|
Back to the Bricks®
April 2026 Newsletter
120 days until Main Event Saturday!
| |
Get ready for adventure! The Back to the Bricks team is excited to offer you the opportunity to win a NEW 2025 PUMA Camper—perfect for road trips, camping getaways, and making unforgettable memories.
Estimated Value: $30,000
Click the link below, learn more about this Camper, stop into Phillips RV and see it today and get your tickets!!!
🙌 Special Thank You 🙌
A BIG thank you to Phillips RV Center of Mount Morris for helping make this incredible fundraising opportunity possible.
| | | |
SWAP MEET
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Held at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
6140 Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
| | |
This will be a ONE-DAY EVENT, taking place on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, from 10 am – 3 pm. Vendors can set up starting at 8 am. The General Public can park ONSITE and attend for FREE.
Vendor Information:
- Swap Meet Vendors 15×15 outdoor space – $15 each
- Flea Market & Craft Vendors 15×15 outdoor space – $15 each
| | |
Or, download the PDF below and mail it in with a Check to:
Back to the Bricks
PO BOX 500, Flint, MI 48420
| | 6th Annual Dust 'em Off Car Show | | |
Sunday, May 17th, 2026
Public Car Show Hours: 10am - 3pm
Held at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
6140 Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
Registration open NOW
Emails with QR Codes will go out to registered Participants soon
| See Dust 'em Off Website for FULL DETAILS Click Below | | | From the Vice Chairman: Looking Ahead to an Exciting Season | | |
It’s hard to believe it’s already been two months since Chrome & Ice, it still feels like just yesterday. Since then, our team has been hard at work behind the scenes planning and preparing for what is shaping up to be an incredible season of events.
We’re excited to kick things off with Dust ’em Off, which will feature a new location this year and plenty of fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to get your vehicles out, reconnect with fellow enthusiasts, and start the season strong.
Next up is the Promo Tour, and it’s coming together beautifully. This year’s route will once again showcase the best of Michigan, and excitement is building fast. Registration is nearly full, with only a few spots remaining, so if you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the time.
Following that, we roll into our Tune-Up Parties, and for the first time ever, we’re expanding them into a two-week schedule. Starting in July and running through the first week of August, this new format gives everyone more time to enjoy each stop, take care of their vehicles, and gear up for the Main Event.
Speaking of which, the Main Event is already well underway in the planning stages and is shaping up to be another fantastic experience. With the updated schedule this year, you’ll have even more time to prepare your vehicle and make the most of everything the event has to offer.
We’re also introducing something new this year, a Fall Color Tour through Michigan. This will be a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the season while hitting the road with fellow enthusiasts. Space will be limited due to accommodations, so be sure to watch for more details as they are released.
In addition to our major events, we’re continuing to work with our partners to bring you a few smaller events, like Bricks & Bowties, and Night at the Speedway. Be sure to keep an eye on our website for updates and announcements.
All in all, this is shaping up to be a great car show season. I encourage everyone to register online for our events to take advantage of added benefits and eligibility for prizes along the way.
I look forward to seeing you out on the road and at our events this year.
Ralph Messer
Vice Chairman of the Board
Back to the Bricks®
ralphmesser@backtothebricks.org
| | LAST CALL - Gas, Gears & Good Times Promo Tour | | |
Time is running out! The Back to the Bricks® Promo Tour is almost at capacity, and this is your final chance to get registered.
With just a handful of spots remaining, now is the time to secure your place on one of the most anticipated events of the season. This six-day journey across Michigan is packed with incredible stops, unforgettable experiences, and the camaraderie that makes Back to the Bricks® so special.
Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the adventure—once we’re full, we’re full!
Register today and join us on the road!
| | Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Bob Myers | | |
Back to the Bricks invites our entire car community to come together in honor of a man who meant so much to all of us, Robert “Bob” Myers.
A lifelong supporter, proud sponsor, and true friend of Back to the Bricks, Bob wasn’t just part of the automotive community… he helped shape it.
Join Us for a Celebration of Life
📍 Birch Run Speedway
📅 Sunday, May 3, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
| | |
Bob Myers, of Linden, passed away on February 1, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by those who loved him most. While his family has held a private service, this upcoming celebration is an opportunity for all of us, friends, car enthusiasts, and community members, to honor a life lived fully, loudly, and with purpose.
A Life Built on Grit, Passion, and Heart
Bob was the proud owner of Eastern Asphalt for over 40 years, building his business with determination, resilience, and an unmatched work ethic. He believed in showing up, doing the work, and taking care of people, no matter the circumstance.
