Gearheads, mark your calendars! This summer, Dodge and MotorTrend are teaming up once again for the ninth edition of the highly anticipated Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge. Prepare for a horsepower-packed event that brings legally sanctioned drag racing back to the iconic Woodward Avenue in Metro Detroit. It’s not just a race; it’s a full-blown celebration of all things automotive.
What to Expect at Roadkill Nights 2024
Roadkill Nights isn’t just about racing but the entire experience. Attendees can look forward to a mix of thrilling activities and displays that make this event a must-see for car enthusiasts of all ages. Here’s what you can expect:
- Drag Racing: Watch some of the fastest street-legal cars in the country battle it out on Woodward Avenue. The sight of these powerful machines tearing down the strip is an adrenaline rush like no other.
- Direct Connection Grudge Race: This year marks the fourth consecutive Direct Connection Grudge Race, featuring online automotive builders who will showcase their custom drag cars powered by Dodge’s high-output HurriCrate engines. Expect weeks of social media banter culminating in an epic showdown.
- Muscle Car Show: From classic beauties to modern beasts, the Muscle Car Show offers a visual feast of high-performance vehicles.
- Dodge Thrill Rides: For those looking for an up-close-and-personal experience, the Dodge Thrill Rides are a must. Feel the power as professional drivers take you on a heart-pounding ride.
- Displays and Show Vehicles: Check out Dodge’s latest and greatest, including new models and performance parts. Dodge show vehicles will be on display for fans to admire.
- Meet and Greet with Roadkill Talent: Meet your favorite personalities from the Roadkill series and other automotive influencers.
- Vendor Midway: Browse through various automotive-related vendors offering everything from parts to merchandise.
The Stars of the Direct Connection Grudge Race
The Direct Connection Grudge Race is the highlight of Roadkill Nights. Six automotive builders, veterans and rookies, will compete for glory using Dodge’s HurriCrate H/O engines. Here’s the lineup:
- Tom Bailey: Owner of the “Sick” media franchise, Bailey returns to compete solo this year and will also host a burnout contest before the main event.
- Westen Champlin: Known for his high-energy antics and dubbed the “sexiest man in Kansas,” Champlin is back after competing in 2021 and 2022.
- Morgan Evans: A rookie in the Grudge Race, Evans is famous on social media for her incredible car builds and metal artwork, which are showcased on her YouTube channel, “Torque N Tungsten.”
- Allison Kovalik: Although new to the Grudge Race, Kovalik is a seasoned builder with a history of racing a 1967 Dart she rebuilt herself.
- Garrett Reed: The creator of American Muscle HD, Reed is making his Grudge Race debut this year.
- Herman Young (a.k.a. “Demonology”): A returning veteran and passionate Dodge enthusiast, Young is determined to snag his first Grudge Race win.
All participants will receive support from Dodge Power Brokers dealers and have access to the Direct Connection Tech hotline to fine-tune their builds.
Additional details, including the event date, location, and ticket information, will be announced later this spring and summer.