DETROIT, Mich. (May 21, 2025) – One of Detroit’s key sports leaders will be featured on the final day of the upcoming Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear as Detroit Lions President and Chief Executive Officer Rod Wood has been named Grand Marshal for Sunday, June 1. As the leading executive on one of the most popular and successful teams in the National Football League (NFL), Wood will participate in pre-race activities leading up to the final race of the three-day Grand Prix weekend in the Motor City – the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
As Grand Marshal, Wood will be featured during driver introductions at the Autotrader Winner’s Circle, located high above Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Pit Lane, before the green flag waves for Sunday’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES race (June 1, 12:30 p.m. ET live on FOX). After taking a tour of the Fifth Third Paddock and meeting some of the INDYCAR teams and drivers, Wood will deliver the official command of “Drivers, To Your Cars” in advance of the 100-lap Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix on the Streets of Downtown Detroit.
“Rod Wood is a tremendous leader in Detroit and a passionate supporter of our city’s rich sports traditions and community initiatives,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “We’re honored to continue the tradition of Detroit Lions at the Detroit Grand Prix and have Rod represent the spirit and grit of Detroit as our Sunday Grand Marshal.”
Wood joins a growing list of Detroit Lions personalities who have served as Grand Marshals at the Detroit Grand Prix, including linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, running back Zonovan Knight and defensive lineman Alim McNeil in 2024, offensive lineman Penei Sewell (2022), head coach Dan Campbell (2021), guard T.J. Lang (2017) and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (2012).
“I am honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Detroit Grand Prix and continue the Lions’ involvement in this iconic event,” said Wood. “The Grand Prix showcases the beauty of Downtown Detroit and the passion that Detroiters have for the auto industry and auto racing in particular. It is one of the best events in our city.”
Since taking the reins as Lions President in November 2015, Wood has overseen all football and business operations, reporting directly to the Lions Principal Owner and Chair Sheila Ford Hamp. Under Wood’s leadership, the Lions have become one of the NFL’s winningest teams over the last three seasons, building one of the league’s most dynamic home-field environments with a fiercely loyal and boisterous fanbase. The Lions are coming off an historic 15-2 season, which included winning the NFC North division for the second consecutive year.
Before joining the Lions, Wood served as President and CEO of Ford Estates, and he brought his extensive executive experience and business acumen to the Lions franchise. Wood’s commitment to excellence and community engagement make him a perfect fit to serve as Grand Marshal for the Grand Prix – one of the Motor City’s premier annual sporting events that has embraced the city even more deeply since its return to the Streets of Downtown Detroit in 2023.