But beyond business, Bob’s true joy came from cars, community, and connection.
He was a passionate car restorer, a familiar face at Back to the Bricks, and Frankenmuth Auto Fest, and a man who never lost his love for the roar of an engine. Whether it was a classic car, a hot rod, or a weekend at the track, Bob was in his element.
More Than a Car Guy
Bob had a rare gift, he brought people together.
From Labor Day parties with live music to lending a helping hand without hesitation, Bob created experiences and memories that will live on for generations. He treated people like family, believed in lifting others up, and lived with a spirit that made everyone feel welcome.
Even through life’s toughest challenges, Bob never slowed down. He adapted, pushed forward, and continued to lead by example, showing us all what it means to live with grit and grace.
His Legacy Lives On
Bob’s impact reaches far beyond the businesses he built. It lives on in the friendships he forged, the people he helped, and the community he strengthened.
For Back to the Bricks, Bob was more than a sponsor, he was family.
| |
Let’s Honor Him Together
We invite all car lovers, friends, and community members to join us on May 3rd as we celebrate Bob the best way we know how, surrounded by great people, meaningful stories, and the shared love of cars.
Bring your memories. Bring your stories. And most of all, bring the spirit that Bob lived by every single day.
Because legends like Bob Myers aren’t forgotten, they’re celebrated.
| | Events Coming this SUMMER!!!! | |
Night at the Speedway
June 25th 4-8pm
Back to the Bricks® is proud to partner with Owosso Speedway to bring an exciting new event to our lineup, Night at the Speedway.
This one-night-only experience offers a fresh twist on the traditional car show, combining the thrill of the track with the passion of our car community. Set against the backdrop of one of Michigan’s most iconic racing venues, this event invites enthusiasts to come together for an evening that blends classic cars, racing culture, and unforgettable energy.
Participants and spectators alike can enjoy a cruise-in style car show, with optional judging for those who want to showcase their vehicles. Awards will be presented, adding an extra layer of excitement for those looking to compete while still maintaining the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that defines Back to the Bricks®.
Adding to the experience, attendees will have the opportunity to see mini wedges and a variety of race vehicles up close, offering a unique look at the machines that bring the speedway to life. It’s a chance to appreciate not only classic cars, but also the craftsmanship and performance behind racing vehicles.
Beyond the cars, the evening will be filled with everything that makes our events special, great food, local vendors, and the camaraderie of a community brought together by a shared passion.
For those looking to take things to the next level, Owosso Speedway’s Ride Experience will be available, giving participants the rare opportunity to climb into a race car and take four thrilling laps around the track. It’s an adrenaline-filled addition that truly sets this event apart.
We are grateful to Owosso Speedway for their partnership and support in creating this unique experience. Their commitment to motorsports and community makes them the perfect partner as we continue to grow and evolve our event offerings.
Night at the Speedway is more than just a car show, it’s a chance to experience the track, the cars, and the community in a whole new way.
We look forward to seeing you there for a night of horsepower, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
MORE details to come!
| | | |
Tune Up Parties
July 29th - 31st & Aug 6th - 8th
What was once packed into one incredible week is now spreading out over TWO Weeks, giving you six nights of fun across the region to celebrate everything we love about Back to the Bricks.
We’re proud to welcome back our Tune-Up Parties Sponsor, Huntington Bank, as we take this fan-favorite tradition to the next level!
Excitement is building as each Tune-Up Party rolls into a different community, creating more opportunities to cruise, connect, and experience the energy of car culture throughout the county. Each stop will bring its own unique vibe, but you can expect a full lineup of fun including concessions, vendors, Official Back to the Bricks® merchandise, DJs, live music at select locations, dancing in the streets, and plenty of giveaways.
This is your chance to get your vehicle out, explore amazing local restaurants and shops, meet new faces, and be part of something special as we visit six different communities throughout the 2026 season.
Visit: backtothebricks.org/tuneup2026/ for full schedule of events
| | | |
Main Event Week
Aug 11 - 15th
The excitement builds all week long as Back to the Bricks® returns with a five-day automotive extravaganza you won’t want to miss!
We kick things off on Tuesday, August 11th with Bricks Flicks at the iconic US23 Drive-In—a perfect night of classic cars and nostalgic fun under the stars.
