5 reasons your family will love the American Speed Festival in Pontiac

If your family loves fast cars and big engines, the American Speed Festival in Pontiac is probably screaming your name.

From Oct. 3-5, M1 Concourse will host this multi-day motorsports celebration, blending historic and modern racing with hands-on experiences, live demonstrations and kid-friendly activities.

1. It’s a full weekend of motorsports action

The festival takes place at M1 Concourse (45399 Woodward Ave., Pontiac) with general admission open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4–5. Families can see legendary race cars, meet drivers and explore exhibits that showcase motorsport history and innovation.

2. Family-friendly activities are included

Alongside the racing, kids can enjoy a dedicated Kid Zone, plus gourmet food options, live music and interactive displays throughout the venue. Families can also stroll through the M1 Paddock for an up-close look at vintage Indy, stock, sprint, endurance race cars, modern hypercars and prototypes.

3. High-speed thrills and sky-high tributes

On the track, families can watch drifting demonstrations from award-winning stunt driver Ele Bardha, flat track motorcycle racing with champion Bryan Smith, and competitive exhibition laps on the M1 Circuit. In the skies, the Scream N’ Rebels War Birds will perform flyovers at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Oct. 4, honoring U.S. service members.

4. Meet racing legends and see rare displays

Two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr. will be honored as the 2025 Master of Motorsports and will be available for fan photos throughout the weekend, alongside the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy. A special heritage display will also celebrate 50 years of the Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera.

5. Ticket options for every type of fan

  • General Admission: $55/day (includes paddock access, Kid Zone, displays, racing, food trucks and shuttle service).

  • Club M1 VIP: $175/day (premium food and drinks, onsite parking and viewing from the Senna Skydeck).

  • Adult-focused extras include the Dine & Drive experience ($250, Oct. 3), the Garage Reveal evening ($200, Oct. 3), and the Checkered Flag Ball ($500, Oct. 4, with proceeds benefiting M1 Mobility and the Pontiac Community Foundation).

Families can find more details or purchase tickets at www.americanspeedfestival.com.

David Arkin
David Arkin
David Arkin is Editor in Chief of Metro Parent. He has more than 25 years of editorial, audience and digital experience leading some of the largest news organizations in the country. He's been recognized as the Local Media Association Digital News Innovator of the Year and served on the Associated Press Managing Editors Board of Directors.

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