BROOKLYN, Mich. (May 31, 2019) — Detroit Red Wings legend and four-time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 on June 9.
“It is an honor and a pleasure to have this opportunity,” McCarty said. “It really is a bucket list item as I’ve been a NASCAR fan since being retired. Also, I have never had any intention of going racecar fast. Pace car is my speed and I’m stoked.”
The Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada native was originally a second-round pick in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft with the Red Wings. McCarty played in 758 games in his 15-year NFL career. He scored 127 goals and added 161 assists for 288 total points.
“We are excited to have Darren McCarty drive the pace car to lead the field to the green flag for the FireKeepers Casino 400,” MIS President Rick Brenner said. “Darren was a fan favorite from the start of his playing days with the Red Wings and continues to be a sports legend in the State of Michigan.”
McCarty spent 13 seasons with the Red Wings where he lifted the Stanley Cup after the 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008 seasons. McCarty scored 120 goals and added 155 assists for 275 points for the Red Wings. He partnered with Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby to form the Grind Line for Detroit as they often faced the opponent’s top line.
It has never been easier to purchase tickets and reserve a campsite at Michigan International Speedway in 2019. Fans can visit www.mispeedway.com or call 888-905-7223 to get the best deals. Grandstand tickets start at $39 and week-long camping starts at $160.
Michigan International Speedway will continue to be a premier racing facility in 2019 when it hosts a pair of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races. NASCAR’s most entertaining track will host the Monster Energy Series on June 9 and Aug. 11.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 is on June 9. The series will return on Aug. 11 for the Consumers Energy 400.
The XFINITY Series LTi Printing 250 is June 8, while the Gander Outdoors Truck Series Corrigan Oil 200 is scheduled for Aug. 10.
Any guest who purchases a 12 and under ticket will automatically receive a free kids Pit and Driver Introduction Pass courtesy of Henry Ford Health System. Kids can experience pit road on Sunday morning, sign the start/finish line and view the cars and teams up close on race day. Kids will also have access to pre-race ceremonies, including driver introductions.
NASCAR’s Most Entertaining Track continues to add entertainment to the campgrounds, fan plaza, pre-race and stage breaks to make the race week a cannot miss event. The nonstop entertainment at Michigan International Speedway during the FireKeepers Casino 400 race week provides something for every guest. The track continues to add value for the guests who camp and those who come just for the races. A speed painter will even be in victory lane after the FireKeepers Casino 400 to capture the race winning celebration.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is NASCAR’s Most Entertaining Track. It has been the love of NASCAR racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike for 50 years.
