The National Parts Depot Showfield at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s always hosts show vehicles that are head-turners.  From cool classics to modern marvels and everything in between, the event (June 4-6, 2021) is a MUST for Ford lovers around the world.  Families are also a big part of the weekend, whether it’s part of a day trip or a longer vacation.  This year, event planners have cultivated a display that WILL draw the casual fan and family in addition to the car enthusiasts.  That display, Comic-Car-Con, is planned for Building T, and we’re excited to announce the planned display cars.  *Denotes screen used car (not a replica)

1. 1964 Barris Dragula* – Munsters TV Show
   • This vehicle was made popular on the ‘60s show starring Butch Patrick as little Eddie Munster.The Dragula car was designed by the legendary George Barris and this particular car was THE car used on screen for the show.
2. 1966 Ford GT40* – The Sound Car for the Movie Ford v. Ferrari
   • In the 2019 film Ford vs. Ferrari, there were many vehicles on screen.On such ride, the Ford GT40 piloted by Ken Miles, played a prominent role.While the machine in the movie had its own real life power source, it also had a “stunt” double.The ’66 Ford GT40 planned for this special display WAS that sound source.
3. 1966 Ford Batmobile – Batman TV Series
   • Ka-Pow, Bang – na na na na Batman?Anyway…popularized by the ‘60s era TV show with Adam West and Burt Ward, this George Barris inspired Batmobile is coming to Carlisle and in addition, guests can have their photo taken with cos-play Batman and Batgirl characters.
4. 1971 Ford Custom 500 Galaxie – White Lightning
   • The iconic Burt Reynolds starred in the 1973 film alongside Ned Beatty and Bo Hopkins of American Graffiti fame.This Galaxie is a replica of the ride that Reynolds drove in the film.
5. 1973 Ford Galaxie PLUS TWO 1976 Ford Gran Torinos* – Starsky & Hutch (TV and Movie)
   • Paul Michael Glaser, David Soul, Antonio Fargas, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Snoop Dogg, the first three played Starsky, Hutch and Huggy Bear in the ABC drama Starsky & Hutch from 1975-1979, while the last three played the same roles in the 2004 movie.  The show and the movie each spotlighted cool cars and they’ll be part of this great display.  Confirmed is a 1973 Ford Galaxie replica of Hutch’s car from the TV show, while the ’76 Grand Torino’s are SCREEN USED from the TV show and movie respectively.
6. 2005 Saleen Barricade – Transformers Movie
   • This franchise has spawned numerous toys, conventions and no shortage of replica vehicles.The ’05 Saleen Barricade made famous in the 2007 action flick Transformers offers no deception as part of this display.  While it is a tribute car, it’ll still take enthusiasts back to the summer of ’07 when the Autobots and Decepticons clashed on the big screen.

Bring a camera with plenty of storage space because this display will be eye-popping and memorable.  In addition, the Carlisle Ford Nationals honor the Pinto with a 50^th celebration as does the Big Horse Mustangs (’71-’73).  There’s also a Stroppe Reunion and the annual Ford Nationals Select display within Building Y.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the web, be sure to apply for Feature Vehicle displays, register for the National Parts Depot Showfield or to be a vendor, purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance and more.  Call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.  

The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds have a long and storied history.  From its first fair in 1946 to its first car event in 1974 and everything since (and in between), the spacious grounds and buildings have played a role in entertaining millions upon millions of guests.  As 2021 commences, Carlisle Productions is pleased to announce that the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, in addition to hosting 10+ Carlisle Events car shows, will host a number of events for automotive, motorcycle, powersports and outdoor enthusiasts of anything on wheels!

In addition to events by its resident promoter, Carlisle Events, five complementing events are on the schedule for 2021. The Central PA Porsche Club, regional affiliate of the Porsche Club of America will be presenting the Porsche car show and swap meet on May 1. The event includes a Showfield of Porsche vehicles and a swap meet, where parts, merchandise and collectibles will be for sale.  July welcomes the All-Breeds Jeep show July 24-25, brought to Carlisle by PA Jeeps!  All Jeep breeds are welcome for a Showfield that will be flanked by vendors, rock crawling and more.

Two wheels and powersports return to the Carlisle Fairgrounds brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Enthusiasts of all things motorcycle, powersports and related interests will enjoy the Progressive International Motorcycle Show Outdoors, September 10-12. October welcomes back our friends from Camping World RV for a two-week RV sales event October 16-31. The final event scheduled at this time is a “season ending” Race Car Swap Meet on November 6.

Rental options ARE NOT limited to only automotive offerings.  There will be (and have been) yard sales, fireworks, 5K runs and other community/social events like touch a truck and more.  The sheer size and versatility of the facility make hosting an event in Carlisle nearly turn-key for all involved.