Then, the energy shifts into high gear on Wednesday and Thursday as engines roar and crowds gather along Saginaw Street from Flint to Grand Blanc for the legendary Rolling Cruises. It’s a can’t-miss tradition where chrome shines, engines rumble, and the streets come alive.
On Friday, head to Downtown Flint for a night the whole family will love! Enjoy the FREE Live Cruise “N” Concert and Car Show, proudly brought to you by Big John Steak & Onion and Tonic Events. Live music, beautiful cars, and an unbeatable atmosphere make this one of the most exciting nights of the week.
Then comes Saturday—the Main Event. Downtown Flint transforms into a sea of classic cars as vehicles of every era line the brick streets, creating a breathtaking showcase of automotive history and passion.
Thousands will stroll the streets, snapping photos, shopping for unique finds, connecting with fellow enthusiasts, and soaking in the energy that makes Back to the Bricks® one of the premier classic car events in the nation.
From the Opening Ceremony to the final rev of the engine, this is more than an event—it’s an experience. Come for the cars, stay for the community, and enjoy the food, vendors, and unforgettable moments that define Back to the Bricks®.
Full Main Event Week Details: backtothebricks.org/mainevent/
| | | |
Bricks and Bowties
September 9th
Back to the Bricks® is proud to continue a valued partnership with Vic Canever Chevrolet as we bring back Bricks & Bowties for 2026, a signature event that will officially close out another incredible car show season for us.
Set for Wednesday, September 9th in Fenton, this event will be a true favorite among participants and spectators alike. It offers one final opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the passion, craftsmanship, and camaraderie that define Back to the Bricks®.
Throughout the summer, we travel across communities, building momentum and creating lasting memories. Bricks & Bowties serves as the perfect finale, bringing that energy together in one place for an evening that reflects everything the season has been about.
Guests can expect a strong showing of classic cars and trucks, from beautifully restored vintage vehicles to powerful muscle cars that continue to turn heads. The atmosphere will be lively yet welcoming, with music from DJ Scott Kuhl, local food vendors, and a variety of raffles and giveaways adding to the experience. Exclusive Bricks & Bowties collectibles will also be available, giving attendees a chance to take home a piece of the event.
More than anything, Bricks & Bowties is about connection. It’s a chance to gather with friends, reconnect with fellow enthusiasts, and celebrate the relationships that make this community so special. We are grateful to Vic Canever and his team for their continued support and shared commitment to making this event a meaningful part of the Back to the Bricks® tradition.
As the season comes to a close, we invite you to join us in Fenton for an evening that celebrates not just the cars, but the people and partnerships behind them.
LET'S GO!!! Visit backtothebricks.org/bricksandbowties/
| | | |
Fall Color Tour With Shea Automotive
September 25th & 26th
Back to the Bricks® is proud to continue its strong partnership with Shea Automotive Group, bringing fresh energy and new ideas to one of our most anticipated experiences of the year—the Road Rally.
Set for September 25th and 26th, this year’s Fall Road Rally marks an exciting evolution of a longtime favorite. While the spirit of the event remains rooted in adventure, camaraderie, and a shared love of the drive, participants will notice something new in 2026—a thoughtfully expanded format designed to enhance the overall experience.
For the first time, the Road Rally will extend beyond a single day, offering an overnight journey through Michigan’s fall landscape. This new format allows for a more relaxed pace, additional time to connect with fellow participants, and the opportunity to fully enjoy the scenic beauty that makes this time of year so special.
The Fall Color Tour will guide drivers along carefully selected routes that highlight the best of Michigan in autumn—from winding roads lined with vibrant foliage to welcoming communities along the way. Much like the beloved Promo Tour, this experience is designed to be as much about the journey as it is the destination.
This enhancement reflects the continued growth of the Road Rally and the shared vision between Back to the Bricks® and Shea Automotive Group to create meaningful, memorable experiences for participants. By expanding the event, we are able to offer something new while still honoring the traditions that have made the Road Rally a favorite year after year.
Additional details, including route highlights, lodging information, and registration, will be announced in the coming weeks.
As summer begins to wind down and the colors of fall start to emerge, the Road Rally offers the perfect opportunity to get behind the wheel, explore Michigan’s natural beauty, and enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts.
We look forward to sharing this next chapter of the Road Rally with you. More details to come: https://backtothebricks.org/roadrally2026/
| | | | Register NOW for the 54th Annual Sloan Museum Auto Fair | Pre-registration closes on 8am on June 22nd | |
54th Annual Sloan Museum Auto Fair June 27 & 28, 2026, at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad.
