The Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by eBay Motors is excited to share that 2X Formula Drift Champion and Ultra4 Champion driver Vaughn Gittin, Jr. will be part of our Friday, June 2 fun at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  

When he rolls in for his Friday, June 2 visit, he’ll bring with him a fleet of RTR vehicles, including his RTR-X.   Better yet, this display won’t just showcase the RTR-X as a stationary ride, it’ll be in motion too by way of drifting exhibitions on the Carlisle track.   

Meet Gittin, Jr. during planned autograph sessions on Friday only and/or stop by and check out his RTR display on the midway too.  The RTR display will be in place all three days.  There are even more elements of this special appearance to be announced, so keep an eye on the Carlisle Ford Nationals web page, social media, etc. for the updates.  

Check out the links below to learn more and get involved!  Vaughn Gittin, Jr. is coming to Carlisle.

Vaughn Gittin, Jr. Links and Info

Facebook - Vaughn Gittin, Jr.
YouTube - Vaughn Gittin, Jr.
Instagram - Vaughn Gittin, Jr.
RTR Vehicles on the WebFacebook - RTR Vehicles
YouTube - RTR Vehicles
Instagram - RTR Vehicles

Carlisle Ford Nationals Links and Info
Carlisle Ford Nationals - Learn More
Register for the NPD Showfield
Discounted Spectator Admission Tickets 

Check out the 2023 Ford Nationals Event Guide for everything you need to know about the show. Also be sure to check out the map & schedule!

View the Official Event Guide (PDF)
View the Official Event Guide (Digital Flip Book)
View the Map & Schedule

Gate-N-Go has ended but you can still benefit from pre-registering early! Pre-registration remains available up until show week. When you pre-register, you cruise up to the Showfield Registration office, bypass one line, pick up your packet and return to your car. Place the registration on your window and you and your guest can cruise onsite with minimal delay.

Save time and get your Ford on the National Parts Depot Showfield!! Visit the Carlisle Registration Store to pre-register TODAY. 

The Ford Nationals Automotive Flea Market is a great place to sell the parts, accessories, automotive memorabilia and literature that have been collecting dust in your garage. Put your parts in front of thousands of Ford enthusiasts and buyers. If you are a vendor or would like to become a vendor, be sure to take advantage of the following offers:

- Book vending & car corral space(s) prior to 45 days of the event at a discounted rate.
- FREE Product Listings in the Event Guide & the Carlisle Events App.
- Early bird renewal discount of 10% when you renew your space(s) at the event up until Friday after the show. 

Buy Your Vending Spaces Online   More about Vending at Carlisle

If you have any questions or need helping booking your space(s), give us a call at 717-243-7855. 

A wide variety of Ford cars and trucks are annually available for sale in the Ford Nationals Car Corral. You can shop, compare and make the deal directly with the owner. Notary Service will be available. If you need anything else for the purchase of a vehicle, our staff in Guest Services can provide a contact list. If you are a car corral vendor or would like to become one, be sure to take advantage of the following offers:

- Book vending & car corral space(s) prior to 45 days of the event at a discounted rate.
- Early bird renewal discount of 10% when you renew your space(s) at the event up until Friday after the show. 

Please Note: All vehicles in the corral must be for sale, in running condition and cannot be displayed on trailers. Spaces are approximately 10’ frontage x 20’ depth per outside space for the entire event. 

Reserve your Car Corral Space  More about Vending at Carlisle

If you have any questions or need helping booking your space(s), give us a call at 717-243-7855. 

Recently, Ford unveiled its all-new Ranger Raptor truck...and wow, the specs on this thing are amazing. The all-new 2024 Ranger Raptor will be the most powerful and high-performance, off-road capable Ranger ever! Designed and engineered by Ford Performance, this truck will take off-road capabilities to a whole new level! It's one thing to see it in photos and/or read about online, it's another to experience it IN PERSON at the Carlisle Ford Nationals from June 2-4. Join Ford and the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by eBay Motors for both the event itself AND an unveiling/debut of sorts at the stage of the Ranger Raptor. Carl Widmann, Ford Performance Chief Engineer, will host the info session and give you a chance to see this all-new performance truck for the first ever at an enthusiast event. 

Ranger Raptor Release and Info From Ford                         Register for the NPD Showfield

Purchase Discounted Admission Tickets

We’re not really fond of the term “malaise” but it’s the accepted term in our great hobby, so we’ll go with it. The “malaise era” refers to the mid-1970’s to the mid-1980’s and encompassed some of Ford’s often forgotten vehicles. In Building R (near Gate 2) this year at the Ford Nationals we are going to feature these Fords for what is going to be a cool display of that era. While that era encompasses a lot of vehicles we want to see the odd stuff, the off the wall stuff, the stuff many of us have forgotten about.

