Mother Nature offered a bit of a speed bump but didn’t do much to slow down the first show of the year for Carlisle Events; Auto Mania. As has been the case for 30 years, Pennsylvania’s largest indoor and heated automotive flea market opened the event schedule for Carlisle Events and thousands of guests as well as hundreds of vendors enjoyed three days of automotive bliss. The Allentown Fairgrounds and the Agri-Plex building hosted cars for sale, car parts, collectibles, literature, wine tastings, toys and more; all to satisfy the appetite of car lovers who have been hibernating during the winter months.

With a chill in the air, guests were quickly reminded that indoors is never an issue at Allentown, after all, the Agri-Plex has heat…lots of it. Temps were cool outside, but that didn’t stop those at the event from enjoying the weekend and an event that has three footprints, two halls indoors and an outdoor vendor area too. With guests shopping indoors and out, the 2019 edition of Auto Mania got things going for the Carlisle Events team.

Saturday was a busy day Auto Mania, as a line of patrons stretched from the main entry gate out the doors starting at 9 a.m. Though guests did come, a potential winter storm took the show from a 4-speed muscle car to a three in the tree classic that sometimes had to downshift to second gear. Despite the weather (which never really came), New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other neighboring states were represented and not only was the main floor bustling, the adjacent hall with body kits, classic cars for sale, shirts, banners and other automotive themed pieces and parts was too. 

Sunday helped wrap the weekend and although it was an active show day, it ultimately was the day for vendors to pack up and load out. Guests that came had one final shot at deals within the automotive flea market and one last chance to connect with old friends before saying goodbye until “the next time.” 

Speaking of next time, Auto Mania 2020 takes place January 17-19. The buzz is so strong with this event among vendors that at least 30% of available spaces were renewed during the 2019 event weekend as everyone anticipates the 2020 offering. In the meanwhile, Carlisle Events next offering comes in one month as staff travel to Lakeland, Florida for Winter Florida AutoFest. That event runs February 22-24 at the SUN ‘n FUN Campus and hosts an automotive flea market and car corral, plus a two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions. There’s a big car show theme destined to take over the facility. This year, the NCRS brings its winter regional meet to the event, plus the Imperial Mustang Club of Polk County returns with its Mustangs and Mustangs show. There’s also a FREE general cruise-in. 

As for the aforementioned auction, Carlisle Auctions anticipates 500+ consignments and boasts its exciting FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee. In addition, buyers and sellers can enjoy live auction entertainment and other great conveniences related to being part of a Carlisle Auction. A complete rundown of this event and others are available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com. 

After the second month of its wildly successful sweepstakes, the MotorCrush® team has selected its second monthly drawing winner from over 100,000 entries: Jesse Holman of Ohio.

The sweepstakes, geared to increase both downloads and in-app engagement, gives users free entries each time they perform an in-app action. From liking another enthusiast’s ride to making new friends, there are numerous ways for users to collect entries while engaging with the community. Other ways of entry include tapping the in-app button to collect 10 free entries, sending a postcard to the MotorCrush Team, and purchasing automotive products and MotorCrush merchandise in the MotorCrush store. Every dollar spent in the store awards users ten free entries.

“It’s been awesome to see the community grow on MotorCrush as we add new features and seek to make an impact on car culture. The sweeps has been a real game changer, kicking us into high gear. I’m excited to see us keep growing as we shoot for our next big milestone: 1 million users!” said Thomas Atadan, Product Manager for Andy Lally ALIVE® the company behind MotorCrush.

Holcomb will join last month’s winner, Ben Maurer of PA, and four more to-be-selected winners, at an exclusive track day with MotorCrush founder and professional race car driver, Andy Lally.

Additional track day winners will be announced each month. The grand prize winner of the modded Nissan GT-R will be selected May 2019.

MotorCrush 100K Sweepstakes: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. Terms, restrictions and conditions apply. See Official Rules for details. MotorCrush is available for free download on both the App and Google Play stores. 

2019 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals Offer an International Flair

Go fast and have fun at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds May 17-19 as some of the sickest and most elegant rides from around the world converge for the annual Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.  Anchored by displays from at least 8 different countries, plus features focusing on rare and unique marques, this weekend gives those at Carlisle a chance to send it, see it and show it!

From the time the gates open on May 17 through the conclusion on May 19, over 100 years of automotive history come to life.  It used to be commonplace that the performance side of things offered the “go” while the import features provided the “show,” but as this event continues to grow, it’s clear that it doesn’t matter what type of car is registered, it’s an all-out competition for automotive supremacy!

What makes a show like this so hot?  First off, the car clubs!  Car clubs come by the dozens (over 40 different ones), with members by the thousands.  Their passion is clear, their dedication unwavering.  They come to hang out, showcase their slammed and stanced rides, tout their fitment or showoff their aero mods or display their latest restorations!  Clubs also offer car gatherings simply not seen anywhere else!  

Cars featuring fresh styles of today and yesterday perfectly compliment the special features planned in 2019.  Those features include a VW Jetta 40th spotlight, Subaru WRX STI 25th honors, plus Building Y hosts Citroen-related displays and seminars as the French automaker commemorates its 100th year. These anniversaries will be complemented by Super Cars and a display of Featured Vehicles in Building T.

The international flavor continues within Building R where show participants as well as guests can support a great cause by taking part in the Toys for Tots toy drive.  The 2019 goal is 500 toys and helps determine the coolest club winner too.  In addition, the Renault Owners Club celebrates 20 years at Carlisle within R, while featuring the Alpine.  Speaking of the Alpine, they will be part of a special 12 p.m. Saturday exhibition on the autocross track.