Pre-registration open!
Registration online is due by 8am June 22 and save $5. Registration is good for both days of the show. On Saturday, vehicle gates are open 7am to 5pm and Sunday 7am until 11am for Judged vehicles and until 1pm for Show vehicles. Crossroads is open 9am-5pm both Saturday and Sunday.
Register TODAY and come hang out with the Back to the Bricks® team at the 54th annual Sloan Museum Auto Fair happening June 27 & 28.
REGISTER HERE
| |
Genesee County Historical Society
| | Harlow Curtice: The Flint Executive Who Led General Motors to Record Success | | |
Few figures in American automotive history rose through the ranks with the determination and impact of Harlow Curtice. Known for his relentless work ethic and bold business decisions, Curtice helped transform several divisions of General Motors and eventually led the corporation during one of the most prosperous periods in its history.
Curtice was born on August 15, 1893, in Petrieville, Michigan, near Eaton Rapids. His upbringing in a small town helped shape the disciplined work habits that would define his career. As a teenager, he assisted his father’s fruit business by keeping the company’s financial books, discovering early that he had a strong aptitude for accounting and numbers.
Seeking to build on those skills, Curtice enrolled at Ferris Institute in Big Rapids, Michigan, where he studied accounting and graduated in 1914. Soon after completing his education, he answered a newspaper advertisement for a bookkeeping job at the AC Spark Plug Company in Flint. During his interview, he reportedly told the company’s controller that he intended to earn that very position within a year—and remarkably, he did exactly that.
By the age of 21, Curtice had already become comptroller of AC Spark Plug, making him one of the youngest major executives in the automotive industry. After a brief period of service in World War I, he returned to General Motors and steadily climbed the corporate ladder, serving as assistant general manager and then vice president.
In 1929, at just 36 years old, Curtice was appointed president of AC Spark Plug in Flint. Despite the severe economic challenges of the Great Depression, Curtice expanded the division’s product line and strengthened its sales so dramatically that employment at the company actually increased while many businesses were shrinking.
Curtice’s success led General Motors to assign him a difficult challenge in 1933: reviving the struggling Buick division. At the time, Buick’s fortunes had declined sharply, with production dropping to about 40,000 cars annually. Curtice immediately reorganized the division, redesigned its vehicles to appeal to a broader group of buyers, and launched an aggressive marketing campaign. His efforts produced remarkable results. By 1936, Buick production had surged, and by 1941 the division was producing approximately 377,000 cars per year.
During World War II, Buick shifted from automobile production to wartime manufacturing, producing aircraft engines and other military equipment. Curtice managed this transition with notable efficiency, strengthening Buick’s reputation within the corporation.
After the war, Curtice continued to rise within General Motors’ leadership structure. In 1948, he became executive vice president, taking responsibility for major corporate functions including engineering, manufacturing, styling, research, labor relations, and distribution. His reputation for rapid decision-making and relentless work habits only grew during this period. Colleagues often remarked that Curtice spent long hours at his desk and expected the same dedication from those around him. He summarized his philosophy with a simple rule: “Do it the hard way. Do it better than it needs to be done.”
In 1953, Curtice was named president of General Motors, succeeding Charles E. Wilson after Wilson left to become Secretary of Defense under Dwight D. Eisenhower. This made him the third GM president from Flint (William C. “Billy” Durant and Charles Nash being the first two, and current GM president and GMI/Kettering University alum Mary Barra being the fourth with Flint ties). Curtice took charge at a time when the American automobile industry was booming but still vulnerable to economic fluctuations.
Demonstrating confidence in the future of the U.S. economy, Curtice made a bold announcement in 1954 that General Motors would invest $1 billion in new plants and expanded facilities. The decision came during a period of economic uncertainty, and it helped restore confidence among workers, consumers, and investors. Other automakers—including Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation—soon followed with expansion plans of their own.
Curtice’s leadership produced historic financial results. In 1955, General Motors became the first industrial corporation in the world to earn $1 billion in net profits. The company employed more than 600,000 people across dozens of divisions and sold millions of vehicles annually. Another lasting achievement of Curtice’s presidency was the opening of the General Motors Technical Center in 1956. Located in Warren, the futuristic campus became the corporation’s primary center for automotive design, engineering, and research.
