Jeff Blashill soaks in NASCAR experience

Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill is used to fast-paced action on the ice but spent Sunday watching cars travel more than 200 mph on the race track while serving as grand marshal for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400.

Blashill, who grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, gave the command to "Start your engines," and the race, which took place at Michigan International Speedway.

He also took a ride in the pace car.

"It raised my respect level for the drivers [since they] double the speed we were going and with 40 other cars out there bumping and grinding," Blashill told Mlive.com. "It was incredible to hit that turn and not feel the brakes. I didn't talk to my driver the whole…