The Wheels USA Show: Over Sized, Over Powered – and Over Here!

If your idea of ‘proper’ transport involves acres of chrome, a displacement measured in cubic inches and plenty of cylinders, then Santa Pod Raceway UK reckons you’ll love the Wheels USA show, held at the circuit between May 1 and 4. For an entire weekend, the Northamptonshire countryside will echo to the blissful sound of big block Hemis and flathead Fords as the cream of the UK’s American car (or should we say automobile?) fleet and their enthusiastic owners descend on the venue for a weekend of racing, dancing, and enjoyment. And although it’s a Yank-tank lovers paradise, the event is open to all genres of custom, classic and retro cars – and even motorcycles. So if you can’t afford a couple of tonnes of Detroit Iron, there’s no need to borrow or peculate the cash: Santa Pod says you’ll be made very welcome, regardless of whether you show up in a Chevy – or a Chevette.

Precious metal from both sides of the pond can take part in ‘Run What You Brung’ sessions all weekend, providing a forum through which those all-important pub arguments can finally be settled without the throwing of punches. Santa Pod explains the arrangements with a beautiful simplicity – just bring your driving licence and a helmet, and tear up the world famous quarter mile! It’s not just about V8 grudge matches on the strip, however, with a full programme of live bands and DJs on hand, and suitable transatlantic rock-and-roll set-lists to provide the perfect soundtrack for those who prefer their music not to come from a set of headers.

Use of the campsite is free, and those truly dedicated to living the “American dream” will even find space for their fully decked out RV. Amusement for the children comes courtesy of a funfair, and a mobile dyno will be on hand for those not happy with their quarter mile result. Entry for under 16s is free and all full weekend tickets include entry to ‘Monster Monday’ on the 4th, an event that may well be a veritable festival of superb monster truck and stunt show action.