Curtice retired from General Motors in 1958 after a 44-year career with the company. Even after stepping down, he remained active as a member of the corporation’s board and finance committee. His achievements were widely recognized: in 1955 he was named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year,” and in 1971 he was posthumously inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Harlow Curtice died on November 3, 1962, at his home in Flint’s Woodcroft neighborhood at the age of 69. Remembered as a disciplined leader, strategic risk-taker, and tireless worker, Curtice helped guide General Motors to unprecedented success during the height of America’s automotive age.
Gary L. Fisher
President
Genesee County Historical Society
| |
The Ally Challenge Saturday Concert | The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren is once again hosting the concert of the summer when Keith Urban performs live at The Ally Community Concert! Join us on Saturday, August 29th at Warwick Hills in Grand Blanc before the final round of this PGA TOUR Champions event. | | | |
TIRE OFFER from Vic Canever!!! |
Keep Your Ride Rolling
When it comes to keeping your vehicle in top condition, the Service Team at Vic Canever Chevrolet is one you can count on.
With decades of experience and a reputation built on trust, their certified technicians are committed to keeping you safe on the road—whether it’s routine maintenance or more in-depth repairs. From tire care and alignments to full-service maintenance, their team takes pride in delivering quality work with attention to detail and customer care at the forefront.
Service You Can Trust
- Expert technicians with years of combined experience
- Service for Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles
- State-of-the-art equipment and trusted parts
- A team that stands behind their work
May Tire Special
As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to check your tires and make sure your vehicle is ready for the road ahead. This May, take advantage of special savings on tires at Vic Canever Chevrolet.
Whether you’re planning road trips, cruising to car shows, or just commuting day-to-day, having the right tires—and properly maintained ones—makes all the difference in safety, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Backed by a team that puts customers first, Vic Canever Chevrolet makes it easy to stay ahead of maintenance and drive with confidence all season long.
Schedule your service, take advantage of the May tire special, and hit the road ready for whatever comes next.
| | | | |
Vol. 7, Issue #4
"Tuning up for the Promo Tour"
| | |
Last week my wife and I returned home from Florida. Yes, the weather was great for the most part, but temperatures were starting to approach ninety degrees. Like the previous two years, we decided to take US 23 back to Michigan.
We traveled the first forty miles on I 75 to the Punta Gorda exit. From Punta Gorda, we traveled on Florida State Highway 17 to Arcadia, where we continued north to Highway 301, which eventually merged with US 23. At that point, US 23 became a four lane divided highway with limited access. As expected, we traveled through many small towns and cities. Speed limits were typically 55 to 65 miles per hour, with local town speeds ranging from 25 to 35 miles per hour.
Before leaving Florida, my wife Pat looked up the total mileage from Fort Myers to Flint via US 23. To our surprise, the distance was between 1,300 and 1,350 miles, not much different than taking I 75. Now that we have traveled US 23 back to Michigan, we were able to avoid traffic congestion in Atlanta, Knoxville, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio. Aside from one delay in Virginia due to road resurfacing, the only congestion we encountered was near Columbus, Ohio, and even then, we never hit a major traffic jam.
Once we began driving through the Appalachian Mountains, the scenery was spectacular. We stopped at several roadside attractions, a collector car dealership, and a local flea market. Hotels were readily available in larger cities, and room rates were comparable to those in Michigan, with one exception in Johnson City, Tennessee. Johnson City was hosting a NASCAR event that weekend, and hotel rates reflected the increased demand.
So, what is the point I am trying to make
As most of you are aware, Back to the Bricks will host the BttB Promo Tour during the first full week of June. The Promo Tour does an excellent job of creating memorable experiences while traveling Michigan’s back roads. There are no expressways or gravel roads. Each overnight stop offers a chance to explore what the host city has to offer, meet local car enthusiasts, or even reconnect with friends or family you have not seen in years.
Many tour participants have even purchased collector cars along the way to add to their collections back home. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones, the only challenge may be convincing your number one passenger to agree to the purchase. In my case, it is less of a hurdle and more of a pole vault challenge.
With June quickly approaching and after our recent 1,400 mile trip on US 23, my wife and I are looking forward to another road adventure. If you have not registered yet, there is still time. May 1 is the deadline, and space is limited to 250 vehicles. At the time of this writing, the tour may already be at capacity.
We look forward to seeing all of you soon. So polish up your ride, fill the gas tank, change the oil, check your tire pressure, bring a few tools and small mechanical parts, and pack your suitcase.
Keep on rollin’
Al Hatch
Founder of the Back to the Bricks®
Chairman Emeritus
| | | | |