“We are excited to welcome more promoters to our automotive hometown at the Carlisle Fairgrounds,” said Ed Scholly, director of Business and Event Development.  “The automotive, motorcycle and RV events scheduled this year will complement Carlisle Events portfolio of events for similar enthusiasts,” continued Scholly.  Along with Carlisle Expo Center events, we are excited to continue making the great community of Carlisle a destination! “

Complete details about rental opportunities can be found on an ALL NEW facilities web page, CarlislePAFairgrounds.com, on Facebook @CarlislePAFairgrounds or by calling Ed Scholly at 717-243-7855 x118.

The Blue Oval returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 4-6 as part of the Carlisle Ford Nationals, presented by Meguiar’s.  Returning to its normal early June dates in 2021, the car show weekend brings Ford lovers together to celebrate all things Ford, from the most basic of marques like the Escort to the extravagant like the Ford GT.  In addition, Ford Nationals weekend gives you the past, present and future of the brand with nearly 100 years of production adorning the National Parts Depot Showfield. 

While the event starts on June 4, there will be cars and vendors on-site as early as Wednesday, June 2.  From car corral/for sale vehicles being parked in the car corral to vendors setting up within the automotive flea market to Featured Display vehicles getting parked indoors or under tents, everyone is chomping at the bit to get the fun up and running.  In addition, at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center, Ford will be setting up its showroom and test drives for all to enjoy.

As special guests go, the Carlisle Ford Nationals is pleased to welcome up and coming race car driver Hailie Deegan.  Deegan, a Ford Racing Development driver, is the daughter of famous racer Brian Deegan.  The younger Deegan might share her dad’s last name, but she’s successfully carved out a name of her own since 2012.  Deegan started racing at the age of eight and to date, she is the ONLY female ever to compete in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series and in 2016 she was named the circuit's Driver of the Year.  Last year, in her first ARCA start of the season, she finished fourth at Daytona.

Deegan may be a humanly special guest, but the vast array of special displays and celebrations are guests of another sort.  In addition to the great showcase of cars on the NPD Showfield, special themes and displays will anchor the indoor buildings.  Ford weekend welcomes its first-ever Comic-Car Con.  In addition, the Pinto gets a 50^th celebration as does the Big Horse Mustangs (’71-’73).  There’s also a Stroppe Reunion and the annual Ford Nationals Select display within Building Y.

Competitions and wheels in motion are also a big part of the fun.  All weekend there’s autocross, with ride-alongs from Gateway Classic Mustang, the Real Street Shootout Friday night and open runs by way of the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club on Sunday.  There’s even a rolling exhaust contest where the sounds of the machines echo throughout the grounds.  Ford (the company) also turns heads with their new vehicles on display as well as product walkarounds from their expert team on the midway and the stage. 

Yet another great weekend aspect is the Manufactures Midway and automotive flea market.  On the midway, some of the top companies in the hobby are set up showcasing and selling new products, while A&A Auto Stores is onsite handling installs of exhaust systems.  If new or aftermarket isn’t front and center for shoppers, the automotive flea market is a prefect way to find original and classic parts, while also offering collectibles, merchandise, practical items and more.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the web, be sure to apply for special displays, register to show, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.

There are many great charitable organizations that support the military.  It doesn’t matter if it’s financial, social, physical or emotional support, working with active military and veterans has become the primary focus of many groups spanning decades.  One such group, the Rescue 22 Foundation (and those it supports) stands to benefit from an upcoming car auction and the sale of a limited-edition Ford Mustang.

The auction, powered by Carlisle Auctions of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, takes place April 22-23 at the Carlisle Expo Center and happens in conjunction with Spring Carlisle, an automotive flea market event held at the neighboring Carlisle Fairgrounds (April 21-25).  On Friday, April 23, Carlisle Auctions, in conjunction with Sisson Pre-Owned of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and the Rescue 22 Foundation will sell the car at no reserve with 100% of the sale benefitting the foundation.

As noted, the car was a limited-edition build.  According to Garry Sisson, namesake of the dealership, there were just 30 built and the only way for them to be obtained was to be an active, deployed service member.  This car is #9 of 30 from the 2015 run and was originally obtained by Sisson as stock, with the intent to sell it.  That all changed; however, after a conversation with Brandon Rumbaugh, a friend of his, who lost his legs in Afghanistan.  Brandon, who has a foundation of his own in Uniontown, inspired Mr. Sisson to do something more.  That more ultimately translated to a raffle where for $50 per entry, someone would win this car on Christmas Day 2020, with all raffle proceeds going to the Rescue 22 Foundation.

