New Fun Field Record Set Less Than 24 Hours Into Corvettes at Carlisle 2023
Tuesday, Aug 29, 2023
It’s been a recording-setting year for Carlisle Events and its internationally recognized car shows and that trend continued for t
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It’s been a recording-setting year for Carlisle Events and its internationally recognized car shows and that trend continued for the THIRD consecutive event. Before the gates opened on day two of Corvettes at Carlisle (August 24-26), the annual gathering of America’s Sports Car set an all-new Fun Field record. Last year the new standard was 2,924 and for 2023, it was easily shattered by the close of Corvettes at Carlisle 2023. The NEW record Fun Field total of 3,080 was set, thus making this the first-ever Corvettes at Carlisle with more than 3,000 registered show vehicles. Mix that in with another 2,000+ Corvette owners who simply paid to park and bought an admission ticket, and you have 5,000+ Corvettes together in one place; the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.
At 7 a.m. on Thursday, August 24 those who had been hanging around for a few days merged in with day 1 attendees to get Corvettes at Carlisle up and running. With special indoor and tent displays in place, droves of Corvettes streamed on grounds in a seemingly non-stop manner through mid-day Saturday. Displays focused on 1973 Corvettes and Chip’s Choice honored some significant Corvettes that have raced at the famed Le Mans endurance race in France. This included two of the three 1960 Cunningham Corvettes, plus a trio of Callaway Cars, an L88, and more. For the Callaway entries, this was their first time EVER being shown in the same place at the same time.
Along with the Le Mans cars, THE draw was the Corvette American Flag, built this year on Saturday, August 26. 150+ Corvettes came together to form the flag, with a special chat session at the stage focused on Vettes for Vets. Hosted by Jason Dores, this session helped educate the Carlisle masses on how they can help our National Heroes. It was a fitting and serious talk, while also showcasing the elegance of both the Corvette and the flag.
Additional stage happenings included walkarounds by Team Chevrolet on the all-new E-Ray, a tribute to the late Reeves Callaway, walkarounds by the Cunningham Corvette team, a one-of-a-kind unveiling by Sigala Designs with an all-Carbon Fiber Z06, the People’s Choice Best of Show contest, an awards parade, plus a few other pop-up parades too. Speaking of the E-Ray, Team Chevrolet and their amazing engineering group showcased at least six different E-Rays, including a cutaway car, giving guests a first-hand look behind the scenes of their latest C8 offering.
In addition to the 50-year 1973 Showcase and Chip’s Choice, displays also included the NCRS Gallery and NCCC Judged Concours too. Here, some of the best Corvettes in the world were on display and welcomed thousands of showgoers past them to review, admire, and appreciate.
Competitions were also a big part of the show, including People’s Choice/Best of Show presented by Aerolarri Wheels, King of the X autocross presented by Lingenfelter Performance, a rolling exhaust contest, and some club contests for both the largest and coolest club with support from Hemmings Marketplace.
Corvettes at Carlisle also hosted some charity elements by way of the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation (CMAF). On Friday, the CMAF held its annual benefit dinner where nearly $45,000 was raised by way of donations, door prizes, and raffles. In addition, via a partnership with the Lancaster County Corvette Club, a 2023 2LT Corvette C8 was awarded. Dollars raised from that giveaway supported both the CMAF and Clare House.
It all wrapped up with an awards presentation at the stage on Saturday afternoon for contest winners, followed by the on-site awards parade. From there, nearly 500 Corvettes roared off the grounds and into the community as part of the Downtown CarlisleCorvette Parade and Street Party. Thousands of spectators, including many children, watched in amazement as they not only saw the wheels in motion, but were able to pose for photos in front of or sit in the cars too.
While Corvettes at Carlisle has concluded for 2023, plans are ongoing for the 2024 event. The showcase returns August 22-24 and will feature a 50th Anniversary of 1974 Corvettes, NCCC 7-Sanctions judging, the NCRS Gallery and a TBA Chip’s Choice display. Registration is now open and complete info will be forthcoming online at CarlisleEvents.com.
