May 27, 2015

Cool off-the-radar automotive events

As I enjoy motorsports a great deal, I often combine my vacationing overseas with famous motoring or motorsports events, such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Occasionally we travel solely to attend a great race, such as is the case this year with the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

However, there are many lesser known events around the world that are just as great as the big ones. The other day I stumbled upon a list compiled by the folks at Jalopnik named:  "The Ten Best Automotive Events No One Knows About", of which I have selected the most interesting ones:


At #10. The Hangover 150
Somewhat similar to our "Fuikdag", this race is run every New Year's Day at the Ransomville Speedway, in upstate New York. It is kinda run-what-you-brung and is known as a complete shitshow of old rear wheel drive beaters. Talk about starting the New Year with a BANG! See the picture on the right and to watch a 2014 video, click here.


At #8. Giant's Despair
It's one of the oldest hill climbs in America, run on an amazing road in Wilkes-Barre, PA. What's cool about this is that racing legends, such as Roger Penske and Carrol Shelby, have raced here. So many like to compare their times to those of their favourite drivers.


At #7. Rally For The Lane
Over the last decade or so vintage car rallies have surged in popularity. What sets this one apart is that you don't have to bring your own car, instead you pay to drive one of the Lane Motor Museum's interesting cars. Though it is not cheap by any means, it does allow one to drive incredibly different and rare cars. For our American residents, where else would you be able to drive a Renault R5 Turbo? To look at this year's list, click here.


At #6. The Goblin 250
As this weird circle track race is considered terrifying for most participants it is fitting that it be run on halloween weekend. Run in Rockford, IL, mostly with junk yard cars, some 200-300 cars start on the tiny oval track which makes for a very congested track. What makes this an interesting race is how the participants are fed into the race..... by means of forced induction....some call it. This year will be its 34th running. For more info, click here and to watch a video here.


At #4. Concours d'Lemons
Made famous by Jay Leno, this car show features oddballs like you've never seen. And since it's run at the same time as the Pebble Beach Concours (week) it is often referred as its opposite.


At #3. Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Again, another vintage rally. However, this one is run on "closed" public roads in Pittsburgh where the beautiful classics can really let it all hang out. What's also great about this rally is all the other bunch of rallies and shows leading up to it.


At #2. The Race Of Gentlemen
This one is pretty simple for it consists of hot rods drag racing on the beach. And though most would think it takes place in Daytona Beach, Fla, it actually takes place in New Jersey! So if you happen to own an American hot rod that's pre-1934 or a bike that's pre-1947, than this is your event. For more please click here.


At #1. Mongol Rally
What's odd about this rally are its three main rules. First, it's restricted to small engined cars or bikes, 1000CCs or 125 CCs respectively. So in order to make it from the UK all the way to Mongolia, one would have to be a small engine expert and/or mechanic. Second, you'd have to raise GBP 1,000 for charity. Third, you must complete the rally on your own without the help of a support team.

Adventurous youths often look to this rally as the ultimate summer vacation on wheels. And as depicted on the picture on the tight (top) they have fun as well. And since the route is not pre-set, there are limitless variations. To watch a promotional video, click here.


Source: Jalopnik

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