Manoli Katakis 
Around the time of the Dream Cruise in August, a section of the famous Woodward Avenue is shut down, and legitimate drag racing takes place on the pavement for major prize money. This blue collar battle royale is known as Roadkill Nights, and it’s organized by David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan, the mad geniuses behind Roadkill, as well as the fun-loving Dodge brand.
Beginning on Friday, August 9, and running through Saturday, August 10, families can either spectate street legal drag racing, ride along in either an updated Dodge Challenger Hellcat with 717 horsepower, or the fastest sedan in the world, the Charger Hellcat, or try out the racing simulators. There’s also a 400-vehicle “Show n’ Shine” car show, dyno runs, a Kid’s Zone, and exhibition runs with 11,000 horsepower top-fuel and funny car dragsters.
The biggest draw of Roadkill Nights is the drag racing, with begins Saturday morning and runs well into the evening. This year, there are two classes: Big Tire and Small Tire, competing for a total cash purse of $40,000, $10,000 of which will be donated to United Way. Like before, vehicles don’t have to represent the FCA brand family to compete, but the fastest FCA vehicle is usually recognized on its own.
Both drag racing classes will have the same payout structure, each totaling $15,000. The breakdown is as follows:
Winner – $5,000
Runner Up – $1,500
Semi Finalists – $750 (2 payouts)
Quarter Finalists – $500 (4 payouts)
Fastest Dodge-powered vehicle – $5,000
General admission to the event is $10 per person each day. But only $5 per person for Pontiac residents, where the event is located. Children 12 years and under are free. Two-day passes area available for $20.
Full details for Roadkill Nights spectator tickets, car show registration, participant registration for drag racing and an extensive range of packages are available now at hotrod.com/events/roadkillnights.
Hopefully Richard Rawlings won’t crash another Challenger Hellcat this year.