Annually, the Carlisle Ford Nationals host a display dubbed the Ford Nationals Select. Launched in 2015, this display is positioned within Building Y and features 12-14 cars that are unique to the history of the Ford Brand. Each car will be numbered and receive a commemorative banner to mark their inclusion in the display. In addition, banners will hang from the rafters akin to what sports teams do, logging the history of the Ford Nationals Select.

Launched by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team for the 1993 Model Year, the SVT Cobra was designed to showcase SVT’s hallmarks of performance, substance, exclusivity, and value.  Whether you are talking about the original Fox based Cobra and Cobra R, the SN-95 Cobras, or the New Edge Cobras, these are some of the most sought after late model Mustangs. In June we will celebrate all of these generations and we want you to be a part of it! We will be featuring a unique display of SVT Cobras as well as some special guests around these awesome vehicles. This will also be a part of the great SVT Anniversary also going on at the show in June! The Cobras will also slither their way around the NPD Showfield on Friday as part of the SVT Cobra Parade (Time TBD). You are not going to want to miss this! 

Want to participate on the NPD Showfield in the SVT Cobra classes?
Register for the NPD Showfield

Are you wondering what’s all the ruckus about? Well coming in June is a display that howls for attention and features Coyote powered Fords. Dubbed the "Coyote Den" will be a feature display showcasing vehicles not only equipped originally with Coyote powerplants but also the ever popular Coyote swaps. The display will also come to life on Friday and Saturday with the howling of the Coyotes, a special showcasing where we will invite all Coyote powered Fords (including those on the NPD Showfield) to rev up at a certain time. 


Want to participate on the NPD Showfield?
Register for the NPD Showfield

The storm is coming in June, are you ready for it? This year we will celebrate 30 years of the Ford Lightning! This includes the ever collectible and popular first generation OBS SVT Lightning, the Flaresided second generation, and the new all-electric Ford Lightnings. SVT in 1993 literally started the storm where lightning not only struck twice but now three times to deliver a performance truck to you the enthusiast. We intend to celebrate that with an awesome Tent Display in the Lightning field showcasing a few examples of each generation. This will also be a part of the great SVT Anniversary also going on at the show in June! Lightning will also strike on the NPD Showfield as well with a Lightning Parade on Friday as part of the event.

Want to participate on the NPD Showfield in the Lightning classes?
Register for the NPD Showfield

Performance, Substance, Exclusivity, and Value were the core values established in 1993 for the then newly founded Ford SVT program. Since its launch at the Chicago Auto Show with the 1993 SVT Cobra and SVT Lightning (see our other displays featuring them as well), Ford’s SVT group went on to produce more than seven different SVT vehicles over its tenure before absorbing into the Ford Performance group of brands. Whether you own a SVT Cobra, a Shelby GT500, a SVT Lightning, a SVT Focus, a SVT Contour, a Ford GT, a Raptor, or likewise, we invite you to be part of this awesome weekend of performance! We intend to celebrate with an awesome Tent Display showcasing the SVT history. We will also be featuring a SVT Parade of vehicles on Friday as part of the event for all SVT owners to be a part of! This is going to be a celebration for the ages.
 

Want to participate on the NPD Showfield in the SVT classes? 
Register for the NPD Showfield

SVT turns 30 years old this year and Ford wants to be part of the celebration! Our friends at Ford are bringing the FIRST 1993 Cobra R to the show. This is the vehicle that kicked off SVT and is going to be on display in the SVT Anniversary Tent located near Building R. Special thanks to Ford Motor Company and Ford Performance for bringing it to the show!

Ford Motor Company                           Buy Tickets

Join our friends at Ford Performance Racing Parts for a special pair of vehicles being unveiled at 10AM on Friday at this year’s event. Ford Performance Racing Parts, the name tied to many of the parts under the hood of your Ford has put together not just one but two awesome vehicles for you. Their debut will take place in their booth in the Ford Display on the Midway. Join their experts as they show off the future and join them at the stage on Friday and Saturday at 2:30PM as they show them off!

