All roads lead to Carlisle!  That statement is supported by the many major roadways and just as many trucking companies that are part of the central Pennsylvania landscape.  Over the last 10 years not only has the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores (August 5-7) grown as an event, but Big Rig participation has too.  Not only do these trucks show, many are competing for awards, and best of all, hiring for drivers and facilities workers!    

The August 2022 showcase is expected to host over 300 rigs and heavy equipment, plus more than 1,800 pick-up trucks, vans, SUVs, etc.  For families, it’s a chance to bring their kid’s toybox to life and for the adults, it just might be the perfect opportunity to find a new job.  There is always a demand for truckers to haul payloads of all sizes, but in many cases, there aren’t enough drivers for the work, not just locally, but nationwide. This slows down commerce and creates issues for companies contracted to do a specific job. Those jobs are competitive and in many cases, high paying. 

Of course there are jobs in trucking that don’t involve driving or having a CDL.  Companies are also looking to hire dock workers and other staff for their warehouses, many of which line I-81 between Chambersburg and Harrisburg.

Scheduled for the show in August are Lily, NAPA Transportation, S&H Express, New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, Inc., NHH Services, Inc., FIT Transportation, and UPS just to name a few.  Not only will these companies be part of the Carlisle Truck Nationals Big Rig Show & Shine, they’ll also have representatives at Carlisle talking to potential candidates for jobs. 

For those interested in the trucking industry or warehouse work, this event also showcases the trucking industry with vendors, custom rig builders, antique, and historic trucks as well as regional truck equipment dealers and service centers. Kenworth of PA and Motor Truck, a multi store dealership and service center for Kenworth truck equipment will be on site sharing the newest equipment. 

“Annually, our trucking friends come to Carlisle.  While they love to show off their rigs, haulers, fleets, etc., many of them are also looking for talented new team members,” noted event manager Ed Scholly.  The Carlisle Truck Nationals has frequently served as a backdrop for these great companies to fill openings for operator and logistic jobs in their companies,” continued Scholly.  “Anyone who may be looking to enter this industry or to make a work-related change should consider visiting the event.  You may not find a better place to get a picture of the industry and what it has to offer.”

In addition to the big rigs and heavy equipment, the Truck Nationals offers a light truck, custom van and SUV showcase. The event hosts family fun with the kids activities, light truck, jeep and SUV vendors, monster truck shows and rides, competitions, and more.  It’s all available for just $15 per adult, with kids 12 and under admitted for FREE.  Discounted spectator admission tickets are available at CarlisleEvents.com as are details about the 2022 Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores.

For years, Mopar enthusiasts have flocked to the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and annually, each show seems to top its predecessor. While new Showfield records have been a near annual occurrence for this event, one number has eluded its participants: 3,000!  Wait no longer, as not only did this year’s event (July 15-17) at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds set a new Showfield mark for the second straight year, but it also finally topped 3,000…3,101 to be exact. Powered by guests from around the world, this show truly was one for the ages.

With favorable weather throughout the weekend, Thursday’s set up day (July 14) seemed more like a show day. In fact, by 4 p.m. the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center’s parking lot was packed as the Mopar Rebellion Car Club hosted its kick-off party.  This event within the event grows annually and is free for spectators and participants alike.  Mix this in with the early bird fairgrounds access for parts shopping and it’s easy to see why the world’s largest all-Mopar themed show got off to such a great start.

Gates opened at 7 a.m. Friday but before the official start time, show cars were rolling on grounds and spectators were lined up waiting to check out the displays and get their first interactions with the variety of special guests, including Cristy Lee, Herb McCandless, Paul Rossi, the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos, Miss Direct Connection 1984, Claudia Abel, and more.  While many of those guests had a chance to get on grounds and meet the early attendees, they also stood front and center at 10 a.m. as part of the event’s State of the Hobby Address.  For more than an hour, the panel spoke on what the hobby has meant to them, what they do in it and how important a car show like this is to owners and attendees alike. Further, a handful of cars were unveiled at the stage, including one from ExoMod; a 1968 Charger carbon fiber body, positioned atop a brand new 2021 Challenger Hellcat Redeye. 

The Friday morning gathering helped usher in a full day of autograph signings from many of the aforementioned guests.  It was also a day filled with sensory delights, including amazing smells from the food court and Showfield alike. Dodge had guests on edge all day with their thrill rides, plus the foot traffic at their midway display served as a reminder to them how important and popular they are to the hobby and this event.  Friday wrapped up with the autocross shootout and saw an upset of sorts, with a modified Jeep Cherokee topping a Dodge Viper on the final run of the night.

