The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals car show, in its current state, was launched in 2016 when the former Carlisle Performance & Style and Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals car shows became one.  Since then, there’s been a steady growth of participation and a gradual evolution in the quality of vehicles showcased indoors and on the Showfield.  For 2023, the eighth offering of this mashed-up masterpiece generated an all-new Showfield record of 2,097 vehicles.   This total topped the previous modern-day record by 78 show cars.

For two days (May 12-13), guests flocked to Carlisle to celebrate the unique event that is the Import & Performance Nationals.  From general Showfield participants to special vehicle displays, the participation was nothing short of awe-inspiring.  When showgoers entered Gate 3, the main entry point to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, they were met immediately by dozens of Porsches.  From there, the German Showfield continued to the mid-point of the grounds and transitioned to an even more international flavor from fence line to fence line that included Italian, Ukrainian, Japanese, French, British, French, American, and Swedish cars too.   

Outdoors may have looked great, but indoors was even better.  Building Y hosted a gallery of nearly a dozen Rolls-Royce cars from the Rolls-Royce Museum in nearby Mechanicsburg, PA.  At least two of the vehicles had a Hollywood pedigree too, having been used in conjunction with Adam Sandler’s 2022 movie Hustle, and the Amazon Prime program The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.  Adjacent to Building Y was Building T and its multi-focused gallery of cars.  Visitors of T enjoyed 50-Years of the Honda Civic, an Audi celebration, and a best-of-the-best showcase of cars from around the world.  Another indoor display (Building R) featured French and Eastern Bloc vehicles.

Car clubs were also a big part of the two-day event, with the SAABs at Carlisle club earning the largest club honors, Volvos at Carlisle coming in second, and the Audi Club coming in third.  Further, Citroen’s at Carlisle picked up Coolest Club honors.  Additional awards were handed out by way of Carlisle Elite selections on Friday the 12^th and kid’s choice on Saturday the 13^th, plus competition awards in low car limbo, drift limbo, rolling exhaust, and the second annual rolling burnouts and donut contest.

Rolling Burnouts and Donuts may have been back for its second year, but one all-new feature of the event was the inaugural Carlisle Brew Mixer.  On Saturday the 13^th, eight local central Pennsylvania breweries converged on Carlisle to offer paid pours of some of their finest brews to guests.  As the brew mixer forged on, local band Green Tangerine offered a musical backdrop to the festivities by way of a multi-hour set of popular favorites. 

Additional fun elements of the event included the automotive flea market, pop-up on-grounds parades, a grand entrance by the Audi Club, and the passport program; where guests can travel the automotive world and get a stamp, special treat, and a prize at the end of their journey. 

As the final hours of the 2023 event concluded, awards were posted for those who participated in professional judging.  eJudged.com was back at it this year, offering its expertise to a few hundred car owners.  Those who didn’t win still had the chance to talk with the judges to better their chances for future consideration.

The 2024 version of the event is happening May 10-11 and registration for it is now open.  Up next for Carlisle Events is the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by eBay Motors June 2-4.  For details on this event, advanced arrival information or to check out the winner’s list and photos from Import & Performance weekend, visit CarlisleEvents.com.

The Carroll Shelby Centennial Tour by Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will rumble into the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by eBay Motors on June 2-4, 2023, in Carlisle, Penn. The impressive tour will bring two new vehicle introductions, a factory display and members of the international club, Team Shelby to the American Heartland.  

Each year, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds hosts Ford fans from across the country and more than 3,200 vehicles on the National Parts Depot Showfield. In addition to the impressive cars and crowds, the weekend includes displays, special themes and automotive celebrities.

“The world is celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the great Carroll Shelby’s birth this year,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “The Carroll Shelby Centennial Tour will honor him at the Carlisle Ford Nationals with an amazing display of our Shelby Super Snake, Shelby Cobra roadster and supercharged muscle trucks. Last year, over 500 Team Shelby members joined us at the event and we’re asking them to return for our two vehicle introductions planned specifically for the Carlisle Ford Nationals. It will be a memorable weekend!”

Born on January 11, 1923, in East Texas, Carroll Shelby is one of the great American success stories. Racecar driver, WWII “Flying Sergeant", philanthropist, automotive entrepreneur and racing team owner, his ingenuity, tenacity and grit made him a winner throughout his life.

Ford fans are most familiar with the man’s exploits after the 1959 Le Mans-winning driver established car company Shelby American in 1962. His first car was the Ford small block powered Shelby Cobra roadster, which he promptly took racing on the drag strips and road courses of the world. It was followed by the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, which won its class at Le Mans in 1964. Shelby American captured the FIA world sportscar racing championship the next year, the only American carmaker to ever do so. In 1966, the Shelby American team won the 24 hours of Le Mans overall, making Carroll Shelby the only person to win it as a driver, team owner and manufacturer.

Shelby American also offered a big block Ford motored Shelby Cobra and a series of high-performance Ford Mustangs during the 1960’s. Over the years, Shelby has continued to offer sports cars, powerful trucks and muscle cars. Many of those vehicles will be displayed at the Carlisle Ford Nationals, including the company’s current vehicle lineup.

