Two of Detroit's most popular sports personalities will be at the Quicken Loans 400 at the Michigan International Speedway next weekend, as Lions center Dominic Raiola and Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard will both be honored and given an important responsibility on race day.
↵Raiola, a captain and 12-year veteran with the Lions, will serve as the race's honorary starter and will wave the green flag, while Howard will announce over the loudspeaker for racers to start their engines in his role as the event's official grand marshal. Set for Father's Day, a speed freak like Howard couldn't think of a better way to spend the afternoon. "I’m a NASCAR fan, so I’m thrilled to share Father’s Day with my dad at the Quicken Loans 400," the 28-year-old goaltender said.
↵Winner of 35 games for the third consecutive season, Howard's impressive 2.12 goals against average this past year serves as clear evidence that he has definitely taken the next step in his development. And with a handful of new faces expected to land on Detroit's roster in the near future, public appearances like this should further enforce Howard's status as one of the state's marquee athletes.