Ndamukong Suh Named Grand Marshal of Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will serve as the event’s Grand Marshall throughout race weekend. As part of his official duties, Suh will give the famous racing command, “Drivers, start your engines" before the green flag waves to start the IZOD IndyCar Series race – the Chevrolet Indy Grand Prix presented by shopautoweek.com – on Sunday, June 3. Suh, a devoted race fan, will also get the opportunity to ride in an official Chevrolet pace car – a Camaro SS convertible.
“It’s an honor to be named Grand Marshal of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix," said Suh. “This is such a positive event for Detroit and I love racing so this is really going to be a special weekend. I can’t wait."
At 6’4" and 307 pounds, Suh is one of the most dominant players on the football field. The Detroit Lions selected Suh in the first round of the 2010 National Football League (NFL) Draft and he emerged as a standout in his first season as he won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Since the beginning of 2010, Suh has recorded 13 sacks, the second-most by a defensive tackle in the NFL.
Suh has also made a positive impact in the community, mainly through his charity, the Ndamukong Suh Family Foundation. Suh was named the most charitable athlete by The Giving Back Fund in 2011, for his $2.6 million donation to the Nebraska University athletic and engineering departments. Giving back to the Detroit community as well, Suh’s foundation has donated toys to the Detroit Medical Center, hosted local football camps and offered scholarships and spent time mentoring high school students.
“In addition to being one of the most popular athletes in Detroit, Ndamukong Suh has established himself as a community leader," said Bud Denker, Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. “He will be a great representative for our event and we are proud to have him as the Grand Marshal of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix."