Competition Corner: July 2023 Auto Events

June 30, 2023July 7, 2023 Bruce Lindermann 0 Comments Car Show, Carlisle Events, Competition Corner, Diesel Racing, Drag and Drive, drag racing, Gambler 500, Goodguys, NHRA, NMCA, NMRA, Overland Expo PNW, Overlanding Events, Rally Racing, SVRA, Trucks Gone Wild, Vintage Racing

It’s July, people! Pool parties, barbeques, baseball games, and all kinds of summer activities are back in full swing. That’s not why you’re here, though. You’re here because none of that is of any interest to you. What you need is some high-octane action scheduled for every last weekend for the foreseeable future. We have you covered. Buckle up, because here are your must-see July 2023 auto events.

Outlaw Diesel Super Series

Okay, maybe gasoline won’t tickle you pink. Maybe you’re more the type for diesel-burning, overpowered, sled-slinging machines. Well, we’ve got just what you need.

We’re kicking things off with a gnarly diesel-eating twofer with the Outlaw Diesel Super Series. First up is the Beech Bend Diesel Drags, running July 7-8 at Beech Bend Raceway Park. Then, after that, the Rocky Top Diesel Shootout goes down July 28-29 at Crossville Dragway. (You’re welcome.)

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SVRA

How do you feel about a threefer to follow that madness up? That’s right, you’ve got three chances to catch some of the best vintage racing action around.

First up is the legendary Road America SpeedTour July 7-9 as part of the Trans Am Series (now it’s a sneaky four-fer). Following that is the Portland SpeedTour in Oregon, running July 21-23 at the Portland International Raceway. Finally, the New Jersey SpeedTour is set to go down July 28-30 at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Goodguys

No list of summer auto events would be complete without a Goodguys gettogether — and we’re keeping the streak running strong with a Goodguys twofer. Because who could get enough of the legendary classic car shows that just may be responsible for keeping car culture running strong??

If you’re looking to partake in the action, your first opportunity is to check out the 25th Summit Racing Nationals July 7-9 at the Ohio Expo Center. If that doesn’t jive with your busy July, then you can swing by the 35th Griot’s Garage Pacific Northwest National at the end of the month, July 28-30, at the Washington State Fair Events Center.

Overland Expo PNW

Speaking of the great northwest, not everyone there is a classic speed freak. Heck, many are all about long, slow, arduous treks through the wild. This one’s for them.

Last year, the Overland Expo line of events grew a little bigger with the Pacific Northwest stop added to the list. Naturally, it’s coming back after a massively successful first year. So, if that’s your neck of the woods and you want to learn tricks from industry vets and see what’s new and hot, you know where to be this July 7-9.

DirtFish SummerFest

Everyone has “Spend the day at DirtFish” scribbled onto their bucket list. Well, now’s your chance to do that in the grandest way possible.

Come July 8, make your way to Snoqualmie, WA for the DirtFish SummerFest. Join your fellow diehard car nerds for an exciting day filled with rally car thrill rides, special guests, local vendors, music, tour d’ Food Trucks, raffle prizes, car show — even helicopter rides! Family-friendly (that includes pets), this event is also completely FREE.

Summit Racing Midwest Drags

While everyone’s shifting to 1/8-mile runs because it’s easier on the cars, Summit Racing Midwest Drags is sticking to the tried-and-true shakedown that is a drag-and-drive event. This multi-state run through Virginia, New Jersey and Maryland puts drivers to the ultimate test of driving to and racing at three different tracks. Be there July 10-14 if you think you and your car have what it takes.

Trucks Gone Wild

Surprise! It’s yet another twofer coming in hot. This time it’s more truck action on the block with two Trucks Gone Wild events. First up is the Adirondack MP July 13-16. If you miss that or need another dose thereafter, you’re in luck. July 20-23 Al Benesocky’s Filthy Redneck Country Club hits Saskatchewan, Canada, for the largest mud park event north of the border.

New England Forest Rally

What do you visualize when someone talks about forest-bound rally racing? If it’s wicked fast cars hurling themselves through the air like magnificent woodland fowl, then the New England Forest Rally has your name all over it.

July 14-15, cars will attack the iconic winding roads of Newry, Maine, during the event with more airtime than any other race on the schedule. Yeah, that kind of airtime.

Carlisle Chrysler Nationals

Mopar fans rejoice! The Ford and Chevy folks had their turn, and now it’s time for the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals. This is where you need to be to find anything Mopar you could only ever dream of. You’ll come across hundreds of cars, thousands of like-minded people, and countless hard-to-find Mopar-specific parts in the astounding swap meet. Be there July 14-16.

NHRA

Man, these July auto events just won’t quit. You’re in for another overload with a threefer from the 2023 NHRA season coming hot off the press. That’s right, there’s no shortage of world-shaking, pavement-punishing madness going on at drag strips across the country this month.

First on the docket is the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals July 14-16. That’s the last of it’s kind, and you’d better make it. After that, it’s on to the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals July 21-23. Finally, the speed freaks tear it up at the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals July 28-30.

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Gambler 500

Drivers of the Gambler 500 probably wouldn’t come across as environmentalists if you judge them by a glance at their cars. In fact, the cheap, highly-modified Mad Max-ish rides would leave the opposite impression. But when you see these folks rally up for what is a racing/festival/public land cleaning mashup, you’d have to retract your snap judgments.

And if that sounds like something you need to get in on, July 14-16 is your chance to hit the beautiful Oregon wilderness in the best way possible.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

Classic cars have personalities like no other. No modern car can seem to hold a candle to the absurdity and romance of the cars of days past, no matter how much better technology has made them. Those of you with that affinity for vintage racing need to check out the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. This 10-day event, spanning July 14-23, hosts shows, racing, and all sorts of events, including the Shelby Convention and more.

NMRA/NMCA Power Festival

What better last hurrah for a roundup of July 2023 auto events than a drag racing bash with the NMRA and NMCA? The NMRA/NMCA Power Festival runs July 20-23, packing each day with over-the-top quarter-mile madness. You’ll see everything from muscle cars to Xtreme Street Renegades tearing it up. And if that’s not enough, they’re breaking out Bigfoot and other legends for a litany of additional activities for you and the whole family to enjoy.

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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.