The Indianapolis 500 is always a tough act to follow, and the Grand Prix of Detroit is up to the task as far as an event. I think schedule wise this race is a week of two early. The 500 should be followed by an oval, all, which I think would better sustain the momentum from Indianapolis.

The downtown street course will run its third event after many years on Belle Isle. The event concept is solid, but this is my least favorite track on the schedule. It is narrow and slow. The best part of the circuit is the turn three hairpin.

Still, there are things to watch for this weekend as the Alex Palou Victory Tour continues.

Is Palou Immune to the 500 Hangover?

Winning the first race after the Indianapolis 500 has always been a challenge for the winner of the 500. Very few have won the following race, but Palou is one driver who could succeed.

The winner of the 500 has to endure an exhausting week of appearances and interviews, and their weariness usually shows at Detroit. I do0n’t think it will affect Palou much. He has a chance to win 10 races this season.

More Yellow?

This track invites chaos, and I expect IndyCar will add to its year-long caution lap total of 53 on Sunday. I expect at least two caution periods, and laps tick off quickly on a 1.645-mile circuit.

Battle for Second Place

Until Palou comes back to the field, which is doubtful, fans should watch the battle for second place in the standings. Pato O’Ward is currently second. Christian Lundgaard is 13 points behind him, and Felix Rosenqvist trails Lundgaard by just 16 points. Kyle Kirkwood is nine points behind Rosenqvist.

Tech

Have the penalties assessed during qualifying and last Sunday’s race caused the paddock to be more vigilant about car preparation? I would think the severity of the punishments would have a chilling effect on the teams.

IndyCar announced this morning that they are working to implement partial scanning of cars to validate inspection. This is definitely a step in the right direction.

Chip Ganassi racing has won the two previous races here. Alex Palou won in 2023 and Scot Dixon won in 2024. Palou has to considered a heavy favoriite, but I am going with Kyle Kirkwood to win on Sunday. Kirkwood’s Andretti global team is really good on street courses, and Kirkwood has to be extra motivated after being sent to the rear of the order last week following a brilliant drive through the field.

The Schedule