Competition Corner July 2021 Auto Events Bring the Fireworks

What better time than the month of July to polish up that ride and show off some American iron? The month is absolutely packed with all kinds of automotive goodness, from Carlisle Chrysler Nationals to NMRA/NMCA Power Festival. And if import performance is more your jam, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered too. The SVRA Brainerd Speedtour and New England Forest Rally both serve up go-fast entertainment this July, as well.

So, start filling out that vacation request form and pack up that beer cooler, because it’s gonna be a hot one!

WOO NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series – Independence Day Spectacular

The WoO Independence Day Spectacular lives up to its name, as it brings in some of the greatest sprint car drivers together to battle it out for a $10,000 prize. As if that isn’t enough, a Dare Devil motorcycle display, fireworks show, and an after-party are sure to keep you and the whole family entertained. The cherry on top? It’s all wrapped up by Sunday, meaning you and the crew can get back home in time for that July 4th BBQ! Click here to learn more.

Goodguys’ 30th Speedway Motors Heartland National

So, what if you want to spend the entirety of the Fourth of July weekend submerged in American car culture? We got you covered. This Goodguys’ event is one of the biggest events on the calendar and is expected to bring in over 4,000 classic cars and trucks. If you don’t find a show car that’ll drop your jaw here, maybe cars just aren’t your thing.

Of course, the swap meet, twilight cruise, nitro car exhibition, and fireworks display are nothing to miss out on either. There’s even an RC car exhibition thrown in the mix. So, if you’re in Des Moines, IA July 2-4, get the info you need to visit this one-of-a-kind event!

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX)

A new platform resembling the likes of the legendary IROC events, SRX Series are beginning to generate plenty of buzz. The season-opener and inaugural race in Connecticut drew over 10,000 in-person spectators and 1.3 million CBS viewers!

The new short-track racing series – formed by NASCAR legends Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham – hits the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, IN July 3 for the fourth race on the schedule. With only six events total, you won’t want to miss your chance to check it out.

Goodwood Festival of Speed

We seldom make note of what’s going on across the pond, but what’s self-proclaimed to be the world’s greatest celebration of car culture is certainly worth talking about. Held July 8-11 this year, in West Sussex, England, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is a legendary hill climb event packed with all kinds of action. Boasting a variety of performance vehicles – new and old – the event also serves as a platform for buzzy debuts. This year’s feature marque is the Lotus Elmira – something we can all get a little excited for. Plus, an American icon, Mario Andretti will be in attendance after missing out last year due to that pandemic we’d all like to forget about.

We might not all be able to make the event but we can follow along digitally – and you can click here to learn more about doing just that and more!

Carlisle Chrysler Nationals

There’s no ignoring the fact modern Jeeps and Dodge muscle cars are responsible for drawing in all kinds of attention. Even so, it’s not all that easy to find parts you need for the classics, nor are you likely to stumble upon a Dodge Daytona 500 or Plymouth Superbird out in the wild. That is, unless you make your way to the Carlisle Fairgrounds this July 9-11 for the Chrysler Nationals.

This outlandish swap meet/car show makes for the kind of event classic and modern Mopar owners can’t miss out on, by bringing together thousands of folks who share a similar passion. The food, celebrity appearances, and other events are just an added bonus! Click here to learn more.

4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Series

What is July without a little bit of truck love? Well, I guess it’s hard to classify the 4-Wheel Jamboree as a “little bit,” considering these are responsible for drawing in truck nuts from all over the US and Canada.

This time around, the Jamboree hits the Bloomsburg fairgrounds July 9-11, where you’ll see all kinds of action – from a show-n-shine to live music to mudding. If that’s not enough, you’ll also have the chance to meet all kinds of vendors who are sure to help you deck out your project to your liking. Click here and get ready to plan a trip to Pennsylvania!

2021 SVRA Brainerd SpeedTour

When you think of Minnesota, what comes to mind? Quiet nights on the lake? Cultural landmarks to enjoy with the family? Maybe that famous Midwestern hospitality?

How about a 13-turn 2.5-mile road course that’ll push even the best to their limits?

Well, that’s what the Brainerd SpeedTour exploits each year. Here, you’ll see all kinds of amazing machines paired with even more amazing drivers that hash it out on a track that hosts the biggest and fastest turns on any road course in America. Don’t fool yourself – you need to clear your schedule July 15-18, click here and learn more!

NMRA/NMCA Power Festival

The NMRA/NMCA Power Festival brings together two legendary leagues July 22-25 for an event that pins all the best drivers against one another in the name of glory. We’re talking everything from street cars to full on drag monsters, with the Factory Appearing Stock Tire class thrown in the mix. That means you’ll have a chance to see anything you’ve ever wanted to see barrel down the quarter-mile – so long as it’s domestic, of course. Click here to learn more!

New England Forest Rally (NEFR)

While not all groups are as wild as the legendary Group B, there’s no denying that the crazy stunts these drivers pull off will make the hair on your neck stand up. The New England Forest Rally, running July 30-31, capitalizes on the legendary wild side of western Maine and New Hampshire, with drivers battling it out on 115 miles of fast-twisting logging roads in the region. With some of the most airtime of any rally on the American Rally Championship calendar, we anticipate plenty of dirt-flinging action! Want to see what these dirty nutcases are all about? Click here.

COVID canceled the 2020 event, but check out highlights from 2019 below.

Adventure Van Expo

Shag carpets and wizard-painted side panels had their day in the camper van arena, but today’s models offer a very different type of adventure. With off-road upgrades and full amenity suites, the modern camper van is ready for off-grid, full wanderluster excursions!

If you’re interested in the innovative products that turn these people movers into 4×4 beasts – or you just want to learn more about #vanlife – check out the Adventure Van Expo in Logan, Utah July 31 – Aug 1.