Competition Corner Summer Wrap-Up: Corvettes at Carlisle, Sheriff’s JeepFest, Ultra4 Canada, and MORE

You know, sometimes Competition Corner can be a real balancing act. Choosing what does and doesn’t make the cut can be downright painful. Sometimes there are just so many great events in a month that a single piece simply can’t cover everything. Well, on account of the fact that August is completely packed with events that are over the top on the kickass-meter, we decided to drop a second Comp Corner for the month! That’s right, we’re talking more racing, more Ultra4, more massive shows and more Jeep shenanigans! From Corvettes at Carlisle to Sheriff’s JeepFest, we’ve got a little something for everyone.

Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

Camping, live music, and some of the greatest drivers to ever live. You’ve already made up your mind—you’re headed to Brainerd International Raceway August 15-18. Of course, being the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, you can expect some serious entertainment on the track during the event. And afterwards? The Zoo camping grounds is the place to be if you’re ready for a party! (That said, there are also reserved grounds for families who just want a simpler evening.) Where to spend the night, well, that’s your call. But when you’re ready for a sweet getaway, hit the link.

Robert Hight races to the number 1 Funny Car qualifier at Brainerd International Raceway for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.
Robert Hight tops NHRA Funny Car qualifying at Brainerd last year. Source: NHRA

Ultra4 North Series Race #2

Amazing machines, amazing drivers, amazing challenges, all on amazing tracks—this is Ultra4 baby. If you STILL haven’t immersed yourself in what is likely THE most exciting form of off-road racing in history, you’re running out of excuses, my friend. On the other hand, why not have your first Ultra4 race experience also be Canada’s first Ultra4 race?! That’s right, this is a brand new race in a brand new series, set to go down in Alberta, Canada on August 17. So, whether it’s the beauty of the land, the friendly people, or the beer, you’ve always wanted to head up and visit our neighbors to the north and you know it. Now, they have Ultra4! So giddy up and get up there.

Ultra 4 driver Jason Blanton blasts over terrain during the Big Sky 200 Race in Montana.
Ultra 4 driver, Jason Blanton, blasts over terrain during the Big Sky 200 North Series Race in Montana. Source: Yellowstone Off Road Racing (Y.O.R.R.) Big Sky 200 Race

Annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion

Honestly, it’s events like this that make me wish I were a Jeep owner. Jeep shows always blow my mind in terms of location and turnout. And the Annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion running August 23-24 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is no exception. Set in the beautiful Smoky Mountain range, more than 8,000 Jeeps and 16,000 attendees are anticipated—that’s just jaw dropping! So, if you’re a Jeep dude or dudette, this IS the place to be in August and you NEED to get out there.

Corvettes at Carlisle

I don’t think I’ve ever talked about the Corvette without poking fun and mentioning jean shorts and a fresh pair of New Balance sneakers. I do this because it’s literally the only ammunition I have against these magnificent species of automobiles. The Corvette is among the most highly-celebrated vehicles in the world—and for good reason. If you’re a Corvette lover, you inevitably love big shows and swap meets that surround this platform. But have you ever been to a Carlisle show in PA? No? Well, I really can’t do it justice with words from my elementary-level vocabulary, so trust me, you need to see it to believe it from August 22-25.

For more than 40 years, Carlisle Events has been a staple in the automotive community.
Don’t sweat it if you can’t make August’s Corvettes at Carlisle. The organization hosts ELEVEN seasonal events throughout the year! Source: Corvettes at Carlisle

Goodguys 33rd West Coast Nationals

I don’t think there’s a single classic car show that isn’t a good time. Even the smallest venues, with a handful of vehicles, bring plenty of conversations and good fun to the table. But, let’s not beat around the bush—Goodguys car shows are where it’s at in this category. And the 33rd West Coast Nationals are why you want to head to California August 23-25. Autocross, a one-of-a-kind car show, and Goodguys Nitro Thunderfest. Seriously, what are you waiting for?

The Goodguys 33rd West Coast Nationals runs August 23 - 25, 2019 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in California.
With thousands of rides and dozens of events, it doesn’t get much better than a Goodguys’ car show. Source: Goodguys

Lead East

If you’re ready to hit the “World’s Biggest Oldies Festival and Car Event,” you’d better dress the part. This event is top-notch and chock full of 100% family friendly, all-American fun. Live music, generations of killer hot rods, drive-in movies, and even a vintage prom where everyone dresses in period-correct attire—this is one you don’t want to miss. If you’re ready for a truly one-of-a-kind experience on a massive scale, head to Parsippany, NJ, August 28-30 and follow this link!

Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals

While you send the kids off to school and kill their dreams, you can laugh with enjoyment as you haul your favorite bowtie-bearing drag car out to Indianapolis for the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals. Sure, you can bring junior along for one last blowout before summer ends, this Labor Day weekend at the Lucas Oil Raceway, just make sure they’re on that homework for the ride out. Click here for the deets.

Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals - The largest NHRA drag race in the world.
The Chevy Performance U.S. Nationals is both the largest drag race in the world and NHRA’s first national event, started in 1955. Source: NHRA

37th Annual Historic Festival

Not everyone in the U.S. is going to want to spend their Labor Day weekend celebrating muscle cars after a summer packed with just that. The good news is that those chasing the heritage of the automobile can head out to Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT for the 37th Annual Historic Festival. This event celebrates the unmatched heritage of single seat racing, which has led to what is now known as the most elite form of automobile racing there is today. Trust me, you want to head north to check this out and learn more about what led us here today.

Sheriff’s JeepFest

Alright, so there’s no secret that there are children that face tremendous burdens in today’s world. Places to sleep, food to eat, and basic supplies to live comfortably are not given to every child. But what if you could do your part to help change that? And what if you got to do it with your Jeep? Well, that’s what Sheriff’s JeepFest in Jasper, Georgia is all about. This may be the perfect way to spend your Labor Day weekend as you will get to shamelessly enjoy your not-so-guilty pleasure with a plethora of other Jeep lovers and it’s all for a good cause.

JeepFest is an annual event hosted by The Sheriff's Foundation of Pickens County. Proceeds from JeepFest go to a variety of youth charities.
Can YOU think of a more fun way to use your Jeep for charity?? Source: Sheriff’s JeepFest

So, what’s it gonna be? Corvettes at Carlisle? Ultra4 Canada? Off to Georgia for the Sheriff’s JeepFest? Or something not even on this list? Let us know in the comments!

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