Thrilling Moments at MotorTrend’s Roadkill Nights: A Showcase of Passion and Performance
This past weekend, Demi Bagby, a 24-year-old fitness and car enthusiast from Arizona, fulfilled her dream of racing a custom 1987 Buick Grand National with 800 horsepower at MotorTrend’s Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge in Michigan. Bagby, who had never been to Michigan before, was thrilled to race down Woodward Avenue in downtown Pontiac, surrounded by a festival atmosphere that included street racing, joy rides, and a mechanical bull shaped like a Hemi engine. The event, now in its 10th year, typically attracts around 40,000 attendees and serves as a prelude to the Woodward Dream Cruise.
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear described Roadkill as "controlled mayhem at its finest" and a signature event for the muscle car brand. The event also serves as a platform to launch new products, with the unveiling of V-8 versions of the Durango SUV and a six-cylinder Charger muscle car set to hit dealerships later this year. Tim Kuniskis, the inventor of Roadkill and current Ram CEO, reflected on the event's humble beginnings in 2015, when legal concerns almost derailed the drag racing concept. Despite the challenges, the event has grown in popularity over the years, drawing thousands of enthusiasts.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa attended his first Roadkill event this year, joining the crowd of spectators and car enthusiasts. The event featured a diverse lineup of vehicles, including Dodge Chargers, Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, modified Durangos, Jeep Grand Cherokees, and even a high-powered Geo Tracker. Attendees had the opportunity to experience drifting joy rides in Dodge Chargers and race down a track in Ram and Dodge vehicles. The event also provided inspiration for Stellantis executives like Scott Krugger, who oversees design across North American brands, by showcasing the passion and creativity of car enthusiasts.
Michael Martinez, part of the Hooligan Brothers car group from Indiana, showcased a powerful 1991 Ford Fox Body Mustang at the event. Martinez participated in the Dodge Direct Connection Grudge Race, where competitors used the same engine and transmission. Despite last-minute repairs and adjustments, Martinez and his team were ready to race and enjoy the event. Demi Bagby, another participant in the Grudge Race, received coaching from a drag racing expert and fine-tuned her Buick Grand National for better performance. Bagby, who was enjoying her first time in Detroit, received positive feedback on her car and was supported by a group of friends and family at the event.
In conclusion, MotorTrend’s Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge provided a thrilling experience for car enthusiasts like Demi Bagby and Michael Martinez, who showcased their passion for high-performance vehicles. The event, known for its street racing excitement and festival atmosphere, continues to attract thousands of attendees and serves as a platform for launching new products from Dodge. With a diverse lineup of vehicles and enthusiastic participants, Roadkill celebrates the spirit of automotive innovation and creativity.