Indy NXT - Detroit

The Indy NXT by Firestone race in Detroit represents a significant chapter in open-wheel racing history, though the series no longer competes at The Raceway On Belle Isle. In 2026, the IndyLights series, now branded as Indy NXT by Firestone, races on a downtown Detroit street circuit as part of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. This move from Belle Isle to downtown Detroit occurred in 2023 and continues through a contract extending to 2028, bringing professional racing back to the city streets where it began.

Circuit Details and Location

The 2026 Indy NXT race takes place on a 1.7-mile, nine-turn temporary street circuit through downtown Detroit. This challenging layout features racing along Jefferson Avenue, Bates Street, Atwater Street, St. Antoine, Franklin Street, and Rivard Street. The track design draws inspiration from the original downtown Detroit street course that hosted Formula One and CART racing in earlier decades. The circuit has demonstrated its competitive nature with numerous on-track passes, providing close racing action throughout the field.

The Indy NXT Series

Indy NXT by Firestone serves as the top developmental series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The series operates as the final step on the "Road to Indy" ladder system, which advances drivers and team personnel to the highest level of open-wheel racing in North America. Many current IndyCar stars including Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Pato O'Ward, Colton Herta, and Kyle Kirkwood refined their skills in this series before reaching the top tier.

Technical Specifications

The series utilizes a spec-series format with the Dallara IL-15 chassis. This state-of-the-art, single-seat, open-wheel car features carbon construction and comprehensive safety components meeting FIA specifications, including a cockpit protection device introduced in 2021. The chassis pairs with an Advanced Engine Research (AER) P63 turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine.

The 2.0-liter engine produces approximately 450 horsepower, with an additional 50 horsepower available through the Push-to-Pass system. The complete car weighs around 1,520 lbs on street courses, with the engine alone contributing 230 lbs dry-crated. Power transfers through an Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox with electronic shift actuation. Firestone Firehawk tires, engineered for both dry and wet conditions, provide grip on the street surface. These cars can reach speeds exceeding 186 mph.

Participants and Competition

The series typically fields competitive grids of approximately 20 cars. Rising stars compete throughout the season, demonstrating their abilities on street circuits, road courses, and ovals. The Detroit race showcases these developing talents on a demanding street circuit that tests car control, racecraft, and strategic decision-making. The 2026 season features 17 races, emphasizing the series' role in preparing drivers for IndyCar competition.

Event Format and Accessibility

The Detroit Grand Prix operates as a three-day festival combining racing, music, and family entertainment. Indy NXT races alongside the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and other support categories. All 2026 Indy NXT races, including the Detroit round, receive live television coverage on FOX Sports channels FS1 and FS2. Admission tickets include paddock access, allowing fans to observe teams at work. Reserved seat grandstand tickets also provide access to rooftop viewing locations.

The downtown circuit offers numerous free viewing areas, making the event accessible to the broader community. This design philosophy reflects the organizers' commitment to bringing racing directly to Detroit residents and visitors.

Historical Context

Detroit has hosted premier open-wheel racing since 1982, when Formula One first raced on downtown streets. CART assumed the primary series role in 1989. The event relocated to Belle Isle in 1992, where it remained through 2022 with some interruptions. The Belle Isle circuit, while offering scenic parkland views, faced criticism for its narrow layout, bumpy surface, and limited passing zones.

The return to downtown streets in 2023 reconnected the event with its origins while providing economic benefits to the city and improved community access. The State of Michigan operates Belle Isle as a state park, and the venue no longer required the revenue generated by hosting the race. This shift allowed Detroit to reclaim the event for its downtown core.

Series Evolution

The series rebranded from Indy Lights to Indy NXT by Firestone in 2023. This change created a modern identity aimed at attracting new talent and fans while maintaining the series' fundamental mission of driver development. Firestone serves as both the exclusive tire supplier and title sponsor, providing crucial support for teams and competitors.

What Makes This Race Notable

The Detroit street circuit demands precision and consistency from drivers. Street racing eliminates run-off areas and requires commitment through corners with walls lining both sides of the track. The nine-turn configuration provides multiple passing opportunities while punishing mistakes. Teams must optimize their setups for the specific characteristics of temporary street circuits, including varying grip levels and the bumps inherent to racing on public roads.

The race offers a proving ground for young drivers aspiring to IndyCar careers. Performance in Detroit can significantly impact a driver's progression through the open-wheel racing ladder. Teams use street circuit races to evaluate how drivers handle pressure, manage traffic, and adapt to changing track conditions as rubber is laid down throughout the weekend.

The 2026 race continues the Detroit Grand Prix tradition while showcasing the next generation of open-wheel racing talent on streets that have witnessed decades of motorsports history.