Block Party Features Car Show, Live Entertainment and HBCU Spirit

                                                                                                                                                 By Adyson Saunders

Cars, music and Bulldog pride took over Birmingham as NASCAR brought its annual Block Party and Car Show to City Walk, giving Magic City Classic weekend an exciting start.

Held Friday, Oct. 30, the free event brought together car enthusiasts, families, students and community members for an afternoon of entertainment and activities. With more than 150 vehicles on display, visitors had the opportunity to see everything from exotic sports cars to classic and custom rides.

The event also featured a custom-designed NASCAR show car representing Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University, a RAM Burnout Truck, interactive racing experiences and a car show competition offering up to $5,000 in prizes. Attendees could also purchase limited-edition NASCAR x Magic City Classic merchandise.

The excitement extended beyond the cars. Guests enjoyed food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment, racing simulators and a special trunk-or-treat experience for younger visitors. Atlanta rapper Young Dro also made a special appearance, adding to the afternoon's entertainment.

The event brought together two major parts of Alabama’s culture: NASCAR and HBCU football. With Alabama A&M and Alabama State preparing for their annual rivalry, the Block Party gave Bulldog and Hornet supporters another opportunity to celebrate their schools beyond the football field. The universities’ marching bands added to the excitement with performances showcasing HBCU tradition and school pride.

NASCARs involvement in Magic City Classic weekend also reflected its continued efforts to build relationships with HBCUs and connect with communities. NASCAR representatives highlighted the importance of supporting Alabama A&M and Alabama State while recognizing the impact of HBCUs across Alabama.

Alabama A&M students also experienced NASCAR firsthand at the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, Oct. 25. The AAMU drumline joined Alabama State University’s drumline for a pre-race performance, adding HBCU spirit to the event. Two AAMU engineering students also gained behind-the-scenes insight into NASCAR pit crews, engines and racing operations, offering a closer look at the technical expertise behind professional motorsports.

The experience also highlighted the connection between motorsports and engineering education at Alabama A&M. AAMU Motorsports, the University’s official Formula SAE Racing Team, participates in a program organized by SAE International that challenges undergraduate and graduate students to design and develop race cars. The competition allows students to apply classroom knowledge while strengthening their engineering design, teamwork and project management skills.

As Birmingham prepared for one of the biggest weekends in HBCU football, NASCAR's Block Party demonstrated that Magic City Classic is about more than game day. From racing and music to engineering education and community connections, the events brought together NASCAR enthusiasts and HBCU supporters in a celebration of innovation, culture and school pride.

Adyson Saunders is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student creative content team.