Competition Corner: March 2022 Auto Events to Beat the Chill

March is coming in hot, and that means the sun isn’t far behind. The days are getting longer, the temps are getting warmer, and those tracks are getting louder. Whether you want to admit it or not, you’re due for some much-needed time celebrating what it is you love most. (Especially if you’re discouraged with that winter project not going the way you planned.)

Stopping into anyone of the events we’re about to highlight will surround you with like-minded individuals, reminding you exactly why you love these big, stinky, greasy machines.

28th Annual NMRA Spring Break Shootout

March is kicking off with an absolute bombshell of an event: Spring break, baby. Not the one that’s packed with a bunch of dumb, drunk college kids. The kind that’s packed with the stench of raw fuel and a brigade of high-powered street machines shooting it out at the quarter-mile.

Whether you’re a Ford nut or just want to see everything from moderns to classics jam-packed in seemingly countless classes of drag racing, the 28th Annual NMRA Spring Break Shootout in Bradenton, FL, March 3-6 is where you need to be. Click this link for the details.

Detroit Autorama

If you’d rather more looking than listening, then Autorama is probably for you. This one is in Detroit, which is definitely hanging onto that chill for at least another month, but it’s nothing to miss out on.

This legendary indoor event brings together countless priceless hotrods, and you’re sure to find some serious inspiration here. You might even get the chance to talk with fellow gear nuts about whatever’s holding you up, or vendors who could shed some light on technical difficulties. Oh, and Chip Foose will be there too! So clear out your schedule March 4-6 and click this link. You deserve it.

AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals

While this annual event started out as a showdown for NHRA pro stock motorcycles, it evolved into an all-out thrash session for any kind of quarter-mile monster to exploit. Over the years, several notable speed records were achieved here, and you just might get lucky to witness history during your own visit. The choice is yours, but this link isn’t going anywhere. (Unlike you, who’s heading to sunny Florida March 10-13.)

Goodguys

Goodguys essentially set and maintains the bar for what a classic American car show should be all about. Everything from showing off on the lawn to the autocross course is on the agenda. Food, music, cool people, better cars, what more could you want?

How about more events??

Good thing there are three Goodguy car shows going on this month. Call off, quit your job, do whatever it takes to check them out.

• First up is the 12th LMC Truck Spring Lone Star Nationals, running March 11-13 in Fort Worth, TX.
• Next is the 12th FiTech Fuel Injection Spring Nationals on March 18-20 in Scottsdale, AZ.
• And last but not least is the 38th All American Get-Together, running March 26-27 out in Pleasanton, CA.

Mecum Auctions

March is great, but maybe we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves by acting like the heat is instantly turned on. Plenty of parts of the country are still getting the kind of snow that’ll scare any hotrodder onto the couch.

If that’s you, you might as well see what these cars are going for in today’s market. What better way to do that than with TWO Mecum auctions? Mecum is hitting Glendale March 16-19 and Houston March 31-April 2. You’re sure to see some wild things, and the anger you feel for not hanging onto that gem you sold back in the day will keep you occupied until the sun finally returns in your area.

20th Annual NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem

Not ready to leave Florida just yet? Good. The NMCA is going wild with Muscle Car Mayhem. This drag racing event, running March 17-20, is ready to show the world what big displacement performance is all about. No matter the make or class you’re into, you’re sure to find it here. Heck, there’s even a massive car and truck show on the agenda. Your excuse for not attending? Non-existent. Here’s the link.

SVRA

They just don’t build them like they used to, eh? The saying applies to both cars and drivers these days. Why do you think nostalgic drag racing is still such a big deal? If you love the classics, you’re going to love this twofer.

SVRA is taking to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Charlotte Speedtour March 17-20. If classic NASCAR doesn’t do it for you, then maybe the Atlanta Speedtour running March 24-27 on the legendary Road Atlanta raceway will.

Ultra4 Battle in Bluegrass (Eastern Regional Series)

Ultra4 is back. And this time, these out-of-their-mind racers are taking the Dirty Turtle Offroad Park by storm. If you’re ready to see some of the wildest machines manned by the greatest offroad drivers, then Bedford, KY March 25-27 is where you need to be. Tell the family you’ll be back when you’ll be back, because this link is about to consume you entirely.

35th SCORE San Felipe 250

Trophy trucks, sand in your teeth, sun on your back, and a crowd of good people. Forget Florida. This is the destination that your soul is longing for. The SCORE World Desert Champion Series sends some of the best, most ruthless racers on a 300-mile single loop track in the Mexican desert.

Trust us, there’s no better reason to travel abroad. Put in a vacation request for March 29-April 3. The details you need are right here.

Cal4Wheel Death Valley Experience

Alright, alright, alright. We get it. We left you traditional off-roaders out of the discussion for most of this edition of Comp Corner. Relax, this last one is perfect for you.

The Cal4Wheel Death Valley Experience runs March 30-April 2 and gives participants the opportunity to test their skills on trails for all different levels. Of course, there’s plenty more wholesome fun to be had during this 4-day event, as well. (It is by Cal4Wheel, after all.) That said, pack your bags because this link has all the info you need!