Competition Corner: September 2022 Auto Events
You thought things were about to slow down with fall closing in? Think again, boy-o. As it turns out, September is absolutely crammed with automotive goodness. Whether you want four wheels burning or two, we’ve got you covered on all ends of this beautiful nation. There’s not a minute to spare. Let’s jump right in.
Ultra4: The Crandon Classic
You can’t handle Ultra4’s Crandon Classic. That’s not a dig — it’s just the way you like your four-wheelin’. You already know this event is packed to the gills with the action your heart desires and the vehicles from your best dreams. Make no mistake, you’ll be covered in clay while the short course legends tear up the Crandon International Speedway, September 2-4. Bring that enthusiasm, as the drivers expect it!
SVRA
SVRA earns a spot on Competition Corner nearly every month. Why? Because they take classic race cars of the golden era and put them on timeless tracks, like Willow Springs. That’s right, September 2-4, you can watch the best-of-the-best tear it up on this historic 2.5-mile, 9-turn track nestled against the foothills of California high desert. Mazda A Miata Heritage Cup Series race is on the schedule, as well as a Ford versus Chevy grudge race.
Not enough for you? How about watching one of the largest vintage races in the country go down at Watkins Glen September 7-11? Home to the nation’s first SCCA road race, this charming New York village now houses a sprawling, high-speed, 11-turn, 3.4-mile NASCAR road course and an entire weekend festival dedicated to early sports car races. Memorable track action plus a unique downtown festival equals the best vacation yet in our books.
WOO: Gold Cup Race of Champions
What if you’re after action on the clay, but don’t care for big and burly off-road machines? If Sprint cars are more your style, then you don’t want to miss out on this one. September 7-10, you can head out to the Silver Dollar Speedway to watch the World of Outlaws battle it out in the Gold Cup Race of Champions. You’ll watch as the sport’s best tear up the high-banked quarter-mile raceway like a pack of wild animals in the cool California night. It really doesn’t get much better than that.
Frankenmuth AutoFest
If you’re worried that you missed out on all the good car shows this summer, think again. We’ve still got a few weeks of the beautiful season left, and Frankenmuth Auto Fest goes down September 9-11. The event kicks off with a big block party and runs all weekend, with live music, priceless cars, and good people all a part of the deal.
3rd SCORE Baja 400
Those itching for a true last-taste of summer, complete with hot sun and flying sand, should check out the SCORE Baja 400. Running September 13-18, on an unforgiving 400-mile course through Baja California, Mexico, this off-road race is the newest event on the SCORE World Desert Championship schedule. It also determines the starting lineup for the big-daddy Baja 1000 race in November. That means, the masters are bringing their A-game — as well as some show-stopping action for spectators like you.
Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat
The Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat is a relatively young event with just five annual rounds under its belt. Each year is better than the last, and you’d better get out to show some love and help it grow beyond its current status as the best overland gathering in the Great Lakes. You know you’ve always wanted to see Lake Michigan, so why not do it on September 15-18 with some of the best folks and the best vehicles in the overland world?
Detroit Concours d’Elegance
If you’re the type of auto nut who enjoys the finer things in life, Detroit is the place you need to be September 16-18. More than 140 historically significant vehicles in 17 car classes will gather for the prestigious Concours D’Elegance of America. Now managed by Hagerty, this event will feature more than just high-dollar, high-end exotics. Take in the glory of the vehicles that define American car culture, as awards roll out to the best among them.
Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show)
Why not stick around in Motor City? Just as the Concours wraps up, the Detroit Auto Show kicks off, running September 17-25. Yeah, it’s already auto expo season – can you believe it? But that’s not necessarily a bad thing… especially, when you can get a scoop on what all the big names are up to in the city where it all started — like the new Ford Mustang!
41st Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Who doesn’t have room for a 4-Wheel Jamboree in their life? O’Reilly puts its on from September 16-18 out at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Now, we don’t have to break it down for those who’ve been around a time or two, but you newbies might not know what to expect. It’s always a little crazy at one of these shindigs, but you can count on seeing some wild 4-wheel builds, even wilder contests, and a crowd you won’t soon forget…
NMCA World Street Finals
The time is now. It’s all come down to this. The NMCA World Street Finals will find out once and for all who the best streetcar drivers are of 2022. Everything from small tire cars to Xtreme pro mods will be cracking pavement September 22-25. You already know you can’t afford to miss out.
Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral
Skipping out on a good swap meet before you dive into that winter project is financially irresponsible — especially when we’re talking about a Carlisle event. Fall Carlisle is the last hurrah before winter sets in, and you know everyone will be there looking to unload parts September 28 – October 2. Roll up your sleeves and start digging for treasure!
Moab Overland Experience
We all know Moab is where you earn your badge of honor as a real off-roader. If you’re looking for a good way to start out on these proving grounds, then check out the Moab Overland Expo. From September 29-October 1 you can expect to connect with the best vendors, teachers, and fellow enthusiasts in the same amazing place. You’ll have chances to take classes, explore the market, and, best of all, enjoy Moab.
American Speed Festival
Another Concours? Not quite, as this one’s at M1 Concourse, so really, how could we resist? While the American Speed Festival also aims to celebrate the finest in the industry, its schedule of events is a little racier than most. The 3-day extravaganza shines a spotlight on all-things-motorsport — including the greatest vehicles that fall under the umbrella, from Can-Am to NASCAR. Sounds great, right? It’s a lot better than you’re imagining, and September 29 – October 2 is your chance to find out why.
24th Annual NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival
Bowling Green, Kentucky gets to have all the fun. Don’t believe it? From September 29 – October 2, Holley is putting on the so-called ultimate Ford party. Well, the 24th Annual NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival has that and plenty of racing going on. Yes, a car show and racing. What kind of racing? Glad you asked. Drifting, autocross, road course racing, and, of course, drag racing. Let’s go!
