Streets of Detroit

Track Info

Location	Detroit, Michigan
Type	Street Circuit
Length	1.7 miles (2.736 km)
Turns	9
Surface	Temporary asphalt (city streets)
Capacity	~100,000 (over race weekend)
First Race	1982 (various layouts; current downtown layout from 2023)

Track Characteristics

Racing in Detroit carries unique significance - this is the Motor City, the birthplace of the American automobile industry, and IndyCar has a long and sometimes tumultuous relationship with the city. The current downtown street circuit runs along Jefferson Avenue, Bates Street, Atwater Street, St. Antoine, Franklin Street, and Rivard, creating a fast, flowing layout with a mix of slow and high-speed corners.

The nine-turn, 1.7-mile circuit features notable elevation changes for a street course and delivers plenty of passing opportunities. The surface has historically been a talking point at Detroit races - street circuits built on urban roads tend to be bumpy and abrasive, which creates tire management challenges and can punish cars with aggressive setups. The surface evolves dramatically from Friday practice to Sunday's race as rubber builds up and the track "rubbers in."

The downtown backdrop gives the event a gritty, urban feel that contrasts with the polished California vibes of Long Beach. The Renaissance Center and Detroit's skyline loom over the circuit, making for dramatic television visuals. The event is co-promoted with IMSA, making the weekend a multi-class affair with sports car racing adding to the on-track action.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) - approximately 25 miles southwest. Windsor Airport (YQG) across the border in Canada is also an option.
Nearest City	Detroit, MI (the track is in downtown). The circuit is walkable from many downtown hotels.

Series That Race Here

• NTT IndyCar Series - Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix
• IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship - GTP and GTD Pro classes
• Indy NXT by Firestone - Support race

2026 Event Info

Race Name	Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix
Round	8 of 17
Date	May 31, 2026
TV	FOX
Race Time	12:30 PM ET
Qualifying	Firestone Fast 6 knockout format

Track Record

Note	Current downtown layout introduced in 2023; records evolving with the modern circuit

Notable Past Races

• 2024: The downtown Detroit layout produced thrilling racing in its second year, with the circuit's character becoming better understood by teams and drivers.
• 2023: The first race on the new downtown circuit, with IndyCar returning to the streets of Detroit proper after years on Belle Isle.
• 2019 (Belle Isle): Josef Newgarden swept the Detroit doubleheader, winning both races on the Belle Isle circuit in a dominant display of Team Penske power.
• 2017 (Belle Isle): Graham Rahal won a chaotic wet-dry Race 1 that saw multiple leaders and dramatic strategy calls.
• 1992: Bobby Rahal won the Detroit Grand Prix in the CART era, a race that demonstrated how the city's rough surfaces could produce surprises.

Track Facts

• Detroit is known as the Motor City, making it a symbolically important venue for IndyCar racing. The Chevrolet title sponsorship underscores the connection to the American auto industry.
• The event previously ran on Belle Isle (an island park in the Detroit River) from 1992-2022 before moving to the current downtown layout in 2023.
• IMSA sports car racing shares the weekend, making Detroit one of the few events where fans can see both IndyCar and prototype sports car racing.
• The Renaissance Center, headquarters of General Motors, serves as a dramatic backdrop to the circuit.

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