Ford Performance Online                Buy Tickets

Join us on Friday afternoon at 3:30 PM for a special parade featuring all SVT Products throughout the years of Ford’s SVT programs. Our friends at Ford’s Special Vehicle Registry power this awesome parade with hosts John Clor and Austin Atwood of Ford Performance. The Parade will take off from the SVT Anniversary Tent near Building R and parade around the grounds in front of the Grandstand. John Clor and Austin Atwood will also be sharing the latest on the Special Vehicle Registry from the Grandstand as the parade roars around the grounds. This is a unique opportunity open to any and all SVT vehicle owner. No signup is required to be in the parade, but a Showfield registration is required. A Carlisle Events staff member will be on hand 30 minutes prior to the parade to begin staging vehicles in line. Be part of the excitement today!

Register for the Showfield                                 Ford's Special Vehicle Registry

The Saleen Club of America and the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation are hosting a special dinner Friday of the Carlisle Ford Nationals. This is the inaugural year for the dinner at the Ford Nationals. This year with the Saleen Club of America we will be featuring 40 Years of Saleen. You do not have to be a Saleen Club of America member to participate as the dinner is open to all. Meet special Saleen themed guests, hear the stories encompassing 40 Years of Saleen history, experience a special Saleen unveiling, indulge with great food and drinks, participate in raffles and enjoy a live charity auction. All proceeds from this great event directly benefit the CMAF and the event takes place at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. 

While there are many great dining options in the region, there aren’t many places other than the Carlisle Expo Center that can accommodate groups the size of our passionate club enthusiasts. Why not consider making this your club’s Friday night dinner destination. Keep your Friday going by joining the fun with likeminded enthusiasts and special guests. Don’t wait though, this dinner has a limited number of attendees and is sure to sell out! Register for the dinner using the link below to book your spot at the table! You may also call 717-243-7855 to book over the phone.  

Door prizes are up for grabs including a 2024 Carlisle Ford Nationals VIP Package that includes 3 nights hotel and Showfield registration for 2024’s event (more prizes and details to be announced as planning progresses).

Tickets are NOW available and are $70 per person (price increases to $80 per person after April 18th). The dinner will begin at 6pm on Friday June 2, doors open at 5PM.  Tickets include the dinner menu below and an open bar. Tickets will also include a limited special gift for each participant to commemorate the evening.

Dinner Menu:
1st Course: Charcuterie Boards at every table.
2nd Course: Caesar Salads with Dinner Rolls
3rd Course: Buffet including Prime Rib Carving Stations, Marinated Chicken Breast, Pasta, and more!
Dessert: Varying cakes and cupcakes from local bakeries.

Schedule of Events:
5PM: Doors Open
6PM: Dinner
7-9PM: 40 Years of Saleen Discussions, Charity Auction, and a Vehicle Unveiling

Buy Tickets for the Dinner                               Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation

A very popular name within automotive circles is coming to Carlisle as part of our 40 Years of Saleen celebration. Steve Saleen was born in California and attended USC, earning a degree in business. He parlayed his education into a booming career that saw him work with the Porsche Owners Club before becoming a competitive racer. In 1980, he entered the Formula Atlantic series and was third in the final series standings. After that, he advanced to the SCCA Trans-Am series in '82, driving a Ford Mustang. From there, his passion for the Mustang grew immensely, culminating with the founding of Saleen Autosport in 1983 and subsequent building of the first Saleen Mustang.

In 1984, the car was completed, tested and raced against some of the world's top cars, finishing first in its class at the Mosport 24 hour endurance race. Years later, Saleen formed a race team with comedian Tim Allen and driver Bob Bondurant. The three raced Saleen Mustangs in the SCAA World Challenge. Inducted into the Mustang Hall of Fame in 1996 along side Carroll Shelby, Saleen remains active today, primarily with his namesake company, Saleen Inc.

Don't miss a chance to meet Saleen at Carlisle in 2023 as he shares stories of his portion of automotive history as part of the special 40 Years of Saleen celebration. There will be autograph sessions, Q&A's, and more. The official schedule will be released as we get closer to Ford Nationals!

Saleen Website                          Buy Tickets for Ford Nationals 

As part of the Saleen 40th Anniversary celebration, we will be hosting a Saleen parade open to all Saleen owners and their vehicles! On Friday (Time to be announced soon) we will parade from the Saleen classes on the NPD Showfield across the grandstand, and around the field to ring in 40 years of awesome Saleen products. No signup is required to be in the parade, but a Showfield registration is required. A Carlisle Events staff member will be on hand 30 minutes prior to the parade to begin staging vehicles in line. Be part of the excitement today and help us celebrate 40 years of Saleen domination!

