I

n Metro Detroit, there’s nothing quite 
like M1 Concourse. The 87-acre 
Pontiac property sits on a historic site 
critical to Detroit’s automobile history. It’s 
been home to a series of auto manufactur-
ing facilities for more than 100 years; and 
in 1905, a large portion of 
the property was used by the 
Rapid Motor Company to pro-
duce municipal vehicles.
Then, in 1908, Rapid Motor 
Company was combined with 
Reliance Motor Truck and 
Crescent Motors to become 
General Motors Truck Co. The site was 
owned by General Motors for decades and 
underwent several changes before becom-
ing today’s venue.
Still, whether you’re an auto enthusiast 
or simply looking for a unique event venue, 
M1 Concourse can accommodate anything 
from weddings to bar and bat mitzvahs and 
beyond.

EVENT OPPORTUNITIES
While the greater M1 Concourse site itself 
can hold up to 20,000 individuals, Dave 

Sherman, vice president of signature shows, 
who is one of three upper management 
members who are Jewish, says there are sev-
eral areas that can be used for events.
First is the racetrack itself, which is 1.5 
miles long and includes 11 turns.
“The M1 Circuit offers an opportunity 
to do anything that you would consider fun 
with cars,
” Sherman, 53, of Clarkston, says. 
“This could be somebody jumping into a 
car with a professional driver, or it could be 
a private practice day where an enthusiast 
works with a professional driving instructor 
teaching you how to drive a car.
”
Next is the ballroom, which is the more 
traditional event choice. This can be used 

for Jewish lifecycle events like engagement 
parties, anniversaries and more. “It’s a flex-
ible space,
” Sherman says of the ballroom. 
“The thing that makes it unique is that 
it has an automotive theme between the 
design, artwork and architecture.
”
Located directly on the pit lane, Sherman 
calls it a perfect location for families of auto 
enthusiasts or those looking for a uniquely 
Michigan celebration experience. “If you 
have a son or daughter who loves cars, here 
would be an opportunity to do something 
themed and special for your loved ones to 
celebrate a significant event,
” he says.
For a seated dinner reception, the ball-
room can accommodate about 300 guests. 

COURTESY OF M1CONCOURSE

Dave 
Sherman

 A Venue 
 for 
Gearheads

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY 
CONTRIBUTING WRITER 

M1 Concourse offers more 
than 100 years of auto history 
for the car enthusiast.

A view of the 1.5-mile 
racetrack, which includes 
11 turns.

The ballroom is located 
on the pit lane and 
has indoor and 
outdoor spaces.

50 | APRIL 27 • 2023