Grosse Pointe Woods native races in this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix
The 22-year-old rookie will compete in the Indy NXT Series, with hopes to compete in IndyCar someday.
Nolan Allaer, 22, of Grosse Pointe Woods, wears a Detroit Lions-themed race helmet as he climbs into his car at the Detroit Grand Prix.
The Detroit Grand Prix is taking place this weekend. Three different series will be holding races as part of the festivities.
That includes Indy NXT — a development series for young drivers hoping to prove they have what it takes to compete in IndyCar. And there is a local driver on the grid this weekend in the Indy NXT events.
Listen: Grosse Pointe Woods native Nolan Allaer talks about competing in his home race
Nolan Allaer is a 22-year-old from Grosse Pointe Woods. You can notice him on track this weekend in a driving helmet that resembles a Detroit Lions football helmet.
Allaer never got to race in the Detroit Grand Prix when it was held on Belle Isle. However, he did attend the island raceway as a fan in 2018.
“That was when I knew I loved cars,” said Allaer.
Allaer is a rookie in the Indy NXT series. He says he’ll be giving it his all this weekend on track but is also realistic about what he expects from himself.
“I did make a big jump to be here,” he said. “I have a lot to learn, but I’m improving every session — we’re getting better and better.”
The Michigan-native comes into the Detroit Grand Prix sitting 16th in the Indy NXT points standings.
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