Along the legendary Woodward Avenue in Pontiac, Michigan, M1 Concourse is a world-class motorsports and automotive event destination. Spanning an impressive 87 acres, it is a hub for high-speed excitement and unmatched automotive culture. Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast, an adrenaline junkie looking for high-speed track adventures, or someone in search of an unforgettable event experience, M1 Concourse delivers at every turn.
With its cutting-edge facilities, a vibrant motorsports community, and year-round events that attract enthusiasts from all walks of life, M1 Concourse has become a symbol of automotive passion and excellence. Every visit offers something different—whether it’s pushing the limits on the track, connecting with fellow enthusiasts, or attending world-class showcases that celebrate the rich automotive history of Motor City.
A Track Built for Thrill and Precision
At the core of M1 Concourse is the M1 Circuit, a professionally designed 1.5-mile road course that offers 11 challenging turns and 30 feet of elevation changes. Completed in June 2016, the track was meticulously crafted by renowned designer Martyn Thake, who leveraged the site’s unique topography to create an unforgettable driving experience. The course is built for versatility, accommodating high-speed lapping, performance skills training, and competitive autocross. With a 30-foot-wide engineered asphalt surface, the track ensures smooth driving while maintaining the highest safety standards with Armco barriers and interlocked tire protection at key points.
Safety is paramount, with generous runoff areas and redundant barrier systems to reduce risks for drivers and their vehicles. The M1 Circuit is a haven for those who seek a controlled yet exhilarating environment to test their driving skills, whether in a high-performance sports car or a vintage classic.
“We set out to create a motorsports experience that was unlike anything else in the country,” says Tim McGrane, CEO of M1 Concourse. “This isn’t just a track—it’s a destination where people can truly immerse themselves in automotive culture, whether behind the wheel or simply taking in the energy of our events.
The Ultimate High-Speed Experiences
M1 Concourse offers a variety of track experiences for drivers of all levels. One of the most exhilarating options is the Riding Shotgun experience, where participants ride along with a professional driver for two full-speed thrill laps around the M1 Circuit. It’s an adrenaline-pumping introduction to elite driving dynamics.
For those looking to improve their driving skills, the Lead-and-Follow experience provides the perfect blend of adrenaline and education. Under the guidance of a professional driving instructor, participants follow closely behind an expert, learning track techniques and safety measures before taking their own laps.
For a competitive edge, the Laser-Timed Autocross challenges drivers to navigate a cone-marked course with precision and speed. This event is a favorite among participants, as it introduces an element of friendly competition while refining driving techniques. The Dual Drifting Ride-Along Experience delivers pure, tire-burning excitement for those who crave something a little more intense. This white-knuckle adventure lets participants experience the art of controlled chaos as they slide through turns with professional drift drivers behind the wheel.
“We want people to feel the exhilaration of motorsports in a way that’s both thrilling and safe,” Tim explains. “Whether it’s a timed autocross or a full-speed ride-along, we create experiences guests won’t forget.
”To complement the on-track experiences, M1 Concourse offers state-of-the-art racing simulators, allowing drivers to practice on virtual versions of famous tracks before hitting the real circuit. These full-motion simulators provide an incredibly realistic experience, perfect for fine-tuning skills or simply enjoying the thrill of racing in a safe and accessible way.
A Community of Automotive Enthusiasts
For those who want more, purchase a private garage and join the Motorsports Club. This club is a unique membership exclusive to the garage community grants exclusive access to the M1 Circuit and an elite community of car enthusiasts. Members enjoy over 100 unique track sessions per year, where they can push their high-performance machines to the limit without speed restrictions or traffic tickets.
“Joining the Motorsports Club is about more than just track time,” says Tim. “It’s about becoming part of a community that lives and breathes speed. Our members gain access to professional coaching, autocross and drifting events, and members-only track days to fine-tune their skills.
”Member perks include specialized Driver Series Events, VIP access to the Woodward Dream Festival presented by Comerica, and private car showcases. Additionally, members receive discounted event tickets, preferred parking, and invitations to exclusive social gatherings celebrating the passion of automotive culture.
The club also offers expert coaching sessions, where members learn from racing legends and industry professionals. Whether mastering high-speed cornering techniques or improving reaction times, these sessions provide valuable insights to elevate driver performance.
