IMSA Detroit - Preview

Detroit is packed with motorsport from the 29th to the 31st of May, including IMSA on the 30th. Here is all you need to know. 

(Image credit to @imsa_racing on Instagram)

IMSA is going to be taking on a 100 minute sprint race around the Detroit street circuit, with a smaller grid than at other rounds. With it being a street circuit, the chaos is higher than normal. The circuit features concrete walls along the side making it narrow and leaving no room for error. There are multiple bumpy areas that call for heavy braking, creating more challenges for the drivers.

With it being in Detroit, it is Cadillac’s home race, bringing extra pressure from fans, but also a sense of pride among the team. Their number 31 currently has four straight podiums this year, which they will be hoping to extend in front of their home crowd.

Porsche are currently leading the championship, with success in the endurance races so far, they’ve shown they have the ability to withstand the longer races. However, this weekend they’ll be needing to prove themselves in the sprint races, which could massively shift their momentum for the rest of the season. 

Watch out for drivers attacking in the overtakes from lap 1. The 100 minutes doesn’t leave time to let strategy and pit stops lead the run. However the narrowness means qualifying is of all importance, getting to P1 will help boost your winning charges. But watch out for more contact, more yellows and even more pressure.

Article written by Imogen Moggridge © Imogen Moggridge 2026