Competition Corner: Spread the Love with February 2021 Auto Events

January 29, 2021November 14, 2023 Bruce Lindermann 0 Comments Aeromotive, Aeroquip, ARCA, Autorama, Best in the Desert, Carlisle Auctions, ChampCar Endurance Series, Comp Cams, Daytona 500, Derale, Jet Performance, King of the Hammers, KOH 2021, Midwest Overlanding Off-Road Expo, NASCAR, Overlanding, Sprint Car Racing, Street Car Takeover, SVRA, Ultra4, World of Outlaws

Alright, so 2021 might be off to a rocky start. But we’re not about to let a wobbly economy, lingering pandemic, and exhausting political climate get in our way of making the most of this year. And we believe the best way to do that is by returning to some good old fashioned automotive extravaganzas!

Struggling to find activities during the shortest month of the year? We got you! Below are some solid February events that might just have you wishing winter was longer.

We try to update event details as often as we can, but please note that some of the following information may be out of date due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

2021 King of the Hammers

Okay, we get it. You Ultra4 nuts likely already know all about this year’s King of the Hammers. After all, it’s all a lot of folks can think about for an entire year. But, before you jet off to Johnson Valley, California, there are some schedule changes you should know about. Some are (obviously) COVID-related, but most changes are a result of so many new racers joining. How’s that for a sign of good things?

Click here for a breakdown of updated information – including a list of new events and classes. And if you’re a KOH first-timer, get ready to be blown away by some of the most insane off-road action packed into an entire week of wheeling! KOH 2021 runs January 28 – February 6.

KOH 2021 runs Jan 28 - Feb 6 — *Photo: King of The Hammers Facebook*

Street Car Takeover – Bradenton

Are you ready to get back to enjoying your street build? Then Streetcar takeover is perfect for you. This event is all about seeing where your car stands and whether or not you can truly call it the King of the Streets. Hitting the one and only Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida, February 5-6, Street Car Takeover will put your ride to the ultimate test with drag racing, roll racing, and a fantastic show and shine.

Yes, you need a little time in the sun. Yes, you need to give your car some lovin’. And, yes, you need to follow this link and get all the information.

Check out coverage from last year’s event below.

ChampCar “Road Atlanta”

While we love auto racing, we all know that rules, regulations, and high prices work together to make it very difficult to get involved in the sport. Well, that’s what the ChampCar Endurance series works to make better, by enabling anyone to get out and drive on world class tracks. February 5-6 this series delivers a 14-Hour Enduro at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – a bucket-list course to say the least! You can find links to further details, like supplemental rules and event info, here.

ARCA Menards Series: Lucas Oil 200

Along those lines, let’s spread a little love to the minor-leaguers working twice as hard for half the glory. The ARCA Menards Series kicks off its 69th season on Saturday, February 13 at the Daytona International Speedway with the Lucas Oil 200. It will be the first time in the series’ history at the 2.5-mile oval that the race will take place the day before the Daytona 500! So, don’t miss these young firecrackers sharing the stage in a same-day doubleheader with the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Get details here.

Daytona 500

What’s America without a little bit of NASCAR? Nothing. Well, maybe not nothing. And perhaps the Daytona 500 isn’t exactly a “little bit of NASCAR,” but rather the premier event of the month and worthy of your time.

Sure, you can tune in on the television – but you’ve been cooped up all year! Besides, the rumble of the cars, the much-needed sunshine on your shoulders, and roaring crowd provide the baby steps you need to exercise those social skills that have been growing rusty since last February when the world shut down. Whatever you decide to do, all of the information you need can be found right here! (February 14)

Midwest Overlanding and Off-Road Expo (MOORE)

Everyone needs an escape after all the madness of the past year, and Overlanding is the best way to do that. No, it might not be the most leisurely journey into the wild, but it’s undoubtedly an excellent way to remind yourself of what you’re capable of. That said, a little bit of prep goes a long way.

Visiting the Midwest Overlanding and Off-Road Expo or “MOORE” in Springfield, Missouri, is a solid way to ensure you’re ready for the adventure ahead. Running February 13-14, you’ll learn a little more about the craft and even get some leads on the gear your rig needs. So, what are you waiting for? Click the link and pack your bags!

Jeeps travel from SMORR to MOORE — Get more out of MOORE by opting to join in the SMORR Experience. The Midwest’s #1 Adventure Travel Consumer Show Expo is always preceded by a guided adventure tour #SMORR2MOORE. Learn more here. *Photo: MOORE Facebook*

BITD Tensor Tire Parker 250

Who says off-road racing is only for super-powered four-wheelers? With bikes, ATVs, and UTVs ready to rip through the Arizona desert, Best in the Desert’s Tensor Tire Parker 250 has a variety of action to keep you on edge.

Yes, the sun is brutal, and you’ll get sand packed into places you never thought possible. But that’s precisely what you’ll need to get back on your feet after 2020. Click this link and gear up! Runs February 18-21.

Justin Smith kicks up some dirt in his Shock Therapy UTV at last year’s Tensor Tire Parker "250" Presented by Polaris RZR. — Justin Smith kicks up some dirt in his Shock Therapy UTV at last year’s Tensor Tire Parker “250” Presented by Polaris RZR. *Photo: @4dirtmedia*

WOO NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars

We shouldn’t pull any punches here. The World of Outlaws has a lot in their arsenal for February. In fact, this is one of nine events on the roster for the month. That said, sprint cars are some of the most insane pieces of machinery equipped with a V8 engine. And, if you’ve been to any track pretty much any Saturday in the summer, you’ve witnessed their insanity first-hand.

World of Outlaws kicks things up a few notches. So, if you’re dying to see the drivers battle it out on a 3/8th-mile track, head to Columbus, Mississippi February 19. Click here for race details.

Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction

While this year’s Carlisle Winter AutoFest has been put in the garage, Carlisle Auctions, the sister company of Carlisle Events, will move forward with its two-day classic and collector car auction, Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction. Taking place at the same location — the SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus grounds in Florida– the socially-distant auction will run February 19-20 and offer attendees a chance to enjoy some warm weather and drool over classic rides. Click here for more information.

Don’t turn to fly-by-night companies to save money when reliable brands have plenty of budget-oriented product! Go-to products like Derale cooling fans, Jet Performance throttle bodies, Aeromotive fuel systems, Aeroquip hoses, and COMP Cams camshafts can work together to satisfy a need for speed without draining the bank account.

61st Annual Dallas Autorama

Sixty-one years of experience should tell you all you need to know about what to expect at this classic car show. From celebrity guests to unicorn cars that you won’t see anywhere else, the Annual Dallas Autorama has a little bit of everything. Running February 19-21, details are still TBD, but you can click this link to stay updated. This might just be the good ol’ Texas action you’ve been waiting for all year long.

SVRA Sebring SpeedTour

While SVRA’s traditional season opener, the So-Cal SpeedTour held at Auto Club Speedway, has been postponed to November, the Sebring SpeedTour is still on for February 18-21 at the Sebring International Raceway in Florida.

As one of the most popular events on the SVRA schedule, the Sebring SpeedTour routinely draws hundreds of vintage race cars from all eras, makes and models. The weekend features large fields and great competition in all race groups, and offers a super way to escape the winter blues. Learn more here!