Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
PODCAST:
June 1, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson talk with Michael Montri, president of the Detroit Grand Prix, and Merrill Cain, director of communications, about the success of this year’s event.
DETROIT ~ Álex Palou continued his dominant 2026 IndyCar campaign Sunday, winning the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on the downtown street circuit. Starting from the pole, Palou led 71 of 100 laps and held off a late push from defending race winner Kyle Kirkwood to secure his fourth victory of the season. Graham Rahal finished third, rounding out an all-Honda podium on a tight, 1.645-mile course that offered little margin for error.
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(CONTINUED) The race unfolded as a chaotic, caution-filled battle, with six full-course yellows and multiple on-track incidents reshuffling the field throughout the afternoon. Palou briefly lost the lead during an early stint but regained control through pit strategy and stayed out front after Lap 41, navigating repeated restarts and heavy traffic. A high-profile clash between Will Power and Scott McLaughlin highlighted the race’s volatility, ending both drivers’ chances of contending near the front.
Despite the chaos behind him, Palou remained composed, managing tire strategy and track position to fend off Kirkwood in the closing laps. The victory extended his lead in the season standings and reinforced his status as the driver to beat on street circuits this year. For Detroit, the event delivered another high-intensity showcase in its return to the city streets, blending packed crowds with unpredictable racing from start to finish.
