By Car season is in full swing, and there are plenty of upcoming events worth adding to your calendar. Whether you are into hot rods, classics, muscle cars, LS builds, race cars, imports, exotics, or weekend Cars & Coffee meetups, the next few months are packed with reasons to get your vehicle out and seen.
But before you start planning the road trip, there is one important question to ask: how are you getting your car there?
For some builds, driving to the event makes perfect sense. For others, a car hauler rental may be the smarter move. If your vehicle is low-clearance, freshly restored, track-focused, not street legal, or simply too valuable to risk on a long drive, hauling it can help protect the car and make the trip less stressful.
Here are a few upcoming car events to watch, plus what to know before booking a car hauler rental.
Goodguys Griot’s Garage Pacific Northwest Nationals
The Goodguys 38th Griot’s Garage Pacific Northwest Nationals is scheduled for July 24–26, 2026, at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup, Washington. This event features hot rods, trucks, customs, muscle cars, classics, a swap meet, Cars 4 Sale Corral, vendor midway, live music, and more.
For anyone hauling a classic, custom build, or show car, this is the kind of event where preparation matters. A car hauler rental can help keep extra miles off the vehicle and give you a safer way to transport a car that may not be ideal for a long highway drive.
Holley LS Fest East
Holley LS Fest East is scheduled for September 11–13, 2026, at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The event includes drifting, drag racing, burnouts, off-road action, a large car show, and more.
This is a great example of an event where many vehicles may be built for performance first and comfort second. If your LS or LT-powered build is track-focused, has limited street manners, or needs to arrive ready to compete, hauling it can make a lot of sense.
Goodguys Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals
The Goodguys 33rd Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals is scheduled for October 2–3, 2026, at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. The event welcomes rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, imports, and trucks through 1999.
Texas is a big state, and even an “in-state” trip can mean hours on the road. If you are taking a show car to Fort Worth, a car hauler rental may help reduce wear and tear while giving you more control over how your vehicle gets there.
Cars & Coffee Austin at Circuit of the Americas
Cars & Coffee Austin at Circuit of the Americas is a recurring event that features a wide mix of vehicles, including classics, racecars, exotics, hot rods, muscle cars, tuners, off-roaders, JDM cars, and more. The event is free for spectators, with pre-registration available for those showing a vehicle.
Even smaller, local-style events can be a good reason to rent a trailer. If your car is not comfortable to drive across town, does not like traffic, or needs to arrive clean and ready to show, hauling can make the morning much easier.
Why Hauling Your Car Can Be Smarter Than Driving It
Not every event vehicle is meant to be driven long distances. Some cars are built for the track, some are restored for show, and some are still works in progress.
A car hauler rental may be a better option if your vehicle:
- Has low ground clearance
- Is not street legal
- Does not do well in traffic
- Has fresh paint or bodywork
- Is a race car or track car
- Has limited interior comfort
- Needs to avoid extra mileage
- Is valuable, rare, or freshly restored
- Needs to arrive clean and event-ready
Hauling your car can also give you more peace of mind. Instead of worrying about breakdowns, weather, road debris, or extra wear, you can focus on getting to the event and enjoying the day.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Haulers
When renting a car hauler, one of the first things to decide is whether you need an open trailer or an enclosed trailer.
An open car hauler is a popular choice for many vehicles. It is usually easier to load, lighter to tow, and a practical option for short or moderate trips. It works well for project cars, race cars, local events, and vehicles that do not need full weather protection.
An enclosed trailer offers more protection from rain, road debris, sun, and unwanted attention. This can be a better option for high-value cars, freshly detailed show cars, restored classics, or vehicles traveling a longer distance.
The right choice depends on your car, your route, your budget, and how much protection you want during the trip.
What to Check Before Booking a Car Hauler Rental
Before booking a trailer, make sure it is the right fit for your vehicle and tow setup.
Check important details like:
- Trailer weight capacity
- Deck length and width
- Ramp style and ramp angle
- Tie-down points
- Winch availability
- Hitch size
- Connector type
- Trailer brakes
- Overall trailer condition
Low-clearance vehicles may need longer ramps or a different loading angle. Wide cars may need extra deck space. Non-running vehicles may require a winch. Heavier vehicles may need a trailer with the right axles, brakes, and payload capacity.
If you are unsure, message the host before booking and share details about your vehicle.
Do Not Forget the Gear
Getting the right trailer is only part of the plan. You also need the right gear to secure the vehicle.
Depending on what you are hauling, you may need ratchet straps, axle straps, wheel nets, tie-down chains, soft loops, wheel chocks, a winch remote, gloves, or extra blocks for low-clearance loading.
Before pickup, ask the trailer host what is included with the rental and what you need to bring yourself. It is better to know ahead of time than to show up without the right straps.
Plan Your Event Day Pickup and Return
Car events can start early, and loading a vehicle always takes longer when you are in a rush. If you are renting a trailer, plan your pickup time carefully.
Give yourself time to hook up the trailer, inspect it, test the lights, load the vehicle, secure everything, and drive at a safe pace. You should also think through where you will park, unload, and reload at the event.
After the event, make sure you have enough time to return the trailer without rushing. A smooth rental starts with good planning.
Use towlos to Find a Car Hauler Near You
If you are heading to a car show, race, or automotive event, towlos can help you find trailer rentals near you.
Instead of trying to borrow a trailer or make the wrong setup work, you can search for car haulers, enclosed trailers, and other trailer types that fit your plans. You can also message the host before booking to ask about ramps, winches, tie-down points, hitch size, and trailer specs.
Whether you are hauling a classic, race car, project car, or show build, finding the right trailer can make event day a lot easier.
Final Thoughts
Upcoming car events are a great excuse to get your build out of the garage and into the spotlight. From Goodguys events to LS Fest East and Cars & Coffee meetups, there are plenty of opportunities to show up, connect with other car people, and enjoy the work you have put into your vehicle.
But getting there matters.
A car hauler rental can help protect your vehicle, reduce stress, and make sure your car arrives ready for the event. Before booking, check the trailer specs, ramp setup, tie-down points, hitch requirements, and whether an open or enclosed trailer makes the most sense for your build.
Need a trailer for your next car event? Find car hauler rentals near you on towlos.
