Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck named grand marshal for NASCAR race in Michigan

One of the top goaltenders in the world is going to be part of one of the biggest sporting events in his home state.

It was announced on Tuesday that Winnipeg Jets goaltender and Team USA star Connor Hellebuyck is going to be the grand marshal for the NASCAR Cup Series’ FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.

Hellebuyck, a native of Commerce, Mich., will be in attendance in the Irish Hills to give the command prior to one of NASCAR’s most entertaining races, as the best stock car drivers in the world tackle speeds of over 200mph.

The choice to have Hellebuyck be part of one of the Mitten’s premier spectacles comes as no surprise, given how much he has been in the international spotlight over the past several months. After winning the Hart and Vezina Trophies during the 2024-25 season, helping the Jets win the Presidents’ Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best team during the regular season, for the first time, the 33-year-old brought glory to his country at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Hellebuyck backstopped a strong United States team to the gold medal in Milan, marking the men’s national team’s first Olympic championship since the Miracle on Ice 46 years prior. He went a perfect 5-0 in the tournament and was named the event’s best goaltender after posting a 1.18 goals-against average and .956 save percentage. In the final against Canada, Hellebuyck stopped 41 of the 42 shots he faced before Jack Hughes’ overtime goal secured the victory.

Two days after the win, Hellebuyck was presented with the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom for his performance during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

The FireKeepers Casino 400 at MIS is scheduled to start a little after 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.