M1 Concourse To Host First Ever American Speed Festival

Billed as “a celebration of automotive excellence in an event unlike any other in North America,” the inaugural American Speed Festival will bring more than 200 notable automobiles to M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, September 30-October 3, 2021.

Chief marketing officer of Pontiac Motorsport Exhibition Tim Hartge notes that the 2021 American Speed Festival “is not a static car show. This is an all-encompassing event that will delight all the senses of any car enthusiast.”

As well, each year will have a featured class of car and will also put the spotlight on a legend of the automotive industry. For the first event, that feature class will showcase Can Am race cars from the ‘60s and ‘70s, with Jim Hall honored for his numerous contributions to the auto industry.

As far as the schedule goes, the first day features Dine and Drive, an event that takes a closer look at Detroit’s automotive history, followed that evening by Motor Grille, a kick-off reception that is open to the public.

The following two days will showcase “high-speed on-track activity for past, present and future race and performance vehicles,” using the track’s Speed Ring. Guest appearances, autograph sessions, seminars, and question and answer sessions will also make up the festivities.

Friday evening will include the ASF Garage Reveal, which brings together the "drivers, owners and industry insiders for an evening of fun and bench racing.” Saturday evening will be headlined by the Checkered Flag Ball, an event that supports the nonprofit Checkered Flag Challenge.

The final day of the event is marked by the American Speed Festival Exposition, which not only judges all of the classes of the weekend, but also gives spectators the chance “to get up close to some of the greatest cars in North America and the world.”

For more information about the inaugural American Speed Festival and how to purchase tickets, visit www.americanspeedfestival.com.