Events such as Drift Indy and the Woodward Dream Cruise are showcasing how car culture is helping Detroit residents build community in the face of a growing loneliness epidemic in the U.S., according to those interviewed by Fox News Digital. These events, which bring together people from all walks of life, offer a sense of connection in an era of declining social activities, including bowling leagues, rotary clubs, and church attendance.
Drift Indy, which began as an online group promoting car drifting in 2005, now hosts events across the Midwest. The group uses facilities at M1 Concourse in Pont, where drivers engage in high-speed drifting, creating a shared experience for attendees. Fox News Digital attended several such events, including Drift Indy and the Woodward Dream Cruise, to explore how car culture fosters a sense of belonging in an increasingly isolated society.
Catherine, who brought her family to the Woodward Dream Cruise, noted that the event brings people together, with many sitting on chairs along the street to take in the sights and connect with others. Similarly, Deidra, a driver who started the ‘Girls Gone Drifting’ initiative, highlighted how car culture bridges gender gaps in traditionally male-dominated activities, providing a supportive community for women.
Paul Zlotoff, CEO of M1 Conserve, emphasized the role of these events in filling the void left by the decline of traditional social activities. He noted that while bowling leagues and rotary clubs are shrinking, car events create opportunities for people to engage with each other through shared interests, fostering a sense of community.
Experts like the Surgeon General have identified a national loneliness epidemic, with one in five adults reporting daily loneliness. The decline in traditional social activities has amplified this issue, making events like those in Detroit all the more significant in providing a sense of connection and belonging.