Linus Lundqvist heads to the streets of Detroit this weekend looking to build on his recent victories and defend his Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires championship lead…
Lundqvist rides a wave of success as the INDYCAR fraternity arrives in “Motor City”, having won two of the last three races to install himself on top of the Indy Lights championship standings.
Furthermore, the 23-year-old Swede has swept three out of four qualifying sessions so far this season, taking the momentum of three consecutive pole positions to this weekend’s event in Michigan.
Lundqvist made his first visit to Detroit’s notoriously demanding Belle Isle track 12 months ago, immediately impressing by storming to pole position – his first on a street course – and gracing the podium in both races staged on that occasion.
“Detroit quickly became a favourite of mine last year, and it’s hard to explain just how rewarding it is to stick together a hot lap around there,” says Linus Lundqvist. “It’s very tough, both physically and mentally, with the track being extremely bumpy and basically trying to throw you off the line and into the wall all the time.
“It’s a high-risk, high-reward kind of place, and as a racing driver, that’s always something I’ve massively enjoyed.”
Like in 2021, the “Detroit Double” is a reality for the Indy Lights pack once again this season, with two races set to be staged across the weekend.
While the majority of championship rounds feature just a single race this year, Detroit will duly mark the second consecutive double-header meeting, following on from Indianapolis Motor Speedway (where Lundqvist extended his overall lead to 34 points thanks to his latest exhibit of wet-dry brilliance).
“We’re on a roll at the moment and I’m excited to get back in the car again this weekend,” Linus Lundqvist continues. “For me, Detroit was an important personal breakthrough last year; the first time I really managed to crack the street track code. We got a pole and were on the podium in both races, but I still have never won a street race – so I guess I’ve got a clear target for the weekend ahead!”
Joining as Event Title Sponsor for Detroit is Swedish DIY chain Jula, which is stepping up its existing partnership with Lundqvist for this weekend with expanded branding to be visible throughout the meeting.
TIME TABLE
All times local (U.S. Eastern)
Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires
Rd. 5-6 | Detroit
Friday 3 June
Practice: 2:25-3:15 pm
Saturday 4 June
Qualifying: 7:45-8:15 am
Race 1: 11:25 am
Sunday 5 June
Race 2: 12:05 pm
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires
Top 5 | After 4/14 races
1: Linus Lundqvist (SWE), 175 p.
2: Danial Frost (SGP), 141 p.
3: Sting Ray Robb (USA), 137 p.
4: Benjamin Pedersen (DEN), 131 p.
5: Matthew Brabham (AUS), 119 p.
ENTRY LIST
View entry list here
STREAMING & TIMING
racecontrol.indycar.com
INDYCAR Live!
UPDATES & RESULTS
www.linuslundqvistracing.se
LL Facebook | LL Instagram
FURTHER INFORMATION
Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires
HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing
