Spring has sprung. Flowers are budding, birds are chirping, and engines are screaming. The automotive scene is back in full swing – just in time for you to shake off the metal shavings and step out of the garage for a bit. There’s a lot going on out here, too. April 2024 is absolutely jam-packed with auto events that’ll keep your nose filled with those stinky fumes that burn so good from start to finish. Let’s stop beating around the bush and jump right in.
New York International Auto Show
The first stop on your itinerary is the New York International Auto Show. Actually, this one kicks off on March 29 and runs until April 7. If you’re an East Coaster making a living in the auto industry or are just deeply passionate about the segment, this is one to put on your radar. The latest innovations from the world’s biggest manufacturers showcased here might just shape your plans for the foreseeable future.
Street Car Takeover
No, this isn’t one of those insufferable street takeovers that are killing the scene for everyone. Street Car Takeover is a stellar, responsible line of events that celebrates amazing high-powered street cars with partying, shows, and drag racing.
This is no single event highlight, either. We’re looking at a twofer with the first SCT roundup going down April 5-6 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, and then the Kick Off Party Kansas City April 26-28.
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Good Guys
What’s a twofer without a threefer to follow? You didn’t think Good Guys was about to drop a single event to start the season, did you? It’s got shows popping off all over the place.
First up is the 23rd Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals running April 5-7 in Del Mar, California. After that, the 9th Griot’s Garage NC Nationals hits North Carlina April 19-21. Then, finally, Texas gets its share of the action with the 14th LMC Truck Spring Lone Star Nationals April 26-28.
NHRA
NHRA is also wilding it out this month with a threefer. But the real crazy part? They snuck in back-to-back four-wide runs!
Your first chance to get in on the action is at the Arizona Nationals, running April 5-7. Then, you can get in on the first of the fourfer runs with the Four-Wide Nationals going down in Vegas April 12-14. Later in the month, the east coast gets its fill of the quadruple threat when the Four-Wide Nationals hit Concord, North Carolina, April 26-28.
World of Wheels / Autorama
World of Wheels burned it down last month with a whopping five events on the calendar. Although there aren’t quite as many of the high-end classic meets on the radar for April, the organization is far from a one-trick pony this time around.
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The Ridler Award, handed out each year at the Detroit Autorama, is one of the country’s most prestigious automotive awards.
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The Ridler Award, handed out each year at the Detroit Autorama, is one of the country’s most prestigious automotive awards.
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America’s Premier Custom Show Car Series hits the weekend of April 5-7 hard with two shows on the agenda. The first is the Calgary 56th Annual World of Wheels out in Calgary, Alberta. Here in the States, Sand, Utah, is where the party’s at, with the Salt Lake City 49th Annual Autorama set to run.
Trucks Gone Wild
Oh, don’t worry. We didn’t forget about four-wheelin’ – not even close. In fact, you mud lovers are about to get more than your share of good times with two Trucks Gone Wild shows scheduled for April.
Of course, the fun starts in Florida, with the Florida Truck Meet rolling through April 5-7. Then, just a little further north, the infamous Louisiana Mudfest goes down April 25-28. If you ask me, it’s worth quitting your job and making a month-long mudcation of it.
NMRA NMCA All-Star Nationals
All right, we’ll scale it back a bit. Not every entry needs to cover multiple events to be noteworthy. Case in point: the NMRA NMCA All-Star Nationals, going down April 11-14 in Rockingham, North Carolina.
This is the place to be if you want to see real, traditional, hardcore American drag racing the way it should be enjoyed. Not only that, there will be a BMX stunt show, the world’s largest BIGFOOT, flame-throwing jet cars, and just a regular car show if that’s what you’re into.
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SVRA
Aaand we’re right back at it with another threefer. Could you blame us? Who doesn’t want to get in on as much vintage racing as possible?
The SVRA knows what the people want and plans to dole it out over three stops this month. First up is the NOLA SpeedTour in Avondale, Louisianna April 11-14. Then, the Sonoma SpeedTour hits the iconic Sonoma Raceway April 18-21. Finally, the Mid-Ohio SpeedTour closes out the month April 26-28 for one last weekend of awesomeness.
24 Hours of Lemons
Not into traditional racing? There is, of course, the other option. 24 Hours of Lemons is matching the SVRA’s ante and throwing down a threefer of its own.
