Downtown Detroit — the Motor City — came alive this past weekend as the iconic Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear returned to the heart of Downtown Detroit from May 30 through June 1, 2025. More than just a race, it was a city-wide celebration of speed, innovation, and community spirit that highlighted Detroit’s resilience, passion, and thriving local economy.
Now in its 35th year, the Grand Prix once again turned the streets of Downtown into a 1.7-mile, nine-turn street circuit, delivering thrilling, on-street racing.
DDP Powers Detroit’s Racing Spirit
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) plays a pivotal role throughout race weekend as strategic partner, and in maintaining 18 Downtown parks and public spaces. As a key community partner, the Detroit Grand Prix is a wholly owned subsidiary of the DDP, which estimates the event has delivered more than $1 billion in economic impact to the region during that time.
“Partnering with the Detroit Grand Prix and Team Penske is an opportunity to celebrate the city’s incredible automotive heritage in the heart of downtown,” said Eric B. Larson, CEO of Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Together, we showcase Downtown Detroit’s transformation and how innovation and tradition can drive the Motor City forward and the Detroit Grand Prix.”
A Race Weekend Like No Other
Friday, May 30 – Opening Day Highlights
- During Comerica’s Free Day, drivers took to the streets of Downtown Detroit for a full day of practice rounds on the track.
- Autograph sessions with IndyCar drivers kicked off at the Renaissance Center, giving fans the chance to meet their favorite racers up close.
- This year marked the first Detroit Grand Prix Cruise Night presented by the Detroit Auto Show. This free, family-friendly event allowed attendees to walk the race circuit and view more than 100 classic cars, custom rides, hot rods, muscle cars, and exotic vehicles.
Saturday, May 31 – Music, Motors, and Momentum
- The weekend packed a punch; on Saturday fans headed to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pit Lane for an open grid walk of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, allowing fans to see the cars up close, take photos, ask questions to the techs stationed by each vehicle.
- The energy soared Saturday night with an electrifying concert, featuring EDM artists EVAN GIIA (opening act) and GRYFFIN (headliner) on the Cadillac Square Entertainment Stage presented by Priority and powered by the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
Sunday, June 1 – Grand Finale
- On race day, Detroit Lions President and CEO and DDP Board Member Rod Wood served as Grand Marshal, carrying out the ceremonial duties from above the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Pit Lane.
- Kyle Kirkwood claimed the championship following the high-speed Round 7 action of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The race featured 261 on-track passes, a record for this Downtown circuit, and the second-highest total in the history of the event, including races on Belle Isle. Ahead of the Detroit Grand Prix, the DDP team had a chance to connect with Indy NXT by Firestone Driver, Myles Rowe on “What he loves about Detroit.”
Weekend Features: Community and Charitable Impact
- The Small Business Straightaway returned for its third year to champion Detroit’s entrepreneurial heart. Located along the Woodward Esplanade just south of Campus Martius Park, the marketplace showcased vendors from all seven Detroit City Council districts, with a focus on supporting women-, veteran-, and minority-owned businesses.
- With over 260 local businesses within walking distance of the track, the event helped drive significant foot traffic and spending Downtown.
- The Grand Prix attracted approximately 156,000 people to Downtown Detroit over the three-day weekend, representing a 4% increase in total attendance from both 2023 and 2024.
- This year’s Grand Prixmiere Fundraiser raised $2 million for five local charities, furthering the race’s commitment to giving back.
A Celebration of Speed, Culture, and Community
Annual events like the Detroit Grand Prix are a powerful reminder of how large-scale events help activate public spaces, support local businesses, and bring people together. From high-speed action and local vendors to live music and family-friendly fun, this year’s Detroit Grand Prix delivered an unforgettable experience for Detroiters and visitors alike.
Relive the weekend! Browse our photo gallery below.
