Competition Corner: May 2023 Auto Events
And just like that, May is here and we’re back in it full-swing. You’ve already put hundreds of miles on your car since rolling it out of hibernation, and there’s plenty more to go with countless automotive activities to partake in until the snowy seasons make a comeback. Relax, we have a long, long time until then — and there are plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite cars in the meantime! That said, we have a lot of ground to cover in this edition of Competition Corner. Here are your must-see May 2023 auto events.
NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Muscle Car Drag Racing
You might not expect a Super-Bowl event to go down as soon as things fire off, but that’s exactly what’s going on at the World Wide Technology Raceway this May 4-7. Only, instead of football you get Pro Mods, Factory Super Cars, Nostalgia Super Stockers, True Street, killer Hemis and pretty much anything else you’d want to see tear up the quarter-mile. The NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Muscle Car Drag Racing is the only way to start into the 2023 season.
Trans Am SpeedFest
Few things can compare to the Trans Am cars of the ’60s and ’70s. Not even today’s cars in the same circuit can hold a candle to the impact that the originals had on the world of motorsports. For many people, getting to see them compete in the Trans Am Speedfest is a dream come true. Luckily, May 5-7 you can watch the cars of yesterday tear up Laguna Seca — reminding anyone watching what real racing is all about.
The Southeast Gassers – Mocksville NC
There are gasser-inspired cars, and then there are gassers. The former is for those that can’t handle the glory of the genuine article.
Gassers are a spectacular part of American history — one that needs to make a comeback in a big way! That doesn’t mean it’s dead or quiet, though. The Southeast Gassers pins these iconic cars against one another to keep the fire burning and see who’s the baddest in the crowd. Want to be a part of it? Then you better be in Mocksville, North Carolina on May 6.
Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance
If you’re going to attend one of these can’t-miss May 2023 auto events, then you might as well make it a big one. Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance is the nation’s largest judged auto event of classic cars and boats, bringing together countless priceless historical pieces. May 6-7, you have the opportunity to check out some of the greatest racing cars from the greatest racing events of all time. Everything from Lemans to F1 cars will be present, and trust us — you won’t want to miss out.
One Lap of America 2023
Endurance racing is what separates cars from toys. One Lap of America is a 7-day 3,500-mile trip around the country that puts both car and driver to the test. Contenders must travel from track to track to compete for the crown. The car will be run around the clock, and you won’t have the safety net of a pit crew. You up to the challenge? Get in on it this May 6-13.
Carolina Drag Cruise
Hotrod Drag Week and One Lap of America are dreams for many, but how do you practice for something so insane? Carolina Drag Cruise is an option.
Rather than spanning an entire week, it’s held over the course of a weekend with only 30-mile days between stops at 1/8-mile tracks. The sense of competition is also a little laxer, with folks being encouraged to help other racers take it on. Sounds like the perfect way to see what you’re made of this May 10-14.
Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals
Carlisle is the place to be. Even if you’re not building a car, or remotely interested in them, this auto event is a wonder to behold. Every year, thousands of folks from all over gather to celebrate and contribute to the culture they love by partaking in shows and swap meets. This May 12-13, Carlisle Import Nationals is rounding up cars from across the globe. If that’s your dig, then plan to be in PA for the weekend.
C10 Nationals
C10 Nationals is a full frame GM Truck and SUV event ONLY. NO EL CAMINO, S-10/15 or Carolina “SQUATTED” TRUCKS.
Finally, someone takes a stand against the sin that is the Carolina Squat. If that’s an honorable cause, you need to support it by hitting up the C10 Nationals this May 12-13. For real, though, this is the best place to celebrate your love for an iconic platform that was gone too soon. Maybe if enough people check it out, Chevrolet will see the light and revive what many consider to be the greatest trucks of all time.
Mecum Auctions – Indy 2023
May still gets cold. And you know what the only thing to do is when those clouds roll over… Settle in and tune into Mecum to see what dream machines are rolling through.
Mecum hits Indy May 12-20. It’s a guaranteed fact that some of the greatest cars of all time will roll through the auction block. You’re sure to find inspiration and maybe even place a winning bid on the car you’ve been waiting for. With over 3,000 consignments to choose from, this is a May 2023 auto event you won’t want to miss.
Overland Expo West
More than 400 exhibitors are scheduled to attend Overland Expo West. Where will you be?
Unless you’re out mastering the craft the old-fashioned way, you have no excuse to miss this ever-growing event. Come May 19-21, you will have every chance to meet industry pros, learn tricks of the trade, see what’s new to the field, and get to spend plenty of time with like-minded enthusiasts. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Route 66 NHRA Nationals
That’s right. The name you’ve been missing since that blasted year 2019. The Route 66 NHRA Nationals is the host of an iconic showdown you can’t miss. Here you’ll find all the pavement-shattering madness and absurdly fast times you’d expect from the 11,000-horsepower Titans that are set to race. Between that and putting an iconic stop back on the list for the NHRA Nationals, you have no reason not to check it out this May 19-21.
Oregon Trail Rally
The Oregon Trail Rally is what people who don’t know anything about the sport think rallying is. From town to rural roads, drivers will tear it up, battling against everything from grueling hill climbs to blasting gravel roads and even taking a 120-foot leap along the way. It’s a three-day event, and you know you’re bound to get your share of blood flow if you’re anywhere near the iconic thrash festival running May 19-21.
Indianapolis 500
107 years. Can you imagine that? 107 years of action-packed racing. And though today’s definition of speed is a lot different than when it began, you have to tip your hat to the first folks who dared to tackle the Indy 500.
That’s right, folks — 200 laps and 500 miles of Indy car action are upon you. Come May 28, you’ll have no choice but to tune in or check it out in person.
55th SCORE Baja 500
It’s the SCORE Baja 500. How much of a description do you really need when the iconic title says everything you need to know? It’s where champions are bred. Ordinary drivers hurl themselves across the unforgiving track that is Baja California, all to see who’s made of the right stuff. Rob MacCachren is the other obstacle the next hero needs to conquer if they plan to take his title. So, stop debating what you’ll be doing May 31 – June 4, and pack some sunscreen.
Jeepin the Coast 2023
And who could forget the Jeep crowd? Sure, they keep it going all year long, but these are the months when they really get to have fun. Jeeping the Coast is all about soaking up sun and tearing it up at the Long Beach you forgot about. That’s right — it’s the one in Mississippi. This is the 5-day Jeep bash you need in your life, also set to go down May 31 – June 4.
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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.
