Rod Wood, president and CEO of the Detroit Lions, has been named Grand Marshall of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear for Sunday, June 1.
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.
As Grand Marshal, Wood will be featured during driver introductions at the Autotrader Winner’s Circle, located 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,” says 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,” says 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 president of the Detroit Lions 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 and winning all of their away games.
Before joining the Lions, Wood served as president and CEO of Ford Estates.
The 35th Grand Prix event in the city’s history will return to the 1.7-mile, nine-turn Streets of Downtown Detroit circuit that runs along the Detroit Riverwalk, May 30-June 1, 2025.
With new viewing options and entertainment packages, fans can purchase tickets at DetroitGP.com/Tickets or through the event’s Ticket Hotline at 888-811-PRIX (7749).
For more information on the 2025 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, visit DetroitGP.com.
In Related News, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear has announced 15 locally owned and operated businesses were selected for this year’s Small Business Straightaway. Returning in 2025 at a new location on Woodward Avenue near Campus Martius Park, the Small Business Straightaway will showcase a dynamic mix of merchants — from innovative startups to long-standing neighborhood favorites — representing all seven districts in the City of Detroit.
It marks the third consecutive year for the transformational initiative at the Grand Prix that helps boost to the local economy by inviting event attendees to shop, connect and support Detroit-based entrepreneurs and neighborhood businesses.
The full list of companies participating in the third edition of the Small Business Straightaway includes Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce, Pink Poodle Bridal, Peteca Mych, Detroit Hives, Detroitorant, George Gregory, Yubehandmade, 8 Ball Imaging Apparel, Jai’s Lemonade Co., Good Cakes and Bakes, Love Travels Imports, Phil Simpson The Smile Brand, Pawstries, DeMaciiio, and Detroit Forever 313.
