M1 Concourse sits on 87 acres with a long history in cars1. It’s in Pontiac, Michigan, at the corner of Woodward Avenue and South Boulevard. The site was first used by Rapid Motor Company in 19051.
Over the years, it housed General Motors Truck Co. facilities. These were closed in 20081.
In 2014, M1 Concourse bought the land. It was ready for new use, thanks to the EPA, Michigan, and Pontiac1. Its location near I-75 and M-59 makes it a key spot for car lovers1.
Key Takeaways
- M1 Concourse is situated on an 87-acre property in Pontiac, Michigan, with a history dating back over 100 years in the automotive industry.
- The site was initially developed into a factory by the Rapid Motor Company in 1905 and later owned by General Motors Truck Co.
- M1 Concourse acquired the property in 2014 after it was deemed fit for development, leveraging its strategic location near major highways.
- The venue has become a hub for car enthusiasts, hosting a variety of events and offering memberships, track experiences, and opportunities for businesses.
- M1 Concourse is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Pontiac’s rich automotive legacy.
The Iconic Automotive History of M1 Concourse
The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, has a rich history since the early 1900s. It was first used in 1905 by the Rapid Motor Company for making municipal vehicles2. In 1908, it became part of General Motors Truck Co., housing various plants and quality facilities for years2.
From Manufacturing to Car Culture Hub
In 2014, M1 Concourse bought the land, linking it back to its automotive roots. Now, it’s a center for car culture, hosting classic car shows3 and vintage car exhibitions3. It celebrates Pontiac’s automotive history2.
Preserving Pontiac’s Automotive Legacy
The M1 Concourse spans 87 acres, with motorsports garages and a performance car service center2. It also has a fueling station and a 28,500-square-foot event center2. Located on Woodward Avenue, it’s close to Detroit’s airport, attracting car lovers from everywhere2.
The M1 Concourse is a key spot for keeping Pontiac’s automotive history alive. It hosts events like classic car shows and racing, honoring Pontiac’s role in car manufacturing and innovation4. It’s committed to showcasing Pontiac’s automotive heritage4.
History and Events At The M1 Concourse
Since 2014, the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, has been a favorite spot for car lovers. It hosts many exciting events and festivals all year5. The site’s calendar is full of great events like the Woodward Dream Show and the American Speed Festival. These events celebrate the rich car history and culture of the M1 Concourse.
The American Speed Festival is a big deal at the M1 Concourse5. It happens from Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, October 6, 2024. Racing legends like Richard Petty will be there. Petty has won 200 races and seven championships5.
At the festival, you can see race cars from different times on the 1.5-mile M1 Concourse Speed Ring5. There are Dine & Drive tours, Garage Reveals, and special appearances. You can also watch timed races and a Checkered Flag Ball5.
The American Speed Festival is a big event for car fans5. It features a wide range of cars, from old Indy racers to modern supercars5. The festival has daily events from morning to evening. You can watch track-driving demos, timed laps, and competitions in different car classes5.
The event also has the Checkered Flag Ball, Garage Reveals, and a Family Fun Zone5. It’s a celebration of car culture and motorsports5.
The M1 Concourse’s event calendar shows its dedication to the region’s car history5. Events like the Woodward Dream Show and the American Speed Festival attract car enthusiasts. They offer unforgettable experiences that honor the automotive history and future in Pontiac, Michigan5.
Festivals and Shows at M1 Concourse
The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, is a top spot for car lovers. It hosts many exciting festivals and shows all year. The Woodward Dream Show and the American Speed Festival are two big events. They show off the area’s rich car history and lively car culture.
Woodward Dream Show
The Woodward Dream Show is a big deal for car fans. It honors Woodward Avenue, a famous car spot. The show features classic, vintage, and modern cars, giving visitors a deep dive into the area’s car history6.
American Speed Festival
The American Speed Festival at M1 Concourse is a big event. It showcases cars from the past, present, and future. Over 100 cars are on display, including rare and historic ones like Jim Hall’s Chaparral race cars6.
There are panel discussions with famous auto experts like David Hobbs and Mike Lashmett6. The festival highlights include a wide range of cars, from vintage Indy cars to modern supercars5. Legendary drivers like Richard Petty also attend5.
The festival has lots of activities. There are Dine & Drive Tours, Garage Reveals, and Speed Ring Competition. You can also see fast cars on the track, including vintage Indy and supercar demos5.
The M1 Concourse’s events draw car fans from everywhere. They offer a mix of car history, new tech, and fun experiences. Whether it’s the Woodward Dream Show or the American Speed Festival, the M1 Concourse is a must-see for car lovers.
