Motorsport enthusiasts can get their fill of rallies in more ways than just NASCAR. With so many racetracks in the country, in fact, there’s plenty of scope for some zany events.
Here’s a rundown of 10 of the craziest U.S. car rallies we’ve heard of.
Pig-N-Ford Racing
Oregon’s Tillamook County Fair hosts, arguably, one of the weirdest rallies on the calendar in the form of the Pig-N-Ford racing spectacle. Drivers hop aboard an old Ford Model T and must pick up a pig. The first person and pig pair to complete three laps around the racetracks take home first prize.
Tour of Destruction
Ever heard of a school bus rally? It’s a thing in the south. The Tour of Destruction brings school buses to speedways and fairgrounds across the south of the continent, with participants painting their busies and fitting them with safety equipment before they take to the track for the title of the fastest bus driver.
Casey Folks Vegas to Reno Rally
The annual Vegas to Reno race plays out on a 550-mile course in Nevada and is dubbed the longest off-road race in the country. From quad bikes to trucks, motorcycles to UTVs and cars, you’ll find a little bit of everything at this event.
Monster Jam
We especially like Monster Jam for the way it allows four-wheeled vehicles to show off their full technical capabilities. This rally pits 10.5-foot and 6-ton trucks against each other in a number of competitions to crown the best monster truck driver. Monster Jam takes place throughout a season, with the winner determined at the end of each year.
Superkarts SuperNationals
If you’re a go-kart enthusiast, this one’s for you. Superkarts, take go-karting to new heights with drivers racing around in their go-karts that are designed to travel in excess of 140 mph. There are both regional and national events every year, all building up to the Vegas SKUSA SuperNationals and a grand prize winner who walks away with $10,000.
SuperCrawl World Rock Climbing
Yes, this is a car rally! Both pros and newbies take to Reno every year to take part in the country’s largest rock-crawling event. The competition attracts thousands of spectators wanting to watch as drivers take to modified Jeeps and navigate them through a variety of courses filled with gorges and boulders for the title of best rock crawler.
The California Melee
This is one of America’s most quirky and affordable rallies. You won’t find high-end cars or fancy accommodation. It’s fun and enthusiasm, though, at its very best. Any vehicle built before 1975 is able to join the California Melee rally which is a 750-mile tour.
24 Hours of Lemons
You’ve heard of the 24 Hours of Le Man’s race, right? It’s pretty prestigious, but if it’s out of your range, you can always check out 24 Hours of Lemons. This is an endurance racing series that encourages drivers to use cars that have been bought and modified for no more than $500. Races take place across the country throughout the year, and there are also events in Australia.
Cannonball Run
This long-distance U.S. rally dubs itself the ultimate vacation with your car. It’s the chance for drivers to travel along unfamiliar roads and explore different cities.
Swamp Buggy Racing
For more than 70 years, residents in Florida have been racing their swamp buggies. Made from parts of airplanes, tractors and other modes of transport, the buggys are raced annually at the Florida Sports Park.
Keen to place a wager or two on some of these unique car rallies in America? Any American sportsbook worth it’s salt will provide a range of bets and competitions for you to try your luck on.
