Competition Corner: January 2021 Auto Events

A “new year, new me” attitude has never been more welcome. While we may still be recovering from the scars of 2020, it’s time we move on and return to real life. What better way to do exactly that than with awesome automotive action? January 2021 may not be the “premier” month for many events, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to keep us moving. Strap in because we’ve got desert rallies, car auctions, industry-shaping trade events, and a fair amount of racing on the agenda.

Note: Several events originally scheduled for January have already seen cancellations or postponements, such as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Super Bowl at Golden Isles Speedway and Barrett-Jackson’s prestigious Scottsdale auction. Check with event organizers to ensure the auto action you’re eyeing up is still moving ahead as scheduled.

Dakar Rally

Initially, the 2021 Dakar Rally race route was intended to include 2-3 countries, but due to flight restrictions, this year’s event is set to run entirely in Saudi Arabia. That doesn’t mean it’ll be any less remarkable, though!

Running January 3-15, and spanning for thousands of kilometers, Dakar 2021 will put vehicles of all sorts to the ultimate test. Bikes, cars, trucks, and pretty much anything with the ability to traverse the desert will be subject to some severe abuse. Of course, attending this event may be out of the scope for many enthusiasts, but you can still follow it online.

Mecum Kissimmee

If the best part of winter is watching the auctions, you don’t want to miss out on Mecum Kissimmee January 7-17. The eleven-day event has a little more to offer than just car sales. The Dodge Thrill Rides, Midway Vehicle Parades, Auto Art auction, and much more are set to make it an event to remember. Of course, safety guidelines do apply, but it’s still possible to attend this event. And, you can’t make it, you can always find all of the information you need to tune in from the couch right here.

As a bonus, Mecum Las Vegas is also right around the corner, running January 26-31.

CES 2021

By now, we know how much next-gen tech impacts all aspects of our lives, including our cars. It’s important for custom shops and many others to stay up to date on what’s new and exciting, especially if it can improve their professional experience. But, the CES show isn’t going to be a traditional trade show in 2021. Instead, it’s going digital.

Sure, a digital experience is a bit of a drag compared to live, but seeing as the show is all about tech, you know they’ll make it an awesome experience nonetheless. If you’re looking for more information, this website has all the details on this show running January 11-14.

35th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals

Alright, let’s get back to the action. This is Competition Corner, after all.

Midget Racing is a groundwork sport, with so many industry greats using it as a stepping stone to the big leagues. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s easy, though. It’s a challenging format for drivers – and it makes for an excellent spectacle.

The Chili Bowl Nationals, January 11-16, are a perfect example of just how hardcore midget car racing can get. You’ll watch these impressive tykes dash across the dirt at incredible speeds while drivers battle it out for the trophy. It’s worth attending and is undoubtedly the best way to start the new year.

BITD: Bluewater Resort Parker “425”

Maybe your preferences lean toward Trophy Trucks battling it out. And maybe you’re more of a warm-weather person. Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered…

If you’re dying for sun on your shoulders and dirt in your mouth, check out Best In The Desert’s Parker 425, running January 13-16. This race might run along the picturesque Colorado River, but it presents a grueling 425-mile challenge for competitors with famous obstacles like the Parker Python, Osbourne Wash, the Rock Pile, and the Crossover. Thanks to a twist in the series schedule the Parker 425 kicks off the 2021 BITD season and will also be the first round of the highly-coveted 2021 Maxxis Triple Crown series.

Learn more about competing, attending, or just viewing HERE.

WOO Dirtcar Sunshine Nationals

DIRTcar Racing is another series not wasting a second to start off the new year. Right out of the gate, the Sunshine Nationals are going down January 14-16. Yeah, that’s right. Tons of dirt shredding, action-packed, white-knuckled racing to start the new year.

Best of all, this showdown’s taking place in De Leon Springs, Florida – which spells V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N to us. If you’re ready to watch the Outlaws go to town on the world’s fastest half-mile track, you need to click here now!

Winter 4×4 Jamboree

What’s wintertime without a little wheelin’? If you find yourself in the gorgeous desert landscape of the American southwest, take yourself – and your Jeep – over to Hurricane, Utah for the Winter 4×4 Jamboree.

With everything from world-class obstacles to leisurely trails, plus a three-day vendor show, it’s a great way to spend the January 14-16 weekend. You’ll be alongside some of the best folks in the industry too, since the event is sponsored by our good friend Dennis Nash over at Red Desert Off-Road. Click here for details.

Carlisle AutoMania

Carlisle events are upon us already! If you’re on the hunt for hard-to-find parts, cool memorabilia, or really just anything car-related, AutoMania is a great place to be. It’s completely indoors, there are plenty of vendors, and everyone is extremely friendly. So, if you’re from the area and need to get your hands on some classic car parts, you need to check it out January 15-17.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 45th Annual Wrisco Winternationals

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 45th Annual Wrisco Winternationals run January 24-30 at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, Florida. This series is where it’s at if you want a peek at one of America’s most underrated pastimes to see new and exciting ways to put high-powered V-8’s to work. So, take advantage of the opportunity and click the link to learn more.

24 Hours of Daytona

What’s a Competition Corner without at least one legendary event? The 24 Hours of Daytona is arguably the most important race on American soil. It puts legendary cars and even more impressive drivers to the test. As they battle for 24 hours, they take on a total of 2,965 miles of racetrack. That’s almost 3,000 miles with your foot to the floor! For more information, here is the link. We know you’ll love it, so clear your schedule January 30-31.