Competition Corner: March 2024 Auto Events

February 23, 2024February 28, 2024 Bruce Lindermann 0 Comments 24 Hours of Lemons, Autorama, Competition Corner, Daytona Bike Week, Goodguys, Mecum Auctions, Mint 400, NHRA, RADwood, Rally Racing, SVRA

March is right around the corner. That means spring is just a few weeks away — and automotive events are about to start kicking up. Just in time, too, right? We don’t know about you, but we’re about ready to jump out of our skins over the icy, rainy, slushy grossness that defines this time of the year. While we’re not entirely through the muck yet, we do have some serious high-octane goodness to look forward to. Keep your mind on better things with these March 2024 auto events.

24 Hours of Lemons

Third month of the year, three mad events to get it rolling. That’s right, we’re popping off with a threefer compliments of 24 Hours of Lemons.

First up is the beach party extravaganza, Concours d’Lemons Amelia Island on March 1 at the Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, Florida. After that, the hooptie heroes take on the Route 66 Rally: It’s Crap From L.A., running March 20-24 which will run directly into another event later on this list. Don’t worry if that’s a little too far west for you. The Lemons crew also hits the NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, Louisianna, March 23-24 for the Cain’t Git Bayou 2024. Really, if you can’t get your fix, you’re just not trying.

Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction

Pennsylvania’s pulling a fast one on you. Though the name is ‘Lakeland’ and that’s the part of Florida this event is going down in, the Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction is a Carlisle event nonetheless.

This auction is part of the legendary line of shows responsible for rounding up countless classics on the East Coast. Make no mistake, your dream car will roll through with hundreds of vehicles expected to be there. You can still get in on the action, as online bids are welcome if you can’t catch a flight to see it in person this March 1-2.

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SVRA

The SVRA is never one to take it easy. Events run all year round, and some months are absolutely packed with action – March being one of them.

First up, March 1-3, the Thunderhill SpeedTour hits Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California – the longest permanent road course in the United States. After that, the all-new Eagles Canyon SpeedTour sees drivers tear it up at the Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, March 8-10. Last but certainly not least is the legendary Road Atlanta SpeedTour, running March 21-24 at the one and only Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.

World of Wheels / Autorama

A fivefer? Sure, that’s what we’ll call it. You thought two threefers was nuts enough, but then the folks over at World of Wheels found out about March. This month, they’re holding a total of five events. That’s far too many for us to run through, so we dropped the list below. If you need a fix of hot customs, awesome people, and all the best vendors in one space, check the itinerary below for the event nearest to you.

Detroit Autorama | March 1-3 | Huntington Place / Cobo – Detroit, MI
Chicago World of Wheels | March 8-10 | Donald E. Stephens – Rosemont, IL
Omaha World of Wheels | March 8-10 | CHI Health Center – Omaha, NE
Indianapolis World of Wheels | March 22-24 | Indiana State Fairgrounds – Indianapolis, IN
Winnipeg World of Wheels | March 22-24 | RBC Convention Centre – Winnipeg, Manitoba

Daytona Bike Week

Anything that’s been around for 83 years is worth checking out. In this case, that’s especially true for bike people. Daytona Bike Week is another amazing event kicking off the month with dates spanning March 1-10. This iconic event brings two-wheeler nuts from all over the country together for one amazing week packed with bike culture, raging parties, and live entertainment.

RADwood at The Amelia

RADwood events have grown from a quirky new contender in the car show space to a full-on destination for many. The name is becoming synonymous with 80s-90s car culture, which is what it’s all about celebrating. More than that, RADwood invites attendees to dress the part for a one-of-a-kind experience. If this is totally speaking to you, you’d better intend to be at the Amelia in Florida on March 2.

Mecum – Glendale

It’s still way too cold outside for many car nuts in the northern parts of the country to jump back in full swing. Thankfully, they can tune into more than just one collector auction come March.

That’s right, Mecum Glendale is running March 5-9 and it’s bringing an army of classic cars worth drooling over. We’re talking more than 2,000 pristine automobiles crossing the block, and there’ll even be motorcycles in the mix. If you’re on the hunt for the latest entry to that collection or just some inspiration, you know where to be.

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The Mint 400

Look, we’ve got trophy trucks rolling through city streets – that alone should be enough for you to buy a plane ticket. If you need more details, we’re talking about the Mint 400. This four-hundred-mile off-road race starts and ends at the Primm Valley Resort, sending trucks, bikes, cars, and anything else with grit hurling into the desert for a shot at glory. It’s going down March 8-9, and you can’t afford to miss it.

NHRA

Don’t let your guard down now; we’re dropping a twofer on you. This time, it’s the NHRA getting in on the multiples of madness with the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals kicking things off. This first race of the season sees contenders battling it out March 7-10 at the Gainesville Raceway in Florida. After that, things heat up out west. The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals — running March 21-24 at the Pomona Dragstrip — is the second event in a long list that will find out who the baddest quarter-mile tyrants are of 2024.

Goodguys

Goodguys isn’t going to let everyone else have the fun. The folks over there know how to put on a classic car show better than anyone, and they’re throwing two out there this March.

First is the 14th FiTech Fuel Injection Spring Nationals at WestWorld of Scottsdale March 15-17. Then, come March 23-24, the 40th Grundy Insurance All American Get-Together is rocking at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

Rally in the 100 Acre Wood

There’s enough action going on to make anyone’s head spin, but we’re not done yet. In fact, we’re looking at one of the nuttiest events we’ll cover all year.

Rally in the 100 Acre Wood has been a regular stop for the ARA since 1977, putting countless drivers to the test since then. It’s one of the fastest rallies on the calendar, with iconic challenges throughout, including the cattle gourd jump. It’s running March 15-16 through the woods of Salem and Potosi, Missouri, and you’d better be there to see it.

Muscle Cars At The Strip

The name says it all: Muscle Cars At the Strip – and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Vegas March 15-17. There’ll be all kinds of other things to check out too, like drag racing, autocross, food, and fellow enthusiasts’ project cars. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the burliest cars in the heart of a town that’s all about pushing things to the limit.

Ponies in the Smokies

The Ford Mustang is undoubtedly the most widely recognized muscle car in history. It deserves attention as such, and that is what Ponies in the Smokies is here for. This massive event rounds up the finest examples for a one-of-a-kind show in Sevierville, Tennessee. You’ll find every kind of wild horse you could dream of, along with vendors and like-minded enthusiasts there to celebrate the car they love most March 18-23.

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Chop Top Challenge: Escape From NY

Remember when we said the Lemons Rally would run directly into another event? This is it. The Chop Top Challenge is a competition in which entrants compete for points as they drive city to city with cars that they cut the roof off of. Both it and the Lemons Rally end in OKC, where they’ll get together for one whacked-out party. If you’re on the east coast but love the spirits of wild car rallies, this is the one to be in March 21-24.

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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.