This blog post is going to be a little different, this one isn't going to highlight a specific shoot or a specific model. This is going to highlight my experience at Roadkill Nights, down at M1 Concourse racetrack in Pontiac. It was crazy to say the least...
Here's some quick info about what Roadkill is... Roadkill is an automotive show that features guys building cars and projects, with a more accurate and realistic representation of "real life" projects. The guys are all for saving a car from a junkyard and turning it into a cool vehicle, that's actually used and driven. There's no TV magic, or unlimited budget. I happened to stumble upon the show while watching Netflix, and immediately fell in love.
The deeper I got into the show, I knew that I needed to attend one of the different events they host all over the country. It just so happened that they began hosting an event called "Roadkill Nights", in Pontiac. It coincided with the Woodward Dream Cruise. Their selling point is that it's the only event of the Summer that allows legal street racing on iconic Woodward Ave! I knew that I needed to see it; it turned out to be far more than what I ever expected.
The day of the event, my dad and I made the four hour drive not really knowing what to expect. I also had made plans to meet up with my good friend Andrew and spend the day hanging out and watching some drag racing. We were in line early, and that's when I realized just how big of an event this was going to be. Once we bought our tickets and entered the gates, we entered an automotive playground. You could hear the sound of screeching tires and screaming exhaust from Dodge Hellcat Chargers, Hellcat Challengers, and Vipers. I didn't know what to do first! We walked through the car show, which featured primarily Dodge/ Mopar vehicles since the event was sponsored by Dodge. It was cool to see an unique mix of modern and classic muscle cars, high dollar Vipers, and the new Dodge Demon! In addition, there was a simulator that allowed you to race a Demon against a friend. Looking back, we probably should have tried it out...
While we were checking out the cars, we met the actors that play the Dodge Brothers in all the Dodge commercials. They were dressed up and in character...they were polite and fun. I was able to get a couple photos with them. Every time I would see them throughout the day, they would recognize me and acknowledge me.
We wandered over to the Mopar display and I got to look at the show cars for Matt Hagan and Leah Pritchett. At the display, there was a Practice Tree/ "Reaction Timer". I couldn't resist the opportunity to take my dad to school and cut a good light. His expression was priceless...all the years playing video games paid off. Then, Andrew and I tried it, and to my surprise Andrew took me to school. My ego trip was short lived haha. We must have played at the display for a good 15-20 minutes...it became addicting.
While we were at the Mopar display, we talked with some of people who were overseeing things. Two of the people had ties to Northern Michigan, and one even knew where Rogers City was. It always amazes me how small the world truly seems sometimes. In our conversations, we found out that there was going to be an autograph session with the two NHRA Mopar drivers Matt Hagan and Leah Pritchett.
Throughout this Summer, I have become a huge fan of Leah. I wasn't going to pass up and opportunity to meet her and get her autograph!
As I stood in line, I had plans to ask her for a "selfie". However, when the time come I became too star struck and shied away. Instead, I have a really cool story about my autograph that I'll be able to share for many years to come.
When my time came, Leah signed the photo that Mopar provided for the session. I politely asked her if she would also sign a shirt for me. She smiled and said "sure!", as she opened up the shirt to sign it, I noticed she was genuinely surprised. The shirt was one of her personal apparel designs, I could tell from the sparkle in her eyes that she truly appreciated it. When I had handed her the shirt, she noticed my Mustang tattoo on my arm, she gave me a look as to say "You know this is a Dodge/Mopar event, right?" So, as she's signing the shirt...I say, "I have to ask, which car is faster your Shelby or your Hellcat?" She looks up, smirks, and in a hushed voice whispers "The Shelby without a doubt, but that's only because the Hellcat is stock." As she gave me back my newly autographed shirt, she winked and thanked me for my support. I politely thanked her for her time.
I can honestly say that Leah Pritchett is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. I walked away with even more admiration and respect for her. She was so personable and laid back. Since then, I have bought even more apparel to show my support for her.
After I got my autograph, we were walking towards the grandstand to watch some drag racing when Andrew and I were approached by two models in 60's/70's style dresses with the Dodge Demon logo on them. They were handing out handkerchiefs, all you had to do was answer a Dodge trivia question correctly. They asked, I answered...and I received my handkerchief. As they walked away, I felt stupid that I didn't ask them for a photo... I wanted a photo, not only because they were two beautiful ladies...but because I wanted a photo of the dresses they were wearing.
I absolutely fell in love with the vintage style dresses and the fact that they incorporated the new Dodge Demon logo! I needed a photo, as a reminder to find something similar for future shoots with my beautiful group of models. Luckily, I got another chance. Later on, my dad noticed them walking back through the crowd. This time, I approached them...they quickly remembered me. I politely asked for a photo...and they were happy to pose. Then to my surprise, they wanted me to join them! A lady happened to be walking past and was willing to take the photo with my camera. It was a cool moment, and one that showed me what can happen when I use my self-confidence. Looking back now, I wish I would have gotten the names and phone numbers of the models...I'm always looking for new people to work with! ;)
The entire trip down to Roadkill Nights was memorable, but there's one more thing that I want to highlight. NITROMETHANE FUELED BURNOUTS!
Matt Hagan and Leah Pritchett fired up their NHRA racecars and lit the tires down iconic Woodward Ave. This was the first time I got to see one of these cars in person. Watching the process of preparing, starting, and driving these machines was interesting. I never realized just how many people it takes just to travel 1,000 feet down the racetrack.
A cool moment was when Leah's burnout was delayed, because of the freight train going through town!
Roadkill Nights far exceeded all of my expectations. The thing that stands out the most is how friendly and polite everyone was. Everyone gathered to have fun, and there was no drama. It just felt good...
It's cool to have such an awesome and unique event in Michigan. It's awesome that the community has embraced a racetrack in the middle of their town. I always felt that there needed to be a better connection between some form of racing, and the Detroit area. I'm already trying to talk more people in going with me next Summer. I figure with a group of friends, models, and my Mach 1...there's no telling what kind of trouble we'll find! ;) #BecauseRoadkill