Celebrating Car Culture and Motorsports
The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, is more than just a place for festivals and shows. It also hosts events that celebrate car culture and motorsports. These events give fans a chance to meet, share their love for cars, and dive into the world of automotive excellence.
Cars and Coffee Gatherings
Every month, the M1 Concourse hosts Cars and Coffee events. Visitors can show off their cars and enjoy coffee with other car lovers. These events build a community, letting car enthusiasts admire each other’s cars, share stories, and make new friends in Pontiac’s car culture.7
Racing Viewing Parties
The M1 Concourse also has racing viewing parties. These events let fans watch exciting motorsports competitions together. From the sound of engines to the excitement of racing, these parties are a chance for car fans to cheer on their favorite drivers and enjoy the action.8
With its festivals, shows, and these events, the M1 Concourse is a key spot for car culture and motorsports fans. It offers a wide range of experiences for everyone in the automotive community.
The M1 Concourse Event Center
The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, is a top-notch Event Center. It can host events big and small, from intimate parties to large gatherings9. The center has indoor, open-air, and outdoor spaces for all kinds of events10.
It’s perfect for corporate events, private parties, and charity fundraisers. The M1 Concourse Event Center is a special place. It brings together car lovers and the community to celebrate its rich history.
Versatile Venues for Celebrations
The M1 Concourse Event Center has different areas for events. You can book Pavilion Square, the Plaza Area, and the Prefix Performance Center9. There are also chances to join the M1 Motorsports Club and the M1 Concourse Car Club9.
Every year, the M1 Concourse hosts exciting festivals and events. These include Cars and Coffee, Racing Viewing Parties, and the Woodward Dream Show & Festival9. The Woodward Dream Show showcased 70 Vettes from 70 years, including a rare 1983 Corvette9.
At the event, you could try Race Speed Track Experiences (RSTEs) on the 1.5-mile track. There were also R/C off-road car races, People’s Choice voting, and live music9.
For more information on sponsorships, vendor submissions, advertising, and becoming an ambassador, visit the website9.
Experiences for Automotive Enthusiasts
The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, is a dream spot for car lovers. You can take “race speed track experience laps” with pro drivers. This lets you feel the rush of high-speed driving on a 1.5-mile track11.
For a deeper dive, the M1 Concourse has top-notch driving simulators. They offer a real and exciting way to enjoy motorsports12. You can practice and race without leaving the venue12.
M1 Concourse Car Club
The M1 Concourse Car Club is more than just a place to drive. It’s a community for car fans12. Members get to join exclusive events, use private garages, and meet others who love cars12.
Whether you’re a pro racer or just love cars, the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, has something for you1112. It’s a place where your passion for fast cars can shine1112.
| Experiences | Description |
|---|---|
| Track Experiences | Race speed track experience laps with professional drivers on the 1.5-mile M1 Concourse Speed Ring. |
| Driving Simulators | State-of-the-art driving simulators that provide a realistic and immersive motorsports experience. |
| M1 Concourse Car Club | Exclusive club for automotive enthusiasts to connect, participate in events, and access private garages. |
Let your love for cars shine at the M1 Concourse. It’s where thrilling track experiences, advanced simulators, and a lively car club await1112.
Driving Pontiac’s Automotive Renaissance
The M1 Concourse has been key in Pontiac, Michigan’s car revival13. It’s a lively spot for car fans, bringing in people from all over. This has helped the city grow economically and become more vibrant13.
The M1 Concourse offers cool events, exhibits, and track fun. It’s made Pontiac’s car history exciting again. This has inspired young car lovers and helped the city grow into a top spot for car fans.
Pontiac’s car history is rich, and the M1 Concourse is at its heart13. It connects the area’s car passion with fun events. The Woodward Dream Cruise and American Speed Festival are just a few highlights. It’s a place where car lovers can dive deep into their passion.
The M1 Concourse has helped Pontiac’s economy and community thrive13. It’s not just for car fans. It’s also a spot for local businesses and the community. Its success has helped Pontiac’s future look bright.
The M1 Concourse is a key part of Pontiac’s growth13. It’s a place where car culture is alive, with top events and experiences. The M1 Concourse has made Pontiac a top choice for car enthusiasts.
Community Engagement and Volunteering
The M1 Concourse is all about community and volunteers. Its Ambassador Program lets locals join in and help grow the car culture in Pontiac, Michigan14.
Volunteers help with many things, like planning car shows and keeping the place running smoothly. They make sure events go well and visitors have a great time. This helps everyone feel like they’re part of something special15.
Volunteers work every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. They help with planning and taking care of the place14. A big event on August 11, 2024, will celebrate hip-hop’s 51st year and the M1 Concourse’s first year. It shows how deeply the M1 Concourse is connected to the community14.
