MotionU's Top 100 Car, Motorcycle & Wheeled Events U.S. 2018

February 2 - 10, 2018
Johnson Valley, CA

February heralds King of the Hammers. The King is an 8-day California event in February. It earned MotionU's prestigious #1 Top Event for 2018 out of 250,000 possible U.S. events. The combination of a desert race, rock climb and endurance test is a dream that can become a nightmare for entrants. Motorcycle and AWD participants are super stressed. The event is dangerous, fast, in a beautiful setting and a spectacle viewed by large crowds. Rabid engineers and experienced drivers strive just to place. For one week, men, women, and their 2 & 4-wheel machines slowly crawl impossible rocks then dash across the Johnson Valley desert floor at over 140 miles an hour. Self-proclaimed “The Toughest Race on Earth.” We heartily agree.

February 10 - 19, 2018
Chicago, IL

It seemed like only yesterday. Chicago is the largest auto show in North America, and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. First staged in 1901, it's the granddaddy (great-great granddaddy?) of them all. I mean, it and Methuselah could practically be playing checkers. Which is better, the North American or Chicago? Both are on the list and worth checking out. McCormick Place on Lake Shore Drive. You can't miss it.

February 18, 2018
Daytona, FL

To the shocked surprise of absolutely no one, tickets for the start of the 60th Annual Daytona 500 are 1) incredibly expensive and 2) almost sold out. Why? Because they’re worth it. Sixty years after moonshiners hauled liquor, a new generation of racing begins in 2018. ’17 marked the departures of NASCAR fan favorites like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick and Matt Kenseth. The old bluebloods are making way for new young bloods. Daytona is the first race of the ’18 season and the speeds are insane. It will be warm, it's on the coast, it's a pack animal and it goes 200 mph. The 60th Daytona is a MotionU obvious Top 5.

February 26 - 28, 2018
Silicon Valley, CA

Project what ‘automotive’ will be 10 or 25 years into the future. The Autonomous Vehicles 2018 conference in Silicon Valley is the world's crystal ball. Buy a ticket and rub shoulders with CEO's, engineers, scientists, automotive gurus and business investors. Listen and engage with the most influential mobility and autonomous minds on the planet. Learn the new language of autonomous, self-driving, lidar, GPS and charging stations. This is where the visionaries, creators and makers are. If you want to separate the BS from true science, there’s no better place than San Francisco in February.

June 22 - 24, 2018
St. Paul, MN

Minnesota? Are you kidding me? By golly, Sven, no we aren't. The MSRA show is in late June and for sure brings the Norwegians out. Thousands of them at one of the most tremendous cars shows anywhere. Word is the 45th has something special in order, and you'll have to be there in late June to find out. Well over 11,000 vehicles will take you several days to see. USA Today has rated MSRA #1 in car shows, and if you notice what's listed above, MotionU does too.

September 15, 2018
Bridgeport, AL

Tears is a one-day ride of 150,000 riders from around the world. The day honors Native Americans who endured the 1838 Trail of Tears (forced removals from their ancestral homelands). The ride is a learning protest of man's inhumanity to his fellow man, represented in a 230-mile route. Stops along the way include ceremonial dance, storytelling, and reflection. A powerful message for humanity’s need for freedom, courtesy of the two and three-wheeler community.

March 23 - 25, 2018
Victoria, TX

To our knowledge, this is the original "mile." March is a great time to see street licensed cars sprint the 5,280, trying to find 300. Yes, that's MPH, not KPH. It's bigger and faster in Texas, all with a family atmosphere. The event is run by decent people who enjoy the heck out of going flat out. Oh, and management represents that the porta-potties are the cleanest of any automotive event. Always a plus. So, what are you waiting for? Checkout the Texas Mile and the potties in March, then send us a report.

July 12 - 14, 2018
New Weston, OH

Divide the Texas mile in half, bend it into an oval, add 18,000 seats and voila! You have the legendary Eldora Speedway in New Weston, Ohio. King's Royal weekend is mid-July, and the racers are at their aggressive best. Dirt or clay is where most of American's experience racing first hand, and Eldora is one of the best. It’s family friendly and the kids will watch some of the best of the best. Guaranteed bumping, crashes, surprising outcomes, great hot dogs and a checkered flag for the hero. Put down your darn phone and buy tickets NOW for one of dirt’s best annual offerings.

January 13, 2018
Yuma, AZ

Looking for a January get away worth its salt? Yuma, Arizona breaks the winter blues with the 10th Annual Gear Heads car, custom, rod, rat rod and low rider show. While most of North America is frozen stiff or skidding around on ice doing break-dancing, the sun is warm and the vehicles are hot. Gear Heads is so big that they have an indoor and outdoor at the Fair Grounds. Low riders will bounce and it's family oriented. Heads continues to add more vehicles year-over-year. We celebrate automotive diversity at its finest with Gear Heads in our #9 slot.

