Troy Traffic Jam Returns With Racing Legends, Military Vehicles & Tech Talks
Military vehicles & iconic automobiles celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary with more than 7,000 attendees expected at one of Michigan's largest auto events…
The 18th Annual Troy Traffic Jam returns Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Columbia Center in Troy, Michigan. The event will bring together more than 300 vehicles and 7,000 attendees, nationally recognized automotive personalities, historic military vehicles and family-friendly attractions for one of Southeast Michigan’s largest and most unique automotive events, officials stated in a press release.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating America’s Anniversary,” will showcase a curated collection of influential American automobiles, patriotic-themed vehicles and rarely seen military vehicles that helped shape the country’s history. That’s in addition to the great variety of vehicles from early automotive pioneers and muscle car icons to modern performance machines, noted the release.
“America’s automotive industry helped shape the nation for more than a century, and this year’s Troy Traffic Jam celebrates that legacy in a way that car enthusiasts, history buffs and families can all enjoy,” said Jen Peters, event co-chair and executive director of the Troy Historic Village. “Whether you’re interested in classic cars, racing history, automotive technology or simply spending a great day with family, there is something here for everyone.”
More than 7,250 attended the 2025 Troy Traffic Jam, which featured 360 vehicles and raised more than $25,000 to support educational programs at Troy Historic Village.
Gallagher Tech Talk Series Lineup
This year’s event will once again host the popular Gallagher Tech Talk Series moderated by automotive journalist and Autoline host John McElroy. This year’s presentations include:
Racing legends David Hobbs and Roger Bailey sharing stories from careers that spanned Le Mans, Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR and sports car racing- A special discussion marking the 25th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s final racing season featuring Kelly Collins and Gary Claudio, accompanied by the famous No. 3 Corvette C5-R race car from the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona
- Corvette chief engineer Josh Holder and General Motors designers Vlad Kapitonov and Brian Stoeckel discussing the development of Chevrolet’s latest high-performance sports cars
- The 2024 Mopar Direct Connection Super Stock Challenger alongside the original 1970 Challenger and driver Paul Rossi with Chuck Spieser
From Racing Simulators to Historic Military Vehicles
The event will also feature racing simulators, automotive art, robotics demonstrations by local FIRST Robotics teams, food vendors, music, sponsor exhibits and the always-popular kids’ pedal car races.
New for 2026, members of the Military Vehicle Operators Club of Michigan will display historic military vehicles from multiple eras while organizers recognize the service and sacrifice of American veterans. The National Anthem will be at 9:30 a.m. with a special B-25 flyover from Willow Run Airport immediately following.
Raising Money for the Troy Historic Village
The Troy Traffic Jam is free for spectators. A suggested $5 parking donation enters attendees into a cash prize drawing. All proceeds benefit Troy Historic Village and help support educational programs serving thousands of students and visitors each year.
Event organizers say that vehicle registration is open but filling quickly for owners wishing to display their vehicles as part of the celebration.