Register for the NPD Showfield

Founded in 1983 Saleen has always been at the forefront of performance Ford products.  Founder Steve Saleen, an enthusiast like many of you, built the company into an American manufacturer of specialty high-performance sports cars and high-performance parts. This June we will celebrate that founding with a special display featuring Saleens. Additionally, the grounds will come to life with some seminars and a parade or two featuring Saleens.  This is going to be one celebration not to miss whether you participate on your own or with one of the Saleen clubs in attendance at the event.

Want to participate with your Saleen on the NPD Showfield?
Register for the NPD Showfield

Our friends at Shelby American are introducing not just one, but two awesome vehicles at this year’s event! We encourage you to join us on Friday, June 2 for these two introductions, once at 1PM in Building T and another at 3PM on the stage! Shelby American’s President, Gary Patterson, will be on hand to show off these new builds. While we can’t tell you what they are we are super excited to showcase them at this year’s event! These two vehicle introductions are not to be missed!  

Join us as we welcome legendary NHRA Drag Racer, Bruce Larson, at this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals. Bruce was the driver of the legendary 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra dubbed the Dragonsnake (CSX2093) which set records at the 1965 Winter Nationals, Spring Nationals, and US Nationals. Bruce joins us courtesy of our friends Shelby American and Legendary GT in Building T twice throughout the event weekend. Bruce will be signing autographs following Shelby American’s 1PM unveiling in Building T on Friday from 2PM to 3PM. Bruce will return on Saturday for another autograph session from 10AM to 11AM. Stop in and meet the legend yourself!

Buy Tickets for Ford Nationals                                      Legendary GT

If you’re coming to the Carlisle Ford Nationals to look at the classic and collector cars on the NPD Showfield, don’t forget, not far from those rides are an amazing mix of automotive flea market (a.k.a. swap meet) and midway vendors.  

Mix in the Women’s Oasis, offering some non-automotive items for the ladies and a food court laced with some of the tastiest fare available and you get one of the largest vending footprints of its type anywhere.

Learn more about our event vendors and their location(s) today by downloading the Carlisle Events App or once available online (or in person), check out the vending pages and map of our event guide. Online, the guide and map are posted about one week prior to the event. At the event, it’s available at Guest Services or any main point of entry.

Check out the Event Guide/Vendors
Tips for Navigating the Swap Meet
Download the Carlisle Events App

With the popularity of many Ford products from the likes of Roush, Saleen and Shelby it only makes sense that other companies would get in on the action as well! The likes of Hurst, Pettys Garage, Tuscany, Hennessey and more are specialty builders set on providing you, the enthusiast, an awesome vehicle. So why not show them off at the Ford Nationals? Class 140 is home to those specialty built enthusiast vehicles. We are excited to see this class continues to grow!

Have a Hurst, Pettys Garage, Tuscany, Hennessey, or other specialty builder produced Ford vehicle? Register it for the Showfield in Class 140! 

Register for the NPD Showfield

The Downtown Carlisle Association presents the annual and always popular Ford Parade and Downtown Street Party on Saturday, June 3rd at 7pm. 

Automotive enthusiasts, specifically those interested in the FOMOCO brands, will line the streets of downtown Carlisle to see a wide array of cars showcased during the Carlisle Ford Nationals. The parade field is limited to only 400 Ford, Lincoln and/or Mercury vehicles.

The parade will once again be led by a select group of Ford officials showing off some of their hot new products! In addition to the parade, spectators will enjoy specialty vehicles, a wide variety of food and fanfare.

You must be registered for the Carlisle Ford Nationals to be eligible for the parade. Don't miss out on this great Saturday night attraction. All vehicles must be staged prior to 6:30 p.m. for departure.

NEW for 2023! With the planned implementation of a two-year road construction project which includes the installation of at least one roundabout, changes to the Carlisle Ford Nationals parade route are required. These changes are beyond the control of Carlisle Events and the DCA. The new route was carefully evaluated and crafted in a combined effort by the DCA, Carlisle Events, and local authorities. Participant vehicles will now stage at the Carlisle Expo Center and then proceed south on Pitt St. before turning left (and right) on High St. Cars that turn left will then cruise to the downtown square before either going straight and continuing on High St. or turning both left and right on North Hanover St. This route, while different from the standard path into downtown, gives even more of the Carlisle community a chance to see your wheels in motion AND gives those along High St. and North Hanover St. a chance to enjoy the festivities from a whole new angle. The map is linked below.

