Brooklyn, Mich. (WKHM) — Michigan International Speedway announced on Wednesday that Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph has been named the grand marshal for the FireKeepers Casino 400. The defensive star will give the command to start engines during pre-race ceremonies on June 8.
“It’s an honor to have Kerby serve as our grand marshal, especially with all the Detroit Lions fans that will be attending the FireKeepers Casino 400,” said Joe Fowler, Michigan International Speedway President. “It’s no secret that the Lions are coming off their best season in franchise history and we know that Kerby is going to replicate that pride and energy when giving the command to start engines here in just a couple weeks at MIS.”
The Detroit Lions signed Joseph to a four-year, $5.04 million dollar contract in 2022. Joseph became an integral piece of the Lions revamped defense immediately. He earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award after a matchup with the Green Bay Packers where he recorded 10 combined tackles (five solo) and two interceptions in a 15-9 win, becoming the first player in NFL History to intercept Aaron Rodgers three times in a single season.
Joseph finished with nine interceptions in 2024, making him the NFL interceptions leader that season. He also started all 17 games for the first time in his career, finishing with 83 combined tackles (58 solo), 12 pass deflections, and a touchdown to go along with being named First-Team All-Pro. Joseph recently signed a four-year, $86 million dollar contract extension, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
“Detroit sports fans bring unmatched energy to everything they do, and I know it’s about to be ZUPER!! crazy at Michigan International Speedway for real,” said Joseph. “Going from picking off quarterbacks to giving the command to start engines is definitely a change of pace but man, I’m bringing that same intensity to race day! It’s a blessing to represent the Lions and connect with our amazing fans in a different environment. One Pride everywhere we go!”
The June race weekend at Michigan International Speedway begins with the ARCA Menards Series Henry Ford Health 200 on Friday, June 6, followed by the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics on Saturday, June 7. The NASCAR Cup Series will cap off the weekend’s action with the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, June 8.
Tickets are available for purchase via phone at 888-905-7223 or online at mispeedway.com.