Father-Daughter Duo Powers Detroit Grand Prix for 18 Years

Patrick Grace has spent 16 years hauling 50-pound trophies, coordinating national anthems, and staging champagne celebrations at the Detroit Grand Prix, and now his daughter Colleen has joined the family tradition.

Together, the father-daughter duo manages every detail of the pre- and post-race ceremonies at one of Detroit's biggest annual events. They're part of a team of over 1,000 volunteers who make the three-day race possible for more than 150,000 fans each year.

"We get the big flags in the right place. We get the people who sing the national anthem. We get the trophies ready. We get the champagne ready," Patrick said. Colleen's take is simpler: "All the fun stuff."

The work isn't easy. Each race requires 16 trophies, and each one weighs about 50 pounds. But for Patrick, the physical toll is worth it to showcase his city.

Growing up, Colleen heard her father rave about the Grand Prix every year. "My sister and I would go OK, yeah, sure dad," she said. After serving in the Navy for seven and a half years, she returned to Michigan and finally understood the appeal.

The reunion has been meaningful for both. Patrick didn't see his daughter from ages 18 to 25 while she served. Now they spend Grand Prix weekend side by side, and Colleen has discovered something surprising: "Turns out, he's cool."

Sunny's Take

The military experience has shifted their dynamic in unexpected ways. When Colleen noticed her 62-year-old father's sunburned nose after a long race day, she took charge. "Dad, I'm the captain," she told him, already planning her sunscreen enforcement strategy for next year.

Neither has actually sat down to watch a race as a spectator after all these years. But Patrick doesn't mind missing the view from the stands. "I get to see so many things that other people don't see," he said.

For Colleen, the weekend is about more than racing. "This is our heritage. The tire marks, the sound, this is the best," she said.

Patrick's motivation is simple and heartfelt. "I just like to be part of showing off what a wonderful thing. I want to put on the best event possible. I want people to say Detroit was cool," he said. His legs and back might hurt the next day, but he plans to volunteer every year he can.

Both Graces will return when the Detroit Grand Prix comes back next Memorial Day weekend, ready to make sure every winner's moment shines.