Michigan Central in Detroit will become a destination for motorsports enthusiasts this month when the green flag flies at Michigan Central Race Days from Jan. 18-30.
Presented in partnership with Ford Racing, the event brings the world of motorsports to The Station — from Off-Road to Formula 1 — for a hands-on experience.
In 2026, Ford Racing is celebrating 125 years of racing across 34 different race series on six continents of the world.
For two weeks, visitors will get an up-close look at the 2026 Ford Racing lineup, experience simulators, and explore the ideas and technologies shaping the future of motorsports.
“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of Ford Racing’s official season launch to The Station — giving everyone an up-close-and-personal look at the cutting-edge cars and tech pushing the boundaries of performance,” says Catherine Kelly, head of brand and communications at Michigan Central.
Throughout Michigan Central Race Days, visitors can explore a range of exhibits, interactive experiences, and programs, including:
- Vehicle Showcase: A rare public display of six premier Ford Racing vehicles, including the Oracle Red Bull F1 car in its new 2026 livery, marking Ford’s return to Formula 1 after a 22-year absence and featuring the inaugural Red Bull Ford Powertrains power unit. Additional vehicles include the Mustang GT4, Aussie Supercar, Dark Horse R, NASCAR Cup Car, and Bronco DR.
- Racing Simulators: Get into the driver’s seat in one of Ford Racing’s simulators or feel like a champion with a photo op on a winner’s circle podium.
- Heritage Exhibit: A curated selection of rare racing artifacts and memorabilia tracing Ford’s history of racing-driven innovation. The offerings include original documents from the Ford v. Ferrari rivalry, highlights of women in Ford Racing, and artifacts like 24k gold Le Mans cufflinks, documents as far back as 1910, GT program books from the 1960s, and more.
- Exclusive Merchandise: The Shop at Michigan Central will feature exclusive race gear including collaborations with Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, Enchanté, designed and created by former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, and Detroit-based Greyson Clothiers.
Exhibits will be open to the public during regular operating hours, Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission except ticketed events on Jan. 18 for Opening Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Jan. 23 for Fridays at The Station 6-10 p.m., and Jan. 30 for the Final Lap 6-10 p.m.
Michigan Central Race Days also explore how motorsports innovation is driven by next-generation talent through the following experiences designed with youth organizations and universities.
- Innovation in Motion: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan will host a series of experiences for youth starting on January 18 related to engineering, software, autonomy, and design in the field of motorsports like live autonomous racing demos.
- The Science of Speed: In partnership with Michigan State University, the weekend of January 24-25 will explore both the “car machine” and the “human machine” behind elite motorsports. Future innovators and visitors alike will discover the research and development that goes into optimizing driver safety and performance at the Spartan Motorsport Performance Lab. Displays of MSU vehicles, including its Indy Autonomous challenge car, also will hit the floor with students from MSU’s SAE Formula 1 racing team ready to share the ways they keep problem-solving related to racing at the forefront.
- Playful Engineering: Michigan Science Center will extend its Detroit Auto Show programming into the second week of Race Days (January 26-30), inviting kids (and adults) to explore automotive innovation through interactive, imaginative activities, including select after-school experiences.
“As we prepare to open the Michigan Central Club … we’re thrilled to give the community an early look at how young people can imagine themselves shaping the future of motorsports,” says Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. “Through hands-on experiences during Race Days, we’re sparking youth curiosity and creativity that can continue to be nurtured in our soon-to-be-opened space at Michigan Central as we work together to drive the next generation of talent in mobility and beyond.”
Detroit’s musical heritage also will be featured. Opening day on Jan. 18 will feature DJ Kid McFly spinning Detroit house and soul from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets for opening day are $10.
Michigan Central will host a special racing edition of its regular Fridays at The Station event series on Friday, Jan. 23 from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The evening lineup features Detroit House Collective to fuel the dance floor and a live performance from Sean Blackman who will transport the audience around the world with his global flair. Fridays at The Station tickets are $15.
On Friday, Jan. 30, The Station will be open for extended hours to experience the race cars and exhibits with the Final Lap as Race Days come to a close. LADYMONIX will perform dance music from 6 p.m.-10 p.m., and specialty cocktails will be available for purchase. Final Lap tickets are $15.
Tickets for the opening day, Fridays at The Station, and the Final Lap can be purchased here.