September 20 - 23, 2018
Effingham, IL

Think you know Corvettes? You'll swear there are more corvettes in Effingham, Illinois than the entirety of its population (12,604). The event is held halfway between St. Louis and Indianapolis on I-70, near The Cross (look it up). At Funfest you'll see living legends, meet the world's leading corvette historians and the cars...oh, the cars. September is heaven if you own a big block 427 as this year celebrates 50 years since the Chevrolet ’67 427 came out. What's not to love with cornfields and Corvette crazies? It rounds out this year’s Top 10.

February 4, 2018
Ventura, CA

Like sitting in on a personal jazz session. Small, understated and definitely California-cool. The Mann may never be on the list again, but the art of the custom motorcycle…the bikes that are ridden daily…the small bands on stage thumping away…the swaps and vendors is a microcosm of years of bike life in Ventura, California. Note: The devastating Thomas Fire caused postponement of the 2017 event which is now Feb 4th, 2018. This is a small, flavorful custom bike show and, "a showcase for futuristic motorcycle design and lifestyle."

June 9 - 17, 2018
Laconia, NH

Over 400,000 riders cruising New England for a week in June. We'll bet a Sam Adams that you'll see at least one "Live Free or Die" tattoo at the event (the motto of New Hampshire, and FYI, our legal department says we need to say, “We will absolutely in no way pay out on our bet for Sam Adams”...shucks). Laconia is one of the original Gypsy rides (meetups that last overnight that started in the early 1900's). The lakes, maple forests and nearby Atlantic beckons. Check the Laconia website for the extensive rides, speed, climbs and cruising. All bikes welcome. Try a real clam chowder and a lobster chaser. Half the chrome of Rhodesia is rolling past, and the shine doesn't end for a full week! Can you say Lake Winnipesaukee?

June 29 - July 1, 2018
Topeka, KS

So you think you know "automotive" events? Well then. Where is the intersection of torque, turbos and black clouds? Where do semi's, trucks and cars convene that have something in common? Where do diesel owners go to palaver (look it up)? In Topeka, Kansas, of course! Three days for the 30th Celebration of Heartland Park with Diesel Motorsports. Brag until the dyno competition proves you wrong. Enthusiast-oriented which include semis to diesel to rat rods. We can’t tell you if you can overdose on Kerosene, but this is a good place to find out.

October 12 - 13, 2018
Wheatland, MO

Tiny Wheatland, Missouri isn't the end of the world, but you can see it from there. World class dirt racing celebrates the harvest. Corn shocks signify nearing the end of dirt track season. The last battles for trophies and prize money go along with October leaves starting to turn as well as forged internals. The mid-Missouri rural silence is broken by the big boys shooting flames, spewing dirt and giving it their all before putting away the equipment till next year. Can you speak hillbilly?

April 27 - 29, 2018
Wildwood, FL

Big rigs, big trucks, semis and those who love them. All are in Florida, and they have lots and lots of lights and lots and lots of chrome and gears. Find out what's in a sleeper. How many gears did you say? A non-verified rumor is a TESLA Semi may attend. The trucks are the show, but the truckers are primed and ready so ask about close calls, late nights, truck stops, staying awake and the weirdest things they've seen on the road (UFO's? We’ve heard one OMG story about them). Ask questions and get real answers and stories straight from the guys you pass on the highways and byways every day.

May 12, 2018
Tigard, OR

This west coast style motorcycle rally is always held before Mother's Day, and it’s a true 500 miles. The event is timed to a specific average from start through checkpoints. Ride it or wait at the end in Tigard to watch them come in and drink a tall one. Beautiful Oregon can provide rain or snow in the high country and unseasonable warmth near sea level. Always different, the Rose 500 is a fun, family-oriented cycling event that explores the amazing beauty of Oregon. Mind you, it’s all in one day and on a tight time schedule, so, go...go quick... and enjoy.

September 27 - 29, 2018
Ozark, AR

4x4's everywhere! Arkansas in late September brings Jeeps and more Jeeps. Why? For a Jeep Jamboree of course. Your showroom stock or highly modified rig WILL be tested. A working 4-LO transfer case is required to enter. Experienced guides help you navigate through scenic switchbacks and challenging off-highway situations. Oh, and you’ve got to bring your own tow hooks...you know why. This isn't the King of the Hammers because it's for families and not professional racers, but it’s still a solid test of you and your vehicle’s capabilities. Slow crawling fun in Arkansas. Just try not to swear around the kids, okay?

