Hey guys, did you notice it’s getting warmer? And have you spied all the convertible sports cars that are starting to come out of the woodwork? I guess that means it must be summer, right?
And as well as roof-less car season, this means it’s time to book those race tickets, uncover your local car meet and head out to track days. So, with that in mind, we asked what automotive events you’re looking forward to this summer.
Here’s a round up of some of the best responses we received.
“Southern Ohio Forest Rally in early June.
“A few friends and I take a driving vacation from Northeast Ohio, down 220 miles of the best backroads that Appalachia has to offer, to the area around Hocking Hills in the southeast of the state.
“We spend the next few days sleeping in a Yurt and hiking through the forest following the sound of rally cars ripping down smooth and twisty stages that John Buffum has called “some of the best in America.”
Road tripping, hiking, camping and watching a lineup of the best off-road racers thrash it out on dirt trails sounds like a phenomenal holiday – send pics!
Suggested by: wrx-n-effect
“New England Forest Rally in July
“Originally I was supposed to participate, but due to a very long delay with the roll cage I’m pushing off until next year.”
Taking place on July 15th and 16th, the New England Forest Rally takes over the Sunday River Ski Resort for two days of flat-out, dust-busting automotive excellence.
Suggested by: stalephish
“Le Mans 24H. The only race I stay up for close to 18 hours.
“The first one I saw, I was on location when I was 18. Never lost the magic of this event.”
You’ve got to admire the commitment of anyone happy to stay up all night for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s a mammoth endurance race that is, this year, hosting its 90th running.
Suggested by: minardi
“Although it technically takes place in spring rather than summer, I’m excited to attend my first F1 race in Montreal this year.”
First F1 race ever, or first F1 race in Canada? Either way, I’m sure you’ll have a blast! Hopefully Max Verstappen’s Red Bull can keep running long enough to put up a good fight for the win.
Suggested by: dbreskin
“Well, fwiw, I finally pounced on ye olde Xtreme Experience drive a supercar at a track near you thing and will be putting in a dozen or so laps in a Cayman Gt4 and a dozen or so laps in a 911 GT3 at Putnam Speedway in Indiana in August so... that.
“And the best news is I paid for it months ago so its money already spent.”
This sounds like an excellent way to spend a day. Have fun!
Suggested by: Tony Petrecca (Facebook)
“100th running of the PPIHC. I have my friend flying in from out of town, I have a camping spot, and we’re good to go.”
Camping and car racing is a winning combination. Especially if it’s a 12-mile dash 4,720 ft up a mountain in Colorado! No wonder they call it the Race to the Clouds.
Suggested by: apeddlerofdeath
“The Sonoma Raceway Wednesday Night Drag and Drift.
“I live a stone’s throw away and it happens most weeks through the spring and summer, but I’m a teacher, with three kids, so I usually can’t make it out there.
“Cool builds, and great amateur action.”
A teacher who spends their evenings drag racing? Have we found the coolest educator in all the land?
Suggested by: dabeej707
“High Plains Raceway general admission days. I have a friend who wants to get more drone shots, and my car should be about ready for some laps by then as well. And get more drone shots elsewhere. Cars and Coffee up in the mountains is mellow/douche free, also my local old school barber shop has a big neighborhood bash at the end of July.
“So mostly local car events, and then get into iRacing/VR with my sim setup.
“Race wise I just catch whatever F1 or others are on broadcast each weekend when I am stuck at home.”
Well this sounds like a delightful way to spend those long summer nights, have fun!
Suggested by: markoff8585
“Woodward Dream Cruise. At least one week of all kinds of cars driving around Metro Detroit.”
What started as a small fundraising drive is now one of the biggest car meets in America. The 16-mile cruise takes place on August 20th this year.
Suggested by: srrlx1986
“I live in Carlisle. ‘Nuff said about car shows.
“As for racing, I do the Ironbutt Challenge every Memorial Day, and after that I’m really only excited about F1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I enjoy IndyCar but it’s not must watch, and I’m almost completely done with NASCAR.”
For anyone not in the know, the Ironbutt Challenge is a test of motorcycle endurance. Every year, riders try to earn a spot in this biker gang by riding 1,000 miles in 24 hours.
Suggested by: steelerfan58
“USA wise, any drag n’ drive event.”
Over the past 20 years, the Drag ‘n’ Drive movement has grown from one annual event to more than five meetups that attract thousands of racers. This year, there are events between May and September including the series’ first in Canada.
Suggested by: João Figueiredo (Facebook)
“SCCA Track Nights. It’s so nice to live an hour away from the nearest track. Ever since I started Track Nights, I have zero desire to autocross anymore.”
Head down to a track and put your car to the ultimate test, what’s not to love about that.
Suggested by: mountainbikingandtrackdays
“NHRA US Nationals.
“Labor Day in Indy. Absolutely the best.”
The National Hot Rod Association hosts one of its biggest meets at the Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis later this year. Running from September 1st, it sees some pretty formidable machines face off for glory.
Suggested by: hugo900
“Looking forward to seeing a couple races when Wilkesboro opens up...not really my cup of tea, racing-wise, but it’ll be nice to go see a couple races in-person.”
Heading along to any racing is better than heading along to no racing. Have fun visiting Wilkesboro in a few weeks’ time!
Suggested by: asynonymous3
“Winters in Michigan are long and difficult. Now that the warm weather is here, I can’t wait to get my Chevelle out to some local weekend car shows, kick some tires, have a coffee in the sun. Maybe win another second place trophy for ‘70s’ or ‘Wagon’, and meet some great fellow enthusiasts who also made their dreams happen in their own garages.”
Honestly, this sounds a lovely plan! Fingers crossed you and the Chevelle can come away with a trophy or two.
Suggested by: 2manycars
“I like the NASCAR race at Sonoma in June.”
Kicking off on June 12th at Sonoma Raceway, a weekend at NASCAR in California sounds like a must-see event for summer 2022.
Suggested by: Kurt Radelow (Facebook)
“100% the Indy 500. Then NASCAR Xfinity race at Portland, it’d be interesting to see how that works.”
We’re getting pretty excited about the 106th Indy 500 here at Jalopnik. Who are you predicting could walk away with the win in two weeks’ time?
Suggested by: ferrisbulldog
“Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing experience on May 22. I’ve been waiting about two years to use my tickets, weather and COVID kept postponing it. I know it’s not the greatest thing, but I had done the Rusty Wallace one on a 1/8 mile oval and had a blast a few years ago.
“I don’t mind paying to do something like this or have people gift them to me, because it’s the only way I’d be able to experience driving vehicles like this. My ultimate would be to do a rally or drift school though.”
There’s no ranking of who has the best summer plans, but heading to a race track and thrashing a sprint car or modified dirt race car for a few hours sounds like an absolute ball.
Suggested by: ramonesfeind
“Nothing as it’s winter here in Straya. :)”
It’s OK, you’ll have fun stuff to do when we’re all stuck inside because of the snow.
Suggested by: hhgttg69