Between Buildings T and Y, guests can further experience a large tent hosting additional featured vehicles, seminars and Citroen clubs from the US and Canada.  Another great feature will see a 100 Year Birthday Celebration on Saturday with birthday cake (open to all), a Saturday parade of Citroen vehicles in chronological order, special Citroen-related guests as well as a 1950 Citroen Traction Avant 11BL owned by Brad Nauss. which has been on display at EVERY Carlisle Import show since the first one in 1986.

All these great stationary displays are the perfect complement to a need for speed.  Anyone showing can also take part in drifting and autocross – rubber burning excitement with NICOClub as part of NICOfest, low car limbo, rolling exhaust, beauty and of course burnouts!  It’s like a three-day cars and coffee that’s family friendly and ultra-affordable!
It all starts May 17 and registration is ongoing for not only those looking to show at the event, but also for anyone looking to buy a single day or weekend pass too.  Learn more via www.CarlisleEvents.com and see it firsthand in Carlisle as part of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.  

There are many famous car movies, but not many deal specifically with the Corvette.  Carlisle Events and Winter AutoFest are pleased to announce a special screening of The Quest, a 2011 film by producer/director Michael Brown.  The movie traces the rich history of a specific racing Corvette as well as a son’s love for his father and proves that it’s possible to triumph when faced with tragedy!  It all comes to the big (or medium sized) screen starting February 22 in Lakeland.

How often can you sit and watch a movie with some of its key stars sitting right beside you?  As part of Winter AutoFest, that’s the case as the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation presents The Quest.  This story highlights the full account of the first Corvette to win its class at the famous 24 heures du Mans (Le Mans 24−Hours) race in 1960 and re-traces what happened to not only the car, but its famous driver, John Fitch.  The Quest also showcases renowned Corvette enthusiast Chip Miller and his dream of finding, acquiring, restoring and ultimately returning the car to France with its original driver to mark the 50th anniversary of its historic victory.

Joining attendees for the screening will be Lance Miller, son of Chip and the man who ultimately saw his father’s dream come true, Michael Brown, producer and director of The Quest as well as Kevin Mackay who worked not only with Lance Miller, but with Chip too on the restoration of the #3 Cunningham car.

There will be two chances to see The Quest.  The first opportunity is a private screening on Friday at 8 p.m. within the auction arena.  This is exclusively for event VIP’s.  Option two, which is open to EVERYONE is 5:30 p.m. on Saturday within a tent near the Cessna Building on grounds at SUN ‘n FUN.  In each instance, copies of the movie will be available for sale and to be autographed by Brown, Miller and Mackay.  Proceeds from the sale will go directly to the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation.  The trio will also host a Q&A session following the screening.

This, plus so much more will be part of Winter Florida AutoFest.  Learn more via www.CarlisleEvents.com and see it firsthand in Lakeland, Florida starting February 22, 2019.  

One of the biggest issues with personal car care, especially in the Corvette world, is the fact that everything is so technology based that it’s just easier for the masses to take their Corvette to an expert. As part of Winter Florida AutoFest, Carlisle Events is bringing the experts to the masses and it’s FREE! Winter AutoFest commences February 22 at the SUN ‘n FUN Campus in Lakeland and welcomes not only Corvettes and the enthusiasts who own/love them, but experts who will share their knowledge on America’s Sports Car multiple times throughout the weekend.

Announced for Winter AutoFest are GM Certified Technician and Corvette genius Paul Koerner and world-renowned Corvette restorer Kevin Mackay. Each will host seminars on Friday and Saturday, plus be part of the special Corvette dinner planned for February 22 and February 23 on grounds at SUN ‘n FUN.

Koerner has been a GM service technician since 1997 and has been specializing in Corvette care and service since 1999. He’s obtained the classification of GM World Class Certified Service Technician and in a nutshell, is fully tested and trained by GM to repair any system in any GM vehicle (sans Saab and medium-duty trucks). This background will offer guests a trio of free seminars and priceless education along the way. Seminars from Koerner include:

Friday and Saturday - 10 a.m. Corvette Collections and what is a Collectible in Today’s Corvette Market: This seminar will cover VIN breakdowns of Corvette models in the newer generations and how to inspect vehicles prior to auction. If you’re tastes are 1997 to modern day Corvettes, this one is for you! 

Friday and Saturday - 1 p.m. GM V8 Engines Through the Years: This seminar covers engines from the very beginning (1953/C1) to the latest and greatest power plants available today. Paul will cover engines, power train management and other facets including development and how things have been shaped. This two-hour seminar offers plenty of time to learn, ask questions and get the answers you’re looking for.

Friday and Saturday - 3 p.m. Corvette Diagnostic Session: Corvette VIP participants have the opportunity to have their diagnostic review done by Paul one on one. While the seminar will be open to all attendees, only VIP’s will have the opportunity to sign up for this diagnostic session. Seminar participation space is limited.

Mackay has a long history with Corvettes and Carlisle Events. The lead restorer on the famed #3 Cunningham Corvette, Mackay has owned and operated Corvette Repair Inc. of Valley Stream, New York since 1985. Over the past 34 years he has built and re-built some of the most historically significant Corvettes in the world. For his efforts, Mackay was inducted into the Bloomington Gold Great Hall in 2012 and has earned countless awards and recognitions along the way. Mackay’s seminar times are 2 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday at the Cessna Building and will allow guests to spend time with Kevin as he shares some of his greatest stories. He’ll even have copies of his book, The Corvette Hunter available for sale and to autograph. Hear tales of perseverance, grit and cunning behind his restorations direct from the source.

Even more seminars will be announced, so learn more the event as well as sign up via the web at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.