Competition Corner: April 2023 Auto Events

March 31, 2023October 27, 2023 Bruce Lindermann 0 Comments Auto Show, Barrett-Jackson Auction, Car Show, Car Swap, Charlotte Autofair, Competition Corner, drag racing, Formula Drift, Indy Car, Jeep Beach, New York Auto Show, NHRA, NMCA, NMRA, Off-Road Expo, Overlanding, Rally Racing, Spring Carlisle, Sprint Car Racing, SVRA

Some parts of the country might have a few cold spells ahead of them, but April is finally here – which means the 2023 season can finally get up to speed. If you’re itching for a reason to get out and enjoy some automotive action, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got a lot to cover this time around, from shows to races and even some off-road action, and we’re not about to waste your time getting to any of it. Here are your must-attend April 2023 auto events.

New York International Auto Show

We’re easing into things with an auto expo. The New York Auto Show is set to go down from April 6-17. That’s a big window for you to make time to see what the latest industry innovations are all about. It’s a great time to connect with industry titans and catch wind on incoming trends that will set you and yours up for a strong 2023.

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction

At the tail end of the last event, you can tune into Barret-Jackson’s next big auction. And if you’re not in New York from April 13-15, you just might swing down to Palm Beach for the chance to take home your dream car. Of course, you can watch from any couch and make bids on anything that catches your eye, or simply watch the countless classics roll through the auction block. It’s Barrett-Jackson — there’s no bad way to enjoy it.

Charlotte Auto Fair

April means spring cleaning season is in full effect. Sure, you might have some piles to sort through in the shop, but why not jump on the opportunity to add to the collection? The Charlotte Auto Fair is one of many massive swap meets going down this month. With 10,000 spaces available to vendors, there’s no way you won’t find something good at the Charlotte Motor Speedway this April 13-26.

NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals

All right, enough of the easygoing stuff – at least for now. Now we talk about drag racing. And if you need your fill of that, the NMRA/NMCA is prescribing more than enough this April 13-16 during the All-Star Nationals. No matter your flavor of speed, the folks here have you covered. We expect to see you at the Rockingham Dragway, starting the season out right.

NHRA

Still haven’t had your fill, have you? Good. Because the NHRA is hitting you hard with a twofer this April. First up is the Four-Wide Nationals, running April 14-16 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Then they close the month out with the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, on April 28-30 at the zMAX Dragway. Even if you can only make it to one and watch the other remotely, you’ll surely be satiated with all the insane, tire-frying, pavement-splitting action.

Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

California is a dream destination for many. From Yosemite to LA, there’s something for everyone in the Golden State. And even if you were on the fence, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is calling you in. Not a bone in your body can deny watching everything from Indy 500 race cars, top sports cars, Formula Drift, and SUPER trucks tear up the streets of downtown this April 14-16.

Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral

Look, a lot of Pennsylvanians let a special little groundhog tell them when the party starts. But any gearhead in the Keystone State will tell you it’s actually when Spring Carlisle hits. This show is one of the largest automotive flea markets around, and is your last chance to get anything you need to wrap up that winter project that’s worn out its stay. You’ll even get to see countless killer cars while you’re there this April 19-23.

Moore Overlanding and Off-Road Expo

Overlanding is back, folks. Well, it never stopped. It’s just been moving around, and now it’s finally coming back to the Ozarks. The Moore Overlanding and Off-Road Expo is your chance to get back in on the fun this April 21-22. If meeting vendors and learning from pros isn’t all you need, you can also jump in on the 70-mile trek to the event known as SMORR 2 MOORE. What more could you want?

World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars

If you need a little dirt in your life but need it a little faster, maybe it’s time to get into sprint cars. And what better way to do that than to check out World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars April 21-22? These feisty little monsters are turning unbelievable power for their weight, and the folks behind the wheel are crazed for the win. The action is unreal, and you don’t want to miss it.

Goodguys 8th Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals

Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of car show fun to go around. Goodguys 8th Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals is set to go down April 21-23. This is the best way to get back into the swing of things and meet some great people along the way. Good food, killer cars, and competitions you’ve been dreaming of are all on the agenda. If that’s not enough, just getting out into the Carolina sun is sure to get you fired up.

DirtFish Olympus Rally

136 stage miles. Think about going just one mile through the woods at rally car speeds. DirtFish Olympus Rally is the longest rally of the 2023 season and is among the oldest in the nation. A combination like that already makes for a great time. Toss in some of the gnarliest drivers in history, and you have no choice but to check it out this April 22-23.

California Mille

There are classics, and then there are cars from the golden age of automobiles. The California Mille, running April 23-27, is all about touring the best roads in California from behind the wheel of a pre-1958 vehicle. It gives one a chance to really connect with a car and culture long forgotten by time and see one of the greatest parts of the country up close and personal.

Jeep Beach 2023

Twenty years ago, a bunch of Jeep nuts decided to make an event celebrating their vehicles on one of the greatest beaches in America. Who would have thought it’d become a cultural icon of an industry? April 23-30 is the 20th anniversary of Jeep Beach. It’s the event that brings together thousands of likeminded individuals for one big blowout at the beach, followed by the chance to see what hundreds of vendors have to showcase at the Daytona Speedway. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Sonoma SpeedTour

If there’s one event that truly has it all, it is the Sonoma SpeedTour. This event brings in drivers to race everything from Trans Am to SVRA cars on one of the most iconic raceways in America. And if that’s not enough, there will be vendors to check out, along with full access to the garage to see what goes into making these machines magic. It’s the perfect way to wrap the month this April 27-30 and the only way to satisfy the car nerd in you.

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If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that car culture is meant to shared. Competition Corner is a monthly column in which we, auto enthusiasts, give you, our fellow car lovers, the rundown on what’s what in the world of upcoming events across the country. From racing to off-roading, car shows to swap meets, we aim to include something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re eager and ready to get out and experience the action, check out these must-see listings and be sure to tune in next month for another round-up.