After the successful introduction of a concept vehicle at the Carlisle Ford Nationals last year, the Shelby team elected to return and unveil two limited edition vehicles. The first will be the public introduction of a Shelby car at 1 PM ET on Friday, June 2 inside Building T. The second introduction will announce a Centennial themed vehicle on the outside stage at 3 pm that same day. Both events are open to the media, as well as anyone attending Ford Carlisle.

“We are honored that Shelby American has chosen the Carlisle Ford Nationals as its host location for these special unveilings,” said event manager Ken Appell. “This event is recognized by many as the best of its type and its annual growth would not be possible without our guests and partners like Shelby American. I can’t thank the Shelby American team enough for being with us and I encourage you to make your way to Carlisle next month, not only for these historic unveilings, but to experience first-hand THE biggest all-Ford themed car show in the world.”

Team Shelby will again swell the attendance at Carlisle as it enters the Carlisle Fairgrounds on June 2 in a grand parade. The club will have its own hospitality area and encourages Shelby owners to attend with their vehicle as part of the festivities. Gary Patterson, along with Team Shelby International Director Tracey Smith, will be part of Ford’s Youth Initiative, which is intended to inspire young people to enter the automotive industry.

Ford Motor Company returns to Carlisle in 2023 with their midway display, product experts, and planned stage walk-arounds and info sessions. Guests at Carlisle can speak directly to those responsible for the design and creation of their favorite Ford vehicles during most hours of the event. In addition, Ford weekend at Carlisle welcomes special themed displays, including those showcasing SVT, Coyote powerplants, the Lightning, the Malaise Era and more. Further, the annual Ford Nationals Select Display returns to Building Y, offering a glimpse of at least a dozen vehicles unique to the history of Ford. 

The cars and trucks at Carlisle don’t just show, they go too. There are multiple wheels-in-motion competitions planned, like rolling burnouts and donuts presented by Atturo Tires, a rolling exhaust contest, and even some track time with the Real Street Shootout (autocross). Select special displays will also transition from parked to rolling for on-grounds parades, while the Downtown Carlisle Association presents its annual Ford Downtown Parade, Park and Party on Saturday, June 3.  

The Carlisle Ford Nationals is actively taking registrations for the Showfield, vendor registrations for the automotive flea market, and selling discounted spectator tickets in advance of the June 2-4 offering. Learn more about the competitions, special displays, and get involved today by calling (717) 243-7855 or online at CarlisleEvents.com.

The car shows at Carlisle have the kind of drawing power that entices stars of the automotive world to want to be onsite for events.  Sometimes they show up unbeknownst to the masses because they want to enjoy it just like the guests who pass through the gates.  Other times, the car star is booked weeks if not months in advance to appear, meet fans, and in some cases, do the thing they are best known for just for the Carlisle crowd.  The latter is happening June 2 as Formula Drift Champion driver Vaughn Gittin, Jr. will be at the 2023 Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by eBay Motors.

Vaughn is no stranger to Carlisle, though it’s been upwards of 10 years since his last appearance at a Carlisle car show.  This time around, Vaughn is competing in more events than ever and growing his RTR and Fun-Haver brands further than ever. With one of the most career wins and two Formula Drift Championships to his name, along with Ultra4 off-road championships, Vaughn is at the top of his game.  When he rolls in for his Friday, June 2 visit, he’ll bring with him a fleet of RTR vehicles, including his RTR-X.   Better yet, this display won’t just showcase the RTR-X as a stationary ride, it’ll be in motion too by way of drifting exhibitions on the Carlisle track. 



Guests of the Carlisle Ford Nationals can meet Vaughn as part of planned autograph sessions, while also connecting with him and his RTR team on the midway too.  The RTR setup will be in place all three days of the Ford Nationals (June 2-4), while Vaughn is scheduled for June 2 only.

There are additional elements of Vaughn’s Carlisle visit that are being ironed out, including possible stage walkarounds and info sessions on RTR Vehicles. In addition, there’s the likelihood of involvement in some private events fostered by Ford, and the possibility of rides for select attendees of the Carlisle Ford Nationals. 

A full rundown of Vaughn Gittin, Jr.’s return to Carlisle is outlined (and will be updated) by way of the Carlisle Ford Nationals page of CarlisleEvents.com.  Speaking of the web, online Showfield registration is available now through May 31, with discounted spectator admission tickets also available online.  There are also opportunities to confirm event involvement by way of the automotive flea market, midway, and/or car corral.  Learn more about the 2023 Carlisle Ford Nationals online or call 717-243-7855 today.