Day of Show/Onsite Registration:
• Thursday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (based on availability)
• Fee includes t-shirt, goody bag & special parade dash plaque (while supplies last)


Register for the Parade        View the NEW Parade Route Map

In addition to the competition among the cars on the Ford Nationals NPD Showfield, there is a battle between clubs to see who has the most cars registered. Clubs that place 1st - 5th will receive a Hemmings Club Challenge banner and recognition on the Winner's List!

As a bonus, we offer the use of a 20’ X 20’ tent to those clubs who register 25 vehicles or more. These tents are a great place to take a break and they make a great club headquarters for the weekend. Larger clubs may be eligible for a bigger tent.
 
Apply to be an Officially Recognized Club     Learn More about the Club Program 

The Coolest Club award is based on the premise of your club tent being THE PLACE to be. Plan your theme and your decorations well for the show because there are a host of clubs vying for the honor.

At the Ford Nationals, the Coolest Club Hangout is sponsored by the Ford Performance Group and the winner is chosen by John Clor.

Apply to be an Officially Recognized Club     Learn More about the Club Program

We believe that one of the most honorable awards you can get at the Carlisle Ford Nationals is a Celebrity Choice Award. But do you really know what a Celebrity Choice award means? The deemed "celebrities" are notable people in our hobby, such as special guest, engineers who were the visionaries on the cars you love, to club leaders who make it their mission to bring people to the event each year. Getting a Celebrity Choice award is a true honor because that celebrity is picking one car out of the whole Showfield that means something to them. It's not the traditional judging, as there is no point scoring, but a personal reason behind why someone likes your car. 

Celebrity Judging takes place on Saturday of the show. Celebrities will walk the grounds to find that one car that gets their pick. You will know you are a winner right away, because there will be a special sticker on your car, as well as a document that notifies you that you won. Your autographed award will be available for pickup on Sunday!

Register for the NPD Showfield

Carlisle Ford Nationals offers opportunity for Ford fans to see products, vehicles and hear from the minds behind the machines with in depth with stories behind the development of the newest and exciting Ford products. 

Continuing on the popularity of our annual Carlisle Ford Nationals die-cast, we are proud to announce the next in the series for 2023!

The Ford F-250 from M2 Machines is done up in an old school Motorcraft / Bob Glidden style livery like none other in our annual series! This is the seventh die-cast in the Carlisle Ford Nationals series and is a must have if you have the prior six pieces. The F-250 has a cool look that says “lets go on an adventure to Carlisle” complete with a Coyote engine swapped in as part of our Coyote Den Display. The die-cast will feature unique packaging with a matching Carlisle Ford Nationals blister card which you can’t find elsewhere.

Carlisle Events has worked with the die-cast gurus at M2 Machines to have these available for purchase at the Carlisle Ford Nationals. There will be no pre-orders or holds and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the show in June. Quantities are limited to just 1,000 pieces and we expect them to sell out! The price is TBD and must be purchased in the Carlisle Store in Building T at Carlisle Ford Nationals. FYI – Quantities are limited to six (6) die-cast per person. 

VMP Performance has been in the Ford performance market for over 10 years. VMP was started by Justin Starkey in 1999 when he bought his first Mustang. VMP Performance has grown to include many different parts and accessories. VMP's main focus is EFI tuning, both mail-order tuning and dyno-tuning. VMP uses the most up to date SCT, HP Tuners and COBB software / hardware and the highest quality equipment on their mobile dyno to provide you with the best possible tune. VMP has nearly $100,000 invested in our dyno-tuning operation, between dyno equipment, computers, and software. VMP has mail order tuned over 1000 vehicles and dynotuned over 1000 vehicles on our Mobile Dyno-Jet 224x Mobile Dyno. Justin Starkey, VMP's tuner and owner, worked at SCT for nearly a year as part of the technical support staff. He still enjoys a close relationship with SCT. Justin's extensive knowledge base and industry contacts, coupled with many thousands of hours of research and development on our dyno allows us to give you the best possible mail order and dyno tunes. VMP specializes in custom tuning for the Ford family of vehicles. They custom tune all OBD2 Ford vehicles. Get your Ford tuned at this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals.



Visit VMP Performance online today!

On Saturday of Carlisle Ford Nationals, visit the track to get your fix for tire burning excitement during the Rolling Burnout and Donut Contest!

This contest will feature multiple ways to get your burnout going thanks to our sponsor, Atturo Tires! Participants can chose from the following:

1. Do a rolling burnout down the track!
2. Do a donut on the fresh donut pad!
3. Do a wicked rolling burnout into a donut onto the pad! 

