Competition Corner: January 2022 Auto Events To Ring In The Year
Why waste your time with a New Year’s resolution that likely won’t last more than a month? Over here, we’re sticking with instant gratification and firmly believe that attending more auto events will cause a domino effect in your life. In fact, we wager it’ll make you feel so good that you’ll have the motivation to achieve those long-term goals that you have in mind. Luckily, Competition Corner has the tools you need to start the journey to your ultimate form. So, let’s get into some of the best ways to start chipping away at it.
Dakar Rally
What better way to inspire yourself to start making changes than to tune in to one of the most ridiculous races in the world? Okay, ridiculous is a strong word, but the Dakar Rally is no joke. This year’s grueling endeavor once again takes racers to the Saudi Arabian desert where they battle it out across the dunes, straights, and whatever else the track throws at them. This year’s event runs January 2-14, and while it might not be something you plan to attend in person, it’s certainly worth keeping tabs on. Everything you need can be found right here.
CES 2022
If tech is your business in any way, shape, or form, then the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is likely on your calendar. However, as the line between traditional driving and futuristic mobility continues to blur, more and more auto professionals find themselves penciling in this event too. Running January 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, CES 2022 promises to deliver plenty of exciting innovations – many of which look like they stepped right out of a Sci-Fi novel. Learn more here.
Mecum Kissimmee
2022 is kicking off with a bang. Tech and desert racing is great and all, but we’re just getting started. One of the most exciting events of the month, and possibly the entire year, is Mecum Kissimmee. Running January 6-15, this is the 17th annual edition of the world’s largest auto auction. Know what that means? Over 3,500 cars are going up on the block. Do yourself a favor and check out this link to see what’s in store for Mecum this January!
Dragfest
What’s the worst part about drag racing? Unless you are the driver, owner, or crew member, you don’t get much time to look at the cars. Sure, you can ogle while they stage, but they’re out of there long before you can start appreciating the subtle details. That’s the beauty of Dragfest. Held January 8-9 at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center, this show gets you up close and personal with the cars to see what makes them so insane. Vehicle registration is closed for 2022, but there’s still time to set up a day as an attendee.
36th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals
If you know anything about circle track racing, you have a good idea how insane the Chili Bowl is. This indoor event plans to bring more than 200 racing vehicles together under one roof for an epic 5-day showdown, January 10-15. Thousands of spectators are expected to join in on the fun, and there’s no shortage of vendors taking advantage of the situation. If you enjoy clay, it’s time to carve out a week of free time and get yourself to Tulsa. Check the link for the details you need.
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Winter 4×4 Jamboree
We may only be in the beginning stages of winter, but it’s already time to get out and stretch your legs a little, and by legs, we mean those beefy tires on your off-road rig. The 2022 Winter 4×4 Jamboree runs January 12-15 in Hurricane, Utah, and we’re not exaggerating when we say this event is everything you need in your life right now. While non-competitive, it’s certainly not an easy outing. Put you and your rig to the test, and enjoy some stellar views in the process. We highly suggest you tell the boss you’re stepping out for some fresh air after scoping this link!
St. Louis Auto Show
You go to St. Louis for the arches, right? Wrong. St. Louis has a lot going for it, but the auto show is what we’re all really interested in. This event, running January 14-17, brings in more than 25 auto manufacturers to display an excess of 500 new cars, trucks, crossovers, and pretty much anything else on wheels they’re proud of. Yes, Covid has thrown a wrench in the spokes of many of the biggest auto shows over the past year. However, St. Louis shows no signs of slowing down — though precautions are being taken. That said, all of the details you need are right here!
WoO Dirtcar Sunshine Nationals
There are a lot of things to love about circle track racing. It’s fast-paced, honest, attainable to the average wrencher, and it’s something that’s a blast to be a part of. The World of Outlaws is something everyone needs to check out. And what better time than the winter? The Dirtcar Sunshine Nationals kicking off in Barberville, Florida January 20-22 is just the weekend escape you need. Click here for all the info you’ll need to check out an impressive field of late-model dirt destroyers.
BITD: 2022 Parker 425
Those of you still drooling over the Dakar Rally should check this out. We’re guessing that you already know all about Best In The Desert (BITD), but we’ll take a minute for the newcomers. BITD is an all-out off-road war. It’s a series of desert races bringing together the best in the business to do what they do best. Just how wild is it? Well, at the Parker 425, running January 20-23, you can watch trucks, cars, UTVs, and pretty much anything that eats sand battle it out on 425 miles of desert track. You’re sold, so here’s the link you need to get involved.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series: Super Bowl of Racing
The Superbowl of Racing is something everyone can love. Late-model cars are good, clay is grand, and a fast track is fantastic. That’s all a part of this four-night event, running January 26-29, at the fastest dirt track in the south. As of December 3rd, new ownership of the Golden Isles Speedway has been announced, which is a very good thing. It appears as though this spectacular show-down is still on track, and new amenities and additions should make it better than ever. Everything you need to know is right here.
Rolex 24 at Daytona
Rolex 24 at Daytona is just a new name for 24 Hours of Daytona, which is Florida’s response to that French race nobody can seem to get enough of. The Rolex 24 is a fantastic spectacle as some of the best drivers in the world wage war to determine who’s the fastest, most determined, and best equipped with the greatest car. Porsches, Ferraris, Corvettes, Mazda, Fords, Lamborghinis, Lexus and Cadillac are all part of that battle. It’s an endurance race, and that means every last inch of anything involved will be tested. Yes, you’ve seen it in the movies. And yes, you need to see it in real life. Clear that calendar January 27-30. Here’s the link you need!