The M1 Concourse works closely with the community through volunteering. This helps the facility’s events and makes the community proud. It shows the M1 Concourse is more than just a place for car lovers; it’s a community hub16.
Glimpses of Automotive Legends
The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, is a top spot for car lovers. It has welcomed famous names from the automotive world. This makes it a key place for car culture and racing.
TV star Jay Leno and actors Tim Allen and Jimmy Fallon have visited. They came to see the impressive track and events17. Even legendary driver Roger Penske has practiced there in his historic Porsche, showing the M1 Concourse’s fame17.
Seeing these famous faces shows the M1 Concourse’s appeal. It’s a top spot for car fans and racing enthusiasts.
| Automotive Legends Spotted at M1 Concourse |
|---|
| Jay Leno |
| Tim Allen |
| Jimmy Fallon |
| Roger Penske |
The M1 Concourse’s fame attracts car and racing legends. It shows the facility’s big impact on the car world.
Conclusion
The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, is a top spot for car fans. It celebrates the area’s rich18 history and is a lively center for car culture and racing19. Starting as an old auto factory, it now brings people together to honor Pontiac’s car-making past.
It hosts many festivals, shows, and experiences, making it a favorite for car enthusiasts of all ages18. The American Speed Festival is a big event, honoring18 70 years of Corvette history and showcasing18 other car legends like the Ford Mark IV and Ferrari 250 LM19. Visitors enjoy everything from drift-car demos to parachute drops, making it a memorable experience.
Pontiac’s car scene is growing, and the M1 Concourse is at the heart of it20. With its team, modern facilities, and focus on car history, it’s ready to lead Pontiac’s car story into the future. It will keep inspiring car lovers for years to come.
FAQ
What is the history of the M1 Concourse property in Pontiac, Michigan?
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Source Links
- About Us – M1 Concourse – https://m1concourse.com/about-us/
- Member News – https://cca.troychamber.com/WebForms/NewsArticle.aspx?dbid2=MITROY&newsid=35597391
- Our First USDM Grid Icons Rumbled into Detroit With the Sound of 50+ Mustang V8s – https://pitpad.com/2024/08/30/our-first-usdm-grid-icons-rumbled-into-detroit-with-the-sound-of-50-mustang-v8s/
- M1 Concourse — News — Sick the Mag – https://www.sickthemagazine.com/news/tag/M1 Concourse
- 2024 American Speed Festival is October 3-6 – M1 Concourse – https://m1concourse.com/american-speed-festival-home/
- ASF Cars and Stars – M1 Concourse – https://m1concourse.com/asf-cars-stars/
- LIVE: Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge On Woodward Avenue! – https://moparinsiders.com/live-roadkill-nights-powered-by-dodge-on-woodward-avenue-3/
- Famous Cars – M1 Concourse – https://m1concourse.com/famous-cars/
- WDS Overview – M1 Concourse – https://m1concourse.com/wds-overview/
- M1 Concourse: Condos filling up, track laid for Metro Detroit car culture development – https://www.mlive.com/auto/2016/06/m1_concourse_condos_filling_up.html
- M1 Concourse: American Speed Festival Returns – Hour Detroit Magazine – https://www.hourdetroit.com/sponsor-content/m1-concourse-american-speed-festival-returns/
- Men in Business, M1 Concourse – https://citylifestyle.com/articles/men-in-business-2
- Detroit’s Automotive History & Detroit Car Museums | Visit Detroit – https://visitdetroit.com/things-to-do/detroit-auto-culture/
- The House of Hip Hop – https://www.seenthemagazine.com/businesses/nonprofits/the-house-of-hip-hop/article_8564e558-4a92-11ef-82c1-8fe761ca163d.html
- Your Guide to Volunteering Around Metro Detroit – Hour Detroit Magazine – https://www.hourdetroit.com/philanthropy-charity/your-guide-to-volunteering-around-metro-detroit/
- Events | Rotary Club of Birmingham – https://www.birminghamrotary.com/events?year=2022&month=7&day=18
- Concours News – https://www.concoursllc.us/news
- Third American Speed Festival pulls in stellar line-up – Magneto – https://www.magnetomagazine.com/articles/third-american-speed-festival-pulls-in-stellar-line-up/
- Motor Bella Detroit 2021: A Look at the Logistics | SchoolTube – https://www.schooltube.com/motor-bella-detroit-2021-a-look-at-the-logistics/
- Power Broker | Issue 168 | Corvette Magazine – https://www.corvette-mag.com/issues/168/articles/power-broker
