Ram's Bucking HEMI Ride Stolen Under Mysterious Circumstances at RoadKill Nights Event: Investigation Underway
The Bucking HEMI Ride, a unique mechanical bull attraction worth $34,000, was the centre of attention at the recent Roadkill Nights event held on Woodward Avenue in Pontiac, Michigan. This horsepower celebration sponsored by Dodge and Ram marked its tenth year, bringing street-legal drag racing and various competitions to the heart of the city [1][2].
On the evening of Saturday, August 9, 2025, during the teardown after the event, the Bucking HEMI Ride, easily recognizable due to its huge Ram head, was taken. Initially reported as stolen, it was later found to have been mistakenly taken by one of the show contractors during disassembly and transported about 1,200 miles away to North Carolina. The mechanical bull was returned after 67 hours once the error was realized and media coverage helped locate it [5].
Ram, the manufacturer of the pickup truck the bull was themed after, has filed a report about the incident with the Pontiac police and is actively collaborating with authorities. The company is encouraging anyone with information about the stolen ride to contact local law enforcement or the Ram brand directly [3].
Mary Conway, a professional automotive journalist with decades of experience, covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate in Detroit. She reported on the event and the subsequent incident involving the Bucking HEMI Ride. Mary can be followed at @MaryConwayMedia for car news tips [4].
The Bucking HEMI Ride made its debut earlier in June at Michigan International Speedway, where tens of thousands of fans attended the festival [1]. Ram celebrated the return of the HEMI V-8s with this mechanical bull thrill ride as part of the Roadkill Nights event.
Roadkill Nights typically kicks off Dream Cruise week, where classic and muscle car fans gather on Woodward Avenue. The event is a significant part of the automotive calendar in the region, and the recovery of the Bucking HEMI Ride is a relief for organisers and fans alike.
[1] Bucking HEMI Ride Debuts at Michigan International Speedway
[2] Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge Returns for its Tenth Year
[3] Ram Requests Tips on Theft of Bucking HEMI Ride
[4] Mary Conway's Twitter Profile
[5] Mistaken Theft of Bucking HEMI Ride: A Timeline
- Despite the resolution of the Bucking HEMI Ride theft incident, Ram has still reported the case to the Pontiac police, encouraging anyone with information to contact local authorities or the Ram brand directly for crime-and-justice purposes.
- In addition to the Roadkill Nights event offering street-legal drag racing and competitions, the general-news landscape also covered theUnexpected journey of the Bucking HEMI Ride, from its mistaking being taken during disassembly to its return 1,200 miles away, with professional automotive journalist Mary Conway providing updates on this sports-betting twist in the automotive world.