The New E-Ray, Flanked by Team Chevrolet Announced for Corvettes at Carlisle
Monday, Aug 21, 2023
The world’s largest all-Corvette themed car show, Corvettes at Carlisle, returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds August 24-
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The world’s largest all-Corvette themed car show, Corvettes at Carlisle, returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds August 24-26. For as much as the end of August and Corvettes in Carlisle have been a tradition since 1982, so is the gathering of some of Team Chevrolet’s best at the event. For 2023, Corvettes at Carlisle is proud to announce the participation of some of the top minds behind the beloved Corvette machine. A complete list (name and title) is outlined below.
Michael Bailey – Corvette Program Engineering Manager
Trevor Hall – Corvette Program Engineering Manager
Lane Rezek – Corvette Brand Quality Manager
Ben Haller – Bowling Green Plant Planner
Chris Hajdas – Bowling Green Finance Manager
Mike Klakulak – Corvette Interior Vehicle Systems Engineer
Harlan Charles – Corvette Marketing Manager
John Albert – Corvette Chassis/Thermal Vehicle Systems Engineer
Austin Fisher - Corvette Program Quality Manager
Team Chevrolet will be on-site, set up, and open to mix and mingle with showgoers all three days. In addition, they’ll have a gallery of the latest C8s with them, including the ALL-NEW E-Ray Corvette. These rides won’t just be on display though, there are planned stage walk arounds too. Hear directly from the designers, builders, and technical wizards who help put these beloved vehicles on the road. They’ll also be participating in autograph sessions too. Every interaction is FREE once on grounds and it's the perfect time for Corvette owners and lovers to brainstorm with the people who literally make these dream machines come to life.
Team Chevrolet at Corvettes at Carlisle is just one of the many amazing elements of the car show. Guests can also enjoy a 50-year reunion of 1973 Corvettes, the NCRS Gallery, NCCC 7-Sanctions judging, Chip’s Choice featuring 100 Years of LeMans Corvettes, a tribute to Reeves Callaway, the return of the Corvette American Flag (Saturday only), wheels in motion competitions, a downtown Carlisle Corvette Parade and Street Party, and more. In person Fun Field registration options start on Wednesday, August 23 and are available throughout the event. In addition, spectator admission is $20 for adults (cheaper if purchased online), with kids 12 and under admitted FREE. Call 717-243-7855 to learn more or visit Corvettes at Carlisle online today.
Three Top-Level Corvettes Power the 2023 Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023
Four short months ago (in April at Spring Carlisle), Carlisle Auctions concluded one of its most successful auctions of all time a
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Four short months ago (in April at Spring Carlisle), Carlisle Auctions concluded one of its most successful auctions of all time and along the way, slammed the gavel on its highest-selling lot ever; a 1953 Corvette. Now, with the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction on the horizon (September 28-29), Carlisle Auctions is looking to catch lightning in a bottle once more, this time with a trio of unique and highly sought-after Corvettes. For two days in September, these lots, plus 400 more will cross the block with the hopes of finding new garages to call home.
The cars in question aren’t just any cars, they are a 1954 Corvette, 1955 Corvette, and a 1970 Corvette, each in amazing condition with stunning pedigrees attached to their respective lineages.
The ’54 has just 50,000 original miles on it and is being made available to the public for the first time since it was originally sold way back when. This car was last inspected in 1981 and not long after, went into a temperature controlled storage unit, including having been placed on jack stands. Since its reemergence, it’s undergone a complete service, including fluids, engine, tires, etc. There are some new elements too, including its soft top and other relevant brackets, while the chrome has been given a showroom shine. Chevrolet only made 3,640 ‘54s and this is one of them.
The ‘55 is number 319 of 700 produced and has a V8 powerplant under the hood. Only 120 of the 700 made in ’55 include the rare Harvest Gold color and this is one of them. It also includes a green top and interior, making the color combo pop that much more. In addition to looking great externally, it’s a top-of-the-line Corvette internally too. The ’55 has earned a 99.3 in NCRS Top Flight rankings, has an NCRS Performance Verification, and in 2000 at the NCRS National Meet, earned the Duntov Award. Add to those accolades a Bloomington Gold certification and the Gold Spinner Award at McCormack Place in Chicago, and it's easy to see why this Corvette would be the centerpiece of any collection.
