It’s only natural a true “Michigan Man” will serve as the Grand Marshal at Michigan International Speedway, a venue widely known for celebrating its state’s heritage.
Lloyd Carr, the former University of Michigan football coach and recent College Football Hall of Fame inductee, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Father’s Day Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race Sunday.
“It will be great to host Lloyd Carr and his family at Michigan International Speedway and show him what all the excitement around NASCAR is about,” MIS track President Roger Curtis said. “Carr is a household name in Michigan and there are a lot of NCAA football fans in the NASCAR garage that I’m sure will be excited to meet him.”
In his 13 years (1995-2007) as head coach of Michigan football, Carr compiled a 122-40 record leading the Wolverines to five Big Ten championships, won the 1997 National Championship with a perfect 12-0 record, and finished the season in the top 25 in 12-of-13 years. In games against top ten-ranked opponents, Carr was 19–8.
Carr will be part of a University of Michigan team attending Sunday’s race to promote Wolverines for Life, an effort to encourage life-saving blood, organ and tissue donations. Wolverines for Life is a collaboration between the U-M Health System and other groups, along with the American Red Cross, Be the Match/National Marrow Donor Program, Gift of Life Michigan and the Michigan Eye-Bank.
“I am a Wolverine for Life, and that goes well beyond the athletic field. Through Wolverines for Life we hope to wipe out the deaths that occur because people are waiting for life-saving organs, blood or tissue. Every day, 19 people die while waiting for a transplant. That’s a score we can’t live with,” Carr said.
In addition to his on-field accomplishment’s Carr, has been very active off the field too. Carr has been extremely instrumental over the years in raising his players’ awareness to the C.S.
Mott Children’s Hospital, as well as funding for the new hospital. Because of his devotion, the pediatric cancer center at the hospital will be named the “Coach Carr Pediatric Cancer Unit” when the floor opens later this year.
Also, an avid supporter of women’s athletics, Carr endowed a scholarship dedicated to a woman student-athlete. He initiated the Women’s Football Academy, whose proceeds benefit the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
It should also be noted Carr is often praised for his high ethical standards, evident in his avoidance of any substantive NCAA violations during his tenure. His integrity is considered one of his defining characteristics, and a major part of his legacy. Carr has served on the NCAA Rules Committee and is a member of the American Football Coaches Association Board of Trustees.
MIS PR
