The high from last Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 still lingers as the Indycar series moves on to Detroit for its second race on the downtown streets. This race is always a bit of a letdown after Indianapolis. It seems more so this year.

I don’t think the series does itself many favors by going from the 500 on national television to a slow street race on a cable channel. Not a great way to build on the momentum they received from Indy this year.

But the championship chase goes on, and there are cars on track. It’s a home game for Chevrolet, as they look to continue their early season dominance.

Here are some things to watch for.

Honda Rebound?

In 2023 Alex Palou and his Honda won the pole and dominated the race. In 2024, Palou and Honda have one win, the Sonsio Grand Prix at IMS.

2023 was a great year for Honda on street courses, with Andretti Global winning twice, and RLL and Ganassi each winning once. Detroit is where they need to start their comeback.

500 Champ Letdown?

The winner of the Indianapolis 500 usually has a letdown at the following race. It has been severe in the past, but lately the trend is turning around. In 2023, Josef Newgarden finished 10th at Detroit. Marcus Ericsson was seventh in 2022.

The strength of Team Penske could carry Newgarden to a podium, but I don’t think he lands on the top step.

Second Year Improvement

2023 was the first year for this tight, narrow circuit with just one decent corner, turn 3. The turn has been changed a bit to allow less congestion. Seven cautions slowed last year’s race. I think the teams will have a better handle on the track this time around, and we should see a cleaner event.

The split pit road went very smoothly in 2023, and is not a cause for concern this year.

Notes

I’ll be watching to see how Helio Castroneves does in his return to a street course.

I hope Tristan Vautier will get a decent result for Dale Coyne Racing.

Will Power is my pick to win this weekend in a race that could scramble the points standings.

Reminders

The race is on USA and Peacock. Green flag is 12:45 pm Eastern on Sunday.

Today’s practice is split- 45 minutes for everyone then two groups for 10 minutes each. Practice is 3:00 pm Eastern on Peacock.