The ’70 comes in an eye-popping white, with a black roof and an LS 5 engine. It’s received a body-off frame restoration and is represented to be as accurate as the day it rolled off the assembly line. Options on this ’70 include A31 power windows, an A85 custom shoulder harness, C60 factory air, G81 optional axle ratio, a custom leather interior, and more. A real head-turner, it is one of less than 100 of the originally built 17,300 1970 Corvettes to come fully equipped. Its rebuild has been deemed proper by an NCRS Master Judge, making this chance to buy it extra rare.
Corvettes are just a small part of this amazing auction event because, on September 28, Carlisle Auctions hosts its all-truck hour. This popular showcase of trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs gives buyers and sellers alike a full hour of trucks of all shapes and sizes.
The auction is the most convenient way for someone to pick up their first or next classic and do so at an affordable price point. There will be white-glove, best-of-show vehicles for sure, but there will also be show-worthy gems that can be driven and enjoyed with total confidence.
Advanced/online bidding starts September 18 and every registered bidder is eligible to bring a guest to the auction as well as the adjacent Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market event. Complete details on the auction are available at CarlisleAuctions.com, a web page that will be getting a facelift in the coming weeks. Consignments are also being added to the web daily. For auction details, call 717-960-6400. Get involved today and don’t miss out on a chance to own your first or next classic with Carlisle Auctions!
Carlisle Truck Nationals Host Trucks that Crush Cars – Trucks that Crush Records Too
Thursday, Aug 10, 2023
The annual Carlisle Truck Nationals truck event is many things to many people. It’s a place for truck clubs to converge and
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The annual Carlisle Truck Nationals truck event is many things to many people. It’s a place for truck clubs to converge and have fun. It’s a place for owners of trucks of all sizes to get together and showcase their prized rides and custom creations. It’s a place for families to enjoy an affordable day (or weekend) out seeing in real life the toys they play with at home. And, for the last three consecutive years, it’s a place where Showfield growth has almost become expected, as yet ANOTHER Carlisle Truck Nationals (August 4-6, 2023) not only wowed guests through the gate, it SHATTERD another truck turnout record.
Though about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, the previous record high was 2,594. That is, until big rig owner John Savoy registered his hauler, making the number 2,595. From there, every registrant set a new mark until the final number of 2,870 was reached by mid-day Sunday, August 6. That’s right, a new mark by 276 trucks. Best of all, dating back to 2019 (and including the COVID year of 2020), truck show numbers have skyrocketed. For 2019, Carlisle hosted 1,703 registered trucks, in 2020 it was 1,570, 2021 saw a massive jump to 2,510, 2022 did 85 better with 2,595, and now 2,870 in 2023. Wow, what growth! Speaking of growth, the Big Rig Show and Shine stretched fence line to fence line; tallying some 231 rigs; up more than 150 over the past 10 years.
What brings the trucks, and guests back to Carlisle annually? How about the wide variety of showcase options. Guests can enjoy lowered mini trucks, lifted big trucks, monster trucks, antique big rigs, modern day haulers, antique fire trucks, cool custom vans, heavy equipment, and more. There’s also a nice mix of family activities and fun for the kids too; including monster truck rides and shows, a kids cash grab, Kids bingo, all new in 2023, Mr. Mysterrio the Magician, face painting, balloon animals, a goody bag, and best of all, FREE admission for all kids 12 and under. Kids had a chance to see in real life, the toys they play with at home and the payoff was well worth the cost of admission.
In addition, the Truck Nationals hosted a variety of automotive flea market vendors, business partners on the midway, and dozens of trucks for sale within the truck corral. Truck weekend celebrated 40 years of the Ranger too, and even put the wheels in motion with multiple competitions and pop-up parades. The low trucks skated around the grounds, while the 454 SS trucks showed off their style as well. In addition, low truck limbo, high truck challenge, drop and drag, and the rolling burnout contest presented by Atturo Tires offered no shortage of truck themed activities for the throngs of showgoers. Club gatherings also help make it a fun weekend for attendees and participants.
