Competition Corner: Beat the Winter Blues with the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals, King of The Hammers, NHRA Winternats, and a Rockabilly Reunion!
Just because the auto season quiets down for winter, doesn’t mean it disappears. In fact, one could argue the cold weather just ensures a selection of quality over quantity. This Competition Corner we check out some of the best auctions, the dirtiest races, and the wildest trends. We’re Road Trippin’ from Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals midget racing and unrivaled off-roading at King of The Hammers, to the high-octane fun of the NHRA Winternats and some throwback rat-rod love at the Rockabilly Reunion. We’ve got what you need to keep from losing your wits this winter.
Mecum Auctions: Kansas City, MO
One of the best ways to beat the winter blues is by fantasizing about our dream cars. Mecum is the world leader in live auctions. They showcase everything from vintage cars to auto culture memorabilia. These events regularly feature some of the rarest, coolest, and flat-out most attractive classic and collector rides in the world. On December 6th, the final Mecum Auto Auction begins in Kansas City, Missouri. Tickets are available here and viewers can tune in to NBCSN to watch the event from home.
Barrett Jackson Auction: Scottsdale, AZ
Right after the final Mecum auction of 2018, viewers can follow up with the first Barrett Jackson auction of 2019. This event is sure to kick off the new year right for classic car lovers all around the United States. Some collector cars expected to be consigned are a 1931 Ford Model A custom coupe built by Weaver Customs, nicknamed “Twisted Mistress,” as well as a 1971 Dodge Charger R/T custom 2-door hardtop built with a “no-expense-spared complete rotisserie restoration.”
The auction runs from January 12-20 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
33rd Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals
Held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this midget car racing event is affectionately known as The Chili Bowl, and as the event’s website points out, it’s “racing’s winter answer to football’s Super Bowl.” The 2019 Nationals take place roughly two weeks after Christmas—just as winter really begins to dig in its claws. As of November 18, the event had 91 entries from 73 municipalities, 21 states, and 2 countries with 13 A-feature starters, 13 rookies, and 1 champion.
In addition to a packed schedule of exciting race coverage, there is also a trade show with over 100 vendors. The 2019 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals run from January 14-19 at the Tulsa Expo Raceway. For those who can’t attend, online coverage can be found here.
Auto Mania
For more than 20 years, Auto Mania has operated as Pennsylvania’s biggest indoor automotive flea market. Located at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown, PA Fairgrounds, the event offers 59,000 square feet and over 200 vendor spaces of parts, services, literature, and like-minded, auto-loving folks. Auto Mania 2019 runs the weekend of January 18. Adult admission is $10/day with kids under 12 getting in free.
And don’t worry about that forecast, as organizers promise that this HEATED indoor event “takes place no matter the weather and won’t cancel, be postponed or rescheduled under any circumstance.” Get more information here.
King of The Hammers
There are few events that bring as much attention to themselves as King of The Hammers does. Well known as the single toughest off-road racing challenge in the world, this event throws everything at its contestants. That means sand, rocks, and speed are all on the list of obstacles. You need to be skilled, diligent, and just a little bit insane to even consider this race. The 2019 King of The Hammers runs from February 1-9 in Johnson Valley, California, with the actual race taking place on the 8th. Potential spectators and contenders can find out a little bit more about the wild western event here.
Lucas Oil NHRA Winternats
The Lucas Oil list of events doesn’t seem to miss a beat. Even in the off-season you’ll never fail to find an event to keep the adrenaline flowing! The 2019 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals runs February 7-10 at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona California. This annual drag racing event, often called the Winternats, is the first of the 24-series 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
If you’re itching to start the new year with the rumble of insane engines and the smell of high-octane fuel you can get tickets here. Those watching from home can tune into FOX Sports.
11th Annual Lake Havasu City Rockabilly Reunion
We hope you saved up those frequent flyer miles because if you’re stuck on the East Coast this winter, you’ll be looking west for some warm auto fun. The Rockabilly Reunion in Lake Havasu City, Arizona is sure to offer both sunshine and car culture with its rat-rod-lovin’ and oldies-rockin’ car show. With 150 vendors, live music, delicious food, and a Pin-Up Girl contest to boot, this promises to be an event packed with nostalgic fun for all ages.
The 2019 Rockabilly Reunion kicks off February 15 and runs through the weekend. Information on schedules and tickets can be found via the event site or Facebook.
Street Machine Summernats Car Festival
Australians are the type of people whho take everything to the next level—and wild auto trends are no exception. Much like the animals you’ll find in the Outback, these beasts are exotic, beautiful, and—above all else—powerful.
Considered “Australia’s Biggest Horsepower Party,” this event runs from January 3-6. And it delivers four days of “high-octane extreme auto action,” including a top street machine judging competition, a burnout battle, trade show, live music, and more. If you’re interested in revving up your new year with an out-of-the-box vacation, click here for more information!