The contest is limited to 10 contestants and sign-ups will begin Friday at Guest Services. You must be a registered participant at the show and provide your driver’s license & insurance card when signing up. 

Refer to the Event Guide for the official time (published two weeks prior to the event). 

View the Past Winner's List      View the Event Guide     

Car owners have the chance to showcase just what their car sounds like in a standalone environment during the Exhaust Contest! On Saturday of Ford Nationals all eyes will be on you and your car. Don't miss this cool competition as cars will start in a line on the track and roar as they accelerate. This will also be judged but take note, the best overall sound will take home the prize, not necessarily the loudest.

The contest consists of one round, hosting 20 cars. The Exhaust Contest is FREE but you MUST be registered on the NPD Showfield to be eligible to participate! Sign up in Guest Services starting on Friday at 7AM. This is a first-come, first-served basis and we do expect the round to be filled so please sign-up early! 

Refer to the Event Guide for the official time & location (published two weeks prior to the event).

View the Past Winner's List    View the Event Guide

This year, be sure to participate in the Autocross Real Street Shootout, taking place Friday of event weekend. It will begin with check-in followed by a driver's meeting and tech inspection. This FREE activity is being supported by Gateway Classic Mustang. It's fast, it's furious and it's fun! 

If you think you and your car have what it takes to compete in the shootout, signup for the contest at Guest Services starting on Friday. This activity is a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to sign-up when you get here! The top three finishers will receive a trophy and will each get a cash payout! If you want to have some fun on the track, this is your chance…and it’s FREE!!

Participants must have a registered (and street legal) car on the Ford Nationals NPD Showfield, be 18 years of age or older and have a valid license and insurance. Refer to the Event Guide for the official time (published two weeks prior to the event). Participants are REQUIRED to bring their own helmets for safety. You will be unable to participate if you don't have one. 

Helmets are REQUIRED. Helmets must be SNELL Foundation certified, either “SA” (Special Application),“SAH” (Special Application Helmets Configured for use with frontal head restraints), “M” (motorcycle), or “EA” (Elite Automotive Sports). A SNELL foundation rating of “K” (karting) is NOT allowed. A DOT approval is not sufficient without the SNELL certification. A helmet from the second previous testing cycle is also allowed if it is SNELL certified and has a manufacture date less than ten (10) years old. e.g., in the year 2014, SNELL ratings of SA2005 or M2005 and SA2010 or M2010 will be legal. In addition, a SA2000 or M2000 helmet would be legal until they exceed 10 years of age. 

*Due to safety concerns, stock height SUVS and trucks may be excluded from the contest.

View the Past Winner's List    View the Event Guide

The Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by eBay Motors spotlights all-things Ford and for 2023, the event welcomes another crushing piece of automotive history; the all-Ford powered Virginia Giant monster ride truck.

Prepare yourself for the ride of a lifetime via this car-crushing, heart-pounding monster!  Climb aboard the Virginia Giant ride truck for a white-knuckle ride that will have you on the edge of your seat as you crush cars near the autocross track at Carlisle Fairgrounds.  Based off a '92-'96 F-Series Ford body, the Virginia Giant adds to the Ford Nationals excitement and is suitable for guests of all ages. Rides take place Friday and Saturday from 9AM until 5PM and Sunday, 9AM until 12PM.

Please note, a nominal fee applies per person per ride AND no actual Fords will be crushed in the execution of this activity.   
Virginia Giant on the Web

When you bring your kids to this year's Ford Nationals, there will be different things they can participate in at the show! Check them out below: 

Kid's Goody Bag- Available for pickup at Guest Services for kids 12 and under! Parents will receive a goody bag coupon for each kid when they pick up their Showfield Goody Bag or when coming in with a spectator admission ticket. Some goodies within the bag are a coloring book, free cup with a coupon for a free drink at the food court and much more! 

RC Car Giveaway & Kids Cash Grab- Kids 12 and under can sign-up to potentially win an RC Car! When signing up for the giveaway, they are also eligible to be chosen for the Kid's Cash Grab. The Giveaway sign-up is located in Guest Services. Winners of the RC Car & kids selected for the Cash Grab will be contacted via phone!

Kids Bingo- Kids 12 and under can participate in Kid's Bingo and potentially win some cool prizes! Check out the event guide for the time and location.

Kids Choice Award- Kids can cast a vote for their favorite car within Building T and the owner of the car will get an award!

Ride a Real Monster Truck- Climb aboard the Virginia Giant ride truck for a ride that will have you on the edge of your seat as you crush cars near the autocross track. The Virginia Giant is suitable for guests of all ages, and makes a great activity for the whole family! Fees apply. 

