Roadkill Nights Returns to Pontiac: Celebrating a Decade of Street-Legal Horsepower

MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge is returning to downtown Pontiac, Michigan, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, marking its 10th anniversary with a full day of street-legal drag racing, car culture, and high-horsepower celebration. Originally launched in 2015 in the parking lot of the Pontiac Silverdome, the event has grown into a nationally recognized festival that celebrates Dodge’s performance legacy and draws tens of thousands of fans from across the country.

This year’s return to downtown Pontiac brings the action back to the streets of the Motor City in a significant way. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear noted that the city’s core is where the event truly belongs, stating that it allows the surrounding community to become part of the high-energy atmosphere. Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel echoed the excitement, describing the event as a major boost to local business and a celebration of Michigan’s deep automotive roots. Attendees can expect a broad range of activities, including drag racing, car shows, Dodge thrill rides, new vehicle reveals, live entertainment, and a showcase of Direct Connection performance parts.

Street-Legal Drag Racing Returns to Woodward Avenue

At the heart of Roadkill Nights is the return of street-legal drag racing to the iconic Woodward Avenue, a street with historical significance to Detroit’s car culture. Racers from across the country will compete in two categories—Big Tire and Small Tire—on a custom-constructed drag strip set up in the city. This segment of the event continues to serve as a rare and thrilling opportunity for grassroots drag racers to showcase their builds and skills on a public road under controlled and sanctioned conditions.

The racing action is expected to draw substantial crowds, thanks in part to the unique atmosphere created when everyday cars push the limits of power and traction in a real-world environment. For many fans and participants, racing on Woodward Avenue is not just about competition—it’s about paying homage to the history of American muscle and street performance.

The Direct Connection Grudge Race Gets a New Twist

One of the headline events returning for 2025 is the Direct Connection Grudge Race. Now in its fifth year, the Grudge Race is receiving a format refresh with an “Outlaw” twist. While competitors are still required to use Dodge’s Direct Connection HurriCrate engine—a 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane I6—and the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, they are no longer limited to using Dodge body styles. This opens the door to even more creative and competitive builds.

This year’s six participants include a diverse group of social media personalities, mechanics, and racers. Returning champion Morgan Evans will once again pilot her 1987 Dodge D150 pickup truck. Other entrants include fitness personality Demi Bagby driving a 1987 Buick Grand National, Hellcat mechanic Garrett Dobbs in a 2005 Dodge Magnum, and YouTuber John O’Malley in a modified Dodge Viper. Rounding out the lineup are the Hooligan Brothers in a Fox Body Mustang and Deshown Luckey—better known as “boostedluckey”—who will run a Jeep Grand Cherokee. All racers receive build support and technical assistance through Dodge’s Direct Connection program.

Tickets, Sweepstakes, and Fan Experience

Tickets for Roadkill Nights 2025 are now on sale, starting at $25 and available through the Hot Rod website. Several package levels are available to suit fans looking for everything from general admission to exclusive VIP experiences. Beyond the racing action, attendees can enjoy manufacturer exhibits, food trucks, hands-on automotive displays, and product reveals from Dodge, including a glimpse at upcoming electrified performance models.

Dodge is also promoting the event with the return of its “Get Your Ass in Gear” sweepstakes, open through July 21. The grand prize includes round-trip travel to the event, VIP access, a meet-and-greet with the Grudge Race builders, and Dodge-branded merchandise. Second- and third-place winners will receive $500 and $250 worth of Dodge gear, respectively. Winners will be announced on July 30.

A Decade of Horsepower and Heritage

Over the past ten years, Roadkill Nights has grown from a small enthusiast gathering into a major destination on the performance calendar. The event’s blend of authentic street racing, community involvement, and brand celebration has helped solidify Dodge’s standing among fans of traditional and next-generation muscle. As Dodge continues to evolve its performance lineup with electrified and hybrid offerings, Roadkill Nights serves as a living tribute to the brand’s past, present, and future. The 10th anniversary celebration in Pontiac promises to be one of the most action-packed yet, reaffirming the city’s place at the heart of American car culture.