El Mirage Dry Lake Races — October 2026

“El Mirage in October after the summer heat has broken.…”

The October meet at El Mirage Dry Lake is the most anticipated event in the SCTA calendar — the lake surface conditions in autumn are frequently the best of the year, temperatures are cooler than summer, and the October meet draws the season's strongest field of competitors gunning for end-of-year records before the winter hiatus.

The Southern California Timing Association has sanctioned racing on El Mirage since 1948. The October meet maintains the same format as the organization's other meets — unlimited spectator access, timing sheets posted at the officials' trailer, and an atmosphere that is simultaneously deeply traditional and completely genuine. Nothing at El Mirage is performed for the crowd. The crews are racing.

October conditions on the dry lake surface can produce the year's fastest speeds. Streamliners that have been tuning all season make final record attempts. Modified production cars make their last runs before the records reset. The community of SCTA racers, many of whom have been coming to El Mirage for decades, gives October a distinct energy of finality and determination.

Adelanto is approximately 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles via I-15 North through Cajon Pass. Continue north on US-395 and turn west on Sheep Creek Road — the course is visible from miles away. No cell service, no concessions, no shade. Bring water, food, chairs, and shade structures. Spectator admission charged at the gate.