It was time for the drivers to hit the track once again exactly one week after the Indy 500. To conclude the month of May, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES headed to Detroit for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. The 1.645-mile circuit is known for its chaos. A race full of constant lead change and multiple cautions led to an afternoon full of constant battles to take that top step of the podium.
Palou Wins the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix
Álex Palou found himself on the top step for the fourth time this season. After finishing in the top 10 of both practice sessions and qualifying on pole, Palou’s dominance continued on the track. Despite the numerous lead changes during the middle of the race, once Palou regained the lead he held onto it.
Last year’s Detroit champion, Kyle Kirkwood managed to challenge Palou and bring the gap down to less than second for a while but ultimately wasn’t able to overtake him. This led Kirkwood to a strong P2 finish. Graham Rahal came home in P3 making it the first time since 2017 where he’s had three podiums in one season.
Early Caution Shakes Things Up
After a disappointing result in the Indy 500, the team over at Ed Carpenter Racing had a bit of bad luck during the early stages of the race. On Lap 10 the front right of Christian Rasmussen’s car collided with the wall at Turn 2. The impact ruined the car’s suspension and forced the tam to retire the car.
Rasmussen was seen and cleared by the IndyCar medical team. The caution brought on a lead change where Will Power took charge of the field for a handful of laps. Later on, Palou ultimately took over later on and grabbed the lead with 45 laps remaining.
Back-To-Back Incidents set up a Chaotic Finish
There were more than enough yellow flags being brought this afternoon with drivers colliding with each other constantly. Following a race restart during Lap 75, Mick Schumacher and David Malukas were involved in a collision while fighting for a podium position. The two drivers went off and into the barrier. Malukas finished the race P18 after fighting his way up from P35 and Schumacher is listed as a P21 finish.
Shortly after the track was cleared, Scott Mclaughlin got into it with Will Power. McLaughlin forced Power off the track and the contact caused both drivers to sustain major damage. This caused both drivers to retire from the race.
Honourable Mentions
A couple of drive-through penalties were given out this afternoon. Kyffin Simpson and Graham Rahal were both given a penalty for avoidable contact. Alexander Rossi received a penalty for getting serviced in a closed pit.
Santino Ferrucci managed to spin out as the race got closer and closer to its final laps. After a more or less calm race, the A.J. Foyt Racing driver’s race incident marked his first DNF of the 2026 season. He sustained damage after colliding with Rinus Veekay on Lap 72.
The action doesn’t stop this Summer for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The grid gets going again next weekend for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in St. Louis. Next week’s race is the only night event on the calendar and makes for plenty of excitement. The green flag waves at 9:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 a.m. CEST.