Official Release:
Racing Legends, Historic Military Vehicles, and Exclusive Tech Talks Headline Troy Traffic Jam, Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
- National racing personalities Roger Bailey, Kelly Collins, David Hobbs, and Paul Rossi headline the Tech Talk series
- Military vehicles and iconic automobiles celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary
- More than 7,000 attendees expected at one of Michigan’s largest automotive events
- Free family event featuring racing simulators, robotics demonstrations, pedal car races, food, music and activities supporting Troy Historic Village
TROY, MI – America turns 250 in 2026, and the Troy Traffic Jam is celebrating with the machines that helped build the nation.
The 18th Annual Troy Traffic Jam returns Sunday, Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbia Center in Troy, bringing together more than 300 vehicles with more than 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.
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.
“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.”
As one of Michigan’s premier automotive events, the 2025 Troy Traffic Jam welcomed more than 7,250 attendees and featured 360 vehicles while raising more than $25,000 to support educational programs at Troy Historic Village.
Beyond the impressive vehicle display, attendees will enjoy 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
The event also features 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.
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.
Vehicle registration is open but filling quickly for owners wishing to display their vehicles as part of the celebration.
2026 Event Information
What: 18th Annual Troy Traffic Jam
When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Columbia Center, 201 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan
Admission: Free to the public; suggested $5 parking donation
About Troy Traffic Jam
The Troy Traffic Jam is an annual fundraiser supporting Troy Historic Village. More than a traditional car show, the event combines significant automobiles, industry experts, educational programming and family activities to create one of Michigan’s premier automotive experiences. Proceeds support Troy Historic Village educational programs that serve students, families and community members throughout the region.
For more information visit https://www.troyhistoricvillage.org/troy-traffic-jam/.
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