Competition Corner: 2021 August Auto Events Round Out Summer Fun
Have you had your full share of auto shows, swap meets, races and expos? Of course, not – it’s only August! Thankfully, there’s still plenty of events on the automotive calendar, but you better get crackin’ if you want to see it all before summer’s end. We rounded up a wide variety of all-things-automotive to ensure you do just that. So, get ready because this edition of Competition Corner is a little husky…
Here are the 2021 August Auto Events you won’t want to miss!
Ultra 4 Sturgis
Look, we won’t dilly dally with everything that makes Ultra4 awesome. You already know the custom chassis are works of art; there’s more power than you need to move the earth; the courses are insane; and the sounds will make a nun blush. Besides, that’s not what’s important. What is important is that the first ever Black Hills Throwdown, running August 6-7, is right in Sturgis, SD – and just in time for bike week.
As if that’s not enough, Ultra4 organizers turned the week before the race into an Off-Road Jamboree with trail riding events around the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore. You don’t want to miss this one.
Carlisle Truck Nationals
If you’re in the northeast, you know about Carlisle events. These are some of the greatest car shows/swap meets/automobile extravaganzas the East Coast has to offer. Want to see your dream truck? It’s here. That part that’s impossible to find? They’ve got it. Fantastic crowds and killer vendors? That too.
This August, Carlisle is hitting you with both barrels. First up, you’ve got Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 6-8. From lifted and lowered to classic and antique, Jeep and big rig to modern or mini, you’ll find it at this event. Then, later in the month, Corvettes at Carlisle hits the fairgrounds August 26-28. That’s right – New Balances as far as the eye can see.
BITD: “Casey Folks” Vegas to Reno
Best in the Desert needs little introduction. Neither does the Casey Folks Vegas-to-Reno event: the longest off-road race in the United States. Even if you didn’t know what that is, you know you’re interested now. Sprinkle in the fact that cars, bikes, trucks, ATVs, UTVs, and probably even scooters will be shooting it out here, and you’re already packing your bags.
These 4-days of insanity are nothing to miss out on. So, stop goofing off, clear that calendar August 11-15, and click here to learn more.
Mecum Monterey
We often think of the ’60s or ’70s as the premier era for classic cars. But it’s the decades leading up to them that really made things possible.
Held August 12-14, Mecum Monterey will have plenty of examples of the finest underappreciated cars from that time, including the eclectic Jim Zanardi Collection. A fan of classic Cadillacs, Zanardi branched out to include other rare rides – including a wacky 1940 LaSalle Series 50 Meteor 8-Door Woody and a 1955 Mercury Monterey bearing dash signatures from the Beach Boys, Chubby Checker, Dick Clark, and Christopher Knight.
Those seeking an even stranger assortment of automotive history do not want to miss the extravagant assemblage of more than 80 collector in Big Al’s Collection. From a ’51 Chevy pickup to a 1973 Fiat 500, ’69 Mustang Mach 1 to 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon, this collection is all over the place and WE LOVE IT. This link has all the details you need to stop by or tune in.
Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals
Folks, we’ve got another “largest” on our hands. Not in the US, though. In the world. We’re talking thousands of gorgeous Tri-Five Chevys lined up and shined up for the show, beefed up for the race, and dolled up for the corral.
Not only that, there are vendors, food, live music, and even a giveaway car to keep everyone pumped up. Last year, this show was canceled on account of that dastardly pandemic. No doubt keeping all that Tri-Five love locked up will result in an experience that you need to take part in. So, click this link and plan your trip now, August 12-14 in Bowling Green, KY.
Cal4Wheel Sierra Trek
Cal4Wheel events are what anyone with an off-road rig dreams of attending. While many of the group’s 2020 events suffered COVID cancelation, this summer ushered in an opportunity to get the wheels rolling once more.
This August 12-15 is the Sierra Trek – an off-road run taking place in the magnificent Tahoe National Forest. Like all Cal4Wheel gatherings, the Sierra Trek has something for everyone. Light to expert trail riding, family-friendly events, and of course, camping are all on the agenda. Plus, check out that sweet t-shirt design!
Click here to learn more and just remember to throw on some larger tires and lockers if your intent is to go all out with the big dogs.
NHRA
Drag racing is America’s real favorite pastime. I mean, baseball is cool, but home runs have nothing on wheel stands. And those hot dogs? They just can’t compare to the sweet smell of race fuel. NHRA has two big events on the August calendar that you don’t want to miss.
