2nd annual Woodward Dream Show to showcase more than 600 vehicles
The massive annual Woodward Dream Cruise, held on the third Saturday of August on metro Detroit’s main drag, is billed as the world’s largest one-day car event, with tens of thousands of vintage cars, hot rods, and even modern supercars cruising up and down Woodward Avenue. The Dream Cruise, however, is a celebration and not a competition.
Human beings are naturally competitive, so last year, in connection with the Dream Cruise, the M1 Concourse automotive country club on north Woodward in Pontiac, Michigan organized the first judged Woodward Dream Show. The inaugural show was so successful that it’s become an annual one-day event on the Friday, taking place before the big Cruise on Saturday.
This year’s Dream Show, to be held on August 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and with a title sponsorship by Comerica Bank, will showcase over 600 vehicles in 14 judged classes, along with opportunities to ride on the facility’s performance track, live entertainment, and a panel discussion on cruising and hot rods featuring up and coming designers, fabricators, and enthusiasts. In addition to the judged awards, attendees will also have the chance to vote on the event’s People’s Choice trophy.
Over 100 Corvettes and over 50 classic American hot rods are registered for the curated show. Twenty-two different car clubs will be represented at the Dream Show and there will also be a display of about a dozen celebrity and movie cars, including at least one vehicle from the popular Fast & Furious film series. Additionally, this year’s WDS will celebrate some notable automotive anniversaries. Almost four dozen 1932 Fords will be on hand for the Deuce’s 90th anniversary, while Lincoln’s centennial will be honored, along with, appropriate for the venue’s location, the Pontiac Firebird’s 55th birthday.
As mentioned, the admission price includes a ride on the facility’s M1 Champion Motor Speedway track in a performance car driven by one of M1 Concourse’s professional driving instructors. Vavoom, a popular Detroit area dance-rock cover band, will perform sets from 3:00-9:00 p.m. Food and adult beverages will be available at the Biergarten Pavilion, sponsored by spirit producers Makers Mark and Tito’s, which will feature more than a half-dozen food trucks ranging from hot dogs to gourmet Italian food. Children’s activities at the Performance Racing Industry Pavilion include radio control cars, pedal cars, and slot cars. At noon, Mobsteel, the Detroit-based customizer, will reveal their latest project, the Lincoln Coupe, and at 5:00 p.m. there will be a Insiders Garage panel discussion hosted by local radio personality Jim O’Brien featuring custom designers and fabricators Kevin Byrd of Two Guys’ Garage, Murray Pfaff of Pfaff Designs, Mobsteel’s Adam Genai, and Steve Mank from Spike TV’s Muscle Car.
Additionally at this years WDS the Automotive Heritage Foundation will be awarding its Lifetime Achievement Award to writer and racer Patrick Bedard, who contributed masterfully to Car and Driver magazine for over four decades. Bedard is notable as being one of the few automotive journalists who has also competed at the highest levels of racing, including the Indy 500, IMSA, and the World Endurance Championship. The Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing women in the auto industry, will also be presenting its annual Scholarship Award to an aspiring female car designer.
Tickets for this year’s Woodward Dream Show are $50 for adults, $25 for those age 13 to 18, and admission for those 12 and under is free, as is parking (with shuttle buses) with paid admission. The facility is also using the event to kick off the M1 Concourse Car Club, which gives access to exclusive events for club members, VIP entrance to facility events like the Woodward Dream Show and the American Speed Festival, on-track activities, and discounts on events and merchandise.
