Competition Corner: Fall Into October 2022 Auto Events

You didn’t plan on having any downtime now that Fall is officially here, did you? All that means is you put a jacket on. There’s way too much automotive awesomeness going on around the country for you to call it quits now. Thankfully, you’re in the right place to get the details on all the best shows, off-road treks, and expos about to go down. So, buckle up, here are the must-see October auto events in 2022.

7th Annual Trail Hero

Anything good that’s off-road related goes down in Utah. Trail Hero is yet another shining example of that. The official event is a 5-day trail ride that puts drivers to the test in one of the most beautiful states in the country, on some of the hardest trails known to man. If that’s not enough, golfing, live music, and good company will surely lure you out to Sand Hollow, Hurricane, Utah, this October 3-8.

SVRA

Looking for some classic action on the asphalt? Sounds like a tough order to fill, but SVRA has you covered with not one, but two killer events this October. First is the 2022 VIR Speedtour running October 6-9 at the Virginia International Raceway. It’s beautiful, it’s fast, it’s historic in every sense of the word, and it’s got your name all over it.

If that’s not calling out to you, maybe the Utah Speedtour is. This October 14-16, you can catch the period-correct racers tear up Utah Motorsports Campus. We’re talking speed at 4,000 feet above sea-level, which means you’d better believe you’re in for a show.

25th Annual Endless Summer Cruisin

Ocean City is the place to be for car enthusiasts this time of year. While there are many October auto events worth your attention, Endless Summer Cruisin’ is one you don’t want to miss – especially if you’re a hot rod or classic lover. Here you’ll see every car your heart desires, take part in some unique competitions, eat great food, chat with vendors, and even get a chance to meet a few celebrities, including Ian Roussel of Full-Custom Garage. Sounds to me like you’re headed to Maryland October 6-9.

The Pilgrimage 2022

Since it’s Fall, there’s a little more off-road action to go around than speed. That’s not a bad thing at all, though. The Pilgrimage is one of those auto events that showcases just how good the segment can get. This event gets you out into the Vermont countryside to explore the White River for fun the whole family will enjoy. The Pilgrimage is welcoming to all types of 4×4 enthusiasts, so you’d better clear your schedule October 6-9.

Overland Expo East 2022

Overlanding is a sacred term. You need to earn the title of calling yourself an overlander by getting out there and doing it. Where do you start, though? Overland Expo East. This is the premier overlanding destination, and it’s one of the best places to cut your teeth. October 7-9 is your chance to meet with pros, learn with the best, and chat with industry-leading vendors that are sure to get you started in the right direction.

NHRA

If you’re a fan of the NHRA, you’re going to love this… It’s a twofer!

First, Texas is in for a real rumble as the Texas Fall Nationals Stampede of Speed goes down. October 7-16, the Texas Motorplex will be crammed with everything from racing to live music. It’s more than a race event; it’s a full-on festival.

Then, October 27-30, the Nevada Nationals tears up the great West. While there’s sure to be some of the best action in the industry on the drag strip, this is the best reason for you to tour the other strip. So, what are you waiting for?

TransTec Halloween Classic XLIX

Wouldn’t you love to spend the Halloween season doing what you love, with the people you love, surrounded by the industry that makes you tick? Now you can with the TransTec Halloween Classic XLIX presented by Harland Sharp.

This event is the host of non-stop racing with a $100,000 purse. Sounds right up your alley, eh? Well, the family is in luck, too, with a number of activities for them to enjoy, including a costume contest. If racing’s not your dig, there are plenty of other ways to have fun, including dyno runs, a car show, and all the best vendors all at the Summit Motorsports park, October 8-16.

Mecum Auctions – Chicago 2022

It’s officially car auction season. Well, it’s been for a while now, but this is the time when you actually look forward to getting stuck on the couch and watching countless timeless cars go on the block. You’re in luck, too. Mecum Chicago goes live on October 13-15. With over 1,000 cars ready for the show, you can guarantee that your dream ride is among them. You already know what to do.

Rendezvous in the Ozarks

The East Coast is loaded with overlanding awesomeness for this year’s list of October auto events. Tucked into the mountains of Arkansas, Rendezvous in the Ozarks is going down October 13-15.

It’s all about getting together with fellow overlanders of all experience levels to grow as a community. Here you’ll have the opportunity to put yourself to the test and pick up tips and tricks from pros, vendors, and your peers. Best of all, it’s among a legendary portion of the outdoors.

Lake Superior Performance Rally

Yes, sadly, the Rally season is coming to a close here in the United States. So, why not send it off with a bang?! That’s what’s going on at the Lake Superior Performance Rally. At 70+ years old, this behemoth brings out the best of the best to see who’s grown the most over the past year. 140 competition miles are on the table, and not one will go by without white-knuckled driving. You know you’re in, so clear your schedule October 14-15.

24 Hours of Lemons – Halloween Hooptiefest 2022

It’s the Halloween Hooptiefest! If the name alone doesn’t get you all pumped up, you might need to call a doctor. This one-of-a-kind event is put on by the one and only 24 Hours of Lemons. You can count on seeing some of the scariest cars in racing history tearing up the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Trust me, what you see October 29-30 will keep you up at night for years to come.

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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.