Michigan Central Race Days

Where Innovation Meets the Fast Lane

Dates: January 18 – January 30, 2026

During Race Days, Michigan Central transformed into the ultimate racing headquarters. For two exhilarating weeks, The Station became the intersection where Detroit’s deep motorsport roots met cutting-edge technology and vibrant community energy.

Race Days was more than a car show—it was a journey into the heart of speed. From the raw power of Formula 1 engineering to the grit of offroad endurance, the event offered an accessible and inclusive experience for all ages. Guests explored the future of motorsports, were inspired by the next generation of designers and engineers, learned what it takes to fuel drivers on and off the track, and celebrated Detroit’s undeniable legacy as the Motor City.

The Experience: Exhibits & Activations

The Machines

The exhibit featured six premier Ford Racing vehicles, including the show-stopping Oracle Red Bull F1 car, and the track-ready Mustang^® GT4.

The Simulation

Guests stepped into state-of-the-art racing simulators inside The Station, or tested their grit on the off-road simulator trailer outside.

The Legacy

Detroit’s racing DNA runs deep. Curated by the Ford Archives, rare artifacts were on display that you won’t see anywhere else. From Le Mans to the Baja 1000, trace the lineage of a company that has always raced to innovate.

Innovation in Motion

Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan hosted a series of experiences for youth related to engineering, software, autonomy, and design in the field of motorsports like live autonomous racing demos and a F1 Virtual Racing Experience.

Partner Exhibits

Michigan Central Race Days was a collaborative effort bringing together educational and community institutions. Guests explored how these partners are driving the future of mobility through science, engineering, and hands-on fun.

Michigan State University: The Science of Speed

Dates: Engineering Showcase: Jan 24 – 25

Highlighting the dual forces that power professional racing: the machine and the human body.

Engineer the Driver: How do drivers withstand G-forces and extreme heat? The “Human Machine” exhibit featured driver fire suits, advanced cooling technology, and the HANS device—a critical safety system invented at MSU.
Engineer the Car: The MSU College of Engineering showcased student-built competition race cars.

Boys & Girls Club: Future Racers & Tech

Dates: Jan 18 – 30

Visitors got into the driver’s seat at this high-energy activation designed for youth and teens. Whether to test reflexes or explore the code behind the cars, there was something for every future innovator.

RC Racetrack Challenge
Autonomous Racing
Simulators & STEM

Michigan Science Center: Mind Over Motor

Dates: Jan 26 – 30 Only

Science fiction became reality in this interactive exhibit where your brain is the controller.

Neuroracers: Using special headsets, guests controlled miniature racecars using only brainwaves and concentration.
Imagination Playground: For the youngest innovators, large-scale blue blocks were available to design, build, and sit inside the racecar of your dreams.

Grand Valley State University: Engineering Tomorrow

Dates: Jan 18-Jan 25

GVSU showcased its Formula SAE competition race car, offering a glimpse into the skills required to turn a concept into a competition-ready vehicle.

Program Schedule & Key Dates

Opening Day: The Green Flag Drops

Date: Sunday, January 18
Fridays at the Station: Racing Edition

Date: Friday, January 23
The Final Lap

Date: Friday, January 30

Partners

Michigan Central Race Days was made possible through the collaboration of Ford Racing, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Detroit and the Michigan Science Center. Together, we are creating an ecosystem where entertainment, youth education, and innovation intersect.