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Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio named grand marshal for Quicken Loans 400

Mark Dantonio

Mark Dantonio

AP

The 43-car field for the June 14 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway will start its engines to the command of Mark Dantonio.

Dantonio, the head coach of Michigan State’s football team, has been named the grand marshal of the Quicken Loans 400.

“I’m both thrilled and honored to have been named grand marshal of the Quicken Loans 400,” Dantonio said in a release. “I’m looking forward to witnessing one of the premier events in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It will be very exciting to visit Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR’s fastest track and one of racing’s top venues, and experience the race-day atmosphere. MIS is a valuable asset to the state, both in terms of providing a boost to the state’s economy as well as great media exposure.

“I’m anxious to meet and interact with the drivers as I certainly admire their skills and composure they display throughout the racing season. This opportunity will be a life moment for us that we’ll remember forever.”

MIS is located in Brooklyn, Mich., about 55 miles south of the Michigan State’s campus in East Lansing.

Dantonio has 35 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 11 as a head coach and 13 in East Lansing (served as the Spartan secondary coach from 1995-2000). Dantonio, 59, boasts a 75-31 record (.708) at Michigan State since his arrival in 2007, and already ranks among MSU’s all-time leaders in career wins (second) and winning percentage (fourth).