was $17,021,500, and the winner, Newgarden, earned $3.7 million. In 2022, it was $16,000,200, and winner Marcus Ericsson earned $3.1 million. Prior to 2022, the largest Indy 500 purse was $14.4 million in 2008. "The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world, and winning this race makes history in more ways than one," INDYCAR and IMS president J. Douglas Boles said. "The Month of May featured a grandstand sellout crowd and intense on-track action. Àlex Palou adds Indianapolis 500 winner to his long list of growing achievements and takes home the largest purse in Indianapolis 500 history. There's no better way to end an epic month." Pole-winner Robert Shwartzman of PREMA Racing earned Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honors for his performance during the Month of May. Shwartzman earned a $50,000 bonus for being named Rookie of the Year, adding to a total take-home prize of $327,300. The Indianapolis 500 purse consists of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR awards, plus other designated and special awards. Purse awards are presented annually at the Victory Celebration, which is being held this year at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis on Monday night. The 2025 INDYCAR season will continue with the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on Sunday, June 1 on the streets of Downtown Detroit. The race will be broadcasted live on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network at 12:30 p.m. ET. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Fox Sports
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Indianapolis 500 payout reaches all-time high for fourth consecutive year
When Álex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing won the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday for the first time in his career, he earned $3.8 million from a purse of $20,283,000 — the largest total purse of all time. It also continued a trend of the Indianapolis 500's total winnings reaching a new peak for the fourth consecutive year. This year's average payout for INDYCAR drivers was $596,500, which also exceeded last year's average of $543,000. In 2024, the purse for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" was $18,456,000, and winner Josef Newgarden got a payout was $4.3 million, which included a $440,000 roll-over bonus from BorgWarner for earning back- to-back wins. In 2023, the purse was $17,021,500, and the winner, Newgarden, earned $3.7 million. In 2022, it was $16,000,200, and winner Marcus Ericsson earned $3.1 million. Prior to 2022, the largest Indy 500 purse was $14.4 million in 2008. "The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world, and winning this race makes history in more ways than one," INDYCAR and IMS president J. Douglas Boles said. "The Month of May featured a grandstand sellout crowd and intense on-track action. Àlex Palou adds Indianapolis 500 winner to his long list of growing achievements and takes home the largest purse in Indianapolis 500 history. There's no better way to end an epic month." Pole-winner Robert Shwartzman of PREMA Racing earned Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honors for his performance during the Month of May. Shwartzman earned a $50,000 bonus for being named Rookie of the Year, adding to a total take-home prize of $327,300. The Indianapolis 500 purse consists of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR awards, plus other designated and special awards. Purse awards are presented annually at the Victory Celebration, which is being held this year at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis on Monday night. The 2025 INDYCAR season will continue with the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on Sunday, June 1 on the streets of Downtown Detroit. The race will be broadcasted live on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network at 12:30 p.m. ET. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience NTT INDYCAR SERIES recommended Get more from NTT INDYCAR SERIES Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fox's Indianapolis 500 Debut Races To Highest Viewership Since 2008
Fox Sports' coverage of the Indianapolis 500, the crown jewel of U.S. car races, drew 7.05 million viewers for Sunday's running, the network said. That metric, based on Nielsen fast nationals, is up 40% over last year's race viewership and makes this year's race the most-watched Indy 500 since 2008. The race, won by Álex Palou, marked the first for Fox under its new TV rights deal inked last June for the IndyCar series, held the past six years by NBC. More from Deadline 'The Last Of Us' Season 2 Finale Draws 3.7 Million Cross-Platform U.S. Viewers For HBO 'Doctor Who' Ratings Dive, Supercharging Uncertainty About Future Of Sci-Fi Series 'Conclave' Lands On Nielsen Streaming Charts After Pope Francis Dies; 'You' Returns To No. 1 With Season 5 Debut As 'The Last Of Us' Grows Last year, NBC's coverage drew 5.024 million viewers. Fox went all in for its first year leading coverage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, showing all of qualifying over the weekend before beginning coverage on race day at 10:30 a.m. ET. The race itself was carried live on Fox, Fox Deportes and the Fox Sports app beginning at 12:45 p.m. ET. According to Nielsen, the viewership peaked between 4:15-4:30 p.m. ET at the climax, when Palou took over first place with 14 laps left and led the rest of the way. Palou, with Chip Ganassi Racing, won Indy for the first time and became the first Spaniard to win at the race in its 109th running. He came into the day leading the IndyCar series with four wins in the season's five races. Fox Sports, which is carrying all IndyCar series races as part of its rights deal, has three on the schedule for June: the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on June 1, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in Illinois and the XPEL Grand Prix at Road American in Wisconsin. Best of Deadline 'Poker Face' Season 2 Guest Stars: From Katie Holmes To Simon Hellberg Everything We Know About Amazon's 'Verity' Movie So Far Everything We Know About 'The Testaments,' Sequel Series To 'The Handmaid's Tale' So Far
