2026 Detroit Grand Prix: Race times, how to watch, buy tickets

[ASFN Admin]

The engines are coming back to downtown Detroit this weekend as the Detroit Grand Prix returns to the city streets May 29-31, bringing IndyCar, IMSA sports cars and Indy NXT racing back to a 1.7-mile circuit along the Detroit Riverfront.

What you need to know about the 2026 Detroit Grand Prix​

The three-day race weekend will feature the NTT INDYCAR SERIES headlining Sunday’s Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix, along with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTP and GTD PRO classes in Saturday’s Chevrolet Sports Car Classic. The developmental INDY NXT by Firestone series also returns Sunday morning.

The downtown circuit includes nine turns over 1.7 miles (the track runs along Jefferson, Bates, Atwater, St. Antoine, Franklin and Rivard) and marks the continuation of Detroit’s long motorsports history, which dates to Formula One racing downtown in 1982. The Grand Prix later moved to Belle Isle before returning to downtown streets in 2023 for the first time since 1991.

Last year’s IndyCar race produced one of the more dramatic finishes of the season as Kyle Kirkwood fought through front-wing damage to hold off Santino Ferrucci and teammate Colton Herta for the victory. In IMSA competition, Acura captured the GTP class win while Ford edged Chevrolet in a battle of Detroit automakers in GTD PRO. Dennis Hauger won the INDY NXT race after leading every lap.

More: Q&A: Kyle Kirkwood on Indy 500, and why Detroit Grand Prix is 'always one we want to win'

What time is Sunday's 2026 Detroit Grand Prix and how to watch it​

Sunday’s IndyCar race is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. and will air nationally on FOX, with local coverage on WJBK-TV (Channel 2). Saturday’s IMSA race starts at 4 p.m. on NBC and WDIV-TV (Channel 4), while the INDY NXT race airs Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on FS1.

How to get tickets for 2026 Detroit Grand Prix​

Fans can purchase tickets online at DetroitGP.com/Tickets or by calling 888-811-PRIX (7749). Reserved grandstand tickets also include access to four rooftop viewing decks overlooking the downtown street circuit, each featuring different fan experiences and amenities.

Things to check out around the 2026 Detroit Grand Prix​

Hart Plaza, Jefferson Avenue, Woodward Avenue, Campus Martius and Cadillac Square will host live music, food, games and family activities throughout the weekend. The Meijer Fan Zone along Woodward will feature sports-themed games, autograph opportunities and free ice cream.

One of the weekend’s signature attractions, Cruise Night presented by the Detroit Auto Show, returns Friday evening after IMSA qualifying. About 100 vehicles — ranging from classics and muscle cars to exotic and custom builds — are expected to parade around the race circuit before lining Jefferson Avenue for public viewing. Admission for Cruise Night activities inside the circuit will be free through Hart Plaza and Spirit Plaza entrances.

Fans can also use the Detroit GP mobile app, which includes an interactive map, navigation tools and alerts for autograph sessions and on-track activity.

Grand Prix organizers say more than half of the venue remains free and open to the public, including viewing areas along Jefferson Avenue, Hart Plaza, the Riverwalk and portions of downtown. The event drew a reported 156,000 fans in 2025, which organizers said marked a 4% increase over the previous two years.

Road closures around the 2026 Detroit Grand Prix​

Now through June 4

• St. Antoine from Larned to Jefferson eastbound, local traffic only
• Brush from Larned to Jefferson eastbound, local traffic only
• Griswold from Larned to Jefferson eastbound, local traffic only
• E. Jefferson service road between Washington Blvd. and Griswold, full closure
• W. Jefferson service road between Griswold and Shelby St., full closure

Now through June 5

• Woodbridge from St. Antoine to Rivard, local traffic only
• Woodbridge from Riopelle to Rivard, local traffic only

May 26–June 2 at 5 a.m.

• Woodward between Larned and State Street, full closure
• Cadillac Square from Randolph to Bates, local traffic only
• Cadillac Square between Bates and Woodward, full closure

May 26-June 3 at 5 a.m.

• Atwater from Civic Center Drive to Bates, local traffic only
• Atwater from Bates to Riopelle, full closure
• Bates from Jefferson to Atwater, full closure

May 26–June 4 at 5 a.m.

• Beaubien from Jefferson to Atwater, local traffic only. Motorists should follow posted signs.
• Beaubien from Larned to Jefferson, full closure
• Renaissance Drive, local traffic only. Motorists should follow posted signs.
• Randolph from Larned to Jefferson, full closure
• I-375 southbound service drive from Larned to Jefferson eastbound, full closure
• From I-375, Jefferson eastbound exit open to local traffic only
• I-375 northbound service drive from Larned to Jefferson eastbound, full closure
• St. Antoine from Jefferson to Woodbridge, local traffic only
• St. Antoine from Woodbridge to Atwater, full closure
• Rivard from Jefferson to Atwater, full closure
• Rivard from Larned to Jefferson, full closure
• Eastbound Jefferson at M-10 to Rivard, full closure
• I-375 southbound remains open at all times but to local traffic only. Motorists should follow signage
• Eastbound and westbound Jefferson is accessible via I-375 for local traffic and tunnel traffic only. Motorists should follow signage
• Southbound M-10 from Larned Exit 1B to Griswold, full closure

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: 2026 Detroit Grand Prix: Race times, how to watch, buy tickets

Continue reading...