The Ultimate Motorsports Lifestyle
For the ultimate motorsports experience, the M1 Concourse Car Club grants exclusive access to the M1 Circuit with tailored benefits for high-performance enthusiasts:
- Track access: Members have access to three track sessions per year with up to three hours of drive time on the M1 Circuit.
- Professional Coaching: Expert driving instructors provide tailored coaching to individual skill levels.
- Autocross Events: Exciting autocross sessions allow you to push your vehicle to its limits.
- Preferred Event Access: Member-only ticket pricing to M1 hosted festivals and events. Discounts vary from show to show, so saying 50% off all tickets is not accurate.
“The M1 Car Club is more than just access to an incredible track—it’s about building a community of like-minded enthusiasts who share a passion for performance and precision,” Tim explains. “Our members enjoy unrivaled access to motorsports in a world-class, controlled environment.”
Private Garages: More Than Just Storage
One of M1 Concourse’s most unique offerings is its Private Garages, a premier automotive lifestyle feature that allows car enthusiasts to own a dedicated space for their prized vehicles. With over 250 secure, private garages lining the track, owners enjoy 24/7 access to their cars and use the space as an office, entertainment lounge, or workshop.
Garages range from 507 to 4,800 square feet, featuring top-tier construction, modern utilities, and fire safety systems. More than just storage units, these garages foster a community where owners can network, showcase their collections, and participate in M1 Concourse’s many automotive events.
“M1 Concourse is about embracing the automotive lifestyle,” Tim says. “Our Private Garages provide a space where enthusiasts can gather, work on their cars, and be part of a like-minded community.
”Owners also enjoy exclusive club amenities, including members-only track days, private lounges, and on-site concierge services to help facilitate vehicle maintenance, event planning, and custom upgrades.
A Premier Destination for Automotive Events
Beyond the track, M1 Concourse is home to some of the most anticipated automotive events in the Midwest. Signature annual events include:
- Woodward Dream Festival presented by Comerica (August 13-17): A multi-day celebration paying homage to the legendary Woodward Dream Cruise with immersive automotive activations and track experiences.
- American Speed Festival celebrating Vintage Indy (October 3-5): Showcasing historic and modern high-performance vehicles, this event celebrates the evolution of speed.
- Cars Under the Stars Fireworks Spectacular presented by Coca-Cola (June 29): A dazzling display of horsepower and pyrotechnics, featuring a breathtaking fireworks show over M1 Concourse.
Additionally, the M1 Cars & Coffee presented by Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram runs April through October, bringing together car enthusiasts over coffee and conversation. Each event features a different automotive theme, ranging from JD Mand Asian brands to European luxury marques.
An Unparalleled Event Space
M1 Concourse isn’t just for motorsports—it’s also a sought-after venue for corporate and private events. The M1 Event Center boasts 68,000 square feet of space, with multiple indoor and outdoor venues accommodating anywhere from 2 to 2,000 guests. It features state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and live-streaming capabilities, making it the perfect setting for product launches, corporate retreats, and social celebrations.
The Plaza, a 40,000-square-foot open-air venue, provides a unique space for large-scale gatherings, while the Pavilion Event Tent offers a 6,000-square-foot covered space ideal for events that integrate trackside action.
M1 Concourse partners with Prefix Performance Center and Sunoco Race Fuels to offer on-site services such as tire installation, restoration, and track technical inspections for those needing vehicle maintenance. Whether it’s a modern supercar or a vintage classic, this 3,000-square-foot facility ensures that every car is race-ready.
Where Passion Meets Performance
M1 Concourse redefines the motorsports venue, merging speed, community, and premier festivals and events into one unparalleled destination. Whether it’s a heart-pounding ride-along, a competitive autocross, or an exclusive member event, M1 Concourse offers something for every automotive enthusiast.“ At M1 Concourse, we celebrate the passion that drives the automotive world,” Tim says. “We’ve created a space where car lovers can come together, push the limits, and make lifelong memories.
”As the engines roar and excitement builds, M1 Concourse continues to define itself as the beating heart of Detroit’s automotive passion. Whether attending a festival, perfecting your lap times, or simply admiring the incredible machines that grace the track, there’s no place quite like M1 Concourse.
