Today’s Schedule:

Racing returns to downtown Detroit this weekend for the first time since 1991. Formula 1 raced the downtown streets from 1982-1989. CART then took obver the streets for three years, then moved to Belle Isle.

CART left the island and the city after 2001. Roger Penske got the race on Belle Isle started again in 2007. After a couple of false starts, Indycar returned in 2012 nd raced there until last year, missing 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

The track is a new layout, nothing like the F1 or CART tracks. From what I’ve seen, it looks very narrow with few passing opportunities. I will have a closer look when I get there later today.

Another feature of the venue is the split pit lane, with cars pitting on both sides of drive. the cars will funnel into a single exit. The race off pitlane could be the most interesting part of the race.

Detroit is the fifth downtown street race on the Indycar schedule. There has been talk of a street race in Denver and possibly simne other cities. What is the saturation point? The street courses draw well, and they are likely profitable in the long run, but too many can get tedious. Street racing does not ususally produce the most exciting competition, especially in the first few years of a circuit. I would like to see the series stay at five or even go down to four races on city streets.

Traxck position and qualifying will be key for this race. I say that for every street race, but on this track it is doubly important I hope Sunday doesn’t devolve into an F1 style race.

Points Battle

Since the Indianapolis 500 is over, we can start talking about points again. Alex Palou leads Marcus Ericsson by 20 points. 37 points separate the top four.

Palou showed n winning the title in 2021 that he does what he needs to do each race to amintain his lead. His stiffest competiton may come from 500 winnerJosef Newgarden, who is fourth in points. Plou needs tio win another race soemtime in the next three events.

The Edge

Since the circuit is new to everyone, who has the advantage? Andretti cars have been strong on the street courses this season with two poles and a win.

On a new course I would give the edge to Team Penske and Ganassi. They seem to be the best prepared and ready to take on new situations.

This will be an interesting weekend. I thin Romain Grosjean will finally break through for his first series victory,.