Pato O’Ward criticizes Detroit GP IndyCar track following the event, joining Conor Daly in expressing dissatisfaction with the current downtown street circuit in Detroit. Both drivers have highlighted issues with the 1.6-mile course, urging IndyCar to consider bringing back the Belle Isle street circuit that previously hosted the Detroit Grand Prix.
Conor Daly spoke out against the placement and quality of the Detroit GP on the IndyCar calendar, particularly its position immediately after the iconic Indianapolis 500. The Juncos Hollinger Racing driver emphasized that the current venue does not present the best image for the series, citing the lackluster racing conditions of the track and its challenging layout.
Disappointment with Detroit’s Existing Street Circuit and Race Scheduling
On the Speed Street podcast, Conor Daly recalled the Belle Isle race as one of his favorite occasions and expressed regret at losing the event. Although he acknowledged the efforts of Penske and Chevrolet with the present downtown circuit, Daly criticized the 1.6-mile layout for offering limited overtaking opportunities and an uneven surface that hinders competitive racing.
“The Belle Isle race in Detroit was one of my favorite events. I still have a trophy from it right behind me. That’s one of my proudest moments, to stand on the podium with Juan Pablo Montoya and Sebastian Bourdais, my rookie year in IndyCar. So many good moments from Belle Isle, and it’s a shame we can’t race there.”
—Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver
Further, Daly questioned the wisdom of scheduling the Detroit GP immediately after the Indy 500, calling it “not a great look” for the series. He expressed that more thrilling races have been held elsewhere, implying that the current event does not sustain the series’ reputation.
“First of all, I don’t believe having this race directly after the 500 is a great look. I look at this track, and I look at our cars, and I’ve seen better races and better racing elsewhere. And I don’t believe this is a great look for our racing series, to be honest. Pato was out there talking some wild stuff too.”
—Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver
Pato O’Ward Echoes Frustration With the Downtown Track
Arrow McLaren driver Pato O’Ward also publicly criticized the current Detroit GP layout after the race. He described it as a difficult and unsatisfying course that limits the potential of IndyCar machinery compared to the Belle Isle circuit, which he praised for showcasing the cars’ true capabilities.
“You guys know, I don’t sugarcoat it. I hate this place. It sucks. It’s a horrible track. I really miss Belle Isle. You get to really appreciate what an Indy car can do in Belle Isle. Here, you’re just Mickey mousing around the whole time. It’s just been very challenging. So I’m glad that it’s over,”
—Pato O’Ward, IndyCar Driver
Proposal to Re-engage With Belle Isle Organizers for Future Races
IndyCar’s connection to Detroit has deep roots, dating back to CART’s inception of racing at Belle Isle in 1990. The venue remained a staple on the premier American open-wheel series‘ calendar until 2001. After a brief hiatus, the series returned to Belle Isle in 2007 and 2008. The event was reintroduced in 2012 as a key race but faced ongoing challenges from local residents unhappy with annual disruptions to the public park.
These community concerns eventually prompted the shift to the current downtown circuit near the Renaissance Center. Nevertheless, Conor Daly hopes for a resolution that would allow IndyCar to race on Belle Isle once again, proposing that a renegotiation with local stakeholders could find a compromise acceptable to both parties.
“I don’t even know if there’s a way to get back to Belle Isle. I think with the way nature and the folks out there have decided things that they wanted to take the race off of Belle Isle, maybe there’s a way to renegotiate that and we can figure it out because I don’t want to not race in Detroit.”
—Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver
Despite a difficult season with Juncos Hollinger Racing, Daly has had notable highlights, including a strong performance at the 109th Indy 500 where he contended for victory before a tire issue limited his finish to eighth place. His remarks about Detroit underline his desire for the race to remain on the schedule but in a format that better spotlights driver talent and IndyCar’s appeal.
Potential Impact on IndyCar’s Future in Detroit
The frustrations voiced by prominent drivers such as Pato O’Ward and Conor Daly signal growing concern over the current Detroit GP setup and its effect on the series‘ image going forward. Returning to Belle Isle could reinvigorate the event for fans and drivers alike, restoring the race’s status as a meaningful challenge that showcases skill and wheel-to-wheel competition.
IndyCar officials and event organizers may now feel increased pressure to revisit discussions with Belle Isle stakeholders, seeking a compromise that balances local community interests with the series‘ desire to maintain a historic and exciting venue in Detroit. The outcome of these talks will likely shape the future of the Detroit GP on the IndyCar calendar and influence how the series capitalizes on one of its most tradition-rich locations.
