2020 is yet another exciting year for car enthusiasts! With a growing number of car events to attend and participate in this year, there’s a great opportunity not only to learn more about the timeless classic cars but also welcome the futuristic supercars that promise more innovations. There are too many events to keep track of (and splurge on!) so we have sifted our long list and ranked the top 10 world car events that you shouldn’t miss this year.
1. 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
The FIA Formula 1 World Championship for this year, which is on its 71st running, will feature 22 Grands Prix, the longest in F1's history. Each grand prix is a three-day weekend event consisting of a series of practice and qualifying rounds that culminate on the race day on Sunday. Firing the opening salvo on March 15, 2020, will be none other than the Rolex Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne.
Drivers and teams participating in what FIA recognises as the highest class of open-wheel racing will compete for the F1 World Drivers' Championship (WDC) and World Constructors' Championship (WCC). Aside from being the longest, the 2020 season will also mark the first running of the Vietnamese Grand Prix and the revival of the Dutch Grand Prix which was last held in 1985.
This grand racing championship will take place across the world on purpose-built circuits and public roads. You may read back last year's 21 races from our Grand Prix section to acquaint yourself of the top contenders in both the WDC and WCC categories.
2. Le Mans 24-Hour Race
Held annually in France at the Circuit de la Sarthe, the Le Mans race this year will be the 88th running of this renowned and prestigious endurance competition. It features some of the best sport cars and some of the most famous drivers who will be taking part in this adrenaline-pumping 24-hour race. The race begins on a Saturday at 3 pm and ends the next day at the same time. Over the years, top automobile manufacturers like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Audi, Ford, Jaguar, Ferrari, Chevrolet and Aston Martin have invested tens of millions in their race teams for the Le Mans race and have also rode on the event in marketing their brand and introducing new car designs.
3. Geneva Motor Show
One of the biggest international motor shows is the Geneva Motor Show, a go-to event for all car enthusiasts. It started in 1905 and has hosted around 200 exhibitors from over 30 countries since then, offering a global launchpad for new cars. This year will be its 90th year to feature to the world all the latest car models and technologies. For enthusiasts, it would be an opportune event to interact with industry leaders and witness their latest offerings first hand.
4. London Motor Show
The London Motor Show, known before as the London Motorfair, will be held in ExCel this spring. It is not only a great chance to meet some of the legends in this industry, but also experience and test drive over 150 new cars in the market. For all those interested in learning more about the big car brands and viewing an incredible collection of historic and iconic vehicles, it is a show that must be not be missed.
5. Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung
Also known as the Frankfurt Motor Show and the International Motor Show Germany, the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) is one of the top motor shows in the world. On odd-numbered years the show displays passenger vehicles in Frankfurt am Main and commercial vehicles on even-numbered years in Hanover, Germany. So for 2020, expect a week-long showcase of the latest in buses, vans, trucks, trailers, and all facets of the commercial side of the auto industry. For this year, the IAA will follow four different formats, namely, IAA Exhibition, IAA Experience, IAA Career, and IAA Conference.
6. Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is held at the Goodwood Estate in Chichester in the summers, and is known as one of the largest and most renowned car shows this year. It features a great range of cars inclusive of the Edwardian classics as well as new, advanced supercars. This event is known for its famous 1,890-metre hill climb track that climbs 92.7 metres. Among its other highlights are the Michelin Supercar Run, Forest Rally Stage, Cartier Style et Luxe, and several other attractions. Also, it is a great place to meet some renowned celebrity guests.
7. Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show will have its 112th edition this year at the McCormick Place. It features interactive displays by innovative automakers across the globe. It is a great event to learn about innovations in the global car industry and test drive a variety of new cars, including sports cars, supercars and convertibles on indoor and outdoor tracks. For all you who are planning to attend this event, the tickets are priced at only $13, which is a bargain.
8. The British Motor Show
The British Motor Show returns after its last show in 2008. For all those interested in learning about both the history and prospective future of cars, this is a great 4-day event to get acquainted with the most interesting car-related development. The show has allocated two halls for manufacturers and suppliers, two for classic cars, supercars and modified cars, and two for technology. There is even a little motor show for the kids. This car event has so much to offer and should be on the list of all car enthusiasts this year.
9. Beijing International Automotive Exhibition
The Beijing International Automotive Exhibition is also known as Auto China. Held in 1990 for the first time, it has ever since supported the expanding automotive market in China. This event displays new technological innovations in the car industry every alternate year and features some of the top global car brands from all over the world.
10. CarFest
CarFest is an all-encompassing car show in England, which features a motor show with car exhibits and races, along with an exciting family music festival full of live music, food and drinks and funfair rides. Founded by Chris Evans in 2011, CarFest is held in two locations, namely, Cheshire in the North and Hampshire in the South. It is a great car event to attend with family and also to raise funds for Children in Need, a British charity.
Mark your calendar now! Get the most from each of these top 10 car events and turn your automotive dream to live action. To get more updates like this and the grands prix, follow Carpart.com.au and learn more about cars and automotive technologies. If you need performance accessories, auto parts, and how-to guides, please don’t hesitate to contact us or check out our website.