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IndyCar Racing action at Belle Isle for the Detroit Grand Prix is only one day away.
The opening race of the Grand Prix, which is the first out of two races, is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The odds for this race are now accessible.
Let’s dive deeper into the odds and the compelling narratives leading up to the weekend.
Detroit Grand Prix Viewing Guide
Following the cancellation of the 2020 Detroit Grand Prix due to the COVID-19 pandemic, racing excitement will return to Belle Isle on Saturday.
In the event that you require a quick recap of everything related to the IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix, here is the essential information for the upcoming weekend’s races.
- The event is the 2021 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.
- Date: June 12th to 13th (Saturday to Sunday)
- The event will take place at The Raceway on Belle Isle.
- Type of Track: Road Course
- The distance of the race is 200 miles, which is equivalent to completing 90 laps each day.
- Saturday, the start time is 2 p.m. ET, while on Sunday, it is noon ET.
- The television channel broadcasting is NBC.
- Broadcasting live on SiriusXM, it’s INDYCAR Radio.
- NBCSports.com offers online viewing options.
- The weather forecast for Saturday indicates a 50% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon, with a high temperature of 85. On Sunday, it is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 83.
Scott Dixon favored by oddsmakers
Even though the qualifying for Saturday’s race is scheduled for Saturday morning, the odds for the race have already been released.
The odds for Sunday’s race are expected to be released on Saturday night, after the conclusion of the initial race.
BetRivers Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook share a common perspective on the top five favorites.
- Scott Dixon has odds of +450.
- Josef Newgarden’s odds stand at +500.
- Colton Herta is listed at +900.
- Power: 900
- Patricio O’Ward’s odds are +1000.
Dixon competing for fourth Belle Isle victory
Dixon currently holds the second position in the IndyCar points standings, accumulating a total of 212 points. Meanwhile, Alex Palou leads the pack in first place with 248 points.
Earlier this season, Dixon secured a win in the Genesys 600; however, his recent performance in the Indianapolis 500 resulted in a disappointing 17th-place finish. An unfortunate fuel problem hindered Dixon’s chances of making an impact in the most significant race of the year.
Dixon has developed a recent knack for rebounding from disappointing finishes. After placing 17th in the Indy 500, he showcased his resilience by claiming victory in one of the two Detroit Grand Prix races (2019).
None of the drivers competing this weekend have achieved the level of success at Belle Isle that Dixon has. Dixon has emerged victorious on this track three times, securing wins in 2019, 2018, and 2012. Additionally, he has achieved seven other top five finishes at Detroit.
Dixon undeniably possesses the perfect combination of success in Detroit and an extensive racing background (as a six-time IndyCar series champion) when it comes to achieving greatness.
Josef Newgarden needs a spark
Josef Newgarden’s start to the 2021 season hasn’t been great.
With a mere 184 points, the two-time series champion currently occupies the sixth spot in the latest IndyCar standings.
Despite finishing second in two races, Newgarden has not yet secured a victory. However, he has also experienced two finishes outside the top 10.
Newgarden emerged as the victor in the initial Detroit Grand Prix Duel of 2019, even though this particular track has not been his strongest suit. Throughout his IndyCar career, Newgarden has attained an average finish of 11.5 at Belle Isle, competing in a total of 15 races.
After securing a 12th-place position in the Indy 500, Newgarden is eagerly seeking a powerful performance this weekend.
No love for points leader Alex Palou
The current leader in IndyCar points is not considered a significant contender for victory at Belle Isle.
Alex Palou is listed at +2000 by DraftKings and BetRivers for Saturday’s race, while PointsBet Sportsbook has him at +2200.
Sitting comfortably ahead in the point standings is the 24-year-old Spaniard, with a 36-point lead over Dixon in first place.
In 2021, Palou has achieved a triumph in the Alabama Grand Prix and secured a place within the top four in four out of six races. This remarkable performance also includes a second-place finish at the Indy 500.
Nevertheless, this weekend marks the debut of the points leader in Detroit. Due to the limited practice time on the track, Palou is set to face a daunting challenge on this street circuit.
If you find it hard to believe that Palou will win, perhaps you should consider his +550 odds for a top-3 finish.
Graham Rahal hopes to repeat weekend sweep
Throughout the relatively short history of the Detroit Grand Prix, only a singular driver has managed to secure victory in both races over a single weekend.
In 2017, Graham Rahal accomplished that impressive feat as a driver. This weekend, he is eagerly anticipating his return to Belle Isle with hopes of achieving even more success.
Rahal currently holds the eighth position in the point standings, placing him slightly outside of the top contenders for victory on Saturday. His odds of prevailing are listed at +1600.
It is quite unexpected that Rahal has managed to secure wins in Detroit, especially considering the fact that he has only achieved two other top-three finishes at this track. Remarkably, those two victories in 2017 remain his most recent triumphs in his entire IndyCar career.
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