When M1 Concourse acquired a historic site on Woodward Avenue in Pontiac in 2014 that was once home to auto manufacturing facilities, it reconnected with the land's iconic 100-plus years of automotive history. Today, the M1 Concourse, named after Michigan Highway No. 1, is a destination for car enthusiasts, young and old.
"We were originally perceived as a private racetrack with private garages, and while we still have a private garage community, we've now got a public aspect, our events," says its CEO, Tim McGrane.
The Woodward Dream Show is one such event, and the American Speed Festival is another, a multi-day festival showcasing cars from the past, present, and future.
One of the participating cars was designed by Jim Hall, a driver and racecar designer who also built cars. "One was the Chaparral, and it was revolutionary," says Tim. We had the opportunity to get four of those to come to M1 in 2021 when we held the first American Speed Festival. To see those cars come around the track in formation was a special moment because they haven't put more than one car on track since about 2006."
The M1 Concourse Event Center, with indoor, open-air, and outdoor spaces, can accommodate smaller, more intimate celebrations to extremely large gatherings. "We do many events, whether it's corporate or private events, philanthropic fundraisers, and a number of others. It's a very special and unique place."
In addition to events, a racetrack is another rare, exciting offering in a metropolitan area. Many well-known visitors to the track and events at M1 have included Jay Leno, Tim Allen, Jimmy Fallon, and famous racecar competitors.
"We had Roger Penske on track in one of his historic race cars, a Porsche RS Spyder," says Tim. "He was getting ready to go to a famous event in England, and he wanted to practice with the car to ensure he was comfortable."
Other everyday people who feel a need for speed can take a spin around a track-riding shotgun with a professional driver. "We refer to them as race speed track experience laps. When people get out of the car, they've got big grins on their faces because they've had a great time."
Those needing more time to be ready for the actual track can take an exhilarating ride on one of the many simulators.
An M1 Concourse Car Club has taken off on the 87-acre property. "We developed the M1 Concourse Car Club so that people could become a part of an M1 affinity group, and it's really taken off," he says. We also have a monthly event called Cars and Coffee. You bring the car, we bring the coffee. It's open to the public. We just ask people to register."
Tim, originally from England, where motor sports are one of the top three sporting events, has spent most of his career in different areas of the automotive and motorsports world. "I've spent a better part of the two decades in the classic car auction world, with three different companies involved with different aspects of the motor racing world. I also ran a racetrack and a classic car museum in California."
He moved to Michigan over three years ago specifically to fill the position at M1 and settled with his wife in Bloomfield Hills. "We're really enjoying it here."
M1's new and repeat visitors also positively impact the city of Pontiac and all of Oakland County. "We work very closely with Oakland County and city of Pontiac leaders to do what we can to recognize its automotive history."
M1's ambassador program helps support events. "There is certainly a great culture of volunteering in the Metro Detroit area; men and women come and help every time we do an event. These volunteers form great friendships."
M1 Concourse is a great place to enjoy a Saturday with fun for all ages. To learn more and see the full calendar of events, visit M1Concourse.com.