Chevrolet to sponsor the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise
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Woodward Avenue. The name conjures up images of drive-ins and car hops, poodle skirts and saddle shoes, ducktails and skinny ties. In the fifties, sixties and seventies – before the first the first oil crisis and government smog regulations – the 10 miles of M-1’s asphalt between Ferndale and Bloomfield Township would become synonymous with cruising.
Original versions of the current crop of pony cars such as the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, and Dodge Challenger were there as well as nameplates that will never return – the Pontiac GTO, Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda and Oldsmobile 442.
But for at least one weekend a year, those thrilling days of yesteryear do return, although much of it is just in the minds of cruisers and spectators alike, as the drive-ins are mostly gone and the cars, themselves, are usually lovingly garage-kept and brought out only on special occasions such as this.
Cruising down Woodward
The current Woodward Dream Cruise actually had a very modest beginning. Back in 1995, a group of volunteers got together and tried to figure out a way to raise funds to build a soccer field in Ferndale. That first year, organizers were hoping for an audience of about 30,000. Instead, almost 250,000 car enthusiasts showed up for the inaugural cruise. Today, entrants number close to 40,000 while more than 1.5 million people line the route along Woodward Avenue.
Lately, the cruise has also become an important venue for the domestic automakers, in particular, to show off everything from their latest models to performance products and even future models that have yet to hit dealer showrooms. To emphasize this point, earlier today Chevrolet announced that it would be the presenting sponsor for the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise.
Chevy sponsorship
“Chevrolet has always had a strong presence as part of the Woodward Dream Cruise, and we’re honored to have them become the presenting sponsor of the event,” said Greg Rassel, president of the Woodward Dream Cruise. “We are looking forward to what lies ahead for the Dream Cruise, as this partnership will help the growth of our event over the next several years.”
As part of its sponsorship, the bowtie has lined up a number of events that tie into the brand’s 100-year history in the D, including:
• Historic Chevys owned and driven by fans, employees, and retirees
• A showcase of current vehicles, including the Equinox, Cruze, Camaro, Corvette, and Volt
• A display of future Chevrolets, including the new Sonic B-segment car and the ZL1 Camaro
• Performance vehicles and powertrains on display in Memorial Park in Royal Oak
• Chevrolet Volt owners will participate in Cruise and related events – making this the first year that a large number of electrically driven cars will participate.
“Chevrolet and the Woodward Dream Cruise are a natural partnership,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “Chevrolet, as a global brand, is celebrating its centennial with locally focused events that recognize the passion people have for their Chevrolets.”
Stay tuned for more information as cruise time approaches.