Muscle Cars at the Strip (MATS) is an annual automotive event that takes place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Another epic event was held from March 17-19, 2023, which brought together hundreds of classic and new vehicles and thousands of spectators.
Let’s look at some of the standout vehicles from MATS 2023, shall we?
Muscle Cars at the Strip 2023 Photo Gallery
Explore our photo gallery of the Muscle Cars at the Strip 2023 and see the motherload of muscle car photos from the event.
What is Muscle Cars at the Strip?
The three-day annual event brings together muscle car enthusiasts nationwide to display their classic and modern cars, participate in drag racing, and enjoy live entertainment.
The event features a car show with hundreds of high-performance cars on display, including classic American muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s and modern muscle cars from the 2000s and beyond.
The drag racing portion of the event is a major attraction, with both bracket and heads-up racing featuring some of the fastest muscle cars in the world.
The event originally started in 2006 as “Mopars at the Strip,” focusing on Dodge and Plymouth MOPARs.
However, over time, the organizers recognized the growing interest in all types of American muscle cars—including new and old—and wanted to make the event more inclusive.
In 2016, the event was renamed “Muscle Cars at the Strip” to reflect this change in focus.
This allowed the event to expand and include more makes and models of American muscle cars, bringing together a wider range of enthusiasts and creating a more diverse and exciting experience for attendees.
Despite the name change, MOPARs remain a major part of the event and a beloved and iconic feature of American automotive culture.
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Here is a brief overview of the day’s events and some noteworthy highlights.
Day 1: Friday, March 17th, 2023
The first day of the Muscle Cars at the Strip event kicked off with tech inspections and general gates opening. Attendees could visit the autocross pit and preview the course. The drag race run order included classes like Pro Mod, Small Tire, and Pony Car Wars. Time trials began at 9:00 a.m. with two sessions run by class. Attendees could watch the different categories, including Hellcat, Exhibition, and Nostalgia Gassers. Additionally, all show car participants had to be in their assigned spaces ready for judging by 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Day 2: Saturday, March 18th
The event’s second day opened early to credentialed participants and show attendees. Autocross pit access and the mandatory driver’s meeting began at 8:00 a.m. The first round of eliminations for the Stock/Super Stock Combo started at 8:30 a.m. Attendees could watch the autocross competition that went “hot” at 8:50 a.m. The battle of the brands tentatively started at 5:00 p.m. The event also featured opening ceremonies, the national anthem, and prayer at 12:30 p.m., which led to the second round of eliminations for the Stock/Super Stock Combo.
Day 3: Sunday, March 19th
The event’s final day started early, with the gates opening for all participants at 6:00 a.m. Attendees could attend the Racers for Christ service and participate in bonus races or run-for-the-money events. The autocross competition began at 8:30 a.m., with the course going “hot” and all bracket classes’ first-round eliminations beginning at 9:30 a.m. The event had an exhibition class at 12:50 p.m., final rounds, and Victory Lane awards and payouts starting at 5:00 p.m.
Who Should Attend Muscle Cars at the Strip?
Muscle Cars at the Strip is designed for fans of American muscle cars, particularly Dodge and Plymouth MOPARs, and those interested in drag racing, autocross competitions, and car shows.
The event appeals to many enthusiasts, including car collectors, drivers, and fans of all ages. Anyone interested in classic American muscle cars and automotive culture would enjoy this event.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, MATS 2023 was a spectacular event that brought together muscle car enthusiasts nationwide to celebrate the timeless beauty and power of classic American muscle cars.
From the thrilling drag races to the exciting autocross competitions, the event was a feast for the senses, and attendees were left with memories that will last a lifetime.
The show was noticeably larger than Muscle Cars at the Strip 2022, with a significant increase in classic muscle cars on display, including several project cars at the strip, primarily MOPARs.
This gave attendees a broader range of automotive culture to enjoy and appreciate, making for an even more exciting and engaging event.
I’m looking forward to attending Muscle Cars at the Strip 2024. Will you be there?
Ryan Wheaton
Ryan has owned muscle cars since 1986 and currently owns a 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye. He combines passion and experience to create engaging content for fellow muscle car enthusiasts. In 2018, he founded Muscle Cars Illustrated, authoring hundreds of articles on tips, history, and trends in the muscle car industry. He attends national car shows, auctions, and museums to stay current with the latest developments in the muscle car industry.
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