Production-based road racing doesn't get any better than the SCCA Speed World challenge. The multitude of different drivetrain, engine and chassis configurations that run in this series is unbelievable. Under the same green flag, you can see Audi RS6s tear it up with Corvette ZO6s, BMW M3s fight with Cadillacs, and Honda Civics battle Subarus, Sentras and Acuras. The SCCA Speed World Challenge brings all these vehicles together, and the racing is as competitive as racing gets.
According to the SCCA Speed World Challenge Web site (www.speedvisionwc.com), the series was designed to "provide teams, manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers a competitive, production-based race series in which to prove their products."
As such, one of the biggest draws of this series is the level of modification each production-based car goes through to compete. These aren't one-off, carbon-fiber-everything money machines. Power mods are limited to engine management, ignition components and dry sump systems, as well as blueprinting and balancing. And the cars look just like the cars at your local dealer-with the exception of rear wings and front splitters, of course. We like the series so much, Sport Compact Car has been sponsoring the Team RTR Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V this season.
For more info, check out www.speedvisionwc.com. Tickets can be purchased online at www.laguna-seca.com, or call (800) 327-SECA.
The PlaceLaguna Seca is one of the most famous racetracks in the world, having hosted everything from superbikes to Champ cars and recently even drifting. The 2.24-mile track features such visitor favorites as the famed Turn Eight, dubbed the "Corkscrew." This quick left- to right-hander plunges drivers downwards in a very technical drop in elevation and is the spot where a lot of action can be seen. A word of advice, though: If you want to watch the racing at the Corkscrew, arrive and post up early; spots go very quickly.
More Things To DoThere are plenty of hot bars in Monterey. Pick your poison. Billiards, karaoke and dancing are all just a designated driver away.
| * Bluefin Cafe and Billiards | * Karaoke (Cyber) Cafe |
| 685 Cannery Row | 256 Figueroa St. |
| Monterey, CA 93940 | Monterey, CA 93940 |
| (831) 375-7000 | (831) 648-9090 |
| * Britannia Arms | * Planet Gemini |
| 444 Alvarado St | 625 Cannery Row |
| Monterey, CA 93940 | Monterey, CA 93940 |
| (831) 656-9543 | (831) 373-1449 |
Beyond the nightlife, Monterey is also minutes from one of the most scenic drives in the world. Twisty Highway 1 South, aka Pacific Coast Highway, takes you through beautiful Big Sur, which offers sheer cliffs over roiling white ocean water and open countryside. If you're looking for a drive to remember, head to Highway 1.
Crash Pads*Del Monte Pines (J)1298 Munras Ave.Monterey, CA 93940(800) 633-6454
*Hilton (JJJ)1000 Aguajito RoadMonterey, CA 93940(800) HILTONS
October1-3: U.S. Drift, Virginia International Raceway, Danville, Va.* www.usdrift.com
2: Hot Import Nights, San Mateo Expo Center, San Mateo, Calif.* www.hotimportnights.com
2-3: NHRA Sport Compact Fallnationals, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Englishtown, N.J.* www.nhrasportcompact.com
3: Extreme Autofest, Coors Amphitheter, San Diego, Calif.* www.extremeautofest.com
9: Hot Import Nights, Cleveland IX Center, Cleveland, Ohio* www.hotimportnights.com
9-10: Nopi Race Wars, Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, Texas,* www.nopi.com
15-17: SCCA Speed World Challege, Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.* www.world-challenge.com
16: Texas Drift, Mineral Wells, Texas,* www.texasdrift.com
16-17: Battle of the Imports, Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif.* www.battleoftheimports.com
22-23: SCCA ProRally Lake Superior, Houghton, Mich.* www.scca.org
23: Hot Import Nights, Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey* www.hotimportnights.com
30: Import Showoff, Del Mar, San Diego, Calif.* www.showoffcafe.com
30: Traxion, Great America, San Jose, Calif.* www.traxionevents.com
30-31: JGTC Round 6, Autopolis, Japan* www.autopolis.jp