Autopalooza Returns With A Roar To Metro Detroit

HARRISON TWP. (WWJ) - The summer-long celebration "Autopalooza" returns to Metro Detroit with the arrival of Hot Rod Magazine's annual Power Tour of hot rods at next Friday at Metro Beach.

A media preview was held at Warren City Plaza Wednesday, which will host an "afterglow" the evening of the event.

Jerry Pitt, the publisher of Hot Rod Magazine, says they will have over 3,000 muscle cars, hot rods and collector cars.

"We have some many good friends in Detroit. They've reached out to us every year for the last ten years. They're always trying to promote the car culture. Obviously with Hot Rod magazine the last 63 years being about automotive performance it was a perfect fit."

The 17th Annual Power Tour will hold their grand finale at Metro Beach after starting this year in Cocoa Beach, FL. The show from noon to 6:30 p.m. is free with Metro Park pass.

Chris Baum, Senior Vice-President of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau is expecting even more visitors than they had last year.

"Thousands and thousands of collectors driving their cars into the Motor City, it doesn't get any more perfect than that," he said.

Highlights of the event include a travelling exhibition to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the National Hot Rod Association, along with a special display of car representing the "Golden Age of Drag Racing."

Last year's "Autopalooza" brought in $1 million in spending for area hotels and restaurants. Organizers expect to double that this year.

For more details about 2011 Autopalooza, visit http://www.autopalooza.org/.