Competition Corner: March 2023 Auto Events
Somehow, March is finally upon us. That means spring is right around the corner. What will you do to keep the anticipation from driving you wild? A few weeks can feel like a long time if you don’t keep your mind occupied. That’s what we’re all about, though. We’ve got the lowdown on all the automotive events you should be attending to stay sane in these final days of winter. So, let’s dig in – these are your must-attend March 2023 auto events.
The Amelia Concours d’Elegance
You might not associate the name Concours d’Elegance with wholesome family fun, but that’s what makes the Amelia Concours different than others. Sure, it’s loaded with its share of high-end cars most of us could only dream of owning someday, but there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy here.
Whether you’re a car nut or the loved one about to be drug out for someone else’s birthday, you’re sure to have a good time. If nothing else, it’s a good reason to enjoy that Florida sun March 2-5.
SpeedTour Events
You know it’s going to be a good one when we’ve got a threefer this close to the top. That said, SpeedTour’s got three killer events on the menu you can’t afford to miss.
First is the Thunderhill SpeedTour running March 3-5 at the one and only Thunderhill Park in Willows, CA. After that, you can head south to Avondale, LA, for the NOLA SpeedTour running March 9-12. And if that’s not enough for you, you can get yourself another dose of high-paced automotive action on March 24-26 when Atlanta SpeedTour tackles the infamous Road Atlanta.
BF Goodrich Tires Mint 400
It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you’re into. Races like the Mint 400 will steal your heart in an instant. It’s an all-out off-road brawl that puts the gnarliest drivers to the ultimate test in the Las Vegas desert. You’ll surely get a healthy serving of the madness you crave March 8-12. Those of you looking to get a little more out of it also have the chance to check out the Mint 400 Tech and Contingency Off-Road Festival on Thursday of race week.
NHRA
Need another threefer? You got it! This time, the NHRA is serving up a near overdose of drag-racing action.
First up is the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals running March 9-12 at the Gainesville Raceway down in Florida. After that, March 24-26 is the NHRA Arizona Nationals at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park out in Chandler, AZ. And if you need yet another helping of pavement-pounding action, the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals is going down March 30-April 2 at the legendary Pomona Raceway.
South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference
While probably not expected to pop up on a list of March auto events, SXSW is quickly slipping into the automotive scene. This 4-day festival celebrates how tech, film, music, education, and culture all come together – and when you think about it, cars do fit into all those categories, especially as discussions of future mobility and autonomous technology pick up steam.
In fact, both of those topics have panels on the SXSW schedule of events this year. And with VW and Porsche serving as main sponsors, who knows what’s bound to happen? Maybe a vehicle debut or two? March 10-19 is your chance to find out in Austin, TX.
Trucks Gone Wild Spring Break
As cool as spring break looks, it can be way cooler. Take all of the same action you’d find in Miami, but ditch the beach. Instead, move the party to the Redneck Mud Park in Punta Gorda. Now throw some trucks in the mix, and change the party tracks to screaming race engines. Yeah, we just brewed up the Trucks Gone Wild Spring Break.
Load up the cooler and head south, if you’re ready to see some rigs losing layers in the heat of the action this March 16-19.
Rally in the 100 Acre Wood
Who doesn’t love rally races? If you don’t, you either need to see a doctor or tune into an event to get that heart beating again. There’s no better time for it with the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood just around the corner. March 17-18, you’ll see nearly 100 cars attack the Missouri wilderness the only way they’re supposed to. Why not check it out?
O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels – Indianapolis
Autorama is hitting Indianapolis March 24-26. This is by far one of the greatest events on the calendar and is sure to bring in countless priceless cars to remind you what it is you love about this industry. You’re not the only one, though. Indy Autorama is bringing along some big names, like Danny Koker and Kevin Mack of Counting Cars and the one and only Ric Flair.
Don’t worry if this one is out of the question. There are still seven more Autorama events scheduled for the month of March.
Mecum Auctions – Glendale 2023
March is still one of the cold months in many parts of the country. It could be hard to find the motivation to get outside in those places. Thankfully, Mecum is turning the heat up in Glendale, AZ. March 28-April 1, you’ll get the chance to bid on the cars of your dreams and maybe take one home. Or maybe you can just watch thousands of classics roll on and off the block from your warm garage. Either way is a win.
36th SCORE San Felipe 250
What says “spring” more than sun on your back, sand in your teeth, and off-road rigs tearing up the Baja? That’s why you need to check out SCORE San Felipe 250 this March 28-April 2. This is the season opener, and you know it’s going to be one to remember as it’s celebrating 50 years of off-road racing. So, whatever your favorite flavor of madness, you’re not going to want to miss it.
—
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.
