Another car show at Carlisle and guess what, another Showfield record is broken in 2021!  Since the Carlisle Events schedule launched in January of 2021, turnout for events has been near or above record numbers and that trend continued July 9-11 as part of the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals.  The “Mopar Madness” was on full display, as was an all-new record of 2,926 cars, mixing perfectly with a sold-out swap meet of vendors.

The three-day affair is always extended to four with the annual Mopar Rebellion kick-off party, held starting at 4 p.m. on the Thursday before show weekend.  That get together was the perfect jumping off point for what would end up being three full days of energy, parts shopping and unmatched camaraderie. 

Once the sun rose on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds July 9 through the final load-out on Sunday, the place was hopping with special displays, vendors, guests and special attractions.  Spotlighted in 2021 were the Demons, 50-years of 1971 Mopars, Old Skool Paint, and even Dirty ‘Birds.  Buildings T and Y saw a lot of eyes, as guests checked out the likes of a 1971 Road Runner that was salvaged and rebuilt following Hurricane Katrina, another ’71 that was driven direct from Connecticut to Carlisle with no AC or power steering and even a ’71 with a big Warner Brothers Road Runner protruding from the hood (beep! beep!).  Not far from there was a nice mix of Forward Look cars in Building R.  This display included designers Gordon Davis and Diran Yazejian.

The Forward Look guys weren’t the only special guests, as Carlisle welcomed Herb McCandless, the Golden Commandos, Ramchargers, Joe Zolper and Dave Rea too.  For McCandless, his appearance was supported by the world premiere of a documentary titled “Mr. 4 Speed,” some of which was shot in Carlisle in 2019.

While the nice mix of cars looked great on the Showfield, did you know that people come to Carlisle for something other than the diverse mix of cars?  It’s true!  The swap meet at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is the biggest and best of its type and for weeks leading up to event weekend, was sold out.  Once July 9-11 rolled around, those spaces were packed with vendors selling millions of pieces and parts and a customer base eager to buy! 

The sights and sounds of the event were palpable too, with engine revs, horn honks and blowers whining all weekend. Some of the best sensory moments came from car parades, plus competitions including rolling exhaust, real street shootout and even open autocross runs.  Just like the Showfield winners, these competitions sent a handful of participants home with awards and memories to cherish for years to come.  It truly was amazing!

Though this year’s event has concluded, preparations are underway for the 2022 show.  Next year’s fun runs July 15-17.  Save the date and register today because it’ll be a fun one!