Against the advice of many of my friends and family, I moved to Detroit in 1991.  Even though I had only spent a few nights here on business, my opinions were also not very positive.  But it seemed my career demanded it.  Over the years the Detroit area has come to be home, partially because of the awesome combination of bustling metropolis and serene suburbs.  But mainly because of the people (and the fact we have a great local racetrack).

I know of no other place where blue-collar and white-collar mix in the same way, where international visitors are often accepted as locals and where city and country meld almost seamlessly.  Since before the first Designer Night at the Races™ in 2006, the automotive design community has treated me like one of their own, for which I am super appreciative.  So last year we (we = AACS + long time partners Lacks Trim Systems and Kart2Kart) decided it was time to give back, and demonstrate to the annual visitors alternatively know as “summer interns” some of what makes The D awesome. Like kart racing on a Saturday afternoon.

For 2015 the event was moved earlier in the summer to avoid the crunch time that comes when the students have to present their projects to senior management.  Which meant we had a nice turn out from the exterior, interior and HMI studios at GM (along with some guy from Bus Ops).  Along with some of my staff and some of their management we had a great afternoon of racing, pizza and Pop vs Soda.

After an afternoon of spins and crashes the top 3 iterns were crowned, allowing them bragging rights until the 2016 event.  3rd place was Austin Frank from Cleveland Institute of Arts.  He was beaten to the line by Sohn QyuHo of Art Center who finished 2nd and Race Winner Nick Lentini of the University of Michigan.

Many thanks again to Kart2Kart and Lacks Trim Systems for their support.  And to my staff Aaron and Alison who helped with all the arrangements (and allowed me to socialize).  If you would like to see the rest of the pictures, Pictures click here