Judged or non-Judged, the show was a smashing success and while 2023 is a wrap, the Carlisle Truck Nationals2024 (August 2-4) is in the early planning. Registration for it is now open and planned 2024 display themes include a great gallery of antique fire trucks by way of the Old Fire Farts, Vanarama within the American Collectors Insurance Pavilion, American Truck Historical Society, the Big Rig Show and Shine, and more. For details on upcoming car events at Carlisle, advanced arrival information, or to check out the winner’s list and photos from Truck Nationals weekend, visit CarlisleEvents.com.
Don’t Miss Corvettes at Carlisle 2023 – 82 Acres of Corvette Excitement Showcased
Tuesday, Aug 1, 2023
The 2023 Corvettes at Carlisle car show, August 24-26 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, will do what it does best,
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The 2023 Corvettes at Carlisle car show, August 24-26 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, will do what it does best, embrace history and celebrate the people and cars that make the hobby so special. This year, the celebrations include special displays (details below), the annual downtown Carlisle Corvette Parade and Street Party (August 26), AND the return of the Corvette American Flag. This, and so much more help make Corvettes at Carlisle the best car show of its type worldwide.
Corvettes at Carlisle is three days but for some, it’s a week-long celebration. Corvettes come and go in the days leading up to the event’s official opening day, but Thursday, August 24 at 7 a.m. serves as the official start day. Enthusiasts come from nearly every state and annually there is a large international audience too. People come to have their Corvette judged, meet special guests like Wil Cooksey, Lou Santiago, and Team Chevrolet, shop for parts within the automotive flea market, Corvettes within the car corral, sit in on FREE seminars, and more. Corvettes at Carlisle doesn’t just host the finest Corvettes, it hosts all kinds of Corvettes. This includes project cars, weekend show pieces, and daily drivers too. More than that, they come for the unmatched camaraderie that a show like this provides.
Corvettes at Carlisle also hosts special displays in 2023. This year, guests can marvel at some of the best 1973 Corvettes around with a 50-year look back at some early-decade C3s. The NCCC is also back at Carlisle, presenting its annual Judged Concours, the NCRS Gallery showcases some of the best of the best too, while Building T’s yearly Chip’s Choice display welcomes 100 Years of LeMans Corvettes.
Chip’s Choice is special this year in that it brings together cars that have historical significance associated with the famed race in France. This includes the #1 and #3 Cunningham Corvettes from the 1960 race, a 1968 L88 DX that was tapped to dominate the race but ultimately never made it across the pond due to the postponement of the race in ’68, and a trio of Callaway Cars that were attached to various races but for the first-time-ever, come together to not only be part of a car show, but to honor their namesake; the late Reeves Callaway.
Corvettes at Carlisle is also giving away a Corvette in 2023! The giveaway winner has a 1 in 1,000 chance to win a 2023 2LT. Hosted by the Lancaster County Corvette Club, the giveaway benefits Clare House and the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation (CMAF). Tickets are numbered 000-999 and the winning number is based on the Saturday night (August 26) Pennsylvania Lottery Pick 3 drawing. Tickets are just $150 per entry; with the final few being auctioned in person at Corvettes at Carlisle. There’s another great Corvette that will be awarded, but not until late September and it comes by way of the CMAF. This red Z06 w/Z07 Performance Package will be on display, with options to enter the sweepstakes available both in person and online at CorvetteContest.com.
Speaking of the CMAF, friends of the foundation come together Friday (August 25) for the annual dinner at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. Significant cars will be on display, special guests will be on hand, there’s a planned merchandise/memorabilia auction, door prizes, and great food too. All proceeds benefit the CMAF.
In addition to the 2LT, there are some great prizes on the line too. Lingenfelter Performance presents the King of the X autocross competition, where two winners will take home $500 each; the Ron Fellows Driving School is giving away an experience at their Nevada venue, and Aerolarri Wheels presents four of its best to the People’s Choice winner.
Online registration for the Fun Field is available through Sunday, August 20, with in-person registration options available throughout the event. In addition, spectator admission is $20 for adults, with kids 12 and under admitted FREE. Spectator parking is $10 per car, with on-grounds options for Corvettes only, while many off-grounds options are also available for non-Corvette owners. Call 717-243-7855 to learn more or visit Corvettes at Carlisle online today.