But with a winner, how is this car now at Carlisle?  According to Mr. Sisson, when the name was drawn on Christmas Day, it happened to be a local (to western PA) wounded combat veteran who was, ironically enough, on the list for a service dog from the Rescue 22 Foundation on January 7, 2021.  Knowing the value of the foundation, the winner donated the car back to Sisson Pre-Owned who in turn, connected with Carlisle Auctions to facilitate this sale on April 23.

The Rescue 22 Foundation has been frequently mentioned, but who/what are they?  According to Executive Board Chair Angela Connor, “the Rescue 22 Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides the highest quality task trained service dogs to our nations combat veterans.”

This is not the first time this car has been at the Carlisle Expo Center.  As part of the 2020 Fall Collector Car Auction, Mr. Sisson displayed the car to promote his original raffle, which by the way, raised nearly $100,000. 

“It’s not often that a car this nice can be sold twice with monies benefitting the same great organization,” noted Director of Auction operations Tony Cline.  “We are excited to work with Mr. Sisson, the Rescue 22 Foundation and our great bidder base to raise money for this rare and extra special car on April 23 at approximately 4 p.m.”

Carlisle Auctions is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleAuctions.com.  While on the web, be sure to learn more about the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, consign to sell, or as noted, register to bid and view committed consignments.  There are THREE WAYS to bid on this or any other car; in person, on the phone or online.  Learn more online or call 717-960-6400 today.

The car community is all inclusive!  Politics, race, orientation, specific car interests, able bodied, adaptive or otherwise, when showing a car, you’re simply an enthusiast and your enthusiasm tends to draw the interests of others who want to see what you’re showing and talk about what they are into as well.  Sometimes, once the dust settles on the initial conversation, someone might notice something a little different, but really…does it matter?  For car lover Jason Schneider, losing a hand at age 12 has not stopped his passion for cars OR his ability to wrench on them.

Schneider is a native New Yorker and northeast Pennsylvania resident who has owned many cars in his life.  He doesn’t just own or drive them, he races them, maintains them and upgrades them too.  What makes him different (according to some) is that due to an unfortunate accident as a child, he lost his right hand.  Never one to look at himself as different, Schneider navigated life as any normal kid would.  He built soap box racers, played video games, he got his drivers license and he fell in love with cars.  Of course, not everyone looked at him in the same way that he did. 

Over time, Schneider has proven his doubters wrong and along the way, helped showcase others who have done the same.  In 2005, he began a career in filmmaking as an editor, and in 2019, his directorial debut titled “Despite the Loss” premiered.  The 88 minute long feature length documentary not only takes viewers on a journey through his life, but introduces audiences to others “like him” who have persevered, despite their loss.  In fact, two stars of the documentary end up getting married after connecting by way of a dating app.  There are others featured in the film that share an automotive passion like Schneider, including Harry Sandhu, the shop owner of Z-Tuner in Florida and Jacob Innabnit, a CAD Designer who owns Eximious Custom Parts in Alabama.  In short, the movie with Schneider and everyone else featured what they already knew; they really aren’t different at all.

In 2021, as part of the Carlisle Ford Nationals (June 4-6) presented by Meguiar’s, Schneider will be the special guest of Carlisle Events and the Ford community.  While at the event, he’ll be showcasing his 1993 Fox-body Mustang, while also taking it to the track as part of Friday’s Real Street Shootout.  In addition, Schneider will be introduced to Ford representatives and his story will be showcased on social media platforms throughout the weekend too, including his and those of Carlisle Events.

By the way, this is the first time Schneider has ever been to a car show at Carlisle and it all came together through a mutual connection, the JP Emerson podcast.  Emerson, a friend of Carlisle Events, is in season 1 of his internationally available podcast, and heard about Schneider.  While booking him in, he also connected with Carlisle Events with the idea of a surprise invite.  It all played out on Emerson’s March 8, 2021 episode.  Schneider accepted and has been looking forward to the visit ever since.

“As a long-time fan of Carlisle Events, and a diehard Ford enthusiast, I'm thrilled to be a special guest of the Carlisle Ford Nationals this year,” said Schneider.  “It's an honor to meet some of the Ford brass, and the Real Street Shootout is a great opportunity to put my new Mustang project through its paces and test my own skills on the autocross.”

There certainly is a lot to see and do for he and everyone else who comes to the event.  Ford weekend welcomes its first-ever Comic-Car Con, where tribute, replica and in some cases real TV and movie cars will be showcased.  In addition, the Pinto gets a 50^th celebration as does the Big Horse Mustangs (’71-’73).  There’s also a Stroppe Reunion and the annual Ford Nationals Select display within Building Y.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the web, be sure to apply for Feature Vehicle displays, register for the National Parts Depot Showfield or to be a vendor, purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance and more.  Call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.