Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic 2026

The 2026 Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic delivered a landmark result for Action Express Racing and the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R, as the team converted dominant pace into a memorable victory on Cadillac’s home streets in downtown Detroit.

From the moment the cars rolled onto the temporary street circuit, the No. 31 Cadillac established itself as the benchmark. Earl Bamber topped both practice sessions before securing pole position with a new track-record lap, giving Action Express Racing the ideal starting position for the 100-minute sprint race.

Bamber controlled the opening stint, leading comfortably through the first phase of the race while expertly managing traffic and maintaining a healthy advantage over the chasing pack. When the No. 31 handed over to Jack Aitken, the team continued to build its advantage, at one stage stretching the lead to more than 14 seconds.

Late-race cautions threatened to erase the Cadillac’s hard-earned margin and turned the closing minutes into a tense sprint to the finish. However, Aitken executed two flawless restarts, immediately re-establishing control and pulling away from the field when it mattered most. Despite the pressure, the No. 31 remained composed and crossed the line more than six seconds clear of its nearest challenger.

The victory was particularly meaningful given Detroit’s significance to both Cadillac and General Motors. In front of GM leadership, employees, partners and fans, the No. 31 delivered what Bamber described as a “pretty perfect weekend” – leading from pole, controlling the race and securing Cadillac’s first Detroit victory since 2022.

Beyond the race win itself, the result continued a remarkable run of consistency for the No. 31 program. The Detroit triumph extended the team’s podium streak to seven consecutive IMSA races dating back to Indianapolis in 2025 and moved Aitken into the lead of the GTP Drivers’ Championship. It was a performance that perfectly showcased the strengths of Action Express Racing: outright speed, flawless execution and the ability to deliver under pressure when the stakes are highest.