For the first time since 1991, professional racing will be back on the streets of downtown Detroit after spending nearly three decades on Belle Isle. The NTT IndyCar Series will hold the Detroit Grand Prix this upcoming weekend. The green flag drops Sunday, June 4 at 3:00p.m.

Most of the track will run on Jefferson Avenue, but other parts will have the drivers closer to the water, with the start/finish line on Franklin Street.

Per the Grand Prix’s website: The newly-designed 1.7-mile, nine turn race course features some of the most well-traveled roads in Detroit, along with some of the most iconic and popular attractions in the Motor City.

The track does incorporate some of the original street circuit design. But unlike in the earlier days of the event, the race does not go any more north of Jefferson. The track has also been shortened from its original 2.5 mile length.

The festivities begin on Friday with practice starting at 8:30a.m. and concerts at Hart Plaza in the evening. Saturday will feature a similar set-up. Music artists Big Boi and Steve Aoki will be headlining the stage on Friday and Saturday respectively.

Alex Palou will be one of the favorites as he is the current points leader in the IndyCar series. Marcus Ericsson and Pato O’Ward are right behind him looking to gain some ground on the leader. Indianpolis 500 winner, Josef Newgarden, is in fourth place.

Hopefully they leave a few potholes out there for the drivers. That way they get the full driving in Detroit experience.

Road Closures and Tickets

As with any big event downtown, there are multiple road closures to be aware of for the week.

M-10 southbound will be closed after Larned
Jefferson is local traffic only from Orleans to Rivard with total closure at Rivard.
I-375 is only accessible to those with permit parking or traveling to Canada beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, to Monday, June 5. All other motorists should exit at Lafayette Blvd.

The tunnel to Canada will be open through the duration of the event.

Click here, if you wish to purchase tickets for the race.