Derrick Rose to serve as Grand Marshal, give engine command for NASCAR Chicago Street Race

NASCAR announced on Tuesday that former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Chicago Street Race. Before the start of the race, which is called the Grant Park 165, Rose will give the famous command, “Drivers, Start Your Engines.”

Derrick Rose, who played high school basketball in Chicago, was selected by the Bulls at No. 1 overall in the 2008 NBA Draft. He spent seven seasons in Chicago and was named an All-Star three times and won the MVP award in 2011.

“It’s an honor to be part of such an incredible event in my hometown,” Rose said. “Chicago has always supported me throughout my career, and I’m excited to give back to the fans and be part of this amazing racing weekend in Grant Park.”

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“Chicago is one of the best sports towns in the world, and NASCAR is proud to be a part of that historic Chicago sports culture,” Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President, said. “Derrick is one of the most beloved sports icons in the city’s history, and we look forward to having him get NASCAR’s only street race underway.”

After Rose played seven seasons with the Bulls, he spent time with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies. He announced his retirement in September, the Bulls announced in January that they plan to retire Rose’s No. 1 jersey during the 2025-26 season.

“Derrick is both a hometown hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball,” Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in January, per the Chicago Tribune. “Retiring a jersey recognizes a player’s impact beyond on-court achievements. It honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the organization and forged deep, lasting connections with fans. It recognizes that emotional bond and the great influence a player has had on the team and organization’s identity.“

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is the first-ever street race in the NASCAR Cup Series. It began in 2023, and Shane van Gisbergen won he inaugural race. Last year, Alex Bowman took home the checkered flag at Grant Park.