PONTIAC – M1 Concourse CEO Tim McGrane announced that Comerica Bank will be a new Presenting Partner for its two signature events, Woodward Dream Show and American Speed Festival, and he detailed new events and enhanced features at M1 Concourse for the 2022 season.
“For generations, car enthusiasts and owners have contributed to the history of the Motor City,” said Mike Ritchie, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President. “This passion and love for the automobile has created some of this region’s outstanding events that bring people together. By partnering with M1 Concourse, our goal is to help continue providing these distinctive and exceptional experiences and build upon this region’s legacy.”
Woodward Dream Show and American Speed Festival return for their second year and feature several enhancements, including lower ticket prices, on-track experiences, food trucks and more family-focused activities.
M1 CEO Tim McGrane stated, “We welcome Comerica as our first Presenting Partner and thank them for their leadership as they share our vision to create unparalleled guest experiences at M1.”
Woodward Dream Show (August 19)
WDS is now a one-day event on Friday, August 19 so community members can enjoy the Woodward Dream Cruise the following day. Celebrating 90 years of the 1932 Ford, 100 years of Lincoln, and 55 years of the Pontiac Firebird, the event features hundreds of unique vehicles as well as remote control off-road cars, Food Truck Alley, and live entertainment.
New this year is the “Insiders Garage” on Friday evening. The panel discussion emceed by WCSX’s Jim O’Brien features industry leaders discussing cruising and customization. Panelists include Adam Genei of Mobsteel, Kevin Byrd of Two Guys Garage, and Murray Pfaff of Pfaff Designs and others. On Saturday, to celebrate Woodward Dream Cruise, M1 will host a parade of 200 vehicles through Pontiac and on Woodward. Vehicles will be selected from 20 invited car clubs and all community members can enjoy the parade.
Tickets for Woodward Dream Show are $50 for adults, $25 for those 13-17 and free for those under 12. They are available at www.m1concourse.com.
American Speed Festival (September 29- Oct 2)
The American Speed Festival celebrates 60 years of Shelby American and 75 years of Ferrari. On Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, two days of On Track racing and demonstrations returns along with the opportunity for patrons to get a ride on track with a professional driver. The weekend also features remote control off-road cars, premium food, a Life-style Pavilion, and live entertainment. New this year is a Speed and Style Expo Car Show and Art Exhibit on Sunday, October 2 with race cars, performance cars, muscle cars, classics, and exotics that represent and define Performance and Speed.
Tickets for American Speed Festival are $75 for Adults, $50 for those 13-17 and free for those under 12. Special Events include a Dine & Drive Tour and Motor Grille on Thursday, September 29 and limited tickets are priced separately. They are available at www.m1concourse.com
McGrane also introduced the American Speed Festival’s Master of Motorsports recipient Peter Brock who shared remarks by video. Brock, who was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in March, will attend American Speed Festival, and receive the Master of Motorsports at the Checkered Flag Ball on Saturday October 1.
The Checkered Flag Ball is produced by the Checkered Flag Challenge, M1’ s philanthropic arm. Proceeds from the Ball go to M1 Mobility, which provides transportation solutions so residents can access community resources in Pontiac. The new initiative debuted last year and was able to serve the community despite the challenges presented by COVID as outlined by Dustin McClellan of the Pontiac Community Foundation.
Original artwork for this year’s Ball, created by Nico Roussele, was unveiled and will be part of the live auction at the Ball. Tickets for the Ball will be on sale later in May.
Cycle Races Coming to M1
McGrane also announced the Inaugural M1 Cycle Classic on Sunday, July 17 taking place at M1 Concourse. In partnership with the Michigan Bike Racing Association, the new event will feature a full day of on-track cycling events across 10 classes. On Saturday, July 16, the Detroit Athletic Club Foundation host their Detroit Cycling Championship event. Both M1 and the DAC will collaborate on promoting a full weekend of cycling events in Metro Detroit.
Successful Cars and Coffee Events Return
Additional events at M1 during the season of “All Things Automotive” include Cars and Coffee, held on the first Saturday mornings of the month (April – October). This year, there’s a speaker series called “Off The Grid” and features industry leaders, legendary racers and more. More details are available for both free events online.
