Competition Corner: Ring in the New Year with a Snowbird Jeep Jamboree, WoO Battle at the Border, Carlisle Auto Mania, and 2020 Dakar Rally

January 3, 2020October 6, 2022 Bruce Lindermann 0 Comments 24 Hours of Daytona, Best in the Desert, Cal4Wheel, Carlisle Events, CES, Dakar Rally, Daytona International Speedway, Dirt Track Racing, Jeep Jamboree, Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals, Mecum Auctions, Midget Cars, World of Outlaws

Here at The Engine Block, we’re Crazy in Love for custom cars modified to go faster and further than their stock counterparts. And with such a bright decade for automotive development coming to a close, we can’t help but feel the exciting momentum for the next chapter of progress. To get us all just a little more amped for the new decade, here are some worthwhile auto events to kick off 2020. From a snowbird Jeep Jamboree and WoO Battle at the Border to Carlisle Auto Mania and the 2020 Dakar Rally, there’s plenty to get pumped for.

2nd Snowbird Jeep Jamboree

If roughnecking it is how you like to spend your time (and you hate the snow and ice of the greater northern regions), then the 2nd Snowbird Jeep Jamboree has your name all over it. Held in Bartow, Florida—a land of lakes and citrus groves—this event lets you explore the Florida wilderness as it was in the 1800s… except, with a Jeep.

Snowbird Jeep Jamboree in Bartow Florida — *Photo cred: John Williams, JJUSA-Snowbird Facebook Group*

From January 2-4, check out 200 year old tombstones, spooky caverns, “gator” sinkholes, and of course, plenty of mud, boulders, streams, and climbs. Start the new year with a trip to the past, and see the real Florida as it was meant to be. Click here for more information.

Mecum Kissimmee

We all plan on doing big things in the coming decade but maybe you need some inspiration. Consider a good, old-fashioned plunge into car culture with some insight on the existing enthusiast market.

January 2-12, the 2020 Kissimmee Mecum Auction hits the Osceola Heritage Park with some of the finest automobiles in the industry, fun road art, and even some signature guitars. So, if you’re ready for a refreshing look at some dream-inspiring trends, check this link. And if a trip to Florida just isn’t in the books, click here to find the NBCSN channel for your area so you can tune in from home.

WoO Battle at the Border

You may be asking, What is WoO? WoO, or World of Outlaws, is a motorsports sanctioning body in charge of ferocious and fun dirt track racing. And, trust us, attending one of these events will take what you think is acceptable and traditional about racing and turn it on it’s head, as you watch high-powered, low-weight motorsports masterpieces blast through the clay without mercy.

WoO Late Model Series Dirt Track Racing — *Photo cred: WoO Late Model Series Facebook*

The WoO Battle at the Border is an intense showdown opening the Late-Model season. It is held at the Vado Speedway Park in Vado, New Mexico from January 3-5. So, gear up, get the mud in your grin and enjoy the action.

2020 Dakar Rally

Seldom does Competition Corner travel across the border, but when we do you can bet your sweet behind that it’s going to be grand. The Dakar Rally, one of the most grueling races in the world, kicks things up a notch for 2020 by hitting the desert sands of Saudi Arabia.

This titanic event runs from January 5-12, during which time drivers will be pushed to the limit as they face 7,500 km (4660 miles) of unforgiving desert terrain. As Saudi Arabia establishes itself as one of the largest new auto markets, the country’s hosting of the 2020 Dakar Rally is a big deal for the Middle East—and noteworthy for the larger auto industry as well. Making the trip might be tough but if you want to tune in or learn more about the route, click here for information.

2020 Consumer Electronics Show

A tech show? On a list of automotive events? For real? Yes! Stepped into a new car lately? You’re essentially sitting in a giant computer. From the engine to the infotainment, technology rules it all. And as more carmakers skip traditional auto shows, their booths are cropping up at events like CES, showcasing crazy innovations like electric drivetrains, autonomous tech, and even on-board virtual reality.

Even if you aren’t fully committed to EVs, self-driving cars, and crazy bells and whistles, it’s worth heading to the Las Vegas Convention Center January 7-10 to see what’s on the rise and where it will take us. So, if you want to learn more about the world of tomorrow and where cars land in it, click here.

BITD Showdown in the Desert

Let’s not beat around the bush here. In recent years UTVs, ATVs, and motorcycles grew to be even more of a dominant pleasure for those traditionally rooted in the automotive world. And what’s better than talking about their effect on the market? Watching them rip it up, of course!

UTV rider kicks up sand during BITD desert race — *Photo cred: BITD Facebook*

Kicking off the 2020 Best in the Desert racing season, is the Tensor Tire Parker “250″ presented by Polaris. Surely, there’s nothing more appealing to you than watching big-powered small engines haulin’ ass. So, January 10-11 get your rear to Parker Arizona! Click here for event details.

Lucas Bowl Chili Bowl Nationals

Dirt cars are hitting the list again, only this time, they’re on a slightly smaller scale. In all honesty, Midget cars are some of the most ridiculous cars on the planet. Sure, they may be modestly-powered when compared to Sprints, but nothing will put a smile on your face like a tiny little car with big power. Besides that, Lucas Oil events continuously set the standard for what automotive events should be. And the Lucas Chili Bowl Nationals are no exception.

Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Midget Cars Racing — *Photo cred: Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Facebook*

So, while you sit around and ponder what’s the best way to start off the new year, I will be here silently urging you to get out to Tulsa, Oklahoma January 13-18 for some big little action. Get your ticket info, here.

Carlisle Auto Mania

Pennsylvanians with a hot rod spend the majority of the cold season going absolutely berserk. We’re cooped up, going stir-crazy, and being green with envy of anyone with winter-bound equipment or a sunny zip code. So, what do we do? We spend money. A lot of money. All on speed parts. And the Carlisle Auto Mania in Allentown, PA running January 17-18 gives us ample opportunity to do just that.

As Pennsylvania’s largest indoor automotive flea market, it’s the perfect place to stay warm while scooping up hard-to-source parts and other goodies. So, if you’re a coal cracker cracking under pressure, grab your cash and head to Auto Mania. Find more information, here.

Cal4Wheel Winter Fun Fest

Seeking a snowbird jamboree that involves actual snow and more than just Jeeps? Non-profit off-road organization, Cal4Wheel, hosts its Winter Fun Fest every year in the high Sierras of northern California. In addition to snow-bound 4×4 runs through historic gold country, attendees can enjoy delicious food, fun entertainment, and some historical tours to ensure you learn a thing or two.

So, if you’re itching to put those beefy new winter tires to the test, click here for more information and book your ticket for January 24-26.

24 Hours of Daytona

Endurance races are almost a taboo obsession for automotive enthusiasts. We love to watch the best drivers and the best cars survive the torture of time and high speeds. And with Ford vs Ferrari still shaking the world, we can bet it’s a pastime more people will be itching to watch. While it isn’t Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona promises it’s own heavy dose of nail-biting drama. And, for those of us here in the States, it’s our top pick in this circuit.