Somewhat mirroring the annual journey of agile swallows to Capistrano; autocrossers have returned to Lincoln, NE, in late summer for 16 years now driven by a Call of Duty to appear at the Tire Rack SCCA® Solo® National Championships, which in 2026 carries a fun-loving videogame theme.

Nebraska’s capital city is where Sports Car Club of America^™ members swarm this week for an experience that is no simulation. It’s real-time excitement with an unbeatable bitrate, and do-overs can only be approved by Stewards. Thrills go well beyond the Lincoln Airpark venue, too, as the City of Lincoln itself is a vibrant land to explore that far exceeds anything The Legend of Zelda ever offered.

Keeping to the theme, SCCA Senior Director of Rally/Solo Rick Myers noted that Lincoln is an open-ended adventure filled with “easter eggs” waiting to be discovered. The city is home to fine culinary and artistic treasures, as well as a budding live music scene, breathtaking parks, golf courses, and trails. Lincoln offers the exhilaration of a big city and the serenity of the countryside all in one locale.

“Lincoln is an extremely fabulous autocross site, in a gem of a city, that combines a venue and infrastructure all tied up in a fantastic package,” Myers said. “Lincoln Airpark is 100 acres of concrete bordered by a community that entertains 150,000 people during college football weekends, and they know how to have fun all year round.”

SCCA’s National Solo program conducts a few major events each year in Lincoln. There’s the Tire Rack SCCA Lincoln Solo National Tour, and two Tire Rack SCCA Lincoln ProSolo^® stops. Then you’ve got the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Championship Finale and Solo National Championships at the end of summer. A study commissioned several years ago revealed Lincoln benefited by approximately $3 million annually thanks to welcoming in SCCA activities, and that was just for Solo Nats visitors.

As such, it’s no surprise Lincoln is “game on” and prepared to receive visitors from far and wide to enjoy all Lincoln has to offer. Whether you’re in town to compete, root on drivers, or simply soak in the excitement, the hope is you’ll also take time to explore the many wonderful things that make Lincoln a truly epic destination.

Fun to Be had Beyond Solo Nats

While Solo competition may draw SCCA members to Nebraska, Visit Lincoln certainly invites all to explore its beautiful city and discover the attractions that make Lincoln an incredible destination. From award-winning museums to exceptional cuisine, you’ll fall in love with everything Lincoln has to offer. And while you could spend the whole week exploring a small slice of what Lincoln holds, we know time is limited. So, here’s a curated list of a few recommended must-sees:

Historic Haymarket District
For a blend of rich history and modern energy, spend some time in the Historic Haymarket district. A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, the Historic Haymarket’s brick streets are lined with unique buildings offering culinary options from across the globe, unique cocktail bars, and eclectic local shops. Grab a cup of joe to go at The Mill Coffee and Tea or check out Fleetwood for a relaxing break from Solo Nats action. After your final runs, recap the day’s excitement over a delicious meal at The Oven or enjoy a German-inspired lager at Bierhaus Maisschäler. Whether you’re seeking a sense of calm after the event or an opportunity to continue the energy of the day, make sure a trip to the Historic Haymarket is part of your plan.

Lincoln’s Craft Beers
Speaking of pints, Lincoln’s local craft beer scene doesn’t disappoint. Wrap an exciting day of competition by sampling some unique craft beers at popular local breweries. Just a short drive from Lincoln Airpark, you’ll find Kinkaider Brewing Company, which is known for its bold and innovative flavors. Then there’s the Boiler Brewing Company that has unique, small-batch creations served in a cozy, underground vibe. If you’re looking for a great bite paired with your cold brew, be sure to visit the Zipline Tap and Grill in Fallbrook, or Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill in the Historic Haymarket district. Each spot offers the perfect location for unwinding after a day of competition, while giving you a true taste of Lincoln’s local flavor.

Museum of American Speed
The Museum of American Speed is a can’t-skip destination for motorsport enthusiasts. Located just minutes from Lincoln Airpark, this world-class museum was named the Best Attraction for Car Lovers by USA Today and showcases an extensive collection of vintage race cars, classic hotrods, and rare automotive memorabilia. With its 90,000 square foot expansion, the museum now highlights cars from the Darryl Starbid Rod & Custom Hall of Fame Museum, race vehicles from the Herzog Motorsports Collection, collector cars from Eric Zausner’s E.Z. Spindizzy Foundation, and items from the Unser Racing Museum. There are elevated exhibits for NASCAR, factory GM displays, and some goodies from the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame.

Learn more about the vibrant neighborhoods of Lincon by checking out Visit Lincoln’s Neighborhood Guide webpage.

Player’s Guide to Experiencing in Lincoln

The Visit Lincoln team are always ready to help make the most of your time in town. Visit lincoln.org for a variety of resources and detailed information about the area to ensure your time in town is memorable. Or stop by the Lincoln Visitor Center in the Historic Haymarket to pick up a visitor’s guide and let the friendly, knowledgeable staff there clue you in on some “cheat codes” for unlocking everything Lincoln has to offer.

Photo Credit: Philip Royle