Olympic Gold Medalist Named Grand Marshal for NASCAR Michigan Race

The FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway will include a hometown touch as Connor Hellebuyck, a Michigan-born Olympic gold medalist, is named grand marshal for NASCAR's Cup Series weekend. Hellebuyck, a Commerce Township native, will give the start command for the engines on Sunday at the two-mile oval. Michigan International Speedway’s announcement notes the 33-year-old goaltender’s decorated résumé, including four NHL All-Star selections, three Vezina Trophies, and the 2025 Hart Trophy, along with Olympic gold in 2026. The weekend begins Friday with the ARCA Henry Ford Health 200, continues Saturday with the DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics, and culminates Sunday with the FireKeepers Casino 400. Speedway President Joe Fowler praised Hellebuyck’s championship pedigree and local roots, underscoring the event’s celebratory, hometown connection at one of NASCAR’s fastest tracks.