American Speed Festival brings rare race cars to Pontiac

Race car fans, get ready for a full lineup in metro Detroit this fall.

The fourth annual American Speed Festival will take place in Pontiac in early October. The four-day event features classic race cars from all eras, activities, entertainment, food trucks and an awards show, according to a press release.

Here’s a look at what you need to know ahead of the festival.

When does it happen?

The American Speed Festival will take place October 3-6. Events will begin at 10 a.m. on October 3, with show times from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 4 and 5 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 6.

Where is the party?

The festival will take place at the M1 Concourse, an automotive venue in Pontiac.

How much are the tickets ?

October 3: Drive & Dine Tour. Tickets are $150 and Motor Grille tickets are $150.

October 4 and 5: General admission tickets for ages 18 and older are $50. Children ages 7-17 are $20 and children ages 6 and under get in free. Club M1 VIP tickets cost $150. There will also be Garage Reveal tickets for October 4 for $175.

Oct. 6: Tickets will be $35 for general admission for ages 18 and older, $20 for children ages 7 to 17, and children under 6 will enter free. Club M1 VIP tickets cost $150.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online. All tickets are $5, except VIP Club M1 tickets, which are $10.

Event Highlights

Rare racing cars: The festival will offer the opportunity to discover several varieties of racing cars, from vintage cars to modern cars. This includes the 2012 Ferrari Challenge, the 1952 Fabulous Hudson Hornet and the 1993 Mellow Yellow 500.
Drive & Dine Tour: This October 3 tour will include a tour of a private car and motorcycle collection, a live cooking demonstration, a cigar rolling demonstration, a craft beer presentation and an M1 Club dinner reception Motor Grille.
Garage Reveal: The docent-led evening tour on October 4 offers a view of a private collection of rare vehicles and architectural designs, previewed with dinner and cocktails.
Checkered Flag Ball: This fundraising event will include an annual Checkered Flag Ball on October 5 in support of the Pontiac Community Foundation. The 2024 Master of Motorsports award will also be awarded on October 5.
Speed & Style Show: The festival will conclude with this October 6 event, featuring the Speed & Style Show of the finest cars from each era. The festival will also end with a prize giving ceremony for the races.

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Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].