First up is Menards NHRA Nationals, going down in Topeka, KS, August 13-15, followed by Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals running August 18-22 in Brainerd, MN. Either event is going to be packed with the madness you so desperately need. Tell your boss you need a few days – quit if you need to – and go see what real power looks like!
Goodguys
We said we weren’t pulling any punches with this list and we meant it. Goodguys has THREE big events you need to pencil in right now:
First is the 19th CPP Great Northwestern Nationals in Spokane, WA, August 13-15.
Next is the 2nd Grundy Collector Car Insurance Great American Nationals in York, PA, August 20-22.
Lastly, the 34th West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton, CA, August 27-29.
All three events are sure to draw in countless cars, vendors eager to hook you up, and the industry knowledge you won’t find anywhere else. So, find which is closest to you and start planning.
70th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Are you a fan of the finer things in life? Then Concours d’Elegance is the place to be. And if you’re real fancy, you need to check out the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance August 15.
Known as the premier celebration of the automobile, this event brings together countless historical vehicles of supreme quality at the legendary 18th hole at Pebble Beach. Complete with a show, tour, and auction for those with paper to burn, organizers are hoping for a solid bounce-back after The Year Everything Was Canceled. So, if you’re considering attending and want to ensure a future for this nearly century-old celebration, click here for the details you need.
24 Hours of Lemons: Doing Time in Joliet 2021
Does the idea of an absurdly expensive car show in Monterey make you want to throw beer bottles at a chicken wire stage? Don’t worry, we got you.
24 Hours of Lemons hits Joliet, IL August 14-15 for a hooptie celebration of getting down and dirty on a budget – which may or may not be the best way to enjoy your car. Regardless, these fun-loving racers are hitting the South Circuit of the Autobahn Country Club, which consists of 15 turns that make for 2.1 miles of track. It’s intense, it’s nutty, and you don’t want to miss out!
Driver registration is closed already, but walk-up spectators are permitted to attend, and this link will tell you all about it.
New York Auto Show
Auto shows took a hit the last few years – even before COVID landed on scene. After making some social-distancing-friendly aftermarket mods of their own, the New York Auto Show is scheduled to trudge on this year August 20-29. The approach? More floorspace. That’s right, when times get tough, you get bigger.
So, not only is the event hanging in as one of the few big shows to run a full schedule, it’s going to offer you more elbow room to enjoy. Plan a trip to the city, check out the sites, and get back up to speed with the industry! All the info you need is right here.
26th Woodward Dream Cruise
Another “world’s biggest,” and this time it’s the Woodward Dream Cruise – the event you’ve been dying to take your car. The ’66 Bronco is this year’s featured heritage vehicle, but all rides are welcome. And if you break down along the way, you can take part in the 5k walk/run to burn off those pandemic pounds.
In exciting news, the Roadkill races announced their return this year. Dodge is the powerhouse behind it, meaning you’ll certainly see some of the world’s best muscle cars battling it out. Clear your calendar August 21 and plan your trip to America’s most infamous stretch of road.
20th Annual NMCA All-American Nationals
August is the beginning of the final act for a lot of automotive events in the calendar year. While sad, it also means things need to get a little nutty to find out who the real champs are.
The NMCA’s second-to-last event is the All-American Nationals, running August 26-29. It’ll be packed with all kinds of killer street cars battling for the crown – from classics to late models, NA or boosted, and even donks. In fact, the Donkmaster himself, Sage Thomas is even making an appearance. Click here to find out everything else you need to know.
Ojibwe Forests Rally
You ever see something that has you clench your teeth so hard you crack your fillings? That’s pretty much what any rally event puts spectators through. Driver go absolutely nuts in low-traction scenarios, proving they’ve got way too many loose screws to be deemed sane by any standard.
That said, the Ojibwe Forests Rally offers up 120 miles of competition roads over the span of two days – August 27-28. There’s no doubt you’ll see the kind of action you didn’t know was permitted since the Geneva Convention. So, if you’re ready to spring up a few grays to match the coming seasons, you’d better click here and learn how you can do just that!
Overland Expo Mountain West
Calling all overlanders: August 27-29 the Overland Expo folks are hosting their Mountain West rally in beautiful Loveland, Colorado. With more than 300 session-hours of incredible programs brought to you by 100+ instructors and presenters from around the world, you’re guaranteed to up your social distancing game. Get outfitted, get trained, get inspired—and get going.