On Saturday, the line of cars rolling on grounds started early and lasted until mid-day. Cristy Lee was back on stage as well as a special presentation from Mopar’s Mad Men, Jim Ramsey and Joe Schulte, the marketing guys responsible for the famous ads coming out of the ‘60s era muscle car magazines.  Along with them were McCandless and Buddy Martin (of Sox and Martin fame).

Saturday also included an all-new rolling burnout and donut contest.  The fun took place on the track in front of a packed audience and opened with an exhibition from Dodge.  What happened next wowed the crowd, as trucks and cars of all eras participated, culminating in a win by a Massachusetts attendee and his 1969 Charger.

The record setting show didn’t just include cars and trucks on display, there was an entire display and parade showcasing Mopar collectibles.  This included bikes, a snow sled, driving simulator, video games, Richard Petty Lawnmowers, and more.

The fun concluded Sunday with one last pass through the displays, some rides with Dodge and a two-hour awards parade that included a photo opportunity with Cristy Lee.  While 2022 has concluded, guests and event planning staff are already looking forward to next year.  Save the date, because the 2023 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals are July 14-16 and include displays focused on the Malaise Era, High School Mopars, and more.  Visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855 to make your plans today.

Corvettes at Carlisle is celebrating its 40th anniversary event August 25-27 and this year’s three-day offering, presented by eBay Motors, welcomes some very special guests; Team Chevrolet.  The minds behind the machines as they are affectionally known, return to a place they know and love and to a place where they are treated like rock stars, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  In fact, this collective gathering of talent may be the largest such happening outside of their corporate headquarters.

So, who exactly is coming?  A complete list is available online at CarlisleEvents.com and below too.

Phil Minch - Program Engineering Manager
Kelly Bellore - Business Planning Manager
Mike Bailey - Vehicle System Engineer/Chassis
John Albert - Vehicle System Engineer/Chassis
Tadge Juechter - Executive Chief Engineer
Garrett Kerns - Vehicle System Engineer/Powertrain
Dave Simpson - Transmission Quality Engineer
Mark Stheiner - Transmission Assistant Chief Engineer
Tom Toft - Vehicle System Engineer/Exterior
Mark Hooton - Program Purchasing Manager
Trevor Hall - Program Engineering Manager
Scott Bashford - Program Validation Manager
Mike Klakulak - Vehicle System Engineer/Interior
Dustin Gardner - Engine Assistant Chief Engineer
Mike Stouffer - Accessory Product Manager
Shelly Wingate - Central Engineering Business Manager
James O'Connor - Vehicle Performance Engineer
Matt Gratowski - Assistant Program Engineering Manager
Phil Zak - Executive Design Director
Wendy Miller - Model Option Forecaster
Harlan Charles - Product Manager
Katelyn Crane - Chassis Group Leader
Kirk Bennion - Exterior Design Manager
Devon Blue - Program Manager
Jeff Strausser - Brand Quality Manager
Josh Holder - Vehicle Chief Engineer
Rich Scheer - Design Director
Jeff Shevetz - Interior Quality Engineer
Ricky Croghan - Paint Shift Leader
Tim Campbell - Quality Manager
Ben Haller Material - Launch Coordinator

Not only will all of those fine folks be at Carlisle, but Team Chevrolet will be on-site all three event days.  They'll also bring about 25 C8's with them, parking some within their tent and others "around the grounds."  In addition, they’ll have TWO displays, including one with the engineers and cars, and another specifically focused on the Z06. 

Team Chevrolet is also planning stage walk-arounds; allowing guests to see their cars first-hand.  Don’t miss the planned Corvette lineup of cars, including the latest Z06, Stingray, and a 70th anniversary edition Corvette.

Team Chevrolet at Corvettes at Carlisle is just one of the many amazing elements of the world’s largest all-Corvette themed car show.  Guests can also enjoy a 50-year reunion of 1972 Corvettes, the NCRS Gallery, NCCC 7-Sanctions judging, Chip’s Choice featuring Pratt & Miller/Factory Corvette Race Cars, and more.  Online registration for the Fun Field is available through Sunday, August 21, with in person registration options available throughout the event.  In addition, spectator admission is $20 for adults, with kids 12 and under admitted FREE.  Call 717-243-7855 to learn more or visit Corvettes at Carlisle online today.

