What’s happening and when at the IMSA Detroit Grand Prix this year? Can’t figure out who to root for? Let us help with that.
Here’s the schedule, including TV information (where applicable), and entry lists.
Schedule
All Times are Eastern
Friday, May 30
8:00 a.m.-9:30…
Looks like a lot of action is queued up for this weekend.
Not going this year, just too much going on. And, I must admit, the spectator experience isn't as good as it was on Belle Isle.
Some braking news (get it?) from Brembo about the event:
BREMBO BRAKE FACTS: DETROIT GRAND PRIX
DETROIT, May 29 2025—The IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship heads to the Motor City for the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic for the third installment of the downtown race. In the Detroit Grand Prix, only the GTP and GTD Pro classes compete in the IMSA race.
DIFFICULTY RATING: 5/5
TOUGHEST BRAKING POINT: Turn 3
BRAKING ZONES PER LAP: 9
TRACK OVERVIEW: The Detroit Grand Prix circuit is a 1.7-mile street circuit that covers some of the most iconic streets and sights of downtown Detroit. Each lap features a challenging mix of high and low speed corners and elevation changes. Due to the high speeds, numerous 90-degree corners and limited runoff areas, Brembo Racing engineers and drivers rate the Detroit Grand Prix a 5/5 difficulty rating.
TURN 3 CHALLENGES: The Turn 3 hairpin follows a .7 mile-long straightaway and is a key overtaking zone. In the GTP class, drivers will reach 180 mph on the start-finish straight before hitting the brakes and decelerating 145 mph to 35 mph. In the GTP class, brake temperatures will spike to 1,472 degrees F and drivers will experience 2.6G of braking force.
STREET CIRCUIT CONSIDERATIONS: The Detroit Grand Prix track, like most street circuits, has very little margin for error due to the tight walls and lack of runoff, making braking even more crucial. Racing on city streets also means varying surface grip, road crown, bumps, drain covers and other challenges. Drivers need a dependable braking system with great feel and modulation to be fast and confident each lap.
INTENSE BRAKE SYSTEM DEMANDS: The Detroit Grand Prix is very demanding on braking systems due to track layout, high speed and corner types. Brembo systems feature specially designed cooling systems for the calipers and disc, like the 432 drilled ventilation holes in GTP carbon discs, to ensure the brakes remain in their optimal temperature window.
BREMBO DEPTH: Brembo, Braking Technology Partner of IMSA, is a proud partner and supplier of teams across IMSA’s eight series and 16 classes. At the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic, most vehicles in the WeatherTech Sports Car Championship use a full Brembo system or components.
I'm headed down to a car show that takes place on the track itself today in my '69 Cougar project car detailed here. We do get to drive at least part of the circuit according to the registration details. Hooning is strictly prohibited.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I may be in the minority, but I love street courses. They seem so demanding. The atmosphere is unique. It brings so many people from outside the sport in. And you can walk to a nearby fine restaurant with no problems. Maybe even a Wendy's.
Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) said:Not going this year, just too much going on. And, I must admit, the spectator experience isn't as good as it was on Belle Isle.
Over the years I've read that some people didn't care for Belle Isle, but as a television spectator, the park at least made the Detroit area look like a nice place to be for a race weekend.
In comparison, this current street circuit (my opinion only) looks like it's laid out in a prison yard. All that's missing at the top of the catch fencing is razor wire.
Will I watch it? Sure will.
As for the racing, street circuits have to be the most difficult courses to run on, what with the regular street-grade surfaces, odd turn angles, no run-off areas, and generally slippery conditions even when dry.
You'll need to log in to post.
