Competition Corner: April 2022 Auto Events Kick Off Spring

March 25, 2022May 23, 2022 Bruce Lindermann 0 Comments Best in the Desert, Carlisle Auctions, ChampCar, Charlotte Autofair, Competition Corner, Easter Jeep Safari, Goodguys, IndyCar, Midwest Overlanding Off-Road Expo, New York International Auto Show, NHRA, NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals, Overlanding, SVRA, World of Outlaws

Holy cow, it’s actually April. This past winter was one for the books, what with all the false-spring moments to bash our morale. It’s finally over, though, which can only mean that the on-season is upon us. I hope you don’t have any plans because there’s a lot going down to bring it in. Everything from drag racing to collector car auctions to autocross is on the agenda. There’s so much going on that I don’t have the time to waste yours. So, let’s dive right into what you’ve got to look forward to this April.

ChampCar: Daytona

First up is Champcar. You know, the event that makes it possible for regular folks, like us, to get on historical tracks without the massive overhead costs. This time, organizers are giving drivers the chance to tackle Daytona International Speedway April 1-2 for the 10th Annual 14-Hour Enduro. It’s a legendary way to bring in the month of April and shake off those winter blues. If you’re interested in learning more, everything you need is right here.

WoO: Texas Outlaw Nationals

If you’re a fan of the clay, ger up because World of Outlaws is headed home. That’s right, the legendary dirt series is hitting the Devil’s Bowl Speedway, where it all started, for the Texas Outlaw Nationals April 2. There’s nothing to take lightly about this event with a $20,000 purse on the line. If you’re ready to watch dirt racers bring their A-game for an all-out battle, this link has the details for you to start planning.

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NHRA

NHRA serves up a threefer in April, coming in full swing with some major events to put drivers to the ultimate test. The largest auto racing organization in the world hits Las Vegas first for the Four-Wide Nationals April 1-3. Then, the Houston Raceway Park sets fire with the Spring Nationals running April 22-24. Last but not least, the pavement crackers are headed to the zMax Dragway in Concord, NC, for NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals April 29-May 1. Don’t say you have nothing to do.

GoodGuys

How do you follow up an action-packed threefer? With a twofer. Got to taper things down, so your hearts don’t explode. Next up are two events from the legendary Goodguys. First is the 21st Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals running from April 1-3 in Del Mar, Cal. Then, the massive hot rodding association heads to the lovely American south for the 7th Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals on April 22-24. If you’re a fan of showing, shining, autocrossing, and good company, you already know where you need to go.

Charlotte AutoFair

Still on the hunt for hard-to-find parts? Well, it’s time to get that sorted out. The Charlotte Autofair is coming in hot this April. This is the largest collector vehicle event in the southeast and it is where you need to be if you’re hunting for just about anything. This event brings together countless enthusiasts of every make and model, making it a real hotspot for parts. So, clear your schedule April 7-10 and jot down these details.

Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

If you’re a fan of Indy racing, you’re already booked for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 8-10. But before you settle for tuning in from the couch, you might consider making a weekend of it. The Historic IMSA GTP Challenge has been added to the event, seeing 80s and 90s concept cars battle it out for glory the day before the main event. Sunday holds both the IMSA WeatherTech Championship race followed by the NTT IndyCar Series race. What more could you want to bring in spring with? This link has all the details you need.

Midwest Overlanding and Off-Road Expo (MOORE)

Need more? Good. We got MOORE. The Midwest Overlanding and Off-Road Expo is the place for business owners and enthusiasts of mud to make their way to April 8-10. It’s all about showcasing new product, sharing tips and tricks, and even getting in some real-world exploring. The SMORR 2 MOORE rally, a 70-mile overlanding trek to the event, gives folks the opportunity to make attendance the proper way. If you’re in, this is the link you need.

SVRA

SVRA isn’t going to let all this fun slip by without getting its toes wet. The vintage racing nuts are cannonballing right in with their own threefer. First, the Nola SpeedTour goes down April 8-10 at the NOLA Motorsports Park. Then the TransAm Speedfest, running April 21-24, hits the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. And finally, the Sonoma SpeedTour smashes Sonoma Raceway April 28-May 1. If you’re into classic motorsport and legendary tracks, you have no excuse not to see at least one of these.

2022 Easter Jeep Safari

Everyone who likes dirt knows about Moab. It’s pretty much the place to separate the would-bes from die-hards, making it the premier off-roading destination for those who like a challenge. That said, the Easter Jeep Safari brings together folks from all over to test their grit on several trails for a week of fun. It’s a good way to learn, teach, and enjoy the company of like-minded folks who love hardcore off-roading. This year’s event runs April 9-17, and you can find details here to build your itinerary.

New York International Auto Show

The past few years have been rough for auto shows. Either they canceled due to the pandemic or attendance made for little to write home about. That ship is turning around with the return of the New York International Auto Show April 15-24. There’s a lot to catch up on, and the organizers aren’t pulling punches with EV track tests and the Micro-Mobility Expo to showcase the latest tech. Oh, and you Jeep nuts won’t want to miss out with the expected debut of the Stellantis inline-six. Here’s the info you need.

Carlisle Auctions: Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction

If you’re in the northeast, Carlisle is the host of many events you attend each year. New to the mix is Carlisle Auctions, which gives collectors the opportunity to buy many of the priceless cars they drool over in PA each year. That said, hundreds of cars are expected to cross the block, and bidding has never been easier with the ability to use your phone or computer to shoot your shot. Even if you’re not buying, it won’t hurt to see what’s going down because it will light that fire under your rear. Next one runs April 21-22, get more info here.

14th Annual NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals

If you’re ready to see if you’re up to snuff, you need to clear your schedule April 21-24 for this next one. The NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals is a massive event that brings together countless drag nuts to battle it out. You’ll see everything from small tire classes to pro mods going hard for the glory. There’ll even be a giant car and truck show with the original Big Foot monster truck. What more could you want? The details.

BITD: 2022 Silver State 300

No, not that Alamo. There will be a nutty battle, though. BITD is all about having the nuttiest of off-road nuts hash it out in the desert. This time, you’ll see motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, trucks, and cars do what they do best on 300 miles of Nevada desert track. Trust me, we saved the best for last, and you’re going to want all the details you can get to check out this madhouse of an event running April 28-30.