Earlier today while some U of M football fans (like myself) were in misery watching their team lose to Appalachian State, other Detroit sports fans attended the Belle Isle Grand Prix. Among the events held on Belle Isle is the Detroit Sports Car Challenge, which fields 27 sports cars. Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom had the opportunity to drive the pace car as well as "lead a parade lap."

The red, white and blue Corvette Z06 pace car that Lidstrom will pilot is Chevrolet’s flagship performance car. The Z06 has a top speed of 198 mph and will go from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. ...

"I'm really excited about driving the pace car," Lidstrom said. "I've never done anything like this before so I'm really looking forward to it. I actually haven't driven the Z06 before but I am a fan of sports cars and I've heard a lot of great things about this particular Corvette so I know it will be a lot of fun."

It's nice to see Lidstrom get a chance to partake in a fun event like that, he definitely deserves every fun and unique opportunity that comes his way.

"In looking for a pace car driver for this event, we wanted somebody who really represents the city of Detroit," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Nick Lidstrom, a local hockey hero, fit the bill perfectly, especially with his love of cars. We're proud to have him behind the wheel of a Corvette Z06, Chevy's flagship performance car, pacing an event that we're so gladly welcoming back to the city."

Can you tell that Wings hockey news is a bit slow when I'm talking about Lidstrom driving a pace car?