The 12th Annual 2026 Season Opener event will combine a hand curated indoor showcase of vehicles, outdoor VIP showcase space, drifting activation, exclusive car debuts, field concours, Product giveaways, as well as an outdoor meet and greet that any automotive enthusiast can attend. Bring a friend, family, puppy or camera as we anticipate the largest turnout EVER!

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

Location: Washington County Fair Park

Address: 3000 County Hwy PV, West Bend, WI 53095

Date: Saturday May 9th, 2026

Time: 11AM-5:00pm

EVENT INFORMATION & PRICING

Vendor Information & Sign Up

Want to establish your club or small business in front of thousands of enthusiasts?  Send us an email at theofficialwcec@gmail.com and get registered as an indoor/outdoor booth with costs starting at $225 per booth.  Options range in tent size, vehicles, promotions on apparel, and much more.

DRIVER SKID PAD APPLICATIONS & RIDE ALONGS

Looking to participate in our drift skid pad? We’re opening up applications to a limited number of drivers who can showcase experienced car control in a closed environment. Drivers will also have the opportunity for 18+ ride alongs where individuals will pay a small fee to experience a lap around the small track. Drivers willing to take spectators along for a lap will receive 50% of the fee to help pay for tire use & wear/tear.

This is a new initiative for us and we’re incredibly excited to be hosting it in collaboration with the event grounds. That said, driver applications must exhibit experience in drifting, closed courses, and be able to provide appropriate experience. Driver tickets begin at $100 with the potential opportunity to earn back $10 per ride along.

Showcase Vehicle Registration

Below you will find the information for the various showcase registration and ticketing options.  When applying to the indoor showcase (Premier) and the outdoor VIP (Deluxe), please provide detailed information about your vehicle and its modifications (i.e. exterior, interior, performance, suspension, wheels, etc.).  Please also include a minimum of five (5) photos of your vehicle, either via links with your vehicle information or email them to theofficialwcec@gmail.com and include your order number.  Not all vehicles which register will be accepted.  A WCEC staff member will email you with an approval or denial within 5-10 business days.

Please remember, we encourage any and all types of enthusiasts to come out as either a showcase participant, or for fun. Whether you own muscle, exotic, or tuner, this event will incorporate all styles of the automotive scene here in Wisconsin.

Indoor Vehicle Showcase (Premier) - Cost: $50 per Vehicle (Includes 2 Wristbands)

Enter to become 1 of 100 exclusive vehicles to be accepted into the indoor section of the 2024 Season Opener. Entry into the indoor section allows the following:

• Entry Into (10) Championship Trophy Classes

• Exclusive Indoor Parking Inside the Showcase Buildings

Outdoor Field Concours - Cost: $40 per Vehicle (Includes 2 Wristbands)

New for 2026, we're launching an open-air concours set along the waterway at the Fairgrounds. This curated walkaround experience puts thoughtfully built cars in a natural setting, designed for slow laps, close details, and effortless photography. Expect golden light, reflections off the water, and space to actually take in each build. It’s relaxed, intentional, and built for people who appreciate cars as much as the moments around them. Entry into the outdoor concours includes your vehicle into its respective trophy class.

This space is per-registration only and is reserved for you until 1:00PM. Vehicles which apply for this will be screened in a similar fashion to the indoor showcase per-registration and is not available for all applicants.

Meet & Greet - Cost: $10 per Person (Children Under 10 Are Free)

Looking to show off your build in progress or the beginning of something special? Bring it into the asphalt parking area and show it off! First come, first serve. Parking occurs as an in-order basis.

Meet & Greet acceptance determined by staff at the gate

Spectator - Cost: $10 per Person (Includes Parking Fee)

Trophy Categories:

Our (10) trophy classes are as follows:

• Best European in Showcase (1st & 2nd)

• Best Domestic in Showcase (1st & 2nd)

• Best Tuner in Showcase (1st & 2nd)

• MartiniWorks Best Build Story (1st)

• Best in Show (1st)

• Best Bike (1st)

• Best Truck (1st)

Questions or comments? Please contact us at theofficialwcec@gmail.com