August 2 - 5, 2018
Louisville, KY

National Street Road Association (NSRA) and Louisville welcomes thousands of stunning street rods to the Kentucky Exposition Center. It's Fall, and the custom paint, vivid chrome, patina oldies, rich restorations, rapid rods basking under Kentucky’s blue skies in August. Show or walk among the treasures during the magnificent three-day event. Swap meet included and bonus, for anyone not loving on the hot, street and rat rods (shame on you!). This year is the first ever StreetKhana (Autocross NSRA style).

January 13 - 21, 2018
Scottsdale, AZ

The kickoff auction of the year is about buying or dreaming about buying your dream collection (cars, bikes, boats, trailers). It's about seeing how the other half lives who own the stuff you so dearly deserve. What are we excited about? I’msogladyouasked. This auction may see the first 2019 ZR1 go over the block. There’s also a 1967 Ferrari 330GT that has us drooling, and…OMG…a Porsche 918 Spyder. Who knows what you'll see, consider or actually buy in the desert early in '18. Which will it be for your new collection? That red 65 Chevelle SS or the ivory 60 Ford with the near perfect chrome? Send us a good picture of your Barrett purchase and we’ll post and credit on the MotionU homepage.

October 5 - 7, 2018
Birmingham, AL

A mainstay on the MotionU Top 100 for 3 straight years, there’s a lot to love about the Barber Vintage Festival. It’s motorcycle and family friendly, it’s got a great stunt show, there are celebrities galore and all of that surrounds the primary purpose…celebrating historic and vintage motorcycles. From old Honda underbones, 1940’s Indians and Harleys, and racing bikes from the 30’s, you’re guaranteed to see something you’ve never seen before. Look for Barber in 2019 too…it’s consistently Top 100 material and that means it’s so, so good. Repeat after me: Bucket list!

December 1 - 2, 2018
Sonoma, CA

Endurance racing starting at $500.00. Yes, that's right LemONs. You can drive, crew or watch a 24-hour race at Sonoma, California for the financially challenged. LeMons is for racers who want what they see on TV, but don't have the dough. Sure, enjoy NASCAR or IMSA, but if we (and you) don't include a LeMons event, credit isn't being given where it is deserved. Don't know about LeMons? You might not be the well-rounded motor head you think you are. So, here's the event that gets you out and racing in December. A way to endurance race on the tightest of budgets. Let's give' em their due.

October 18 - 21, 2018
Austin, TX

F1 has the best cars, the best drivers, the biggest budget and travels the world. The millionaire drivers and hundred million-dollar teams are brand driven with Secret Service level security between us and them. Suspicion, ongoing arguments keeps the intrigue constant. Who will be the best this year? Part of that will be decided in Austin, Texas at the F1 U.S. GP October 21st. Each country only gets one event, and we should be thankful for that much. Our MotionU President thinks it could be Valtteri Bottas’ year. But, smart money suggests you should bet on Lewis Hamilton for a fifth title.

March 24 - April 1, 2018
Moab, UT

If you’re a believer in God, you'll probably feel just a touch closer to the infinite when traversing the firmament on Easter at Moab. It's one of the most beautiful and desolate places in the U.S. On some of the trails, you may call out for help to the almighty as you rock, tip and perhaps roll. Deeply religious or atheist, you'll appreciate the planet even more in Utah. Some 4x4 owners stay as long as 9 days. The Boy Scout motto applies here: Be prepared. The camp fire, the talks and the stars…oh, the stars. Jeep this weekend stands for “Just Enjoy Easter, People.”

April 29, 2018
Half Moon Bay, CA

Half Moon Bay, California. Where the big waves crash is also where the big cars, motorcycles, tractors, air shows and music festival rule. This family oriented event is made for the kids and kid-in-you. 25 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is naturally stunning, eclectic and serves up practical science; the value of making things by hand while giving close up exposure to a wide range of artful and exotic machinery. Ocean, airplanes, transportation, 2, 3 or 4 wheels and wings...it's all those and the dream of more.

June 22 - 24, 2018
Chicago, IL

Late in June, one of the most fascinating Urban Festivals takes place. Presented in Chicago by Harley, all bikes are welcome. From Triumphs to three-wheelers. Mopeds to side cars. It's definitely a ride-in, but also a combined Motorcycle AND Hot Rod show. There will be bands on nearly every corner. Expect posing for pin up contests and…surprise...a film festival. It's the best time to visit the Windy City with beer and wine flowing with stupendouse vehicles. Enjoy watching the crowd.