Ford Motor Company makes a trip to Carlisle each June for a variety of reasons.  First and foremost, the annual Carlisle Ford Nationals car show presented by eBay Motors offers them their greatest “all in one” platform to speak to their core customer base.  In addition, the sheer size of the event, 3,200+ show cars, vendors, and nearly 60,000 guests, means that they can showcase their latest and greatest rides in front of THE people who will buy them as quickly as Ford can produce them.  This will once again be the case June 2-4, 2023 as Ford will bring its all-new Ranger Raptor to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

Rumored and talked about for some time, but officially announced on May 10, the Ranger Raptor will be one of the many great new vehicles showcased by Ford at this year’s event.  In fact, it will be showcased and discussed at an enthusiast event/car show for the first time ever when Ford Performance Chief Engineer Carl Widmann takes hold of the microphone on Friday, June 2, and starts breaking down the ins and outs of the truck.  Forget about reading about it online or browsing a gallery of photos, Widmann will show guests first-hand the revolutionary elements of Ford’s latest performance-based ride, all while onlookers snap photos to show their friends just exactly what they saw first. 

“Ranger Raptor is the high-performance off-road truck so many customers have been begging for, said Widmann as part of Ford’s announcement on the 10^th.  “It’s right-sized for tight trails and daily life, can carry lots of gear, and is a blast to drive. Ranger Raptor is fast, comfortable, and packed with top-shelf, purposeful technology that’s designed to perform. This is the baddest Ranger we’ve ever made,” concluded Widmann.

“We are very fortunate to have a great partner in Ford who not only comes to the Carlisle Ford Nationals each June, but does so with some of their finest creations and amazing team members,” noted event manager Ken Appell.  “While this truck has been seen privately, our Ford event is the first car show in the world where consumers who will no doubt want to buy it, can see it in person,” continued Appell.  “Not only will they see it, but they can hear directly from the man who helped bring it from concept to build in Carl Widmann.”

The Ranger Raptor isn’t the only unveiling planned for Ford weekend at Carlisle, but it’s the one that’s officially confirmed at this time.  As more details from the Carlisle Ford Nationals emerge, details will be shared online by way of the event’s web page and through the Carlisle Ford Nationals’ social media channels.  In the meanwhile, there is still time to register for the National Parts Depot Showfield, sign up to be a vendor, or purchase discounted spectator admission tickets.  Call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com to learn more. 

Read the Official Announcement from Ford - Learn More

A gorgeous weather week made Spring Carlisle 2023 an overwhelming success.  From Wednesday to Sunday and every day in between, Carlisle was bustling with automotive excitement.  Event highlights included a two-day classic and collector car auction presented by Carlisle Auctions, the automotive flea market, car corral, Manufactures Midway, AACA Car Club display, and the ARMO Hot Products Showcase.  In total, the 8,100 spaces onsite were filled, including most spaces within the car corral.  Best of all, everyone who came to Carlisle left with something, either a much-needed part, must have collectible, collector car, or great memories. 

Gates opened bright and early on Wednesday, with the crowds steadily picking up into the afternoon. Thursday’s turnout was even more impressive, with the beautiful weather surely enticing the guests. Thursday was also the first day of the auction, where 450+ lots were up for grabs.  While the auction happened a few blocks west of the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, onsite excitement between Thursday and Saturday mid-day really helped solidify Spring Carlisle as one of the premier events of its type in the world.  Aisles were packed shoulder to shoulder with guests who spent every available show hour picking, purchasing and mingling along the way.  Vendor sales were also reported to be brisk and despite some wet weather, spirits remained high all around.

Car parts, merchandise, memorabilia, collectibles, and more were coming and going all day, every day.  Cars and trucks were even finding new garages to call home as business was booming in all corners of the 82-acre facility.  2023 continues the upward trend for Carlisle Events, as vendor sales, spectator admission tickets, and overall attendance were up year over year from 2022.

The stage area was actually a popular spot for guests throughout Spring Carlisle.  On it were members of the AACA Car Club.  They returned to Carlisle to showcase cool cars from the club, solicit for new members, and promote their upcoming fall meet in Hershey.  While the AACA was on the stage, the ARMO Hot Products Showcase was in front of it.  ARMO brought some of the hottest NEW products on the market to the masses at Carlisle.  ARMO is a council of SEMA, which is a private industry trade event held each fall in November.  For most guests, this ARMO display gives them a first-hand/in-person look at ways to better their prized ride.

Spring Carlisle had a charitable angle too, as representatives from area Lions Clubs were staffing the gates and accepting donations for their own Lions International Disaster Relief Fund.  By working three days, the Lions secured just over $2,000 in generous donations.  They’ll return to Carlisle for a few more events this season, including the upcoming Carlisle Ford Nationals in June.

Another great element of Spring Carlisle was the two-day classic and collector car auction hosted by Carlisle Auctions.  The auction tallied $6 million in sales (including fees) and can boast a 68% sell-through rate.  The auction showcased the Robert Metzgar Collection, an All-Truck Hour where 72% of the trucks sold, and hit the $324,000 mark by way of selling Serial #100, a 1953 Corvette.

While Spring Carlisle is a wrap for 2023, Carlisle Events sets its sights on the next event, plus next year’s spring show.  Up next at the fairgrounds is the annual international showcase of cars and trucks as part of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (May 12-13).  As Spring Carlisle 2024 goes, the event is planned for April 17-23, with the auction happening April 18-19.  Complete details on all things car show related, including the ability to buy spectator tickets in advance at a discounted rate can be found at CarlisleEvents.com.