Detroit raced better than many IndyCar drivers expected

Pre-race predictions that IndyCar’s new downtown Detroit layout would produce a few yellows proved to be true in Sunday’s inaugural event. But fears that the cars would spend the entire afternoon running single-file did not…

“We had more grip than I expected,” said Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou, who drove the No.10 Honda to the first street race win of his IndyCar career.

“The track kept evolving with our sessions and with other series, like Indy NXT and Trans-Am cars. You could see the driving lane — it was black, all full of rubber. That allowed for some more overtaking. I was able to pass some cars that were a lap down or on the back. I was able to pass Will (Power). He was able to pass me, as well. Was able to pass (Alexander) Rossi, as well.

“I thought there was going to be zero passes, honestly, without a crash. So, yeah, it was better than I expected. Obviously we had quite a lot of yellows, but everywhere you go, if there’s a street course, you’re going to have a lot of drama.”

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Felix Rosenqvist, who finished third in the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, concurred.