When you think of Detroit, muscle cars likely roar to mind, but for former Chief of Police James Craig, these cars were street guardians. On Dodge’s “Ride Along with Cristy Lee,” Craig revealed how his beloved Dodge Challenger 392 Scat Pack wasn’t just about speed. With roots in Detroit’s automotive scene, Craig swapped the assembly line for a badge, urging speedsters to hit the drag strip—not the streets. Curious about how muscle cars can drive community and safety? Click to find out more!
When you think of Detroit, you might imagine the roar of a powerful engine echoing through the streets, a testament to its rich automotive heritage. For former Detroit Chief of Police James Craig, this wasn’t just a stereotype—it was a way of life. Craig, who served as the city’s top cop from 2013 to 2021, has always had a deep-seated affection for muscle cars, a passion that permeated his tenure on the force.
During a candid chat on Dodge’s popular Ride Along with Cristy Lee, Craig shared the surprising ways his love for these iconic vehicles helped safeguard Detroit’s streets. While muscle cars often carry a “bad-boy” image, Craig’s perspective adds a fascinating twist to the narrative. Owning a 2020 Dodge Challenger 392 Scat Pack, Craig’s admiration for muscle cars runs deep, tracing back to his roots. Born and bred in Detroit, his first car was a Plymouth Fury, a cherished gift from his late grandfather.
Interestingly, Craig initially pursued automotive technology, aiming for a career as an engineer. His journey took him to the assembly lines at Chrysler before he swapped the wrench for a badge. Despite the career shift, his love for muscle cars never wavered. “I’m no racer,” Craig asserted with a chuckle. “I am so disciplined, I recognized that I set a tone for the city.”
Craig’s understanding of muscle cars isn’t just about power; it’s about respect and responsibility. He encourages fellow enthusiasts to channel their need for speed into safe environments, like sanctioned drag strips. “The streets are not the place for it,” he advised, echoing a sentiment that would resonate with car lovers worldwide.
In a twist of fate, a man in California took this advice to heart—perhaps a bit too literally. Racing aficionado Ramon Gonzalez went beyond mere participation, purchasing land to construct his own professional drag racing track in 2023. With hopes of making it a local hotspot, Gonzalez’s initiative even won the endorsement of the city’s mayor.
As Craig’s story illustrates, muscle cars can be more than just machines of speed and power. They can serve as unlikely ambassadors of community and safety, a narrative that continues to rev through the streets of Detroit and beyond.
Source: Detroit Chief of Police shares how his ingrained love of muscle cars helps keep the streets safe
