Celebrating Detroit’s rich musical legacy, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear announced May 23 that Motown legend Smokey Robinson will serve as the event’s grand marshal Sunday, June 2.
Robinson will return to the Motor City at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, where he will be a special guest of Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) and SiriusXM – home to his original headlining radio channel – on the final day of an event-filled weekend. As Sunday’s grand marshal, Robinson will participate in pre-race ceremonies as the event pays tribute to his impact and his iconic career before the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES take to the street circuit in downtown Detroit.
As the embodiment of music royalty, Robinson stands as a living testament to the global resonance of the Motown sound. Known as "The King of Motown," Robinson was essential to the success of Berry Gordy's Motown Records, located in the heart of Detroit. As lead singer of The Miracles, Robinson recorded Motown's first million-selling hit in 1960 with "Shop Around." His songwriting and producing talents helped springboard other Motown artists like The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. Robinson’s career continued to evolve as a solo artist with chart-topping hits including "Just to See Her" and "Cruisin.'"
During the Detroit Grand Prix weekend, MSR’s No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda, driven by Felix Rosenqvist in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, will transform its colors to add a splash of purple and yellow to feature Smokey’s Soul Town SiriusXM Channel 74.
Robinson has earned numerous awards throughout his career, including a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1988, induction into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 1989, the Grammy Legend Award in 1990, the Heritage Award at the 1991 Soul Train Music Awards, a National Medal of Arts in 2002 and a BET Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. In 2009, the Miracles also received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2012, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Robinson and SiriusXM joined forces last fall to launch Smokey’s Soul Town, a year-round channel curated by Robinson. Airing on SiriusXM’s Channel 74 and on the SiriusXM app, Smokey’s Soul Town features timeless soul, R&B, and Motown hits from the '60s and '70s showcasing legendary artists like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Jackie Wilson and The Temptations. The channel made its debut in November, offering exclusive commentary and insights from Robinson.
With new viewing options and entertainment packages, fans can purchase tickets for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear at www.DetroitGP.com/Tickets or through the event’s Ticket Hotline at 866-464-PRIX (7749).