Competition Corner: Fall Into 2021 October Auto Events
You feel that? The cool air? Normal people take that as a sign to start slowing down. Break out the fall decorations, throw on a couple of layers, and start up marathons of top slasher flicks. Not you, though. For you, that cool air is horsepower, baby. Now, more than ever, you know it’s time to get out and enjoy that hot ride of yours. Competition Corner is here to help. Here you’ll find everything on the October docket. With everything from Goodguys meets to Ultra4 showdowns, you’ll be lucky to find time to sleep.
Goodguys 20th Del Mar Nationals
October comes in hot on a weekend this year. That means, you get to kick the month off with a weekend of wheel-bound action. Running October 1-3 is the 20th Del Mar Nationals in So Cal. Enjoy the sight of more than 2,500 beautiful rides set against a backdrop of sun, beaches, and palm trees. With autocross, burnout competitions, good food and even better company, what’s not to like? Click the link and pack your bags.
Moonshine Reliability Run Car Show and Camp-Out
Stuck on the East Coast October 1-3? Check out the Moonshine Reliability Run Car Show and Camp-Out at the one and only Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. As if camping in a sea of killer hotrods isn’t enough, there’s going to be live music, cruising, and food trucks all over the agenda. What are you waiting for? This link has the details for that one last blast in the sun you need before the snow starts falling!
Trail Hero
We get it. Street tires aren’t your thing. You dig dirt, lifted rigs, and plenty of fresh air. The desert’s a little more desirable, and you’re looking for more than a weekend away. Lucky for you, Trail Hero goes down October 4-9 in Hurricane, Utah. With five days of off-road entertainment – from trail rides to a full-blown SuperCrawl – this is the actual vacation you wanted all summer long. Heck, there’s even a golf tournament back at the Sand Hollow Resort if the greens are calling your name before the season closes. So, what are you waiting for? This link has what you need.
Mecum Auctions
After a long summer, there’s nothing like catching up on some couch time. All that hard work deserves a little bit of therapeutic mind-numbness. Thankfully, Mecum has two events teed up for your viewing pleasure. First, is Las Vegas October 7-9 and then Chicago October 21-23. So, if you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket or just need some inspiration for your winter project, you already know what to tune into.
Wondering what’s trending in the collector car market? Check out our interview with Mecum’s own John Kraman to learn more about why auction enthusiasm is higher than ever.
NHRA
You love nothing more than watching high-powered dominators take advantage of the cool air. The sheer power advantage across the board makes for action that you’ll only see during this time of year. You’re in luck, because NHRA has two massive events during the month of October. The Texas NHRA Fall Nationals comes up first on October 7-10 in Ennis, Texas, while the Dodge NHRA Nationals round out the month October 29-31 in Vegas. It’s safe to say that your heart is in for a beating this month!
SVRA
We’ve got another twofer for you to digest. This time, we’re talking about the SVRA. You know, the folks who remind us just how nutty vintage racing really is. You can bet that it’s every bit as exciting as ever, especially with two legendary meets on the agenda. This month, the SVRA visits the Utah Motorsports Campus for the Utah SpeedTour October 7-10. Then, October 21-24, the Savannah Speed Classic goes down in Hutchinson Island, Georgia. Trust us – you won’t want to miss either one!
24th Annual Endless Summer Cruisin’
Ocean City, Maryland is where it’s at for car lovers. The city is seemingly built around the industry of custom cars, as it’s constantly packed with events. If you’re in the area and you love classics, OCMD is your destination. The annual Endless Summer Cruisin’ is all about bringing together the best of the best who want one last hurrah on the beach and boardwalk. There will be countless cars, live entertainment, and even special guests. So, pack your bags, clear your calendar October 7-10, click this link, and let’s get rolling!
Overland Expo EAST
Why is it that the fall is seemingly more about the outdoors than the summer? Perhaps it’s the beautiful foliage or maybe, it’s the expanded sights. It might even be on account of hunting season. What better way to enjoy all of these things and more than by Overlanding?
