Record 261 Passes at Thrilling Detroit Street Circuit Showdown

The  NTT IndyCar Series returned to the streets of Detroit for an exhilarating 100-lap race on a notoriously bumpy and tight nine-turn, 1.645-mile circuit, where strategy and survival were key to victory. The race saw a diverse 27-car field split into two strategic camps, setting the stage for a dramatic contest filled with unexpected twists and turns.

At the start, 12 drivers opted for Firestone’s grippier but less durable alternate tires, while 15 chose the slower yet more durable primary tires. Among the top nine starters, pole sitter Colton Herta and teammate Kyle Kirkwood led the charge on the softer tires, intending to switch to the harder compound as early as possible, as INDYCAR regulations require all drivers to use both tire compounds for at least two laps.

The division in tire strategy resulted in separate pit cycles, creating a dynamic race as drivers fought their way through the field after stops. Kirkwood took the lead for the first time on Lap 39, maintaining his position until Lap 50, when he made his second pit stop. However, the race dramatically shifted on Lap 67 when a crash involving Callum Ilott in Turn 1 brought out a caution.

As the race unfolded, drivers such as Santino Ferrucci and David Malukas, who started on primary tires, strategically pitted, while Kirkwood, Herta, and championship leader Alex Palou found themselves further down the field after pitting under caution on Lap 70. This pit strategy allowed Ferrucci, who started 21st, to assume the lead.

The restart at the end of Lap 72 marked a turning point when Palou made hard contact with the barrier in Turn 1, leading to his first finish outside the top three this season. His unfortunate exit saw his points lead reduced to 90 over second-place Pato O’Ward.

As the race continued, Kirkwood showcased his skills, starting fourth on the restart at Lap 76 and quickly moving up the order. He maneuvered past Marcus Armstrong for third on Lap 77 and then overtook Simpson for second, ultimately taking the lead from Ferrucci on Lap 79. Despite a damaged front wing after clipping Simpson's car, Kirkwood held strong as the laps dwindled.

The race's final stages featured a major crash involving Felix Rosenqvist and rookie Louis Foster on Lap 84, bringing out the last of five caution periods and a red flag for barrier repairs. Kirkwood capitalized on the restart at the end of Lap 89, maintaining his position and securing victory without facing any threats.

Ferrucci, who managed to fend off Herta's challenges for second place, expressed gratitude for his team's strategy, stating, "Perfect strategy. Obviously got lucky with that yellow, and man, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see a red flag."

The race set a new record with 261 on-track passes, showcasing the competitive nature of the event and the skill of the drivers. Kirkwood's victory marked his fourth win on street circuits and solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in urban racing.

As the NTT IndyCar Series gears up for its next event, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline on June 15 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, fans can expect more thrilling races as the season unfolds.