We hope to see your whole family at the show!

More Kids at Carlisle Information

Did you find your name on this year's winners list? If so, you are invited to participate in the Awards Presentation in front of the stage on Sunday. The first step is to go to Guest Services starting at 9AM on Sunday to pick up your award. Those that win and wish to participate in the Awards Presentation will parade their car in front of the Grandstand to be announced and to get photos.

Professional photography is available at the Awards Presentation and pictures are available for purchase under the Grandstand. Please refer to the Event Guide for the official time (published two weeks prior to the event).

If you cannot attend the presentation, your award can be picked up Sunday between 9AM-12PM at Guest Services. After the show you may pick up your award during regular business hours at the fairgrounds, request to have your award shipped for a fee, or pick it up at any Carlisle Events Show up until one year after the event. 

View the Event Guide   Ship your Award   View the Winners List

For decades, buying a ticket to a car show at Carlisle meant arriving the day of, pulling out your wallet and paying cash at the gate. While that still is an option, you can plan ahead and purchase your admission ONLINE! When you purchase tickets online, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail with a bar code. This code will be scanned at the gate for access. It’s that simple! Oh, did we mention that tickets are cheaper online and that means the money you save can be used in the automotive flea market or can help you buy a car within the car corral. Buy now with total confidence and enjoy the show! 

Buy Tickets & Event Passes  Carlisle Events Season Pass

A $5 off discount will be applied for active, reserve or retired military members who purchase a single day spectator admission ticket in person at the Fairgrounds. The $5 off savings is offered for service members who show a valid military ID when purchasing and is for only the ID holder and their single day admission. This discount is available for in person purchase only to any Carlisle Events hosted show during the current season.

We truly thank those that are currently serving and for those that have served for us!

Thanks to Scootaround, the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental service for Carlisle Events, you can rent mobility scooters & wheelchairs for the event. Scootaround allows you to reserve your scooter in advance online or by calling 1-888-441-7575. The only way to guarantee scooter availability is to reserve online prior to the event! 

Please Note: Online reservations close the Friday before the event week. 

Reserve a Scooter

Ford Nationals welcomes our sponsors and partners, where the industries best companies share their passion for automobiles with enthusiasts. Learn more about our sponsors and how they can help you!

JJ Best Banc & Company - Offering financing opportunities for your next collector car. 

Coker Tire - Coker Tire is known around the world for manufacturing wide whitewall tires for classic cars.

Visit all our Sponsors and Partners

Carlisle Events takes pride in the partners we work with and we’re excited to partner with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley in 2023.
 
This year Ronald McDonald House Central Valley is raffling off a Five-night Fairmont Orchid Hawaii (Big Island) trip with airfare and spending money included. Proceeds from this and other raffle offerings go towards providing a “Home Away From Home” for families while their children are being treated in a local hospital. Each room at the Central Valley Ronald McDonald House has two queen size beds, a private restroom, and satellite TV.  Guests share common areas such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and other common living areas. Some families stay for a few days, while others stay for weeks or even months, depending on the severity of their child’s illness. Learn more and support the cause for your chance to win!

Click Here to Enter

Have you ever walked the grounds at Carlisle, lost beyond belief and wondering where your favorite show cars are, or how to find that vendor you’re looking for? Carlisle Events has figured out a way to solve your navigational challenges via the Carlisle Events app. Available for FREE download on the iTunes store AND Google Play store, the app is your on the go tool kit for all things Carlisle Events! Find vendors, check out the event schedule, interact on social media, buy tickets, get directions and review the event guide! Know before you go and with this app, you’ll never be lost at your car show of choice again! 

Carlisle Events App (Apple Devices)  Carlisle Events App (Android Devices)

Also available, the Carlisle Auctions app. This app allows you to stay current with Carlisle Auctions! View consignments, search for cars and get the details on all the great vehicles being offered at Carlisle Auctions. Plus, during live auction hours, you can review the run list and even watch a LIVE web stream of the fun. Download the Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions apps today and we’ll see you at the show!

Carlisle Auctions App (Apple Devices)

Carlisle Events hasn’t forgotten that sometimes it’s nice to take a break from automotive shopping. Join our amazing vendors and artisans selling items such as handmade crafts, jewelry and accessories, kitchen must-haves, unique clothing, treats to temp you, scents to relax you, beauty products and so much more! Done shopping? The tent is also home to some incredibly, and often tasty, seminars and special services offered by the vendors. Refer to the Event Guide for the official location (published two weeks prior to the event).

