Competition Corner: August 2023 Auto Events
It’s that real hot heat out there. The kind that doesn’t happen naturally; the kind that can only be the result of hot engines and even hotter action. That’s right — August is upon us, and all the best events are going down this month. Better yet, you’re in the perfect place to find out everything you’ll need to get your dose of that sweet automotive goodness. Ready? Here are your must-see August 2023 auto events.
NSRA 54th Annual Street Rod Nationals
It’s hard to believe it, but the 54th Annual Street Rod Nationals is already upon us. Regardless of how fast the year’s moving, there’s no better way to start the month. Here you’ll see all your favorite classics show off and show down for the trophy. Both a show and autocross are set for August 3-6, as is a ton more automotive fun put on by the National Hot Rod Association.
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix
We all know you and your honey have been looking to check out Nashville for some time now. What better time than when IndyCar is in town? Not only will your favorite music, bars, and people be there to enjoy, but so will some of engineering’s finest machines. August 4-6 is your chance to check out the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.
Trucks Gone Wild
It’s August, so let’s kick it up a notch and double-down with a twofer. Trucks Gone Wild is tearing it up not once, but twice during this special month. First is the Barnyard All Terrain, running August 4-6 out in Livermore, Maine. After that, the rowdy crowd is throwing down at the Michigan Mud Jam August 15-20 at the Iosco County Fairgrounds. Don’t act like you’ve got nothing to do.
Toledo Jeep Fest
Nothing like paying a visit to home sweet home every so often — and that’s exactly what Jeep is doing at the Toledo Jeep Fest this August 4-6. The Glass City is home to the iconic Jeep line, and you know this event is going to be a real banger because of it. Just think about how good any Jeep-related activities are in any random mud hole. You don’t want to let this one slip by.
Carlisle Truck Nationals
Few things in life are as sweet as Carlisle Events. Not even a child’s laughter can hold a candle to the one-of-a-kind event that rounds up all your favorite rides and even better parts for a show and swap meet you can’t miss. This August 4-6 is all about giving you truck lovers a cut of the action with the Carlisle Truck Nationals hitting the Carlisle Fairgrounds in PA. You’d better take advantage if you want that build to progress.
NHRA
If you thought the NHRA was taking it easy, you’re sadly mistaken. We’re staring down a threefer. First up is the Menards NHRA Nationals, running August 11-13 at the Heartland Motorsports Park. After that, it’s the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals August 17-20 and the Brainerd International Raceway. Finally, the speed freaks head to the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals August 30-September 4 at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Monterey Car Week
Look, not all of us are about getting down and dirty with our cars. Some folks like to enjoy the finer points of automobilia, and we’re here for it. Monterey Car Week is packed with auto events for that type of crowd, with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance being the final act of the legendary round-up. You already know you’re going. We’re just here to remind you that it’s running August 11-20.
Roadkill Nights: Woodward Ave Edition
It’s Roadkill Nights – you already know what it’s all about. It’s the dudes from that ever-popular cultural-reshaping series putting on a show to get everyone in on the action. Yeah, the one with Dodge Thrill rides and the works. About the only thing that might take you off guard is the new location. For seven years, the event was held on Woodward Avenue adjacent to the M1 Concourse in Pontiac. This year, it’s moving the starting line north into the city’s downtown area. The fun starts on August 12.
BITD: 2023 Vegas to Reno
What’s better than off-road monsters tearing it up in the desert? How about racing them 500 miles from Vegas to Reno? That’s exactly what’s about to go down this August 16-20 when BITD gets ripping. After watching every wild machine you can dream of sling Mojave sand in the name of glory, there’s no way you’ll ever want to drive anything on asphalt again.
Nostalgia Nights
There’s a reason 1/8-mile drag-and-drive events are growing in popularity. They’re faster rounds with less strain on the cars, drivers, and wallets while still getting down to figuring out who’s on top of the dog pile. If you want to see just how good these events can get, then you need to check out (or partake in) the upcoming three-day run from Nostalgia Nights this August 17-19.
Model 3 Challenge – Circuit Legends
Forget daily driving; racing is where the real progress is made. It’s the unspeakable abuse cars undergo at the track that teaches us what will work. The Model 3 Challenge gives EVs a chance to learn what ICE vehicles have been studying over the last century. If you’re interested in seeing what challenges are faced, your chance is at Lime Rock Park, Salisbury, CT, this August 18-20.
Summit Point Speedtour
If you’re into Trans Am racing to any degree, then Summit Point Speedtour has your name all over it. This one-of-a-kind event rounds up everything from the timeless classics that trailblazed the sport to today’s absurd 850-horsepower corner carvers. The madmen behind the wheel hit the Summit Point Motorsports Park August 18-20, and you have no excuse for missing it.
Woodward Dream Cruise
There are many events that hotrodders will add to their bucket list. Regardless of preferred makes and models, Woodward Dream Cruise is the most common entry. It’s the world’s largest one-day auto event, bringing in millions of people and tens of thousands of cars. It doesn’t matter what you love, as long as you want to put on the miles right where it all started. If you’re interested, clear your schedule for August 19, and head out to Detroit to enjoy a little slice of American history.
Corvettes at Carlisle
What’s better than one New-Balance sneaker-rocking Corvette owner? Thousands of them rounded up to celebrate the car they love most! Corvettes at Carlisle hits the fairgrounds August 24-26, and even if you’re not a ‘Vette owner, it’s worth checking out. The car show will be accompanied by a swap meet that just might make for a goldmine for that LS build you’re hammering out.
NMCA All-American Nationals
The NHRA isn’t having all the fun this month; the NMCA is here to soak up its fair share and then some with the Mickey Thompson NMCA All-American Nationals. With a name like that, we don’t have to spend much time telling you what to expect. Just know there will be everything from small-tire shootouts to Xtreme Pro Mods and monster Hemis battling it out at Summit Motorsports Park this August 24-27.
Ojibwe Forests Rally
What’s the best way to experience the Great Lakes region? Some would say fishing and hunting, others say camping and hiking, and some might even say the nightlife. Though, the real ones are here to watch cars sling themselves through narrow passages at high speeds with madmen behind the wheel. If the last one gets your blood pumping, you should check out the Ojibwe Forest Rally this August 25-26.
Scheid Diesel Extravaganza
Look, everyone knows diesel trucks are loud, overpowered, smoky, and just all-around awesome. The folks of Terre Haute really know what diesels are all about, and a few of the hoity-toity types pushed the celebration of such madness out into the wild. All the better, though, right? Forcing the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza into a more rural part of Lyons, IN, only made the dyno runs, sled pulls, and drag racing that much more insane. As far as August auto events go, this is one you don’t want to miss, so clear your schedule August 25-26.
Overland Expo Mountain West 2023
Overland Expo Mountain West is a newer addition on the calendar of events, but no less popular for it. The event drew in an impressive 18,000 total attendees last year, as well as hundreds of exhibitors, presenters, trainers, and VIPs sharing incredible insight, skills, and just all-around enthusiasm for all-things-overlanding. You can expect those numbers to be even more impressive this time around, so get your rig ready and grab your gear, you’re headed to Loveland, Colorado August 25-27.
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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.