Don’t sweat it if you’re not a pro. Overland Expo EAST is all about teaching newcomers the ins and outs. Sure, there will be vendors, but there are also classes to help you learn the ropes. The event runs October 8-10 at the beautiful Oak Ridge Estates in Arrington, Virginia. Here’s the link you and your rig have been itching to click all year long.
Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo
Need more than just Overlanding? Can’t fly east? No problem! It just so happens that the Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo goes down October 9-10 on the west coast. This event is legendary for bringing together thousands of off-road nuts and vendors to enjoy the dirty world of four-wheeling.
Whether you need the scoop on what’s selling, what the latest and greatest market additions are, or are simply a first-timer learning the basics, you need to check it out. This year, the event has moved to the Ontario Convention center in Ontario, California, due to unforeseen circumstances at the usual home. Not to worry, all the info you need is right here.
UTV World Championship
“They’re just a trend!” cried veterans. Others called them overpriced toys, and there are those who simply despise anything new. While UTVs might have started as simple utility vehicles, it was only a matter of time before they dominated the world. Well, the future is now, and the UTV World Championship is upon us. Drivers will battle it out in the Arizona desert October 13-17 to prove just how mean these machines are and who the master is. If you love anything off-road, this is right where you need to be. The link you’re looking for? It’s right here.
Rendezvous in the Ozarks
Didn’t you believe us when we said this time of year is all about the outdoors? Well, here’s more proof. Whether you’re interested in learning new tricks or sharing the secret to old ones, the Ozarks have your name all over them. Check out vendors with the latest and greatest gear and rendezvous with fellow adventurers who share your interests October 14-16 in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Click this link for the specifics!
Lake Superior Performance Rally
So, you’re not into kicking back, playing cornhole, and sleeping in your truck – but that doesn’t mean you don’t like getting dirty. You just like things a little more exciting. Good news: The Lake Superior Performance Rally is on the roster this October 15-16.
This is the event you need to attend if you want to see the nuttiest drivers on some of the wildest trails. This time around, the American Rally Association is tackling 140 miles of Michigan madness. Click the link for details.
Ultra4 National Championship Race
Rally is wild, but not the wild you’re looking for. You want something with a couple more cylinders, sitting a little higher up, and loaded top to bottom with custom work. Well, that’s Ultra4. This is the pinnacle of off-road racing, and it’s something you definitely need to be a part of. No, really – this is the last Ultra4 event of the year, and you don’t want miss out on the action October 15-17 at the Crossbar Ranch. Quit your job if you need to, because this link will change your life.
OLAF Fall Campout / Octoberfestivus
To many, Octoberfest is the place to be. There’s beer, there’s partying, and there’s no way your wallet will thank you. Let’s skip the hangover and opt for four-wheelers and camping. What’s that get you? Octoberfestivus: A one-of-a-kind event that celebrates Overlanding in the fall.
It’s coming in hot with everything from archery to off-road obstacle courses. Did we mention that there will be BBQ and a cook-off? Clear that calendar October 15-18 and make your way to Big Bear, California. Here are the details you need.
Red Clay Rally
Overlanding this, Overlanding that. We keep throwing around that term to describe tailgate parties where folks sleep in their trucks and brag about it for the internet. If manipulating angles is more of a driving technique than a way to make pictures seem impressive, this is the event for you. It’s an Overlanding challenge held in Kentucky. No, you won’t get any help. Yes, it’ll be rad. Block off October 22-24 and click this link for more information.
Indy Autonomous Challenge
How good are self-driving cars… really? The folks in Indy are dying to find out, and you better believe they’re going to. How? By racing them. The racing world has taught us everything we need to know about cars, and now self-driving EVs are going up on the stand. For the first time ever, autonomous cars are going to battle it out for the prize at the one and only Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The world’s tuning in October 23, and now, so are you!
24 Hours Lemons: Halloween Hooptiefest 2021
If automotive twists are your thing, then this Halloween-themed event might your jam. Head to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the 24 Hours of Lemons: Halloween Hooptiefest. Running October 23-24, this already ridiculous challenge of building a budget racecar gets nuttier. We can’t guarantee tricks or treats, but there will definitely be laughs. Click here to check it out!
