Detroit’s reputation as the heart of automotive innovation and motorsport excellence is set to deepen with the return of a beloved tradition. The Detroit Auto Show and the Detroit Grand Prix have announced a partnership to bring back Racing Day, an event that merges the city’s automotive ingenuity with the thrill of competitive racing. This collaboration, slated for Friday, January 17, 2025, promises to showcase the power and spirit of Detroit in a way that engages the community and celebrates its rich history.
The announcement marks a significant moment for Detroit’s Black community, whose contributions to the automotive industry and motorsport culture are undeniable. By reviving Racing Day, the city’s legacy as a global hub for innovation and excellence comes full circle, offering an experience designed to inspire, educate, and unite.
Racing Day, presented by the Detroit Grand Prix, will take place at Huntington Place during the Detroit Auto Show, running from January 10–20. For the first time in the Auto Show’s history, two indoor tracks will provide visitors with an immersive experience that blends the past, present, and future of automotive design and motorsports. One of these tracks, 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 thrilled to have a partnership with the Detroit Grand Prix and bring this amazing experience of Racing Day to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.”
This partnership serves as a reminder of Detroit’s resilience and ability to create spaces that connect its people. Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, emphasized the historical significance 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.”
The event will provide attendees with hands-on access to the world of motorsports. Drivers from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone will be present to engage with fans, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive edge that defines their sport. Several race cars will also be on display, giving visitors a chance to marvel at the innovation and craftsmanship that goes into these high-performance machines.
Throughout the Auto Show, the Detroit Grand Prix-branded track will operate as a centerpiece for visitors. On January 17, this track will become the focal point of Racing Day, where motorsport-themed programming will celebrate the rich heritage of racing in Detroit. The immersive experience is designed to bring the streets of Detroit to life indoors, offering an authentic connection to the city’s racing legacy.
The collaboration also highlights 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 shining a spotlight on 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 further enhance the experience, with two locations—one in the concourse area of Huntington Place and another on the Auto Show floor. These spaces, free and open to the public during regular hours, ensure that Detroiters of all backgrounds can participate in the celebration. The inclusive nature of the event speaks to the city’s commitment to making innovation and excellence accessible to all.
As Detroit prepares for Racing Day, the event offers more than just entertainment. It’s a chance 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 pivotal role in shaping the city’s identity as the Motor City. Events like Racing Day honor these contributions while creating new opportunities to inspire the next generation.
Detroit’s automotive legacy has always been about more than cars. It’s about the people who make the industry thrive—engineers, designers, drivers, and fans who see innovation as a way to bring communities together. Racing Day reflects this ethos by providing a platform where the community can engage with the technology and talent that continue to define Detroit’s place on the global stage.
As the Auto Show approaches, excitement continues to build for the immersive experiences planned for Racing Day. Attendees can expect to witness the intersection of tradition and innovation, from the interactive displays to the high-energy programming. The event is more than a celebration; it’s a declaration of Detroit’s ongoing influence in the worlds of mobility and motorsport.
This partnership is a powerful example of what happens when Detroit invests in its legacy and its future. By bringing together the Detroit Auto Show and the Detroit Grand Prix, the city creates a space where history and innovation collide, offering a vision of what’s possible when communities work together. Racing Day promises to be a moment where Detroiters can 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 clear that the city’s legacy as the Motor City is alive, well, and ready to inspire a new generation.
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