An annual pilgrimage and nirvana for Corvette aficionados, the 2016 Woodward event in Pontiac, Michigan opened on August 17 and will close out on August 20, 2016. It was reported by the Detroit Press that event founder Larry Courtney expected more than 1,000 ‘Vettes and owners to participate in the four-day meet.
This year brought a big change in venue, and a new activity. Hosted at the General Motors plant for the previous 100 years, the annual Corvette’s on Woodward Drive 2 End Hunger starting point relocated and kicked off at a new venue — the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, an 87-acre facility on Woodward Avenue three miles north of the GM property.
Although still under construction, the facility promises to provide more than 250 private condo-garages and a 1 ½-mile performance road course upon completion – making this motorsports playground one of the largest facilities in the world.
“As the M1 Concourse grows, it will be extremely good for Pontiac, Oakland County, and even the metro Detroit region,” Courtney said.
On Wednesday, the marquee event for Corvettes on Woodward got underway with a takeover of the famous Woodward Avenue for a parade, followed by a group lap around the M1 Motor Speedway road course, and ending with charity donations delivered to benefit Open Hands Food Pantry in Royal Oak.
Also added to the opportunities for Corvette owners to partake in on Friday was a brand new event – creating an American flag display using appropriately hued vehicles for the stars and stripes. Mimicked after the same type of event at Corvettes at Carlisle, it has proven to be extremely popular. A shout out to Corvette owners ahead of the event requested 51 red, 42 white, and 20 blue Corvettes for the display, which went off without a hitch.
Corvette’s on Woodward started in 2003 when Courtney, a Corvette owner himself, saw a group of yellow Ford Mustangs driving down Woodward Avenue together, and had a desire to bring Corvette enthusiasts and owners together to celebrate America’s Sports Car. It has grown to be the largest Corvette-themed event in Michigan.