Competition Corner: February 2023 Auto Events
Can you believe it? February 2023 is here. Before you know it, spring will be smiling upon us once again, and you’ll be rolling that dream car out of storage for another season of awesomeness. Don’t get too fixated on that, though. There’s still some time (and snow) standing between now and then. Luckily, you’re in the right place to find a few things to keep your mind occupied. Here are the must-see February auto events for 2023.
King of the Hammers
Yeah, you know it’s going to be a good one when we kick it off with King of the Hammers. For those of you who don’t know, KOH is the most coveted title in desert racing sports. The flagship event – which is just one of many exciting things to see over the nearly two weeks of surrounding festivities – pins the nastiest off-road machines against each other on the meanest tracks you can dream up for competition.
While the main attraction doesn’t get underway until Saturday, February 11, the gates to Hammertown are already open, which means fans are currently partying it up in Johnson Valley, California. To join them or watch the racing live, head over to KOH’s new official website.
DIRTcar Nationals
What better way to celebrate your love for dirt track racers than with a two-week blowout in Barberville, Florida? That’s right – it’s time for the DIRTcar Nationals.
There’s no way to capture how big this event is with just a few words, but trust me, if it’s on dirt and it goes fast, it’ll be here. So, pack your bags, because you’ll be spending February 6-18 in sunny Florida.
Carlisle Auctions – Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction
Everyone loves checking out any of the iconic Carlisle events, as long as they’re warm. Because, let’s face it, Pennsylvania isn’t exactly pleasant in the colder months.
Thankfully, this particular Carlisle event heads south for the winter – way south. Hosted in Florida, where the bone-chilling weather can’t touch you, Carlisle Auctions kicks off its 2023 selling season with the Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction February 10-11.
Some 400+ consignments are expected to hit the block, and the fan-favorite All-Truck Hour featuring only trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and vans is set to return as well. Even if you’re not bidding, this is a fun event to take in – and spectator admission is just $10!
Sno*Drift Rally
Maybe you’re okay with getting a little snow on the tires. Maybe, you prefer it. Then you’re in luck, because February 10-11, the Sno*Drift Rally kicks off the US rally season in Montmorency County, Michigan.
This 2-Day National ARA Winter Event attracts more than 50 competition cars each year from all over the U.S. and Canada to wild out on winding forest roads covered in snow and ice. Did we mention they have the added challenge of rallying without studded tires? This is an incredibly cool event you don’t want to miss.
Chicago Auto Show
Admittedly, during February, being indoors is still preferable for most folks hunkered down up north. That means, it’s prime time for some expos, and the Chicago Auto Show is right on schedule.
Anyone in the Midwest who needs their finger on the pulse should plan to hit the Windy City come February 11-20. This is the nation’s largest and longest-running auto show, known for shining a spotlight on new trucks and SUVs.
The all-new Toyota Grand Highlander is a confirmed debut this year, and there are whispers that Ford may pull the covers off its 2024 Ranger and possibly even the updated F-150 Raptor R. At the very least, we can expect more EVs than ever before.
Ultimate Scale Truck Expo
Who knew RC trucks would grow to be as big as regular trucks someday? Well, at least when we’re measuring industry footprints, they are getting there.
These little machines won the hearts of many over and made for a life-defining hobby in a lot of cases. But if you’re new to this whole thing, you already know there’s a lot to learn. The Ultimate Scale Truck Expo, running February 17-19, is the best place to do that. It brings together thousands of like-minded folks to learn from pros and get the scoop on the latest and greatest entries to the world of RC trucks.
2023 Daytona 500
Oh yea, it’s time for the return of the most American of America’s favorite pastimes. NASCAR is back and better than ever, and the only way to kick off the season is to attack that iconic track in the sunshine state.
The Daytona 500 is set to go down on February 19th. You already know you can count on seeing the action of a lifetime, so get ready to tune in or turn up!
BITD: Golden State “250”
Who doesn’t love a little desert action? And BITD is proof that if a little is good, way more than you can handle is better.
This time around, the wild-eyed drivers are heading to Cal City, California, for the Golden State 250 on February 23-25. It might be a little shorter than some in the series, but this event’s still got serious bite. Here, you’ll see everything from motorcycles to cars, hashing it out the way they were built to. You’d better believe it’ll get your blood pumping.
THE ICE St. Moritz
Cars drive on ice, too, you know. Just because many of us aren’t willing to brave the conditions doesn’t mean there aren’t a wacky few who thrive on it – and you won’t believe what these nutcases are doing in the kind of cars you’d see at Pebble Beach.
Running February 24-25, THE ICE St. Mortiz isn’t your regular kind of concours event. Nestled in the literal Alpine Mountains of Switzerland, this unique celebration draws drivers, collectors, and just plain car enthusiasts from around the world to not just show their priceless rides, but actually race them on a frozen lake.
Since a glamorous trip to Europe might not be feasible this February, or well, anytime of year if your budget looks anything like ours, you can follow this wild event in the usual way of keeping tabs on ‘how the other half lives’ – social media, of course.
Sebring SpeedTour
Alright, ice racing in Switzerland might be a little too nutty to handle. I think most of us will agree with that.
However, we’d also all agree that there’s nothing like seeing the iconic cars of racing history tearing up iconic tracks – and that’s exactly what you’re going to get with the Sebring Speedtour come February 24-26. With nearly 17 turns spread out over a 3.7-mile course and your all-time favorites running it, there’s no way you won’t have the time of your life watching it.
70th Annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama 2023
Those of you sitting where it all started have been patiently awaiting February’s return. Why? Because it brings the 70th Annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama with it.
February 24-26th is the host of what many feel is America’s greatest hot rod show. Here you’ll find the best of the best classics, true hot rods, resto-mods, and anything else that celebrates what Detroit did for the industry in its prime.
16th Annual Boca Concours d’Elegance
With a name like Boca Rotan, how could it not be the perfect fit for a Concours? It certainly seems to be the case as the Boca Rotan Concours d’Elegance is among the fastest growing in the nation.
This event runs February 24-26 and does everything exactly as it should. You’ll find countless priceless icons among some of the finest folks in the industry. It’s certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and worth checking out as a true auto nut.
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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.
