Competition Corner May 2021 Auto Events Serve Up Go-Fast Action
As folks ‘round the country work hard at shaking off COVID constraints, the month of May serves up a delicious and diverse platter of go-fast fun. From the ear-bleeding song of well-tuned high-performance engines to the gritty taste of dirt in your mouth, every flavor of automotive entertainment is on the table. So, gas up the tank and rethink vacation because it’s time to get out of the house and deep-dive some car culture.
Lucas Oil Late Model Series 35th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial
The Lucas Oil Late Model Series is one of racing organizations to put dirt-destroyers to the test in the name of glory. If you haven’t experienced the high-speed, high-powered level of fun this form of racing delivers, well – there’s no greater time than the present, eh?
This May 1, the series will visit Florence Speedway in Union, KY for the 35th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial. Here you’ll see late model monsters battle it out while slinging clay with screaming V8 powerhouses. Click here to learn more, or find a scheduled event a little closer to home.
Street Car Takeover
Dirt not your dig? That’s cool, ‘cause May is packed with some significant events hosted by Street Car Takeover. Or should we say Street Truck Takeover?
That’s right, this May 7-8, street trucks are invading the Atlanta Dragway – so, if you’ve got a slick ride equipped with a bed, you don’t want to miss out. Plus, Atlanta Dragway is shutting its doors at the end of the season, closing the chapter on a 40-year drag racing legacy. That makes this event a truly can’t-afford-to-miss affair.
May 14-15, streetcar owners can also get their rocks off in Oklahoma City at the Thunder Valley Raceway Park. Drag racing, roll racing, night meets, and car shows are all on the agenda. Learn more here.
WoO NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Gettysburg Clash
Yep, it’s another dirt track event! This time we’re diving into the World of Outlaws and the nasty sprint cars that get after it with everything they’ve got. These little tykes will surprise you with the amount of power and speed they produce. Not only that, the Gettysburg Clash is sure to bring in some of the best drivers in the business that are more than happy to let it all hang out.
If you love clay, the roar of the engine, and the smell of burning alcohol, then you should clear your schedule May 12 and click here.
SVRA Road America 2021 Spring Vintage Festival
Modern cars are amazing, but it’s important to stay in touch with our roots. Otherwise, there’s no way to appreciate the kind of thinking that goes into bringing performance standards into the future. SVRA Road America 2021 Spring Vintage Festival is a great place to get back in touch with the way things were.
The event, running May 13-16, puts all kinds of vintage track cars against each other on the coveted Road America course in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Ready to see the world of racing the way it was during one of its most definitive areas? Then, click here.
Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals
It’s true: We give a lot of attention to traditional V8-powered knuckle draggers and pay little attention to the other side of the world. So, let’s turn that ship around, for a moment. Carlisle Events are some of the most popular automotive shindigs on the Eastern Seaboard. They’re well-known for bringing in priceless muscle cars from all over for weekend events like no other.
And lucky for you, there’s also an event dedicated to imports. May 14-15 the Carlisle Import and Performance Nationals hits the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds. If you need parts, want to link up with some great people, or simply drool over your favorite non-domestic performers, this is the link for you.
Big Iron Overland Rally
The Big Iron Overland Rally is another killer event going down right in the middle of May. So, if outdoor exploration in a four-wheeler or camping out in an expedition rig sounds like your kinda fun, it might be time to head out to West Mineral, Kansas. This 3-day weekend camp out and concert experience at the Big Brutus historic landmark runs May 14-16 and offers plenty of fun for the whole family, as well as camping gear, 4×4 accessories, merch, and food trucks. Camping will sell out fast, so click here for details and to reserve a spot.
NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals
What’s a Competition Corner without namedropping an NHRA event? This month we’ve got a doozy, too. It’s the 4-Wide Nats, running May 14-16. What’s 4-Wide? The lanes.
You thought one-on-one was awesome? Then, just wait until you see four monsters unleash their fury at once – your fillings are going to fly out. These aren’t the kind of cars you’ll yawn about either. We’re talking spark plug-melting monsters. (Kind of funny that NGK is willing to sponsor the event, huh?) Be warned: clicking here isn’t for the faint of heart.
ChampCar Hallett Motor Racing Circuit
Everyone wants a run on a legendary track in a real race car, right? Only thing stopping us is the couple hundred thousand big ones you need to cough up for a car and a team. Wait – that’s not right. All you really need to do is register for a ChampCar event for an authentic racing experience that won’t cost you your soul.
This May 15-16, ChampCar is taking to the Hallett Motor Racing Circuit for a two-day event. If you’re ready to make your debut on the circuit, click here, and be sure to check out the multiple other ChampCar events available to you.
Parashant National Monument “Ride to the Rim”
A little more overlanding for you intrepid explorers. This May 18-21, take a guided tour to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon – one of the last truly remote areas of the lower 48. Run by the Off-Road Safety Academy, this three-day/three-night tour will also visit Mt. Trumbull, Bar 10 Ranch, and Nampaweap petroglyph area. In addition to scenic views of Parashant, you can pick up some legendary four-wheeling skills along with a company of like-minded individuals. But don’t wait, because spots are filling up.
