It has only been a few days since Marcus Ericsson took the checkered flag as he became the latest driver to win the Indianapolis 500, but now the focus turns to the Motor City as the NTT IndyCar Series visits Detroit’s Belle Isle for the final time.
For Marcus Ericsson, it has already been a hectic week, with a victory banquet on Monday, opening up the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday, followed by throwing the first pitch at a New York Yankees game that night. The 31-year-old Swede can’t celebrate for too long, however, as he has a very important job to do: defending his title at the Detroit Grand Prix.
For the first time since 2008, The Raceway at Belle Isle hosts one race, as opposed to the usual doubleheader. The island hosts its last race weekend before the annual race moves back to downtown Detroit for 2023. In 2021, Ericsson and Pato O’Ward both picked up victories in exciting fashion.
With Ericsson the new championship leader, O’Ward or Alex Palou need a solid performance to retake the championship lead. Team Penske showed a poor showing at the 500, putting their drivers at fourth, fifth and seventh in the championship standings. Penske is surely looking for a bounce-back in what could be called their home race.
Another story to follow this weekend is that of Kyle Kirkwood and Alexander Rossi. Early Wednesday, the 2021 Indy Lights Champ announced that he would drive Rossi’s No. 27 entry for Andretti Autosport in 2023. Rumor has Rossi being announced as a possible third McLaren entry sometime during the weekend.
Race Details: Detroit Grand Prix
Race Length: 70 laps, 164.5 miles (264.737 km)
Previous Winner: Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing and Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP
Lap Record: 1:14.2062, Josef Newgarden, 2017
How to Watch (All Times in EST)
- Practice 1: Friday, 6/3 – 3:30 p.m. on Peacock
- Practice 2: Saturday, 6/4 – 8:30 a.m. on Peacock
- Qualifying: Saturday, 6/4 – 12:35 p.m on Peacock
- Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix: Sunday, 6/5 – 3:00 p.m. on USA (Green flag at 3:45 p.m)
All sessions can be heard on SiriusXM Channel 160, IMS Radio Network affiliates and on the IndyCar app.
For the 2022 season, IndyCar has launched IndyCar Live!, which is a subscription-based streaming service that brings live streaming of all IndyCar and Indy Lights sessions to countries without traditional IndyCar TV broadcasting contracts.
For a full list of IndyCar Live! availability by country, click here.
TOP IMAGE: Chris Owens/Penske Entertainment
