Records are made to be broken, or so it’s said.  For the 2021 Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores, not only was a new record for show truck turnout achieved, but it was also SHATTERED.  2,513 trucks toppled the previous mark of 2,109 (set in 2002) and gave the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and those within its fence line a look like never before.

August 6-8 were dates that for weeks were targeted as a potential outlet for yet another Showfield record in 2021 for Carlisle Events.  After all, in the hours before the show opened, the pre-registration total nearly matched all of 2020’s turnout.  This, combined with the fact that multiple Showfield records have been broken in Carlisle throughout the 2021 season, gave everyone a reasonable expectation that it would indeed happen again.

As the sun rose over the grounds on day one, an anxious group of truck clubs, truck enthusiasts and truck owners converged for one of the largest truck shows in the mid-Atlantic.  Special displays included fire trucks, Syclones and Typhoons (SyTys), cool custom vans, big rigs, lowered trucks and even tractors.  These eye-catching pieces of production offered the perfect backdrop for photos, smiles and memories to last a lifetime.  In addition, guests were treated to special entertainment activities like monster truck rides and shows, axe throwing, FMX stunt jumps, a Motocross skills and demo show, and more. 

As Friday transitioned to Saturday guests were again treated to a jam-packed event with truck fun and competitions.  The fun started at 7 a.m., with the record-breaking truck entering the grounds sometime before 10 a.m.  From there, a steady stream of trucks and truck lovers rode their wave of fun throughout the day and into the night.  The crescendo of the night, the big rig glow show, lasted nearly 2 hours, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  Monster truck fun continued with the rides and shows from Shockwave and Be Aware, plus the grandstands were packed for low truck limbo and the high truck competition, The night also kept the party going with drop and drag, and the aforementioned glow show. 

As records go, the big rig area also welcomed a record of sorts, as nearly 200 rigs hauled in to line the south side of the grounds between Gates 7 and 1 with haulers, rigs, wreckers, and heavy machinery.  Big rigs were such a part of the weekend that many trucking companies were on-site recruiting, while dozens more owner/operators were judged for awards consideration, with many hauling out with trophies.

It all wrapped on Sunday with two awards parades, one for the rigs and another for the standard trucks.  There was also one last go around for the monster trucks, stunt riders and the Bwana Jim wildlife show, before everyone hit the road for home.  As guests left, many pre-registered for next year, saving a little money off their costs along the way.  2022 dates are firmed up and plans are ongoing now for the event, taking place August 5-7. Details can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com.