February Competition Corner Part 1: Big Race Love with KOH 2020, BITD Duel in the Desert, Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, and More

One of our goals here at The Engine Block is to provide you with a long list of ways to beat the automotive winter blues. Whether it’s a recommended side project, new fabricating skill, or just some garage busy work, we’re here to help you keep your mind off the dirty slush and corrosive road salt and focused on what it is you love—your vehicle. The easiest way we do this is by highlighting exciting auto events each month in Competition Corner. Not only do you get to celebrate your passion for speed and performance or all-things off-road, but you actually get to leave the house!

Now, some months are, admittedly, better than others. And you might just be surprised to hear it, but dreary little February hasn’t just come to play—she’s here to win. From the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals and Daytona 500 to KOH 2020, ARCA, BITD and a host of other acronym-heavy excitement, we’re serving you up not one, not two, but THREE Competition Corners this month. Think you can handle it?

KOH 2020

Something this high-profile needs little introduction so all I’ll say is this: If you like desert racing and you like rock crawling and the thought of the two together gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, then it might be time for you to book a flight to SOCAL.

Get the full experience and join the 60,000+ people who descend on Johnson Valley, California to camp, party, and celebrate in what is affectionally called Hammertown. “Doors” open January 31, closing on February 9. The main event—the race itself—takes place Friday, February 7. So, if you think you’ve got dirt in your veins, click here for more information.

Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals

There’s no denying the action-packed thrills that drag racing delivers time after time. The drivers get a dose of adrenaline, the crowds get to embrace the roar of the engines, and both get to see who’s made of what.

So why take an off-season if you’re made up of motor oil and speed parts? Celebrating 60 years, the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals are the perfect way to shake off that winter dusting. From top fuel Harleys to top notch nitro cars and even a Hoonigan VS Roadkill shootout, there’s no earthly reason for you miss this event, running February 6-9 in Pomona, California.

SOCAL Historic Sports Car Festival

There was a time in American auto racing when classic sports cars did more than sit around at the seasonal car shows. Back in the day, these beasts were known for one thing and that was haulin’ ass. See them do just that at the SOCAL Historic Sports Car Festival in Fontana, California, February 7 – 9.

A dream-come-true for fans of vintage racing, there’s plenty of excitement and entertainment for the whole family. Plus, who couldn’t use a little California sunshine in early February? Click here to learn more.

ARCA Menards Series: Lucas Oil 200

Don’t worry—NASCAR is coming, but it’s far from the only form of stock car racing worth your time. The pros are great, but spare a little love for the minor-leaguers out there working twice as hard for half the glory.

The ARCA Menards Series Season Opener kicks off February 8 at the Daytona International Speedway with the Lucas Oil 200. If you decide you’re ready for 200 miles of adrenaline-pumping asphalt action in the Florida sun, keep an eye out for Hailie Deegan. The 18-year-old firecracker will make her debut as a Ford Performance development driver, piloting the No.4 Ford Fusion for DGR-Crosley.

54th World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing

Tis the season for stock car racing and we’re all in. One night in Florida not enough? Of course not! So, how about nine nights of action-packed racing with 10 classes and over $300,000 in purses? Suddenly, we’re speaking your language, eh?

The 54th Annual World Series Stock Car Racing is the only Asphalt event of its kind in the U.S. It hits the New Smyrna Speedway in Florida February 7-15, serving up Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, Tour Type Modifieds, Florida Modifieds, Pro Trucks, and more. Click here for more details.

Champ Car Endurance Series: 2020 National Championship

Champ Car is a beautiful organization that doesn’t get nearly enough recognition. The sole goal of this group is to ease the transition from dreamer to driver. It doesn’t matter if you rent or own the car you’re driving—show up with the proper safety gear and a valid license and you’re good to go.

See how it’s done at the 2020 National Championship, February 15-16 at the Sonoma Raceway in California. Click here to find out how you can attend or participate.

Daytona 500

Known as “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500 marks the official beginning of the new NASCAR season. Now in its 62nd year, the 2020 Daytona 500 marks more than just a single race in a series. It’s a symbolic day each year when Americans come together, meet their favorite drivers, enjoy plenty of live entertainment and, if we’re being totally honest, drink a lot of Bud.

Running February 16 this year at the famed Daytona International Speedway.

NHRA Arizona Nationals

Head West and experience that “dry heat” everyone’s always talking about while you soak in the smell of high-octane fuel and burnt rubber. February 21-23, the NHRA hits Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park just outside of Phoenix for the Arizona Nationals. A staple on the schedule since 1985, this is an event known for record performances.

Sure, six shooters may be cool but nitro cars, pro-stocks and top fuels are way quicker. Get your kicks, here.

BITD: Laughlin Desert Classic “Duel in the Desert”

Alright, alright, I get it, drag racing is far from the only racing opportunity in the desert—especially if you look at the natural terrain. Luckily, February has something special in store for you powersports and off-road nuts, too.

Watch trucks, UTVs, and cars battle it out on a 17-mile loop in the Nevada desert during the 5th Annual King Shocks BITD Laughlin Desert Classic. Festivities kick off Thursday February 20, with racing running the 21-23. A must-attend on the BITD schedule, you can learn more here.

Sebring Vintage Classic

Sebring International Speedway is the oldest running continuously-operated road-racing facility in North America. For many, this is enough of a reason to visit. For the rest of ya’ll, the SVRA threw in a battle of classic sports cars. Attendees can enjoy track time, a Hagerty Cars and Caffeine car show, a Saturday night party, and more. Running February 27 – March 1, in Sebring, Florida, sign up here.