Competition Corner: January 2024 Auto Events

The new year is officially here. Winter is in full swing, and you’re all in desperate need of an outing. A trip to the slopes and for some hot cocoa isn’t going to cut it, though. You need your fill of greasy, nasty, turbocharged goodness. That’s what Competition Corner is here for. We’re ringing in the new year with the momentum it needs to hit the ground running.

From auctions to races and everything in between, these January 2024 auto events are set to start your best tire-frying trip around the sun yet.

Mecum Auctions – Kissimmee

Okay, we’re not starting with the most violent of automotive events, but it’s action-packed nonetheless. Mecum Kissimmee celebrates its 25th year and is the place to be if you’re hunting for a dream car — or simply need a good dose of car culture. With 4,000 vehicle consignments set to cross the block this January 2-14, you’ll certainly get your fill.

This year’s lineup is flush with top-shelf offerings, including a trio of award-winning (and shockingly low-mileage) Chevy Corvettes and an entire fleet of Hemi-equipped rarities. Catch a flight down the coast or tune in from the couch, but you don’t want to miss the priceless classics rolling through.

Dragfest – Drag Racing Showcase Expo

Rural Pennsylvania might be associated with coal mines and the Amish, but there’s a little more than that going on in the rolling hills. The Appalachians of the far northeast kill time with high-octane, pavement-cracking monsters, and Dragfest is a celebration of that. This massive indoor show brings together a collection of some of the finest examples in the sport. It all goes down January 6-7 and will surely get your mind off those winter blues.

CES 2024

As much as many hate to admit it, cars have more in common with electronics and tech than ever before. They’re loaded with entertainment systems and all kinds of gadgets that make them fit naturally into something like the Consumer Electronics Show out in Vegas. As a matter of fact, some of the top names in the industry will be there to showcase their latest innovations. So, if you’re using your time to get a bead on what’s to come of the world in 2024, you know which auto event to check out January 9-12.

The Parker 400

It doesn’t matter if you’re an off-road junkie or not — you’re going to love this desert bash. Recently acquired by the Martelli Brothers of Gymkhana fame, the Parker 400 celebrates its 50th anniversary this year; and it rings in the big one with plenty of high-energy fun. The primary pre-running and racing events go down January 10-14, but an industry wide desert clean-up and the Legends Rally Poker Run (which is open to the public) both kick off on January 6.

Also worth mentioning is that the Martellis just added this historic race to their Unlimited Off-Road Racing Series. The brand-new Triple Crown championship points series includes the Parker 400 in January, and then two more exciting 2024 auto events — the Mint 400 in March and the California 300 in October.

Winter Fun Festival

We’re rolling deep into the world of off-road madness, with the Cal4Wheel Winter Fun Festival coming in hot. This one-of-a-kind event puts you and your Jeep high in the Sierra Nevadas for an off-road event like no other. You’ll have one of three routes to tackle, each of which offers the ultimate winter wheeling experience for Jeepers of all skill levels. If you’re in need of a four-wheel shock to the system, you’d better dress warm and head for higher elevation January 12-14.

Winter 4×4 Jamboree

The Winter 4×4 Jamboree, running January 17-20, is your promised land. It’s a 4×4 Jamboree in the Utah Desert and yea, it’s gonna be good. We’re looking at world-class rock crawling, all sorts of trails to explore, every kind of build you could imagine, the best vendors in the industry, and all of the best people in the sport. It’s pretty much the ultimate excuse to explore the southwest you’re going to find.

KOH 2024 (King of the Hammers)

For many, the best part of the new year is a whole new round of King of the Hammers. This gnarly off-road showdown pins the best of the best against one another on some of the most extreme trails in the entire country. It’s wasting no time firing off, either. This massive bloody battle starts on January 18 and runs right to February 3. Naturally, it goes down in a little place called Hammertown, California.

Pittsburgh Autorama

Just like that, we’re heading back up to Pennsylvania. This time, we’re looking a little further west. The 63rd Annual World of Wheels Pittsburgh Autorama celebrates the world of classics and customs unlike any other and is a chance to not only immerse yourself in that culture but also to learn from the very best in the business. It’s going down January 19-21 and is sure to help you keep your head on straight during the cold and dark season.

Auto Mania Indoor Collector Car Flea Market & Corral

PA isn’t calling it quits just yet. It’s the place for classic car lovers to be in January 2024, with a third auto event rolling out for the month. We’re looking at Auto Mania. This indoor flea market is the place to be if you need anything from vintage hard parts to power adders and collectibles. You will find everything necessary to button up that garage project, and you’ll be glad you stopped in on January 19-21.

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

What? You need another auction? This next one should give you more than your fill. Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale is here to kickstart the new year. This is the largest and longest auction on the Barrett-Jackson schedule, spanning January 20-28. Every collectible classic car you could imagine and all sorts of memorabilia will cross the block. If you walk away from this one feeling unsatisfied, then maybe it’s time to call a doctor.

Rolex 24 at Daytona

The month isn’t exactly winding to an end. It’s closing out with the legendary Rolex 24 at Daytona January 25-28. This is America’s most prestigious race, and it happens to be a non-stop endurance bash. Drivers and cars will be put to the ultimate test to see just who the best truly is. It’s only the start of the Weathertech SportsCar Championship season, meaning that plenty more amazing high-octane action is to come in 2024.

Trucks Gone Wild – Truck Tugs

We told you January 2024 is going out with a bang. The last stop on our list is from the notorious Trucks Gone Wild line of auto events. It’s starting the new year with an 18+ only event known as Truck Tugs. This over-the-top mud bash includes a truck party and grudge match tug of wars. Wanna join the fun? Head to Sanford, Florida on January 27.

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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.