Detroit, once renowned as the epicenter of automotive innovation and motorsport excellence, is on the verge of further solidifying its status. The Detroit Auto Show and the Detroit Grand Prix have joined forces to resurrect a cherished tradition - Racing Day. This event seamlessly merges the city's automotive ingenuity with the exhilaration of competitive racing.

Uniting Detroit's Automotive Heritage and Motorsport Thrill

Reviving a Beloved Tradition

The announcement of this partnership holds great significance for Detroit's Black community. Their contributions to the automotive industry and motorsport culture are undeniable. By bringing back Racing Day, Detroit's legacy as a global hub for innovation and excellence reaches its zenith. It offers an experience that inspires, educates, and unites.This event, set to take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Huntington Place during the Detroit Auto Show (January 10–20), marks a milestone. For the first time in the Auto Show's history, two indoor tracks will provide visitors with an immersive journey through the past, present, and future of automotive design and motorsports. One track, themed around the Detroit Grand Prix, will feature elements of the street circuit that transforms Downtown Detroit into a racing epicenter each summer."The Detroit Grand Prix embodies innovation and the spirit of Detroit," said Sam Klemet, Co-Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show. "We are excited to collaborate with the Detroit Grand Prix and bring this amazing Racing Day experience to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show."

Highlighting Detroit's Resilience

This partnership serves as a poignant reminder of Detroit's resilience and its ability to create spaces that connect its people. Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, emphasized the historical importance of Racing Day's return. "For many years, Racing Day was a popular attraction at the Detroit Auto Show. We look forward to bringing this tradition back to the Motor City with some of the high-powered stars and cool race cars that take center stage every summer at the Detroit Grand Prix."During the Auto Show, the Detroit Grand Prix-branded track will serve as a central attraction. On January 17, it will become the focal point of Racing Day, where motorsport-themed programming will pay homage to Detroit's rich racing heritage. The immersive experience brings the streets of Detroit indoors, creating an authentic connection to the city's racing legacy.The collaboration also showcases the economic and cultural impact of motorsports in Detroit. The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear generates millions of dollars in economic benefits annually while highlighting the city as a global destination. By extending this influence into the winter months, Racing Day reinforces Detroit's role as a year-round leader in innovation and community engagement.Interactive displays will enhance the experience at two locations - one in the concourse area of Huntington Place and another on the Auto Show floor. These spaces, freely accessible to the public during regular hours, ensure that Detroiters from all walks of life can participate in the celebration. The inclusive nature of the event reflects the city's commitment to making innovation and excellence accessible to all.

Reflecting on Community Contributions

As Detroit gears up for Racing Day, the event offers more than just entertainment. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the community's contributions to the automotive and racing industries. From the assembly lines to the racetrack, Detroit's Black community has played a crucial role in shaping the city's identity as the Motor City. Events like Racing Day honor these contributions while opening up new avenues to inspire the next generation.Detroit's automotive legacy is about more than just cars. It's about the people who drive the industry forward - engineers, designers, drivers, and fans who view innovation as a means to unite communities. Racing Day embodies this spirit by offering a platform where the community can engage with the technology and talent that continue to define Detroit's global standing.As the Auto Show approaches, excitement builds for the immersive experiences planned for Racing Day. Attendees can look forward to witnessing the convergence of tradition and innovation, from the interactive displays to the high-energy programming. The event is not just a celebration; it's a proclamation of Detroit's enduring influence in the realms of mobility and motorsport.This partnership is a powerful illustration of what happens when Detroit invests in its past and future. By uniting the Detroit Auto Show and the Detroit Grand Prix, the city creates a space where history and innovation collide, offering a vision of what is achievable when communities work together. Racing Day is set to be a moment when Detroiters come together to celebrate their city, their achievements, and their shared pride in being part of the Motor City's story.For updates on Racing Day and other programming at the Detroit Auto Show, visit detroitautoshow.com or follow the event on social media. As Detroit prepares for this momentous occasion, it's evident that the city's legacy as the Motor City is alive, thriving, and ready to inspire a new generation.