The first offering of what’s now known as the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals took place in 1986.  38 years later, the most diverse mix of show cars on the East Coast set a new standard with 2,195 show cars registered for the May 10-11 event.  Best of all, this total tops last year’s then-record-setting mark by nearly 100 cars and puts in motion the prospect of a third straight banger of an event in 2025.

Before there’s too much talk about next May’s car show, let’s look back at the 2024 happenings at Carlisle that drew in a record turnout.  The power of this event, and the hobby were on full display as a great turnout of guests showed up to enjoy drifting, the rolling exhaust contest, the Showfield, and featured vehicle displays (more on them soon).  The show opened on Friday morning to a full schedule of events plus the selection of the Carlisle Elite Awards, which go to ten vehicles selected by the Carlisle Events staff.

With guests traveling to Carlisle from as far away as the Czech Republic, the international flavor was in full bloom.  It was a real sensory experience, allowing the sights and sounds of the car show to be on full display.  There wasn’t just one thing that kept guests busy, there were many things.  This included special guests like automotive designer and author Steve Saxty, social media influencers Modded Motors, a variety of track activities including drifting powered by NICO Club, low car limbo, drift limbo, rolling burnouts and donuts, and rolling exhaust, too.  There was even a brew mixer on Saturday, giving guests a chance to enjoy live music and buy into a pour from some of central PA’s finest establishments.

Featured display cars were also a hit in 2024.  This included the 50^th Anniversary of the VW Rabbit/Golf, the Ratty Kool Display, Freak Show, Vehicles from Around the World, and the Race Paddock.  As anniversaries go, as a nod to the Carlisle Events 50^th celebration, Saturday morning also showcased 38 years of the event and included a special stage ceremony where Brad and Anna May Nauss, original participants in 1986, shared their memories of their time at Carlisle and even replicated a photo that was taken in front of the stage with their 1950 Citroen Traction Avant.  

The weekend ended with awards, including recognition of the largest and coolest clubs and thoughts of next year and doing it all over again! Saabs @ Carlisle was the largest club once again followed by Volvos at Carlisle, NVUS, The Audi Club and BMW CCA/Nittany Bimmers. The competition is really heating up. Several clubs really stepped up their game for the Coolest Club award this year. Each year, the Carlisle Events staff looks for the club tent where they would want to hang out, if they weren’t busy working, of course. This year the Rolls-Royce Foundation went a totally different direction to take home the hardware with silver serving trays and China as well as linens and candelabras on every table.

While the fun has concluded in 2024, the 2025 offering will be here before we know it.  Save the date because the 2025 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals takes place May 16-17.  Planned featured displays include 50 years of the Triumph TR7 and a throwback to cars of the early 2000s.  In addition, the Race Paddock will return, the Passport Program, plus all the wheels in motion fun that gives this international automotive showcase its edge!  Call 717-243-7855 today to register for 2025, or visit CarlisleEvents.com for details, discounted spectator admission tickets, and more.