Welcoming generations of automotive enthusiasts to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds has been commonplace since 1974, when Bill Miller and Chip Miller (no relation) hosted their first-ever automotive event.  Over the years, millions of guests have passed through the gates at Carlisle.  For nearly a decade, however, a growing emphasis has been placed on inspiring the next generation of enthusiasts through a special partnership between Carlisle Events, Ford Motor Company, and local educational programs.

That commitment was once again on display during the 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals, as students from the Carlisle Area School District's Auto Tech and Engineering programs were invited to a special VIP gathering of event partners on Friday, June 5.

The experience may have been one of the students' final activities of the 2025-2026 academic year, but it was certainly one they won't soon forget.  Nearly two dozen students attended, accompanied by faculty members including Andrea Groller, Director of Carlisle's Center for Careers and Technology, and Automotive Instructor Ed Rios.  As educators, they expected their students to learn throughout the day.  What they may not have anticipated was how much they would learn themselves.

From the moment they arrived, the group was immersed in the automotive world.  Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller and Carlisle Ford Nationals Event Manager Ken Appell guided the students through a series of unique interactions with some of the industry's most accomplished professionals.



(Ben Hobson, a Formula Drift competitor, speaks with students about the career path that led him to RTR Vehicles and its motorsports team)


(Rich Whitworth of the Ford ASSET program speaks with students about career opportunities available through Ford Motor Company and its dealer network for those interested in pursuing automotive careers)


(Ford Racing's Mike Goodwin showcases the latest technology from Ford Racing while sharing insights into his journey through the automotive industry)


(Ford Racing Chief Engineer Carl Widmann explains the development and testing process behind the all-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC)


(Cruise for a Cause founder Dan Neve discusses how his passion for Ford vehicles led to annual cross-country adventures with a new Ford build each year)


(Shelby American President Gary Patterson connects with students while sharing his career path within the automotive industry and his passion for racing)


(Students had the opportunity to hear from David Marchioni of the Detroit Historical Society, who shared how his career progressed from working for race teams and Ford performance vehicle testing to becoming curator of the Society's automotive collection, including the Cougar II Concept shown below)


(KTL Restorations' Kurt and Crystal Lawrance discuss how the restoration and customization industry has evolved over the years and how the demand for skilled technicians and engineers continues to shape modern vehicle builds)


(Students also toured Carlisle Events Co-Owner Lance Miller's private vehicle collection and gathered for a group photo outside the facility)

For a group of students considering their next steps, the experience served as a reminder that exciting opportunities can exist closer to home than they might realize.  In fact, for these aspiring automotive professionals, the road to a future in the hobby was just 2.3 miles east of their campus in Carlisle.

To see even more fun-filled photos of the Carlisle students at the 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals, click/tap here.  To learn more about Carlisle Events Youth Initiatives, visit CarlisleEvents.com/Youth or contact Ken Appell at 717-243-7855, ext. 116.

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