Competition Corner: International Edition

Everyone needs that one big vacation to remember. Some people like to visit the tropics; others make their way to the ends of the earth to see the frontier. You? You need to get your fill of the high-octane action that’s going on around the globe. Americans are far from the only people who like their cars hot and the action hotter. In fact, there’s so much automotive enthusiasm to go around that it can be hard to know where to even start if you’re itching to explore how other countries celebrate.

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Competition Corner is going international, and we’re here to show you the twelve best auto events the rest of the world has to offer in 2024.

January: F.A.T. Ice Race, Austria

It’s good that the action is hot because you’re going to need it when you hit the F.A.T. Ice Race in Austria. Now, ice races aren’t exactly foreign to the U.S. Our northern residents like to get wild when the lake beds freeze over. However, very few of them go out and tear it up in exotic European classics, supercars, and the occasional F1 car. That’s what’s going on here. Yes, it’s absolutely absurd and making the trip to see it January 27-29 is absolutely worth it.

February: Rally Sweden, Sweden

The European rally circuits are probably the most notorious of the bunch. It takes a nutcase to rally in any part of the world, but the people over there sure seem willing to take a closer brush with death. What better place to see what we mean by that than Sweden? While you may know them for their DIY furniture, the Swedish are among the most insane behind the wheel of a rally car. Your chance to have your heart drop and your mind blown is February 15-18 when Rally Sweden fires off.

March: Rockynats, Australia

Anyone who loves American car culture owes it to themselves to see what’s going on Down Under. The Australian car scene has all the great things you’d find in the West, only with the insanity scaled to unimaginable proportions. The Rockynats are a prime example of that, with all kinds of wacky activities on the agenda. From a show and drag race event like you’d never seen to burnouts of your dreams, it’s all going down March 29-31.

April: Spring 2023 Matsuri, Japan

Just like the Australians are masters of the burnout, the Japanese take drifting to a whole new level. In fact, the Ebisu Drift Matsuri is where the first drift festival went down. Throughout the year, several events are held to kill more tires than you’d ever seen destroyed in a weekend. The Spring Matsuri will consist of 31 hours of non-stop drifting that you just can’t miss April 29-30.

May: Nürburgring 24HR, Germany

What’s a trip to Europe without some endurance racing? Better yet, what’s a trip to Germany without checking in on the notorious Nürburgring? Well, stopping in to check out the Nürburgring 24HR gives you a dose of both. Yes, they really do run a 24-hour endurance race on a track that’s known around the world for its grueling nature. It’s going to be every bit as amazing as your heart wants it to be, and building a dream vacation around it May 30-June 2 is exactly what you need.

June: 24 Hours of Le Mans, France

How could we talk about endurance racing without mentioning Le Mans? Better yet, how could we make it this far through Comp Corner without dropping a twofer? Relax. We’re dropping the ol’ twofer deux on you right now with a double Le Mans entry. First up is the one granddaddy of endurance racing– 24 Hours of Le Mans is set to run June 15-16. All your dream cars will be running it July 1-2 though, when the Le Mans Classic goes down. Why not stick around and make a dream vacation of it?

July: Goodwood Festival of Speed, England

It’s the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed. If there’s any reason to finally pop over to England, this is it. That’s no offense to the Brits, either. It’s just that this massive event is that good. You’ll get up-close-and-personal with dream cars and the drivers behind them. There’s all kinds of mayhem and festivities to exploit what makes them so special, and it’s all going down July 11-14.

August: British International Motor Show, Britain

Yeah, we’re going to drop an auto show on you. While we get plenty of them here in the US, it’s worthwhile for you industry vets to check out what’s going on in Europe. The British Motor Show is a great way to put your finger on the pulse and see what’s up across the pond. It’ll have everything we do, except a little more of that signature British flair, which is being mixed in August 15-18.

September: Gran Turismo Italia, Italy

It’s about time we get the Italians into the mix. After all, they’re known for producing the finest cars that blend masterful craftsmanship, elegance, and sheer performance unlike anything else. If touring Italy in one of those machines is the dream, then Gran Turismo Italia is for you. It’s running September 22-28, with an itinerary stacked with the driving, dining, and wining that’s helped the country make its mark on history.

October: Tokyo International Auto Show, Japan

If you’re going to go international to check out an auto show, why not go to the country that pumps out your favorite cars? That’s not to say Aston Martins aren’t awesome, but JDM cars have clearly stolen the hearts of many. The Tokyo International Auto Show, running October 28-November 2, is the best place to be if you want to know what’s hot now and what the future looks like for that segment and the world at large.

November: 57th SCORE Baja 1000, Mexico

Maybe we’re cheating by featuring a Comp Corner regular on the International Edition, but the SCORE Baja 1000 takes place in Mexico. So, maybe it’s cheating when it’s the other way around? Either way, this is one of the biggest and baddest off-road events you’re going to find in the world, and it’s going down November 12-17. It’s going to be hot, loud, and sandy when those machines start running, and you don’t want to miss it for anything.

December: Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

For many of you, Formula One is the crown jewel of the automotive world. You’ll be following along closely as 2024 unfolds. If you’re a diehard fan, then you’d better see how it all ends in person. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final stop of the 2024 season, set to run December 6-8. Everything those drivers go through will come to a head, and you’d better believe it’s going to be an epic finale for the season and the perfect way to close out your year.

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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.