Whether this is your 20th go-round, your first time back in years, or your rookie debut, the 2023 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships in Nebraska will be one for the ages. Taking place Sept. 5-8, 2023, at Lincoln Airpark, this year’s Solo Nationals marks not only the 50th running of the event, but also the 50th anniversary of dodging cones on the National Championship stage (a fun aligning of the stars that occurred when the pandemic forced the event’s cancellation in 2020). Last week we announced a special dinner-and-a-museum gathering taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 5 – but wait, as they say, there’s more. A lot more. In fact, celebrations will take place every night of the weeklong Homecoming event.
What lies below is but a taste of what’s in store during the 2023 Solo Nationals – let’s call this a “save the date” for five days of 50th Solo Nats celebrations, with championship autocross filling the gaps.
Monday, Sept. 4: Homecoming
The Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Finale takes place at Lincoln Airpark on Sept. 1-3, with Solo Nats kicking off Sept. 5 – that leaves Monday, Sept. 4, for course walks and one heck of a Homecoming welcome party.
At Nationals, it takes three things for a party: free food and drink, music, and autocrossers. Put them together in the onsite (and massive) Tire Rack Event Center (TREC) tent and you rapidly have a Homecoming Dance! Don’t dance? No problem – you didn’t dance at your high school parties either, but they were still a blast.
This evening will celebrate the 50th Solo Nats through recognition of the 100 Percenters, Silver Circle members, select SCCA Hall of Famers, and other keystone members of the Solo community – plus more. And we’re not going to say this won’t kick off with a paddock parade to the TREC.
Wednesday, Sept. 6: 50 Years of Champions
This is the big one – an evening to continue the recognition of what 50 years of the Solo National Championships means. Everyone is invited to the TREC for free dinner, beverages, and a celebration of the present and past. We’ll recognize the day’s successes on the East and West Courses, as well as achievements over the prior 50 years. Winners of this year’s Driver of Eminence, Solo Cup, and more will be announced, along with other notable recognitions.
With Tuesday/Wednesday and Thursday/Friday drivers on site, Wednesday evening’s dinner always brings the sport together – and with this year being the 50th, it’s that times…oh…let’s say 50.
Wednesday evening also brings the Sunset Toast – an opportunity to honor those we’ve lost along the way. Meet us between the East and West Courses at sunset for this heartfelt gathering.
Friday, Sept. 8: One For The Road
After Friday’s competition concludes, we’ll send off the 2023 Solo National Championships with more 50th Solo Nats celebrations that include highlights of the day’s winners and presentations of more hard-earned awards.
What Else Is Going On?
We already know about the dinner at the Fire Fighters Reception Hall and tour at the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed taking place on Tuesday evening, but what about those onsite at Lincoln Airpark on Tuesday and Thursday? Paddock parties! If you’ve been to the Solo Nats, you know. If you don’t know, cruise the paddock – then you’ll know.
Looking for more? Show your SCCA membership card at the Museum of American Speed all week for discounted admission, or wait until Thursday evening, when SCCA members get into the museum for free.
Sign Me Up!
If you haven’t already registered for the 2023 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships, we’ve got bad news: The event sold out fast. If you still want to attend, there’s a wait list. But whether you’re competing or not, there’s plenty to do and see at this year’s Solo Nats. So come one, come all – this is a Homecoming celebration not to miss!
Photo by Rupert Berrington