While the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals may be the biggest and best all-Mopar themed event of its type, there’s one popular feature that guests have been clamoring for; the return of Dodge!  At this year’s event, July 15-17 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, guests of all ages can experience first-hand the brand that drives their passion as Dodge has confirmed its return, not only to the midway, but to the track, too. 

Everyone who treks to Carlisle in less than one month will have a chance to be flanked by a massive midway display from Dodge, plus enjoy time on the autocross track as part of their Thrill Rides.  In addition, product experts from Dodge will be on hand to talk shop, both at their display and during the “State of the Hobby” address. 

Not only will Dodge have a grandiose midway display, they’ll also be offering Thrill Rides on the track FREE for onsite guests who have visited the aforementioned midway showcase.  The rides are unlike anything most guests will have ever experienced and they’ll be piloted by a team of professional drivers.  This element of Dodge’s involvement has proven to be one of the most popular programs over the past ten years at Carlisle.

In addition to Dodge’s return, the Chrysler Nationals are also planning a “State of the Hobby” address on Friday at 10 a.m. on the stage.  For the first time ever, guests can hear directly from a wide variety of people in the Mopar hobby regarding its current state, as well as its future. Those attending can also ask their own questions of the panel and get immediate feedback from them.  Speakers include at least one of each of the following: a collector, a business owner, a restorer, a show promoter, media members, representation from SEMA, a racer, a celebrity, Dodge, and possibly more. This panel will share their honest, personal experience and knowledge regarding the hobby. Best of all, the address will conclude with the unveiling of some Mopars representing the hobby – past, present and future.

Learn more about the “State of the Hobby” address, Dodge’s involvement, and all that the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals has planned by calling 717-243-7855 or online at CarlisleEvents.com.  In addition, online registration for the Showfield is available through the end of the day on Sunday, July 10, with discounted spectator admission tickets are available online through the event’s conclusion on Sunday, July 17.

With 1,148 show cars and trucks on the National Parts Depot Showfield at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 24-25, the 2022 iteration of the Carlisle GM Nationals became one the top 5 GM Nationals Showfield offerings of all time dating back to the show’s inception in 2001.  In fact, the total ranks this one #4!  With special displays, parts vendors, seminars, activities, and more, there was something for everyone.  Whether the biggest draw was the Featured Display cars or those who were part of the general display is debatable, what’s undeniable is the fun and excitement that everyone had while at the event.

Gates opened at 7 a.m. each day and one of THE first things guests did was visit the automotive flea market and the midway.  After all, the early bird gets the worm, or parts in this case, at Carlisle.  From there, it was a pass-through Buildings T and Y, the two Featured Display buildings.  Along the way, showgoers experienced a vast mix of rare and unique builds in the Solid Lifter Show Room, 40 Years of the 3^rd Gens, 60 Years of the Nova and Chevy II, and more.  Trucks even shared a piece of the spotlight as 40 Years of the S10 were also recognized.  In addition, two “shows within the show” brought Novas and Corvettes to Carlisle as part of the Nova Nationals and Corvettes for Chip respectively.

Displays also welcomed special guests in some cases.  For the 3^rd Gens, ambassadors Phil Borris, Gale Mains, and Dan Edwards held court, not only with their special display cars, but general knowledge on the car and seminars too.  Borris’ 3^rd Gen stood front and center on a retro Chevrolet display as it was the LAST 3^rd Gen to ever roll off the assembly line at the Norwood plant.  Other stars of the display included Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed fame’s DSE-Z Camaro, a few Players Camaros from Canada, Firehawks, and GM’s 1991 SEMA show car built by head of GM Specialty Vehicles Group Jon Moss.  This car is special because it’s the only non-Corvette to be factory equipped with an LT5 dual overhead cam ZR-1 engine. 

As is the case at Carlisle, these cars don’t just show, they go and make the kind of noise that everyone wants to hear.  UMI Performance had their cars on the track offering autocross rides, the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club supported open autocross runs and the real street shootout, plus there was a rolling exhaust contest, and all new, rolling exhaust and burnouts presented by Atturo Tires.  The 3^rd Gens also paraded around the grounds, including some from the Building T display, much to the delight of everyone at Carlisle.

From awards to seminars, charity elements, competitions and cool cars and trucks, the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals had it all!  Save the date because the 2023 Carlisle GM Nationals returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 23-24.  Planned special display themes include the 40th Anniversary of the Pontiac Fiero, Buick Regal 50th Anniversary, 4th Gen Camaro and Firebird 30th Anniversary celebration, 120 Years of the Buick Motor Company, and a Malaise Era Display.  For details on this event or to check out the winner’s list and photos visit CarlisleEvents.com.