Detroit Lions President & CEO Rod Wood named Grand Marshal at the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix
Detroit has always been a city of motion, where the roar of engines echoes the pulse of its people. From the days when Henry Ford rolled out the Model T to the present, where both four-wheeled and two-legged horsepower compete for headlines, Detroit remains America’s motor heart. In 2025, that engine roared a little louder when the Detroit Grand Prix announced a fitting and symbolic choice for its Grand Marshal: Rod Wood, President and CEO of the Detroit Lions. In a city where tradition and reinvention go hand in hand, the announcement struck a powerful chord. It wasn’t just a ceremonial title. It was a statement about Detroit’s future.
Rod Wood, whose stewardship of the Detroit Lions since 2015 has been marked by a combination of deep organizational restructuring and public-facing leadership, now steps into a new spotlight, albeit briefly, at the Detroit Grand Prix. His role as Grand Marshal places him in the midst of one of the city’s signature annual sporting events, one that blends high-octane racing with civic pride. It’s a role that suits him, not because of a deep background in motorsport, but because he symbolizes the direction Detroit is heading—forward, fast, and with determination.
The announcement made waves across both the sports and automotive communities in Detroit, a city where those lines are often blurred. Wood, a lifelong Michigander and longtime business executive before stepping into the sports world, represents a rare breed of professional: someone who understands both the legacy of Detroit and its potential. Since taking over the Lions’ front office, he has overseen everything from stadium renovations to the hiring of a transformative coaching staff, including head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. Those moves have catalyzed a dramatic cultural shift within the organization, turning the Lions from perennial underdogs into legitimate contenders. And in many ways, the Lions’ resurgence mirrors that of the city’s own—gritty, resilient, and rooted in community.
That community spirit is central to the Detroit Grand Prix, which returned to its original downtown street circuit in 2023 after years of being held on Belle Isle. The shift brought racing back to the city’s core, both literally and symbolically, reintegrating the event into Detroit’s urban fabric. Choosing Rod Wood as Grand Marshal underscores the synergy between the city’s revitalization, its sports franchises, and its signature events. The Grand Prix isn’t just about racing; it’s about Detroit showing itself to the world. It’s about civic pride, shared victories, and the roar of progress.
For Wood, the honor is more than ceremonial. It’s a reflection of the Lions’ increased visibility and relevance in Detroit’s civic life. Under his leadership, the team has embraced a deeper connection with the community, investing in charitable initiatives, youth programs, and local business partnerships. Ford Field has been transformed from just a game-day venue to a year-round hub of engagement and excitement. And while football and racing may seem like distant cousins, they are united by common themes: teamwork, speed, and the pursuit of excellence.
Rod Wood’s background is deeply rooted in Michigan. Before joining the Lions, he spent more than two decades with Ford Motor Company and Ford family-connected interests, including serving as President and CEO of Ford Estates. That connection, both familial and professional, brings an added layer of resonance to his role at the Grand Prix. The Ford name is synonymous with both Detroit and motorsports, having a storied history in racing that spans from Le Mans to NASCAR. Wood’s presence at the Grand Prix, then, feels like a full-circle moment—connecting the legacy of Detroit’s automotive might with its evolving sports culture.
There’s also an interesting personal arc to consider. When Rod Wood was named President of the Lions in 2015, many questioned the move, citing his lack of direct experience in football operations. Yet over the years, he has proven to be a stabilizing force, focused on modernizing the franchise while respecting its past. In a similar way, the Detroit Grand Prix has undergone a renaissance of its own—returning to its downtown roots, embracing new technologies, and expanding its community engagement efforts. Wood’s appointment as Grand Marshal isn’t just a tip of the cap to his accomplishments with the Lions—it’s an acknowledgment of his broader impact on the city.
As Grand Marshal, Wood will serve as the official ambassador of the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix. That includes participating in the opening ceremonies, delivering the famous “start your engines” command, and representing the event in various public and media appearances. It’s a role that requires more than just enthusiasm; it demands presence, poise, and a connection to the audience. Wood, who has navigated the highs and lows of managing one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, brings all those qualities in abundance.
What makes this year’s Grand Prix even more significant is the momentum surrounding Detroit sports in general. The Lions are coming off one of their most successful seasons in decades, and for the first time in a generation, there is real optimism about the team’s future. That energy is contagious, and it extends beyond the confines of Ford Field. When the Lions do well, the city feels it. Small businesses thrive, local media buzzes, and fans walk a little taller. The same is true for major events like the Grand Prix. A strong turnout and a successful weekend of racing can reverberate across sectors—from tourism to hospitality to civic pride.
The decision to name Rod Wood as Grand Marshal was made by the event’s organizers, who cited his leadership, vision, and contributions to the city as key factors. It was a unanimous choice, reflecting not just his resume but the respect he commands in Detroit. Wood, for his part, expressed gratitude and humility in accepting the role, calling it a “tremendous honor” and emphasizing the shared mission of building a stronger Detroit. That mission, he noted, extends beyond football fields and racetracks—it’s about empowering people, uplifting neighborhoods, and celebrating what makes the city unique.
The 2025 Detroit Grand Prix is expected to be one of the biggest in recent memory, with a record number of entries in both the INDYCAR and IMSA series, as well as expanded entertainment and community programming. The event has grown steadily since returning downtown, and this year’s edition promises to deliver even more excitement. From the high-speed thrills of the circuit to the live music, food trucks, and family activities, it’s more than just a race—it’s a festival of Detroit.
And that’s what makes Rod Wood such an ideal figurehead for the event. He’s not a racecar driver or a motorsport executive. He’s something arguably more important: a steward of Detroit’s next chapter. In a city that continues to reinvent itself through perseverance, collaboration, and a refusal to be defined by the past, Wood embodies the spirit of progress. His journey from corporate executive to NFL team president, and now to Grand Marshal, is uniquely Detroit. It’s about taking risks, defying expectations, and leading with purpose.
There’s also a broader message in all this—about the convergence of sports, business, and civic life in modern urban centers. Detroit is a case study in how these spheres overlap. Events like the Grand Prix aren’t just about competition; they’re about storytelling. They’re about showing the world what Detroit is capable of. And by placing figures like Rod Wood at the center of those stories, the city sends a powerful message: that leadership matters, that collaboration works, and that the future is bright.
As the engines rev and the city comes alive for another year of racing, Rod Wood will stand at the start line, microphone in hand, ready to ignite the action. But even after the checkered flag falls, his presence will linger. It’s not just about that one moment. It’s about what it represents—the intersection of legacy and leadership, of motors and momentum. In honoring Rod Wood, the Detroit Grand Prix honors the spirit of a city that never stops moving.
So when the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix begins and the crowd gathers beneath the city skyline, it won’t just be a celebration of speed. It will be a celebration of people like Rod Wood—individuals who believe in Detroit, invest in its potential, and help steer it forward. In that sense, naming him Grand Marshal isn’t just appropriate. It’s perfect.
