Competition Corner: June 2023 Auto Events
June is here, and you’re out of the loop. There are so many automotive events that you need to put on the calendar. We’re talking everything from legendary car shows to iconic French races you’ve been telling yourself you’d check out since childhood. So, tell the kids the waterpark they’ve been begging you to take them to is closed all month long, and let’s get to knocking dream events off your bucket list. Here are your must-see June 2023 auto events.
Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix
Let’s kick this off with a Grand Prix. The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix is where you need to be if your life is missing some seriously killer cars. This is no classic-car showdown, as the uninitiated may think. It’s an outright brawl of Indy cars that makes your heart pound out of your chest when they’re just sitting there. Pack your bags and plan to be in the Motor City this June 2-4.
Outlaw Diesel Super Series – Ultimate Callout Challenge
Look. We all know that diesels are absolutely ridiculous. You basically just say you’re after more torque, and they deliver. But how insane can they get? That’s what the 2023 Ultimate Callout Challenge is all about. As part of the Outlaw Diesel Super Series, it’s packed with all the coal-rolling insanity you could ever dream of, and it’s all going down this June 2-4 at the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.
NHRA
I’m not even going to entertain the idea that you don’t know what the NHRA is. Especially not when we’re staring down the barrel of a hot, nitro-powered threefer. First up is the New England Nationals running June 2-4 at the New England Dragway. Then, it’s the Thunder Valley Nationals on June 9-11 tearing up the Bristol Dragway. And last, you’ve got the Summit Racing NHRA Nationals on June 22-25 at the one and only Summit Motorsports Park. You’re welcome.
Carlisle Events
The show is here, folks. Well, both of them are — because we’re hammering out a twofer! Blue oval and Bowtie nerds can live out their swap-meet fantasies and see every one of their favorite classics at the Carlisle Fairgrounds this month. First up is the Ford Nationals 2023, running June 2-4, then the month rounds out with the GM Nationals June 23-24. It’s literally the best time you’ll ever have. You’re going.
Southern Ohio Forest Rally
What’s Ohio got going for it? Other than some serious roadkill, not a whole lot. That is until June 8-10 rolls around — then the Southern Ohio Forest Rally is on. (Just kidding Ohio, you’re pretty all right.) This historic race is all about putting the best to the test, with the last giant being the late-and-great Ken Block. Who will the torch be passed to? Only time will tell, but you know damn well they’ll be worthy.
NMRA’s 25th Anniversary Ford Homecoming
Drag racing and monster trucks. What more could you possibly ask for? The NMRA Ford Homecoming literally offers that to you by pinning the best of the best against each other at the strip while offering BIGFOOT monster truck exhibitions June 8-11. If that’s not enough, there will be tons of historic reunion events, including the 55th Cobra Jet Reunion and more.
24 Hours of Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans. Yeah, we’re talking the real deal this time. This is, the world-renowned French race where legends are made. The best drivers, best cars, and best teams will take it to the limit in this iconic endurance race, proving who put their best efforts into development and training over the last year. It’s scheduled to go down this June 10-11, and you know there’s no way that you’re going to miss it.
SVRA SpeedTour Events
Hold onto your hats. We’re tossing out another threefer. That’s right. It’s the motherload. This time it’s up to the SVRA to put your rear in high gear to watch the best of the best show the world how it’s done with the classics in a line of Speed Tours. First up is the Ridge SpeedTour June 9-11 at the Ridge Motorsports Park, then it’s on to the Indy SpeedTour June 16-18 at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Finally, the month wraps up with the Mid-Ohio SpeedTour June 22-25 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Tennessee TrailJam 2023
What’s that one thing you’ve always wanted to do with your off-road rig in the woods? Well, whatever it is, healthy or not, the Tennessee TrailJam is all about it. This is the 6th annual run of 20 miles of trails in the Tennessee wilderness, and there’s fun for every type of Jeep enthusiast you could think of. Yeah, might as well mark June 15-18 as “booked.”
Northwest Overland Rally
Those of you on the West Coast aren’t out of luck if you need a dose of big off-road energy this June 15-18. The Northwest Overland Rally is also set to go down that weekend. There’s everything from camping to lessons taught by pros, and you’d better believe you’ll get the scoop on the latest and greatest gear for the segment. That’s about as good as it gets.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
156 turns over a mere 12.42-mile course that hurls drivers to a peak sitting 14,115 above the earth’s surface. That’s right — it’s the Race to the Clouds. Pikes Peak is back, and it’s bound to deliver all the adrenaline-pumping action your heart can possibly handle this June 25th. So, gear up, tune in, or read about it, because it’s going to be the right way to start summer with a bang.
Goodguys 32nd Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals
Goodguys events are a staple of the car industry. They’re largely to thank for many enthusiasts staying involved with cars for decades on end and getting many started in the first place. On June 30-July 2, folks near the Iowa State Fairgrounds have the chance to partake in the legendary goodness with the Goodguys 32nd Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals. Take a long weekend because you can’t afford to miss out on the priceless classics, swap meet, and other signature shenanigans.
—
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.
