Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield Named Sunday Grand Marshal

Trailblazing Leader in the Motor City to be Honored and Featured on May 31 at the Grand Prix

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear has announced that Mary Sheffield, the 76th Mayor of Detroit, will serve as Grand Marshal at the Grand Prix on Sunday, May 31. Sheffield, who made history as the first woman elected as Detroit's mayor, will be featured in several activities as Grand Prix Grand Marshal, including waving the green flag prior to the start of the annual NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the Streets of Downtown Detroit.

Why it matters

The Grand Prix is a cornerstone of Detroit's summer season, delivering world-class motorsports, live entertainment and family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown. Sheffield's selection as Grand Marshal highlights her trailblazing leadership and the city's pride in hosting this major annual event.

The details

As a lifelong Detroiter and trailblazing public servant, Sheffield brings more than a decade of leadership experience to the role of Grand Marshal. She served on the Detroit City Council from 2013 to 2025, during which she was elected council president in 2022, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the position. Her election as mayor marked a historic milestone as the first woman to lead Detroit in its more than 300-year history.

  • The 36th Grand Prix event in the City's history will return to the 1.7-mile, nine-turn Streets of Downtown Detroit circuit that runs along the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk, May 29-31, 2026.
  • Sheffield will serve as Grand Marshal at the Grand Prix on Sunday, May 31.

The players

Mary Sheffield

The 76th Mayor of Detroit, who made history as the first woman elected as Detroit's mayor.

Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear

An annual motorsports event held in Detroit, Michigan that features the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and INDY NXT by Firestone.

Michael Montri

The President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear.

Detroit Economic Growth Corp. (DEGC)

A non-profit organization that works to drive economic growth and job creation in Detroit.

Rocket Community Fund

A philanthropic organization that partners with the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. to support small businesses in Detroit.

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What they’re saying

“There is so much excitement and energy across the City of Detroit, and we are proud that the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear highlights the passion, pride and power of our community. We are honored to welcome Mayor Mary Sheffield – whose leadership reflects the spirit of Detroit – to help us celebrate what will be an incredible final day of the 2026 Grand Prix on Sunday, May 31.”

— Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear (tracksideonline.com)

“It is truly an honor to be named the Grand Marshal for the 2026 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. This is such an important event for Detroit that shows our city at its best across the country. Now that it is back downtown where it belongs, the race is accessible to all fans, and it brings tens of thousands of visitors onto the streets of the city to enjoy and support our great small businesses.”

— Mary Sheffield, Mayor of Detroit (tracksideonline.com)

What’s next

The 36th Grand Prix event in the City's history will return to the 1.7-mile, nine-turn Streets of Downtown Detroit circuit that runs along the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk, May 29-31, 2026.

The takeaway

Mayor Mary Sheffield's selection as Grand Marshal for the 2026 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear highlights her trailblazing leadership and the city's pride in hosting this major annual event, which brings world-class motorsports, entertainment, and economic opportunities to the Motor City.