Competition Corner: Head Back to School with Pure Stock Muscle Drags, Frankenmuth Auto Fest, Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo, & More

As the traditional summer months start wrapping up and that September weather starts creeping in, many of us will already begin feeling stir crazy. But just because the kids are back to school and winter is looming on the dark horizon, doesn’t mean the fun has to end! That’s exactly what makes Competition Corner such a beautiful thing. Each month we pack your schedule with exciting auto-related activities, fit for enthusiasts of all ages. So, for the end of summer, we’ve rounded up a quality Goodguys event, the Pure Stock Muscle Drags, Frankenmuth Auto Fest, Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo, and even a kick-ass cruise to send the sunny season off with a bang!

NHRA Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals

The summer season may draw to an official end on Labor Day weekend—but that’s just where our fun starts! Each Labor Day weekend, the NHRA Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals take place in Indianapolis, marking one of the most prestigious drag races in the world.

“It’s the Big Go, the world’s biggest drag race, and everyone wants to win it. It’s intense all the way to the end,” said NHRA legend, John Force, after nabbing his 150th career victory at the Northwest Nats. Force will be looking to take his fourth career win at Indy. The competition is steep this year—in all classes. If you can’t make it to Indiana, be sure to tune in to FOX Sports. Get all the details here.

Mecum Auctions Dallas

Had a long summer working on that project car? Face it, you’ve run through your entire wardrobe, blown the crotch out of your pants squeezing into tight spaces, and torn the soles off your shoes. Everything you own is stained with some sort of grease and your body is probably just as worn out as your clothes. While it’s nice that you’ve been cutting weight while working on what you love, you can feel in your bones it’s time to relax a little. What’s a better way to take some time off than by kicking back and watching Mecum Auctions?

Whether you head straight to Dallas, TX September 4-7, or simply tune in from home, you’re sure to see some incredible rides. Find all the information you need to know through this link.

Goodguys 22nd Annual Colorado Nationals

There can be a disconnect between car and driver with modern vehicles. Those who got into car culture thanks to the classics, were likely drawn in by the sheer level of engagement that’s required when you’re the owner of an older ride. That’s part of what makes Goodguys’ events so awesome. These shows celebrate classic cars and trucks up to the 1987 model year. And, the 22nd Annual Colorado Nationals, which runs September 6-8, also features a burnout competition, swap meet, classic car auction, autocross, and Nitro Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition—plus live music and fun for the kids. So quit beating around the bush and hit this link.

Frankenmuth Auto Fest

Chances are you didn’t get to relax Labor Day weekend. You probably planned to. But then, some project took longer than expected and before you knew it, you were back to work with even less skin on your knuckles than you left off with. So, for our friends in the north, why not take the weekend after Labor Day to check out Frankenmuth Auto Fest?

This Michigan-based car show packs over 2,500 classic cars and trucks and is the perfect way to inspire (or numb) your mind for a little while. Let’s get you to that link and give you the relaxation you deserve.

Coal Pit Crusade for Autism

Who doesn’t love helping out? The Coal Pit Crusade is a jewel in the woods of Pennsylvania that gives you the opportunity to band together with a group of extraordinary people doing exactly what they love for a good cause. Here you will get to take that Jeep, truck, or other off-road machine and enjoy over 10,000 acres of Pennsylvania Wilderness in Reading. Not just that, proceeds of the event will go to benefit the Hallman-Haines Foundation of Autism and Spina Bifida.

So, what more reason do you need to get out and do some good old-fashioned wheeling this September 7th? Click the link to learn more.

NSRA 40th Annual Street Rod Nationals North

How many times have you said “all the way to Kalamazoo” without actually going all the way to Kalamazoo? Well, now’s your chance to get one up on your buddies and head out to southern Michigan—and not just to live up to your own words. This year marks the 40th annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals North, running September 13-15. An event that gives you the chance to show off at an outdoor show, check out a vintage car parts swap meet, and even take advantage of a manufacturers’ trade show. So, what are you waiting for?? Pack up that street rod and drive it “all the way to Kalamazoo!”

Pure Stock Muscle Drags

Do you enjoy purity? Raw talent?? Old school standards?! Well, then you need to check out the Pure Stock Muscle Drags. Granted, the rules are pretty strict. You can only run a muscle car dating 1955-1979 with performance that matches factory specs. That means, tires, cam, valvetrain, ignition, body, exhaust, you name it—will be regulated. But this makes for an exciting way to discover who the king of the street really was in the glory days.

So, why not head out, enjoy the adrenaline and learn yourself a few history lessons? Pure Stock Muscle Drags is held in Stanton, Michigan and runs from September 13-15. Click here for deets.

Tri-County 4 Wheelers Outlaw Hillclimb

Hill climbs are the surefire way to get your blood pumping. I don’t care what kind of motorsports you’re into—watching vehicles dash to the top of a dirt and stone hill will put you in a state of total shock and awe. They push the limits while blasting to the top of on obstacle that requires proper pedal play and a real strategy. Head out to the Outlaw Hillclimb in Lisbon, Ohio on September 15 and get a taste of exactly how ridiculous these events can be. Click here for rules and classes.

Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion

Route 66, it’s commonly ranked as one of the most famous roads in America. Chances are, you’ve dreamed of cruising this historic highway or at least finding just one place to settle down for a night or two on it. Well, if that’s the case and you happen to be a classic car lover—we have the event for you.

The Cruisin’ Reunion in Southern California runs September 20-21 and celebrates America’s love for classic rides and epic highways with two full days of contest, food, entertainment, and of course—cruising. Can you name a better way to spend the final days of summer? Learn more here.

Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo

If the Fall season already has you feeling uninspired, it’s time to head west. The Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo is hands-down one of the most impressive collections of off-road oriented vendors, enthusiasts, gear, and rides in the U.S. Running September 28-29, you’ll find all of the best names in the off-road segment showcasing all of their latest goodies for your up-and-coming projects. Quit reading, don’t dwell, hit the link and get yourself some inspiration!

Sammy Hagar’s High Tide Beach Party and Car Show

Yeah, it’s THAT Sammy Hagar. It’s late in the year but early in the fall, so why don’t you set up a vacation you’ll never forget? How does a beach party with car show sound? Throw in live performances by Blue Oyster Cult, Night Ranger, Extreme, and Sammy Hagar and the Circle AND a Hangover Brunch Boat Cruise and you’re sure to have the greatest time of your life. Drop the act, you need to be there—September 28-30 Huntington Beach, California.

Headed to any of the events on this list? Let us know in the comments!