Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist faces the challenge of returning to NTT INDYCAR SERIES action this weekend at the Detroit Grand Prix following the most overwhelming experience of his life.
Winning the closest Indy 500 in history last Sunday in the most dramatic way imaginable, Rosenqvist has been in a whirlwind of emotions throughout the week while navigating all the undertakings that come with winning the world’s greatest race.
A 48-hour media tour immediately followed in New York, where the Meyer Shank Racing driver towered atop the city on the Empire State Building, was featured on Times Square, and visited the world premiere of the new movie “Pressure”.
“It’s been the most overwhelming month of my life,” says Rosenqvist, who also became a father less than three weeks before clinching the greatest sporting triumph of his career. “Incredible experience. Unbelievable emotions. I am just so lucky to be a part of this team, Meyer Shank Racing, and to have the opportunity to celebrate a success like this with them. They deserve this so much.”
Amid all the media calls and frenzy, Rosenqvist is simultaneously looking ahead to the next item on his intense schedule: this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix.
Racing resumes just a matter of days after the inconceivable drama at Indianapolis, and Rosenqvist recognizes the different build-up he has experienced to round eight of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
“I think it’s quite obvious that something like this is going to affect you,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “Sleep has been at a minimum. I’ve just been trying to take it all in. Detroit will be a special race in special circumstances, but I couldn’t return to the track a happier man.”
The new Indy 500 champion remains determined to put on a show once again on the Michigan street course, where he has already graced the podium in the past.
“All the technical preparations for Detroit in terms of sim work etc. were already completed way before Indy anyway, so it’s not like I’m missing out on any of that,” says Rosenqvist. “I haven’t been in a comparable situation before, but I feel 100 % committed and ready to go out and give my all. I’m ready to start the weekend!
“Hopefully we can have another good result to wrap up an incredible month.”
Rosenqvist’s No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda will bring the sound of Detroit to the streets of the Motor City this weekend in collaboration with Eminem’s SiriusXM channel, Shade 45.
Practice for the Detroit Grand Prix begins on Friday. Qualifying on the bumpy and technical street course takes place on Saturday, with the race going green on Sunday.
Felix Rosenqvist finished second in the most recent INDYCAR street course race at Long Beach in April, having started from pole.
TIME TABLE
All times local (U.S. Eastern)
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | Rd. 8
Detroit Grand Prix
Streets of Detroit (USA)
Friday May 29
Practice 1: 3:05-4:25 pm
Saturday May 30
Practice 2: 9:05-10:25 am
Qualifying: 1:05-2:30 pm
Sunday May 31
Warm-up: 9:30-10:00 am
Race (100 laps): 12:50 pm
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: view here
TIMING: INDYCAR App / indycar.com
EVENT INFO: view here
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