Competition Corner: Thank you, sir. May I Have Another? Formula DRIFT, Ultra4 Northern Series, SCORE Baja 500, and More Spring Auto Fun

ROUND TWO BABY! May is gonna be one helluva month, so we’re bringing it back for another look on Competition Corner. No more sadness due to the cold. No more talking about the white stuff. Just awesome auto events to keep you revved up for some summertime fun. From Formula DRIFT to the new Ultra4 Northern Series, the SCORE Baja 500 and a variety of off-road Jamborees, we’ve got plenty of action to keep May hopping, and roll you right into June.

Formula DRIFT: Round 3

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Formula DRIFT (Formula D), I strongly suggest you check out this event. Now in its 16th season, the world’s premier drifting series event features three full days of incredibly talented professional drivers, showcasing wild skills in some of the coolest cars on the planet. An extremely technical event, these drivers aren’t judged on how fast they can finish the course. Rather, the daredevils who hit the track are judged on execution and performance—like angle, style, and show factor. If you’re ready to see how the pros burn some tires—not those punks in the Dairy Queen parking lot—head to Atlanta, May 9-11, for Round 3 of the series. Click here for details.

Ultra4 Northern Series

It’s official: Ultra4 racing is on the rise. So much so, that you can’t go anywhere off-road-oriented without meeting at least a few fans. Lucky then, that events are expanding this year and a brand-new, three-race Ultra4 Northern Series is being added to the roster. The first race is May 11-12 at the Big Sky 200 just outside Billings, Montana. The second will head to Canada in August, with the series returning to Montana for the final race in September.

Held in conjunction with Canada’s Punisher Racing and Y.O.R.R., the new Ultra4 Northern Series is an awesome opportunity for our northern neighbors to get in on some intense off-road racing action and earn a chance to qualify in the insane King of The Hammers competition in February. Still here? Why? Click the link and learn more.

31st Palo Duro Jeep Jamboree

I’m really starting to get the feeling that Competition Corner wouldn’t be complete without mention of a Jeep Jamboree because, quite frankly, there’s no denying how amazing these events are. Family-friendly, with a little something for everyone, and organized to a T, Jeep Jamborees are worth every penny. That said, this particular getaway runs May 16-18 through the breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon, under an Amarillo sky. Tough trails, red dirt, and cinematic surroundings—what’s not to love? So, stop reading what I have to say and go get your Jeep ready.

NHRA Virginia Nationals

The eighth event in the 2019 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the Virginia Nationals features virtually every class of drag racing associated with the NHRA. Running May 17-19, this 3-day event promises a little something for everyone. Held at the Virginia Motorsports Park, just outside Richmond, the track is home to the first 200-mph Pro Stock Run, accomplished by Warren Johnson in 1997. This year marks the second time since 2009 that the NHRA series has returned to the renowned park, so you know they’re sure to put on a show. So, whether it’s a chance to get away from the family or bring them along, give yourself a reason to get out for the weekend and click that link for ticket info now.

5th Annual Rockstar Energy Battle South of the Border Presented by Lucas Oil

If you’re interested in keeping with the epic off-road racing theme but are looking for a little change of scenery, consider heading down to Ensenada, Mexico for the 5th Annual Battle South of the Border. Running May 18-19, the doubleheader marks Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2019 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. With plenty of dirt-flinging, short-course action, it’s the perfect opportunity to convince your spouse to head to Mexico for a different kind of heart-pounding, exotic experience.

ARCA Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200

ARCA is to NASCAR what college football is to the NFL. That means, drivers push themselves to the max in the hopes of hitting the big leagues, which translates to exciting race entertainment for you and me. This 200-lap, 100-mile event held at the Toledo Speedway in Ohio kicks off Sunday, May 19 at 2pm sharp. Add this one to your lineup, as stock car racing is honestly way too underappreciated. Click here for schedule and event information.

51st Annual SCORE Baja 500

Ohhh mama, the SCORE Baja 500 just may be the coolest off-road auto event ever. I mean, it’s just so over the top. Five full days of off-road action under the hot Mexican sun of Baja California, where drivers from all over the world are put to the test on a single loop race, hitting speeds only a lunatic would dare to dance with on the dirt. While details haven’t come out yet, we do know that this year’s race will run May 29 – June 2 and will start and finish in Ensenada. So, stop whatever you’re doing and hit this link to stay tuned in.

Goodguys 26th Summer Get-Together

I think it’s safe to say that Goodguys auto events have hit a point where they can be referred to as the other all-American pastime, considering the sheer number of classic car owners who schedule their time-off requests around these get-togethers. Running all day Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, the 26th Summer Get-Together in Pleasanton, California features over 2,500 vehicles, an indoor muscle car show, a special custom bike exhibit, and the events’ signature shootouts, Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition, and burnout competition. There will also be a swap meet to help you find that perfect part, as well as plenty of fun and entertainment for the little ones. Click here for registration and pricing.

25th Hot Rod Power Tour

If I need to tell you what Hot Rod Power Tour is, I’m worried your life has taken a few wrong turns. This is probably the most important event in the hot-rod community. Thousands—and I mean thousands—of hotrodders band together to cruise across America, hitting seven cities in seven days. This year’s route, running June 8-14, starts in North Carolina and winds its way up to Ohio, with three new venues to help celebrate the 25th anniversary. Click here for updates on the schedule and be sure to check back at The Engine Block for more in-depth coverage of this event as the date gets closer!

Hi-Landers 4 Wheel Drive Poker 48th Club Run

If you’re craving some exciting off-road adventure and stunning northern California views, check out this event. With a low entry fee, you and about 100 other Jeeps will get to trek through the gorgeous El Dorado forest, travel part of the historic Rubicon Trail, and breathe the fresh air of the High Sierras. Running June 15-16, the event is family-friendly and run by one of the oldest 4WD clubs in the Sacramento area. Click here for more information. And if you’re looking for some other excellent California trail runs, check out our coverage here.