What Is 2019 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix

Overview

The 2019 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix was a major motorsports event that combined the NTT IndyCar Series and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship into a single high-profile weekend. Held on the temporary street circuit at Belle Isle Park, the race attracted top drivers, large crowds, and extensive media coverage due to its dual-series format and historic venue.

Unlike most IndyCar events, the 2019 Detroit Grand Prix featured two full-length races over the weekend, increasing competition and fan engagement. The event also included support races, manufacturer showcases, and fan experiences, solidifying its status as one of the premier stops on the North American racing calendar.

• May 31–June 2, 2019 marked the official dates for the event, aligning with the traditional early summer slot for the Detroit race weekend.
• The Raceway at Belle Isle Park is a 2.35-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit located on an island in the Detroit River, offering tight corners and limited overtaking zones.
• Josef Newgarden won the first IndyCar race on Saturday, June 1, driving for Team Penske, marking his second win of the 2019 season.
• Simon Pagenaud claimed victory in the second race on Sunday, June 2, capitalizing on strong pit strategy and consistent pace throughout the 70-lap race.
• The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race, a 100-minute sprint, was won by the #7 Acura ARX-05 DPi, driven by Hélio Castroneves and Ricky Taylor, who started from pole position.

Race Format & Structure

The 2019 event featured a unique dual-race format for the IndyCar Series, a rare occurrence in modern open-wheel racing, designed to maximize track time and entertainment value. This structure allowed teams and drivers to adapt strategies between races and provided fans with two full competitions in one weekend.

• Dual IndyCar Races: The weekend included two separate 70-lap IndyCar Series races, each counting toward the championship, a format used only in Detroit and previously at Twin Ring Motegi.
• Qualifying Format: Qualifying sessions were held separately for each race, with a top 12 shootout determining the front rows, adding strategic depth to team preparations.
• Track Configuration: The Belle Isle circuit featured 14 turns and a mix of elevation changes, concrete walls, and narrow straights, increasing the challenge for drivers.
• Weather Impact: Rain during Saturday’s race created slippery conditions, leading to multiple cautions and affecting tire strategy for teams using Firestone tires.
• Team Penske Dominance: Team Penske drivers swept the podium across both races, highlighting their technical edge on street circuits during the 2019 season.
• Fan Attendance: Over 70,000 spectators attended the weekend, with attendance boosted by free admission on Friday and special promotions.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key elements of the 2019 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix with the 2018 and 2020 editions to highlight format changes and event evolution.

The 2019 edition stood out due to its expanded IndyCar format, doubling the number of championship races compared to previous years. This change was intended to boost ratings and fan engagement but was not continued in future years due to logistical complexity and driver fatigue. The inclusion of IMSA racing added endurance racing excitement, making the weekend a comprehensive motorsports showcase.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix was significant not only for its competitive racing but also for its role in shaping future event formats and manufacturer involvement. Its dual-series approach demonstrated the potential for multi-category race weekends in the U.S., influencing later decisions by IndyCar and IMSA to explore joint events.

• Manufacturer Showcases: Chevrolet, Acura, Cadillac, and Honda all had strong representation, using the event for brand visibility and performance validation.
• Team Penske Success: The team’s dominance in both IndyCar and IMSA races reinforced its reputation as a top-tier motorsports organization.
• Urban Racing Appeal: The Belle Isle location highlighted the viability of temporary circuits in major cities for attracting large audiences.
• Media Coverage: The event was broadcast nationally on NBC and FS1, reaching an estimated 2.3 million viewers over the weekend.
• Driver Strategy: The dual-race format required teams to balance aggression with caution, influencing pit stop timing and tire wear management.
• Legacy Impact: Though the dual-race format was discontinued, the 2019 event remains a benchmark for innovative race scheduling in American open-wheel racing.

The 2019 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix exemplified how motorsports events can blend tradition with innovation, offering fans diverse racing action while testing drivers and teams under unique conditions. Though future editions reverted to a single IndyCar race, the 2019 weekend remains a standout in recent racing history.