Dodge’s “Roadkill Nights” Attracts a Groundbreaking Gathering of Over 42,000 Enthusiasts
Photo Source: Stellantis
On Saturday, August 12th, 2023, the 2023 MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge event took over the streets of Pontiac, Michigan, leaving a trail of adrenaline-fueled excitement and burning rubber in its wake. Now in its eighth year, the festival brought together over 42,000 car enthusiasts from all corners of the country, converging on the newly-selected location of Pontiac City Square in downtown Pontiac.
The Crux of Roadkill Nights
The heart of the event lay in the invigorating street-legal drag racing that unfolded along the iconic Woodward Avenue. Enthusiasts of all ages gathered to witness the clash of skill and horsepower as over 120 contenders battled it out for bragging rights and cash prizes totaling a staggering $30,000. Screeching tires and roaring engines reverberated through the city streets, creating an atmosphere that resonated with the spirit of American muscle car culture.
One of the event’s most anticipated moments was the Dodge Direct Connection Grudge Race, which featured a unique team format. Six teams, each composed of a mentor and a rookie, were tasked with assembling a Plymouth or a Dodge drag car by relying on Direct Connection performance parts. Team Corruptt emerged triumphant among them, with rookie driver Kayla Rundle at the helm.
In an outstanding display of grit and skill, Rundle piloted her 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, equipped with a Direct Connection Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter Supercharged Crate HEMI engine, to victory in the final round. Her win marked a significant milestone for her and the event, as she clinched the 2023 Grudge Race title, cementing her place in the annals of Roadkill Nights history. She even received hearty congratulations from two-time event champion Alex Taylor.
Rundle was keenly aware of the magnitude of her accomplishment, stating, “After spending the last few weeks working toward this moment, there was nothing but excitement when I finally got behind the wheel. I’ve always loved drag racing, and as a female racer, rookie and first-timer at Roadkill Nights, this was truly a dream come true.”
More Than Just Racing
Even though the drag racing was undoubtedly the main attraction, the occasion went above and beyond to offer a well-rounded experience for attendees. According to Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand and Ram brand CEO – Stellantis, “The eighth edition of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge featured fresh new event elements, with a unique new downtown Pontiac event location, a new team format that increased the smack talk for the Direct Connection Grudge Race and an amazing performance by a world-famous artist to wrap up the day. The bar just keeps getting higher and higher for our annual horsepower circus, because we know it’s what drives our Brotherhood of Muscle.”
Indeed, in a new twist for 2023, street-festival entertainment presenting musicians, artists, and more added an extra layer of thrill to the festivities. The crowning moment came in the form of a memorable concert by the renowned musician and actor Ice Cube. His electrifying performance closed out the day on a high note, leaving the audience with memories that will last a lifetime.
Roadkill Nights was not just about the action on the track. Attendees were treated to a plethora of attractions and activities that catered to their automotive passions. The event featured on-site activations by partners, such as Amazon, Mickey Thompson, Tremec, and Aeromotive, offering an opportunity for enthusiasts to engage with and explore some of the industry’s leading brands.
The festival captured the essence of car culture. Owners of any Dodge vehicle can attest to the raw strength and power of the engine and build. Are you looking for more reasons to drive a Dodge? Please stay connected with us at Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and receive all the latest news from Dodge, as well as vehicle updates.