IndyCar 2025: Detroit Grand Prix Starting Grid and Qualifying Results

The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix is almost here, and motorsport fans are buzzing. The IndyCar Series returns to the tricky nine-turn, 1.645-mile downtown street circuit.

This 100-lap race, set for Sunday, June 1, should deliver some wild moments and tight battles. Colton Herta snagged pole position for the second year in a row, showing once again that he’s got a knack for this place.

But there’s a twist: grid penalties are shaking things up for drivers like Scott Dixon and Graham Rahal. Let’s break down the starting grid, team lineups, and what’s worth knowing before the green flag drops.

Starting Grid Insights

The starting grid for Detroit is a real mix—veterans, up-and-comers, and everything in between. Herta clocked a rapid 1:00.477 to grab his 15th career pole.

David Malukas lines up next to him, building on a string of solid drives. It’s shaping up to be a front row worth watching.

Top Contenders

Who’s got the best shot? Here’s a few names to keep in mind:

  • Colton Herta: He’s starting up front again, and it’s hard not to call him the favorite.
  • David Malukas: Malukas keeps showing promise—don’t count him out.
  • Kyle Kirkwood: Aggressive and fast, Kirkwood starts in Row 2 and could stir things up.
  • Christian Lundgaard: Also in Row 2, Lundgaard’s got the brains and patience to move forward quickly.
DISCOVER MORE  Kimi Antonelli's Impressive F1 Start: Hinchcliffe's Expert Analysis

Implications of Grid Penalties

Scott Dixon and Graham Rahal both got hit with six-spot grid penalties for unapproved engine changes. That’s definitely going to shake up the early laps and force some creative strategy.

Impact on Dixon and Rahal

Dixon had qualified 10th, but now he’s starting back in Row 8. Still, if anyone can claw their way forward, it’s Dixon.

Rahal was fifth in qualifying but drops to Row 6. He’s known for fighting through the field, so don’t be surprised if he’s in the mix by halfway.

Team Lineups

This year’s Grand Prix features a wide range of teams, each bringing something different to the table. Here’s a look at who’s racing for each squad:

A.J. Foyt

  • Santino Ferrucci
  • David Malukas

Andretti Global

  • Colton Herta
  • Kyle Kirkwood
  • Marcus Ericsson
  • Marco Andretti*

Arrow McLaren

  • Pato O’Ward
  • Nolan Siegel
  • Christian Lundgaard
  • Kyle Larson* (with Rick Hendrick)

Chip Ganassi

  • Kyffin Simpson
  • Scott Dixon
  • Alex Palou

Dale Coyne

  • Jacob Abel
  • Rinus VeeKay

Dreyer & Reinbold

  • Ryan Hunter-Reay*
  • Jack Harvey*

Ed Carpenter

  • Alexander Rossi
  • Christian Rasmussen
  • Ed Carpenter*

Juncos Hollinger

  • Conor Daly
  • Sting Ray Robb

Meyer Shank

  • Felix Rosenqvist
  • Marcus Armstrong
  • Helio Castroneves*

Prema

  • Callum Ilott
  • Robert Shwartzman
  • Romain Grosjean (reserve)

Rahal Letterman Lanigan

  • Graham Rahal
  • Louis Foster
  • Devlin DeFrancesco
  • Takuma Sato*
  • Toby Sowery (reserve)

Team Penske

  • Josef Newgarden
  • Scott McLaughlin
  • Will Power

Race Day Schedule and Coverage

Race day is packed, no doubt about it. There’s plenty to watch and listen to, so fans won’t miss a thing.

Schedule

  • 9:30 a.m. : IndyCar warmup, FS1
  • 10:30 a.m. : Indy NXT race, FS1
  • 12:30 p.m. : IndyCar race, Fox TV (Coverage begins at 12:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, June 1, 2025, on Fox)
  • 12:47 p.m. : Green flag
DISCOVER MORE  Graham Rahal Leads Surprising Long Beach Warmup in Cool Conditions

Coverage

Fox TV will have the live broadcast, with more coverage on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app. You can also catch live commentary on IndyCar Live, IndyCar Radio, or SiriusXM Channel 218.

Will Buxton calls the play-by-play, while James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell add their thoughts. In the pits, Kevin Lee and Jack Harvey will be on the ground sharing updates and stories.

Weather Forecast

Looks like it’ll be sunny with highs near 70 degrees. That’s about as good as it gets for racing—drivers should be able to push hard all day.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix always brings excitement. This year’s starting grid looks especially competitive.

Teams have made some interesting choices with their lineups, and you can feel the anticipation building. Who’s going to pull off a surprise?

Coverage will be thorough, so fans won’t miss a moment. If you want all the nitty-gritty details about the starting grid and race day, check out the official source.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT