Competition Corner: Find Your ‘New Normal’ With October 2020 Racing, Cruising and Wheeling

October 1, 2020November 21, 2023 Bruce Lindermann 0 Comments 24 Hours of Lemons, ARCA, Carlisle Events, ChampCar Endurance Series, Competition Corner, Concours d'Elegance, Cruisin' the Coast, Holley Performance, Jeepalooza, NHRA, NMRA, racing, Rebelle Rally, Street Car Takeover, UTV World Championship

If there’s anything 2020 has taught us, it’s that folks r-e-a-l-l-y love their cars. No matter what curveballs the world throws, people double down on the joys of car culture—and that devotion has paid off. This round of “Competition Corner” is packed with coverage, encouraging your enthusiasm and participation at an event near you. ARCA, Carlisle, NMRA, NHRA, and Jeepalooza are waiting for you!

I’m not going to take this defeatist attitude and listen to all this crap any more from all these people who have nothing except doomsday to predict. – Carroll Shelby

ARCA Menards Series Illinois Truck & Equipment Allen Crowe 100

Stock car racing is deeply rooted in American resilience, and it’s no surprise that the need for speed has kept it alive against all the odds. The ARCA Menard Series race will be going down at the Springfield Mile on Sunday, October 4.

If you love the sound of a field of eight-cylinder engines tearing up the asphalt, this is the place to be. And if dirt is more your style, USAC will be taking over on Sunday, October 18 for the Silver Crown Bettenhausen 100.

Yeah, we just blindsided you with a twofer—so best be on your way to get some tickets! Act fast because capacity will be limited to 20%, making tickets first come first serve.

ARCA Menards Series Illinois Truck & Equipment Allen Crowe 100 — Can’t attend? Catch the race on MAVTV at 2 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. ET. It will also stream live on TrackPass on NBC Gold. *Source: ARCA Facebook*

NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival

Let’s not beat around the bush any longer—we know you’re achin’ to find out where the drag racing is taking place.

Well, luckily for you, NMRA will be hosting its World Finals at the Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Running October 1-4, Ford Fest 2020 will determine whose Blue Oval car is truly the baddest on the track. NMRA joined forces with Holley for this all-Ford event. You can expect drifting, autocross, 3S Challenge, road course, drag racing, a dyno challege, show-n-shine, burn-out competitions and more!

With that said, you’ll need to set yourself up with somewhere to stay over several days. Of course, NMRA has the means to help you figure it all out on their website.

Ford Cobra Jet 1400 EV — Ford Performance will bring its latest drag race creation, the Cobra Jet 1400, to the NMRA World Finals + Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival. This 8-second, electric-powered Cobra Jet will be making exhibition passes and special match races with its gasoline-powered sibling. *Source: Fordfest.com*

NHRA Mopar Express Lane NHRA Midwest Nationals

Of course, there’s more than just Fords hitting the strip. The NHRA still has plenty up its sleeve for the year, including the Mopar Express Lane NHRA Midwest Nationals. These aren’t your average Hemis heading down the quarter-mile, though. They produce ear-splitting power and scream down the raceway at blistering speeds.

So, if you’re ready to see some of the fastest cars in the industry driven by the best in the business, you’ve got no choice but to head on out to Madison, Illinois October 2-4. There are some COVID guidelines to follow, so we suggest reading this before heading out!

NHRA MidWest Nationals 2020 — Held at World Wide Technology Raceway, the Midwest Nats is one of the final four events on the 2020 calendar, marking it as a site for plenty of high-speed drama. *Source: NHRA Facebook*

ChampCar Pittsburgh Grand Prix

Don’t have a racecar? Don’t need one. ChampCar racing events give everyone the chance to get behind the wheel and see what they are made of. Test your own merit at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex October 3-4 in the ChampCar Pittsburgh Grand Prix.

This event offers you the opportunity to partake in an eight-hour endurance race on the first day and a 7-hour race on the second. Unfortunately, it is open to participating personnel only, and that means you’d better be suiting up to race or run the pits if you plan to attend! Learn more here.

Check out some highlights from last year’s Pittsburgh Grand Prix in the video below.

Fall Carlisle

Maybe racing just isn’t your dig. Or maybe you need a few more odds and ends to get that bad boy rolling. Lucky for you, Fall Carlisle is still on the roster, running September 30 – October 4.

Carlisle events are renowned as some of the best swap meets/car shows in the great Northeast. They bring thousands of enthusiasts together and are the place to be if you’re on the hunt for hard-to-find parts or simply want to see some gorgeous builds and restorations. But, if you know anything about Carlisle, you’re probably already planning to attend.

Fall Carlisle 2020 — With 82 acres, 16+ miles of paved roadway, vendors and cars everywhere, it’s important to wear your walking shoes! And to grab a copy of the event guide, HERE. *Source: Carlisle Events Facebook*

Street Car Takeover Rockingham, NC

Looking for something fresh and new? The Street Car Takeover in Rockingham, North Carolina, is the one for you. Running October 2-3, This is a first-ever event for Rockingham Dragway and will include everything from a car show to racing events with more than $15,000 in cash payouts.

The event is open to all sorts of cars: new and old, foreign and domestic. Those who do attend will have a packed schedule as well, and though it’s only two nights, you’ll feel as though weeks have gone by with all the excitement they have to offer. Learn more here.

Check out some footage from Street Car Takeover’s Dallas event this past summer.

24th Annual Cruisin’ the Coast

It may be October, but that doesn’t mean there’s no time left to enjoy the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast! This event gives hot rodders one last chance to take their classic ride along coastal highways with dozens of other enthusiasts.

There’s more than just driving to enjoy, though. Over the span of seven days, October 4-11, you will have the opportunity to partake in shows, swap meets, and even enjoy some live entertainment. Maybe you didn’t get to take a shot at Power Tour this year, but this is one of the surviving events that will allow you to get out on the open road!

Cruisin the Coast 2020 — Can’t make it this year? Then plan ahead for 2021! The 25th Annual Cruisin’ the Coast will run October 3-10, 2021. *Source: Cruisin’ the Coast*

2020 UTV World Championship

UTV’s are some of the hottest trending vehicles in the country right now. They’re a natural favorite for any long-time powersports enthusiasts, and they give car and truck lovers a little something to dream about.

If you’ve ever wanted to see what these things are made of, then you need to check out the UTV World Championship in Lake Havasu City, Arizona October 7-11. Every professional UTV racer in the sport will be there pushing themselves to the limit. Fortunately, you don’t even need to be there to see it. In fact, you can download the OnX Off-Road app and stream the event right on your smartphone!

UTV World Championship 2020 — Over 250 racers are pre-registered in youth, short course and desert classes, while 45+ vendors are set for the AZ West UTV Festival and 180 participants ready to explore the RIGID Industries Poker Run navigated by onX Offroad. *Source: UTV World Championship*

Gulf Coast Jeepalooza 2020

Okay, you Jeep nuts are probably feeling just a bit left out. Most of our entries are all about hot rods, muscle cars, or other vehicles that don’t stand a chance in the dirt. That’s why, you’ll be happy to know that October 8-10 Jeepalooza is going down for the second time along the Gulf Coast in Destin, Florida!

This event is all about wheelin’, showin’ off, and lovin’ that Jeep of yours—with fellow Jeep fans, of course. Best of all, it’s happening in the Sunshine State, which will help you hold onto that tan for just a little while longer!

2020 Gulf Coast Jeepapalooza — Don’t miss the “Shuckin’ Fun Poker Run,” a great time and way to explore and experience some of the best seafood and brew spots on the beach! The Poker run will have 5 locations involved and proceeds will benefit Charity. *Source: Eventbrite*

Concours d’Elegance “Spring” Classic Driving Tour

If you’ve got a classic in pristine condition, you’ve definitely been itching to do something with it. October is opening up with the Concours d’Elegance “Spring” Classic Driving Tour, which is precisely what you’ve been looking for!

This event was actually intended to take place in April, hence the word “Spring” in the title, but had to be rescheduled to October 10, for obvious reasons. However, if you’re interested in attending, you’ll be able to put that vintage heating system to work as you enjoy the fall foliage in New Richmond, Ohio.

Spring Classic Driving Tour 2020 — The Spring Classic Driving Tour benefits 30+ charities, including medical research, schools, animal causes, veterans, and the elderly. *Source: Concours.com*

24 Hours of Lemons Tony Swan Never-Say-Die Memorial

It’s not all about looking pretty, and nobody knows that better than the folks over at 24 Hours of Lemons. The Tony Swan Never-Say-Die Memorial is going down October 10-11 at the Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, Michigan.

Unfortunately, COVID restrictions prohibit any spectators. That means, if you plan to attend this race, you’d better be ready to walk the walk and push your lemon to the limits. Despite some changes being made to adjust to the current CDC guidelines, such as an online driver’s meeting, this is still the same kind of 24 Hours of Lemons event we all know and love! Learn more here.

24 Hours Lemons Tony Swan Memorial Race 2020 — Tony Swan was a legendary automotive journalist and avid racer. When he lost his battle with cancer, Lemons renamed its Midwest finale in his honor and now uses the event to raise money for cancer research. *Source: 24 Hours Lemons*

2020 Rebelle Rally

Sorry fellas, this one’s for the girls. The Rebelle Rally is the first women’s off-road navigation rally raid in the United States. And Ladies, this event is designed to put your skills and patience to the test.

Spanning several days, drivers test their ability to navigate and overcome the many obstacles the great outdoors has to offer. Running October 8-17, this event crosses over 2,000 km in the deserts of California and Nevada. Itching to put your rig and yourself to the test? Then, this is where you need to be!