If you want hooptie goodness, then The Pitt Maneuver 2024 out in Pittsburgh April 13-14 is your first chance of the month. If that’s a little too far north, the Lemons Block Party 2024, running April 20-21 at the Carolina Motorsports Park, has your name all over it. Those of you way out west can also get in on the action come April 27-28, when the Pacific Northworst GP 2024 hits the Ridge Motorsports Park.
Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Corral
That’s right, Spring Carlisle is coming in hot to kick off a line of legendary events for the season. The spring show, set to run April 17-21, brings out the best of all makes and models for one of the largest automotive flea markets in the world – and one of the best opportunities to get all the parts you need to make your dream car go fast.
Don’t have a dream car, yet? Don’t worry, Carlisle will also host a Collector Car Auction during the event, with 400+ consignments expected to cross the block.
Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction
Speaking of dream cars crossing auction blocks, the legendary Barret-Jackson hits Palm Beach April 18-20. Being so far from the Rust Belt guarantees that some of the finest examples of the greatest classics are sure to roll through. Whether you fly down to attend in person or tune in from your couch, it’s worth seeing for yourself.
Truck Offroad Getaway (TOGA)
Jeeps may be incredible machines, but they aren’t the only off-road capable vehicles. That’s why the AAM Group and Lippert have come together to put on the Truck Off-Road Getaway.
This one-of-a-kind event puts attendees in for a weekend of off-road exploration, education, and celebration. Best of all, it runs through the beautiful wilds of Hot Springs, Arkansas, where you are sure to be awestruck by the breathtaking scenery. If this truck-only event is up your alley, you’d better be there April 19-21.
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Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
Ever wish you could see racecars tearing up the streets of California at 200 mph? The Acura Grand Prix at Long Beach is the only way to get your fix. That’s not all this event serves up, though. It’s also got drifting and trophy truck events, paired with a lifestyle expo and live entertainment. Basically, this is the car buff’s ultimate weekend outing. It’s set to run April 19-21, and you won’t want to miss it.
Jeep Beach 2024
We’re not about to turn a cold shoulder toward Jeeps. They’re Jeeps, some of the greatest machines ever built with unrivaled off-road capabilities in a production vehicle. Not only that, but the aftermarket support has made them some of the most fun vehicles on the roads – period.
That’s what the legendary Jeep Beach is here to celebrate. With more than 200,000 people and 25,000 Jeeps loaded up on Daytona Beach April 19-28, there’s no way you won’t have a good time.
Olympus Rally
The Olympic Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful natural lands in America. Black bears, elk, mountain goats, and bald eagles roam it freely, unbothered by the modern world. However, the apex predator you need to fear here is the elusive rally car.
These monsters accelerate to breakneck speeds with extreme power and can traverse the land with both elegance and ferocity. Don’t miss your chance to see them in action during the Olympus Rally, April 20-21.
Hagerty California Mille
Cars are for driving—even the priceless classics. Letting them sit and rot with no wheel time is almost a crime. Hagerty’s California Mille, running April 21-25, is all about keeping the icons rolling by touring them through some of the state’s greatest driving roads.
The route changes every year, keeping things fresh even though the vehicles are straight out of American history — pre-1958, to be exact, in order to pay homage to the original Mille Miglia in Italy.
2024 Silver State 300
You’re darn right, it’s high time we get some desert racing on this list of events. What better sanctioning body to look to for something like that than BITD?
April 25-28, these fast-riding nuts are holding the Silver State 300. This event sends a fleet of racing UTVs, ATVs, motorcycles, cars, and trucks out into the Nevada Desert, where only one of each respective class will be crowned champion. It’s going to be brutal, beautiful, and will totally satiate your needs for sandy racing.
47th Annual Western Street Rod Nationals
We weren’t kidding when we said April 2024 has a lot going on in the way of auto events. We’re at an end, though. Before we sign off, however, we’ve got one last massive show for you to check out.
The Western Street Rod Nationals is a long-running favorite that brings out thousands of classics and customs for what is recognized as the premier event in its category. Here, you’re sure to get your dose of culture, craftsmanship, and creative thinking that keeps the segment alive. It’s going down April 26-28 in Bakersfield, California, and you have no excuse not to check it out.
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If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that car culture is meant to shared. Competition Corner is a monthly column in which we, auto enthusiasts, give you, our fellow car lovers, the rundown on what’s what in the world of upcoming events across the country. From racing to off-roading, car shows to swap meets, we aim to include something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re eager and ready to get out and experience the action, check out these must-see listings and be sure to tune in next month for another round-up.