On May 31, the streets of downtown Detroit will witness a unique crossover as Kyle Wittingham, the newly appointed head coach of the University of Michigan football program, climbs into the Fastest Seat in Sports for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.
Wittingham arrives after a 21‑year tenure at the University of Utah, where he compiled a 177‑88 record, captured three conference championships and guided the Utes to an undefeated 2008 season, a résumé that placed him among the longest‑tenured and most successful coaches in FBS history.
The Fastest Seat, a custom‑built INDYCAR‑Series car equipped with a rear passenger compartment, has become a rotating stage for celebrity guests; previous riders include Tom Brady, Lady Gaga and other cultural icons, each adding a splash of star power to the grid‑walk before the green flag.
Coverage of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix will begin at 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, with live broadcast on FOX, FOX One and INDYCAR Radio, offering viewers a front‑row view of the ceremony that blends high‑speed racing tradition with moments of public spectacle.
This appearance marks Wittingham’s first high‑profile public role since his official hiring on Dec. 26, 2025, signaling the start of a new era for the Wolverines as they prepare for the 2026 season under his leadership.
Legacy on the Fast Lane
His coaching career includes three national Coach of the Year awards, an 11‑6 postseason record and 11 bowl appearances, among them two Rose Bowls, underscoring a consistency that has defined his 32‑year association with the Utah program.
The partnership with the IndyCar series not only highlights Wittingham’s crossover appeal but also reinforces the event’s reputation as a cultural touchstone where sports, entertainment and motorsport converge, a narrative that resonates with both racing fans and college football followers alike.