Last Friday, we broke the news that MotorTrend Group’s “Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge” event would return for a fifth year to kick off Woodward Dream Cruise week on the grounds of M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. The event marks the third year in a row, that legal street drag racing will return to iconic Woodward Avenue.
“Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge continues to grow each year since we introduced this event five years ago, so we’re answering enthusiast demand by adding a day of fun so even more people can participate in the celebration of America’s muscle car culture,” said Mark Malmstead – Head of Dodge//SRT Marketing. “It’s also a great opportunity for participants to race in a sanctioned environment on historic Woodward Avenue.”
As we stated before, the event has expanded to two days of activities. Friday night will consist of a lot of family-oriented events including Dodge Drift Thrill Rides in Charger and Challenger SRT HELLCATs, get a chance to see the cars taking part in the racing up close, meeting the drivers, and get a chance to see historic Woodward Avenue get to transform from a street into a drag strip.
On Saturday, the Dodge Drift Thrill Rides will resume, with another Dodge Thrill Ride putting participants in the seats of Charger and Challenger SRT HELLCATs around a section of M1 Concourse’s Champion Motor Speedway road course. Fans will also have a chance to try the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon drag racing simulators, classic and modern muscle cars show, dyno testing, wheelstand and flamethrower exhibitions, family-friendly Kid’s Zone and a ton of great food options.
We had a chance to meet up with NHRA Funny Car driver Matt Hagan yesterday, while he was in Detroit and he confirmed that both NHRA Top Fuel Dragster driver Leah Pritchett and himself will return to Roadkill Nights in their Don Schumacher Racing race cars, putting on an exhibition show for the fans along Woodward Avenue.
Drag racing returns with two classes, Big Tire and Small Tire, competing for a cash purse of $30,000. As part of the overall $40,000 purse, $10,000 will be awarded to United Way. Both drag racing classes will have the same payout structure with $15,000 as the total purse per class:
- Winner – $5,000
- Runner Up – $1,500
- Semi-Finalists – $750 (2 payouts)
- Quarter Finalists – $500 (4 payouts)
- Fastest Dodge-powered vehicle – $5,000
Roadkill Nights will also continue the tradition of putting TV celebrities behind the wheel of Dodge Challengers and battling it out down the Woodward Avenue track. Celebrities include MotorTrend’s hugely popular series “Roadkill” co-hosts David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan, Cristy Lee and Bogi Lateiner of All Girls Garage, Bill Carlton of Texas Metal, Joe Martin, Amanda Martin and Jayson “Shag” Arrington of Iron Resurrection, Dave Kindig and Kevin Schiele of Bitchin’ Rides, and Jared Zimmerman and Lou Santiago of Car Fix.
Chris Jacobs of MotorTrend’s Overhaulin’ will emcee the activities, while Brian Lohnes of the NHRA will emcee the drag races.
“Roadkill Nights truly brings the thrill of finger-clenching, top-speed drag racing to life on Woodward Avenue, which is why we love to bring this event to our Roadkill fans,” Freiburger said. “Going on our fifth year, we’re adding activities on Friday night so there’s more time for everyone — drag racers, families, foodies and anyone who is looking to have a great day or evening filled with unparalleled fun at an iconic location.”
Gates are open for “Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge” on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Drift Thrill Rides will also be available from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Saturday, gates are open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with Dodge Thrill Rides taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and drag racing beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Spectator tickets, Show ‘N Shine participation, and package information, as well as drag racing applications, are available now at hotrod.com/events/roadkillnights.
