Competition Corner: Speed into Fall with Best in the Desert, Corvette Racing, NHRA Nationals, & More

October is the first full Fall month of the year. That means that crisp air is a regular thing, fuel prices are dropping, and pumpkin-spiced everything has already infected your local coffee shop. Autumn isn’t the only thing filling this month up, though—not by a long shot. This Competition Corner, we’re getting into Corvette racing, attending some of the most well-known and largest car shows in the industry, heading to the NHRA Nationals, and even checking out some Best in the Desert Racing.

Fall Carlisle

Itching to see some cars you’ve only ever read about? Need hard-to-find parts that aren’t made any more? Looking for a great way to spend the weekend with friends, family, and die-hard enthusiasts? Then, Carlisle is the place.

Running October 2-6, the Fall Carlisle is the last event on the Carlisle calendar—meaning it’s your last chance to hit this massive automotive flea market in Pennsylvania. So, stop reading, hit the link, and get going.

Jeep Jamboree Maine Mountains

Last Competition Corner, we didn’t mention any Jeep Jamborees. Not because there weren’t any, but because they were already sold out with closed wait lists! That goes to show just how popular and fun these events are. And the 30th Maine Mountains excursion is no different. This Jeep trip, running October 3-5, promises epic mountain views of beautiful fall foliage, as well as muddy passes, steep uphill climbs, aggressive rock ledges, and some water crossings for good measure. So, if you’re ready to breathe some crisp autumn air, while you push your rig to its limits, it’s time to get moving.

AACA Annual Meet

Maybe Fall Carlisle won’t going to work with your schedule. No need to worry as the Keystone State offers another opportunity to snag some rare parts and eye some sweet rides, October 9-12 in Hershey. The AACA Annual Meet is one of the largest car shows and flea markets in the country. That’s right: not the state, not the coast, the country. Attendance this year is expected to hit 200,000 people! Registration is closed, but you can still attend as a spectator. Get the details here.

Best in the Desert 2019 Method Race Wheels Laughlin Desert Classic

The title’s a bit of a mouthful, so better you just refer to this two-day, action-packed race as the Duel in the Desert. Featuring a special 16-mile race course, festivities start October 10 with a welcome party and UTV night race.

The official racing kicks off over the weekend of October 12-13, with Car and Truck classes racing 10 laps over the course, with only their vehicle’s lights to guide them! Get more information on this exciting event here.

Overland Expo East

While trade shows might sound boring on paper, trust us—when you actually get to a good one, your mind is blown. And Overland Expo East? It’s a good one. At this premier overlanding expo, running October 11-13, you’ll have plenty on your plate from the second you walk past the gates. Vendors, enthusiasts, gear, and experts are all on-site to offer tips, tricks, stories, and advice. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or wet-behind-the-ears greenhorn, this is THE place to be.

Chile Challenge

Looking for an overlanding/off-road adventure with trails and obstacles that suit everyone from family-level four wheelers to all-out extreme rock crawlers? Well, look no further than the Chile Challenge in the Caballo Lake State Park of New Mexico. This is a weekend event that is sure to have something for everyone. So, whether you’re on a relaxing getaway or the path to test your limits—you’re sure to have the time of your life. Running October 16-19, get more information here.

Corvette Racing Weekend

Back to Hershey—and once again, for good reason. Even as a Mopar man, I have to admit Corvettes are some of the greatest cars in the industry. And not just because of their performance chops, but also because of the incredible heritage and fan base that keeps the culture alive.

If you want to submerge yourself entirely in a vat of Corvette madness you need to check out the AACA Corvette Racing Weekend, running October 25-26. Enough’s enough already! Let’s get racing!

Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance

Interested in ogling the world’s sexiest cars in the City of Sin? Then the Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance might be the event for you. Hit the opening night on October 25 for an “unforgettable gala with grand entertainment,” a.k.a. a three-hour open bar with live music in a swanky event center. The exhibit starts Saturday with the cruise along the Las Vegas Strip beginning the next morning. Start saving your pennies, dust off your finest evening wear, and click here for more information.

NHRA Motorsports Museum’s 28th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion

“A gathering of geezers and more,” the California Hot Rod Reunion brings together hot rods of all ages for a night of nostalgic drag racing. Running October 25-27, the event boasts a car show, swap meet, quarter-mile racing, and of course, the famous Cacklefest. Find out more about this family-friendly event here.

Jeep Jamboree USA Death Valley Exploration Trip

Staying in California, we have another Jeep Jamboree for you. (We’re really making up for not having one back in September.) This time, we want you to head to Death Valley. Why? Because it’s hot, it’s hard and it’s awesome. Per all Jamborees, you’ll have your fair share of challenges and activities, this time seeing old mining towns and dusty back roads in the process.

So, without hesitation, hit that link, get yourself registered and dress appropriately—you’re headed to the desert, baby. Runs October 31-November 2.

Dodge NHRA Nationals Presented By Pennzoil

As the next-to-last event to decide the 2019 season’s NHRA Mello Yello World Champions, the Vegas Nationals ensure plenty is at stake. Any mistake—no matter how small—can be the difference between victory and loss. That means emotions (and drama!) will be high and drivers will be working their hardest to complete perfect runs. Don’t get left in the exhaust this October 31-November 2, get your tickets now.

Are any of the events on our list, on YOUR list too? Let us know in the comments!