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PONTIAC, Mich., Oct. 4, 2021 -- The American Speed Festival this past weekend brought together many racing legends, both with appearances of legendary personalities and iconic vehicles at M1 Concourse’s second American Speed Festival presented by Comerica Bank.

Nearly 170 race cars representing 14 classes were on site for the event (Sept. 29- Oct. 2). Highlighting the weekend were several notable vehicles that tell the story of Shelby American and designer Peter Brock, as well as nearly two dozen Vintage Indy cars on track with motorsports legend Al Unser, Jr. driving the Indy 500 pace car. Also on track and on display were Ferraris spanning many eras.

Among many memorable moments of the weekend were Al Unser Jr. being reunited with the 1986 Domino’s Pizza Shierson Racing Lola Indy car that he drove, and Peter Brock getting a chance to drive one of the Shelby cars he designed.

“We’re very pleased with the American Speed Festival weekend,” said Tim McGrane, CEO of M1 Concourse.  “Fans enjoyed seeing race cars doing what they were designed to do with two days of time trials on the 1.5-mile Speed Ring of Champion Motor Speedway. On Sunday they enjoyed the new automotive art show as part of the Speed & Style Expo. Guests also lined up to get a high-speed ride with an M1 professional driver on track and enjoy even more cars on display.”

Saturday evening’s second annual Checkered Flag Ball supporting M1 Mobility was sold out, bringing together community, industry, and political leaders to raise funds to assist with the transportation needs of Pontiac residents. Among the guests were Senator Gary Peters, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel and Pontiac City council members William Carrington, Melanie Rutherford, and President Mike McGuinness. Joining them were famed drivers Johnny O’Connell and Al Unser, Jr.
Peter Brock was honored that evening as Master of Motorsports for his ground-breaking design innovations in the racing world.  “We were so honored that Peter Brock was here for four days,” said McGrane. In addition to receiving his award Saturday night, he met with fans, participated in two Insider’s Garage discussions with David Hobbs.”

2022 Winners by Class
Class 1 Shelby / Cobra: 1965 Shelby GT350 – Ken Costella

Class 2 Vintage Indy: 1970 Gurney Eagle – Chuck Jones

Class 3 Ferrari: 2019 488 Challenge Evo – Melissa Kozyra

Class 4 Endurance Sports Cars: 1988 Fabcar GTP – Dave Nikolas

Class 5 Feature Race Cars: 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix Mello Yello – Mike Haislet

Class 6 Super Cars: 2005 Ford GT-1 – Fred Calero

Class 7 Race Karts: 2022 UofM SAE – Michaela Fisk

Class 8 Pontiac Firebird: 1970 Pontiac Trans Am – Keith Knudsen

Class 9 Hot Rod / Customs: 1932 Ford 3-Window – Gordie Olsen

Class 10 Pony Cars: 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 – Howard Kay

Class 11 Muscle Cars: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427 – Ron Turner

Class 12 Modern Performance: 2016 Dodge Viper ACR – Marty Heitkamp

Class 13 Import Performance: 1978 Datsun 280z – Ari Katz

Class 14 American Classics: 1923 Duesenberg Model A Roadster – Peter Heydon

People’s Choice Award: 2021 Ferrari Monza SP1 – Lauren Mendelson

Car Selection Committee Award: 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX 2203 – Ernie Nagamatsu

Chairman Award: 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe – Charles Stringfellow

M1 Momentum Magazine Award: 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 CSX 2154 – Cobra Experience

David Hobbs Award: 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster – Conrad Foster

Al Unser Jr. Award: 1957 Stingray – GM Heritage Center

Peter Brock Award: 1997 Shelby Can Am Peter Brock Prototype X3 – William Deary

A new award this year called the City of Pontiac Award went to Karen Breen for her 1978 GMC Royale.

The 2023 American Speed Festival sponsored by Comerica Bank will return to M1 Concourse on September 29- October 1, 2023.