Competition Corner: November 2023 Auto Events
Well, that went fast. The warm months certainly came and went in a hurry. No need to get down, though. You’ve come to the right place to find out how you’re going to keep spirits bright throughout the cold season. Besides, that lack of sunshine just means you won’t get sunburned while checking out all the events that are still raging despite the shift in temperature.
We’ve got the dose of automotive madness you need to avoid seasonal depression all winter long. Check out this list of must-see November 2023 auto events.
World of Outlaws World Finals
All good things must come to an end. (Well, at least for a couple of months.) That doesn’t stop them from going out with a bang, though. The World of Outlaws World Finals is the insane showdown your heart needs right now and is the last chance to get your share of this series until 2024. November 1-4 will see the clay-eating tyrants tear up the dirt track at Charlotte Motor Speedway in everything from sprints to super DIRTcars to big-block modifieds.
HSR Classic 24 Hour At DAYTONA
Sure, it’s fast – but can you keep it screaming for an entire 24 hours? This November 1-5, the maddest people in the industry will be trying to answer not just that question but also who can keep up the best lap times while doing it. That’s right, the HSR Classic 24 Hour At Daytona is here. If you’ve ever needed a reason to head south to enjoy some warm weather one last time before winter hits, this is it.
SVRA Austin SpeedTour
Keeping with the classic theme, the U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas is the last — and one of the most popular — events on SVRA’s race calendar. We’re talking hundreds of vintage race cars, of all types, with drivers hailing from all over the globe vying for a coveted Bell Gold Helmet.
If that sounds more your speed, then wrap up the 2023 race season with an auto event you’re not soon to forget. The SVRA Austin SpeedTour hits America’s only purpose-built Formula 1 track this November 2-5.
24 Hours of Lemons – Yokohama Stuntin’ & Splodin’ Soiree
What’s more exciting: an endurance race featuring million-dollar cars that will likely sail across the finish line with grace, or one loaded with $500 machines that just might explode on the spot? If you chose the latter, then you’re headed to the 24 Hours of Lemons Yokohama Stuntin’ & Splodin’ Soiree November 4-5. Technically split over two days, this 24-hour endurance race will still be a brutal-but-entertaining torture test for the low-budget cars running it.
Mecum Auctions – Las Vegas
For many folks, this time of year is specifically designed for cozying up on the couch and enjoying some good television. We’re with you on that – but we just can’t get down with all the bizarre reality TV these days. So instead, we’re going to tune into a dream-inspiring auction. Mecum hits Las Vegas this November 9-11, and you’d better believe all of our favorite classics will cross the block. Who knows? Maybe this is the year you’ll actually place that winning bid.
Trucks Gone Wild
You didn’t think you’d make it all the way through Comp Corner without a twofer, did you? It may be a little late on the list, but the madness of these Trucks Gone Wild events makes it well worth the wait. These wacky get-togethers see the baddest trucks at the hands of the maddest folks for all kinds of fun, and you’d better not wait until next year to see what it’s all about. First up is the Redneck Mud Park, tearing it up November 9-12 in Punta Gorda, Florida. After that, they’re headed over to Ulmer, South Carolina to wild it out at Twitty’s Mud Bog November 17-18.
In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals
If you need a little more than delicious fast food to drag yourself across the country, why not toss some fast cars in the mix? The In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals hit Pomona, California this November 9-12. That’s right — pavement-cracking, race-fuel-powered madness and delicious food all in the same place. What more could you ask for?
Velocity Invitational
Who doesn’t have a soft spot for vintage racing? Today’s cars might be faster, but none can compare to the glory had by the machines of day’s past. The Velocity Invitational is your chance to see what it was really all about. It puts everything vintage – foreign and domestic – on the legendary Sonoma Raceway for yet another chance to remind the world what real racing is all about. If that piqued your interest, you’d better head west this November 10-12.
56th SCORE Baja 1000
This one is for folks who really like to dial up the heat on their auto events this time of year. The SCORE Baja 1000 takes racers and spectators out into the blazing deserts of Baja California for an even hotter showdown. This 1,100-mile race puts the most insane machines and drivers to the test to see who’s truly worthy of the title. It’s considered to be among the most prestigious, most punishing off-road races in the world, and it’s all going down November 13-18.
LA Auto Show
One good thing about the colder months is that it gives business owners and enthusiasts the opportunity to see what the automakers are up to. Even if you’re focused more on specialty vehicles, it’s a good idea to keep your finger on the pulse. At the very least, it’s how you determine just how much power your old-school ride needs to produce to make them look silly. And what better place to see what’s up than the LA Auto Show? All the best manufacturers will be there showcasing what’s new and exciting this November 17-26.
50th Daytona Turkey Run
50 years is a long time for anything and is a mile marker always worth celebrating. That’s what the Daytona Turkey Run is doing this year. Yep, the event that takes classics from all over the country and puts them in the heart of the Daytona International Speedway has been at it for half a century now. So, pack your bags and start rolling down the coast November 23-26 because the show, swap meet, and car corral are going to be better than ever.
56th Annual Snowball Derby
Residents of Pensacola, Florida, and stock car nuts in general know what the first weekend of December means. It’s time for the 56th Annual Snowball Derby. Despite the name, there’s nothing cold about this 300-mile race. It takes the best drivers and puts them behind the wheel of super late models for a war that’s been raging since 1968. It’s running November 30 – December 2, and you’d better swing by to see what it’s all about before winter comes in full-swing.
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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.
