In hosting the inaugural IZOD IndyCar Series doubleheader in the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans, there are several new features to the street circuit for the race weekend.
• Extended the circuit to create more overtaking opportunities. A half-mile straightaway between Turns 2 and 3 has been added.
• More than 100,000 square feet of road surface has been refurbished.
• Curbing at Turns 3 and 4 has been reworked or removed to create tighter turns and, consequently, more overtaking opportunities.
ABC will broadcast both 70-lap races at 3:30 p.m. (ET) on June 1 and 2. All the on-track action for the weekend, including practice and qualifications May 31 for Race 1, is available on www.indycar.com (IMS Radio Network broadcasts and Timing & Scoring) and the INDYCAR 13 app.
Also follow @indycar and @detroitgp (#DetroitGP) for more information and content through race weekend.
ABC analyst and former Indy car driver Scott Goodyear offers some thoughts on the event and 2.36-mile, 13-turn circuit.
"Foremost, when you knew you were going to Detroit it's the Motor City so it's special," said Goodyear, who will be joined in the broadcast booth by Marty Reid and Eddie Cheever Jr. "It's big because it's the heart of the car industry for North America and you want to do well.
"This circuit you're basically threading the needle as much as drivers were on the (downtown Detroit) street circuit with the tunnel because there are walls on both sides and it's very narrow. Remember it's not like a city road but a park road. It's narrower probably more so than other street races such as Baltimore and Long Beach.
"It's not like going to road circuits where cars are always a compromise because there are always different turns but the track is smooth. It's not here. Not only are you dealing with a track that has so many different types of turns and the crown in the road but it's bumpy.
"The driver is like being a ball in a pinball machine because you're just bouncing and you're facing the risk of the car losing adhesion. So the challenge for drivers is to get something that is comfortable, consistent and fast. Those terms don't generally go together."
The revisions, Goodyear said, will lead to exciting racing for the spectators, TV viewers and drivers.
"I'm looking forward to this new track with passing opportunities," he said. "You're coming off of Turns 1 and 2 at about 130 mph and it's a half-mile to the right-hand Turn 3, which is a deep braking zone and a prime passing zone. Turn 4 is another passing opportunity if someone makes a mistake in 3, and Turn 5 will be another place to make a move.
"With some of the track changes, drivers will be more confident with pushing the car and forcing the driver ahead of them into making a mistake. I'm looking forward to the races."