Last month we shared a story for All About Cars that called out what industry writers were saying about the cars that adorned the National Parts Depot Showfield as part of the record-setting Carlisle Ford Nationals.  Now, as part of a sequel of sorts to our original post, let's see what "they" are saying about the trucks that helped make Ford weekend one for the ages!  FYI - many of the top ten Fords showcased are trucks, so...double bonus!

Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ford Finds: Top Ten Fords Spotted at the 2022 Ford Nationals
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ten Best Trucks Spotted at the Record Breaking 2022 Ford Nationals
The Best Broncos Of The 2022 Carlisle Ford Nationals

By the way, don't forget, the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores take over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds August 5-7.  The event includes trucks, tractors, big rigs, monster trucks, family fun, and more.  It really is a great way to see your kid's toy box come to life!  

Carlisle Truck Nationals - Learn More
Register for the Truck Nationals Showfield

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.

Just like the titles reads, the 50^th Anniversary Bloomington Gold Corvette event was held recently. The event has moved around frequently over the years.  I personally feel this year it was at the right venue – where it started.  Bloomington, Illinois holds true to some wonderful memories through the years.  For as long as I can remember, my father and I would venture off to Bloomington Gold each year to help promote Corvettes at Carlisle and our other events.  Dad would judge each year for BG which forced me to hand out brochures for our events and speaking to potential new guests.

Speaking of great memories, all I heard over the two-day event was people reminiscing of the old days at Bloomington Gold. Yes, I was often trying to remember much of the facility from “back in the day” however I honestly did not.  With that said, the event was held at Illinois State University which is a state of the art beautiful campus.  What I did remember were all the fun memories I had with my father/son trips to/from BG each year.  I recall burnouts in the hotel parking lots, to fun parties at friends homes to just hanging out with a bundle of Corvette buddies.  Again, I love that Bloomington Gold is back home…it just felt right.

The first day was setup day, so I setup our indoor booth space in the arena which was a very large facility that consists of many basketball courts.  There were plenty of vendors setup in the indoor arena and there was also some outdoor vending as well.  I enjoyed making my rounds and catching up with many vendors throughout the event.  Just about everyone I spoke too really liked the new venue and a majority of them felt that more people came out versus the previous location which was at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Bloomington Gold is certainly known for their judging and this year didn’t disappoint. When you walked into the amazing Redbird Arena. There were Corvettes of all generations represented and the view was superb when looking down from the birds-eye view seating.  On Saturday, the Corvette parade was well received too.  I enjoyed walking around downtown Bloomington-Normal as they had a band playing in the streets.

One of my favorite parts of Bloomington Gold is the Special Collection. This year hosted some of the very best Corvettes in the world. It was really amazing seeing them all in one location. Speaking of memories, boy did this building bring back some serious memories – the same one that the Special Collection started in. There were super low mileage L88’s (12 mile car) all the way to a ’63 Grand Sport from the Revs Institute and everything in between. I took plenty of pictures for you to enjoy the event if you couldn’t make it.

Overall Bloomington Gold was a fun-filled event. As I often say… the cars bring us together, but the people behind the wheel is what the hobby is all about. It was nice catching up with many friends and forming a few new ones along the way. Life is good!

-Lance Miller

The Carlisle GM Nationals return to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds next week (June 24-25) and with it, not only ushers in the summer season, but also continues Carlisle’s Summer of Muscle.  For this year’s event, over 1,000 show cars will adorn the National Parts Depot Showfield and along the way, some of the rarest and most unique 3^rd Gen Camaros and Firebirds known to exist.

There are many great anniversary displays planned for this year’s event, but one that is drawing extra attention is the 40 Years of the 3^rd Gen showcase in Building T.  There are some cars in this display that will turn heads and there are others that will be jaw dropping.  As part of the 3^rd Gen showcase, the Carlisle GM Nationals is happy to welcome the LAST Camaro to ever roll off the Norwood assembly line.  In addition, there will be Players Camaros and Firehawks.  There’s also a 1991 SEMA show car coming to Carlisle that was built by John Moss, head of the GM Specialty Vehicles Group.  What makes the Moss car special is that it’s the ONLY GM commissioned (non-Corvette) vehicle with an LT5 Dual Overhead Cam ZR-1 engine. 

Joining these cars will be Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed.  Tucker is bringing their famed DSE-Z Camaro build.  In addition, YouTuber Stan Kennedy (Fireball Mullet) will be generating some content, while also showcasing his modified IROC-Z, and finally, don’t miss a slew of stock and modified Camaros and Firebirds too.  Some of the options on these cars no doubt makes them some of the only of their kind.

This display will draw folks to Building T, but it will also send 3^rd Gen enthusiasts looking for parts for their at home or in the shop projects.  In addition to the display, there will be a nice mix of vendors in the automotive flea market in J-Row, just east of Building T.  These vendors will have 3^rd Gen specific parts and include Camaro Central, Detroit Speed, and Hawks Motorsports.  Finally, there will be a number of 3^rd Gen specific seminars taking place in a tent just outside Building T including some very special ones with on-site 3^rd Gen ambassadors Phil Borris, Gale Mains, and Dan Edwards.

Gates open at 7 a.m. daily for spectators and participants alike.  For anyone who hasn’t pre-registered for the NPD Showfield, in person registration also opens at 7 a.m.  There are judged and non-judged options for showing a car, while spectators can pick up discounted admission tickets online in advance or with a valid military ID (ID holder only) at the gate.  Call 717-243-7855 today with any questions or visit CarlisleEvents.com to learn more about the event and to view/review the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals event guide.

DSE-Z: https://carlislefeatures.com/carlisle-invitationals/uploaded_images/637871747730144463_11742.jpg

SEMA Show Car: https://carlislefeatures.com/carlisle-invitationals/uploaded_images/637871581873160256_11738.jpg

Players Camaro: https://carlislefeatures.com/carlisle-invitationals/uploaded_images/637871629123296047_11740.jpg

Last Norwood Camaro: https://carlislefeatures.com/carlisle-invitationals/uploaded_images/637805131550094710_11049.jpg

Stan Kennedy: https://carlislefeatures.com/carlisle-invitationals/uploaded_images/637608090682688221_9999.jpg