Some events have gotten off to a slow start, but tourism officials say the concerted effort could turn southeast Michigan into a major automotive tourism destination. Detroit's pice de rsistance, organizers say, will come this afternoon with a cruise-themed Tigers game where Helio Castroneves, Team Penske race-car driver and winner of last season's 'Dancing with the Stars,' will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

After the final inning, thousands of fans will pour out of Comerica Park and onto Madison Street to revel in a one-day street fair with live music, food and the largest hot rod and custom car show in the city's recent history.

'This event ... hope will become a major event on an annual basis,' said Chris Baum, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. 'All marketed together it can eventually become our local Mardi Gras.'

On Monday, a $100-plate fundraiser at The Whitney to benefit the Walter P. Chrysler Museum drew about 150 people, more than expected.

'When you marry these things together we'll see 10,000 people, minimum,' said Watson.

Organizers expect astronomical turnout for events today and through the weekend, like for Friday and Saturday's 'Michigan Drive-Thru Memory,' when Bob's Big Boy Restaurant will turn the fairgrounds at 8 Mile and Woodward into a 750-car, drive-up eatery, with servers on roller skates taking orders at drivers' windows.

Other events have hit snags, some garnering less then stellar turnout, resulting in altered event schedules and even a few cancellations. Organizers also faced apparent challenges, like attempting to drum up excitement for first-time events and convincing some suburbanites to venture into the city. One organizer said that the chock-full slate of events forced them to compete for attention and coverage.

Organizers say that challenges were to be expected the first time out, and with each successive year, word of mouth will bring more and more cruisers.

'This is a new initiative, this is the first time,' said Gary Familian, executive director of MotorCities. 'At the end of this event, we'll be able to sit down and figure out how to more effectively spread the spirit throughout the region.'