View the Event Guide     Womens Oasis Vendor Application

The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is a large footprint that can be a challenge at times, even for the most experienced attendee. 82 acres, 16+ miles of paved roadway, vendors and cars everywhere…it’s easy to understand how you may start wondering to yourself “where did I see that part or car I want to buy?” “How do I get my purchase from its space to my truck?” “How am I going to do this?” 

Never fear, because we’ve compiled a helpful list of ways that enhance your on-site experience at Carlisle! Thanks for joining us and enjoy your time at the show!

1. BRING CASH - The more the better. It’s hard to negotiate a deal without being able to pay.
2. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES - It’s a lot of walking.
3. SUN BLOCK/DRINK LIQUIDS - You’ll be in the sun all day. It’s important to protect yourself and stay hydrated, especially if your weekend outdoors is your first prolonged exposure to the sun for the year.
4. REMEMBER THE SPACE - Take a picture of the space location or write it down. Every space at Carlisle has a disk to designate the space. Look down and you’ll see the space marker. Write down the letter and number. Don’t try to remember the space or the surrounding area. You’ll spend the rest of the day looking for it.
5. COME EARLY - Rare parts and great deals typically happen for the first person to find them. Set up day(s) and the first day of the event are for the serious shoppers.
6. ACT FAST - If you see a great deal, grab it. If you plan to come back later, it will probably be gone.
7. NEGOTIATE - It’s a flea market so don’t be afraid to make a REASONABLE offer.
8. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED - Chances are good that you will find something you weren’t planning to find, so keep your eyes open.
9. LOOK EVERYWHERE - Even if you are looking for parts for your brand of vehicle, don’t walk past the vendor selling parts for other models or generations just because you assume there’s no way the vendor has what you want. Give their space a look too. They might not only have it, it may be cheap since it’s not what they typically sell.
10. USE THE CARLISLE EVENTS APP - Use the FREE Carlisle Events app to easily find your way back to a vendor (if you know the row and space). You can also use it to check activity schedules, register for other events, connect with fellow enthusiasts via social media, browse a digital copy of the event guide and more.
11. STAY LATE – There are always deals at Carlisle, but sometimes the best ones happen early on day 1 of a show, or late on its final day. Vendors are typically more willing to negotiate when they are packing up – especially large items.
12. BRING A SHOPPING LIST - Our memories aren’t as good as we think. Write it down. You can even make a list on your phone. Take pictures of what you need.
13. BRING A BAG, CART, ETC. - Parts will get heavy so have a way to carry your purchases. Ask the seller if you can leave heavy parts until later.
14. HAVE IT HAULED - Carlisle Events offers FREE* parts hauling. Keep that in mind if you’re looking at an engine, transmission, truck bed, etc.
15. FREE TAXI SERVICE – Need to get from point A to point B but don’t feel like walking it? Carlisle Events offers a FREE* taxi service. Dial 717-960-6429 to secure a ride. 
16. ASK! - If someone has parts for a vehicle but not the ones you need, ask if the seller has it. It might still be in his truck or at home. Even if he doesn’t, he might know someone who does.
17. KNOW THE VALUE - Do some homework on the parts you’re looking for so you know if the price is a good deal.
18. AVOID THE CROWDS - When you arrive, go to an out-of-the-way area to start rather than following the herd.
19. WALK IT ALL - Don’t miss any rows. The Carlisle Fairgrounds isn’t a perfect grid so make sure you hit every row and space.
20. ADVERTISE - Wear a hat, shirt or signboard that spotlights what you’re looking for.  It just might create a conversation, especially if what you’re searching for is obscure and/or rare. 

*While parts hauling and taxi service are free, donations are graciously accepted.  Donated money goes directly to the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation. 

 

Enjoy the final moments and aspects of what surely was an amazing event weekend.  Gates open at 7AM to start shopping for last minute deals from remaining vendors. 

Sunday at Carlisle offers FREE parking in any Carlisle operated parking lot. Additionally, if you had purchased an event ticket from a prior day, bring it back in on Sunday and get in for FREE (or pay regular admission without an event ticket from prior day)!

A non-denominational worship service is held at 9:00AM Sunday morning. We welcome you to join us for the service led by the Salvation Army and our partners-in-faith. Coffee and donuts available. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! We hope to see you there. Refer to the Event Guide for the location (published two weeks prior to the event).

View the Event Guide 

Help those in need at most events this season.  Give generously to members of local Lions Clubs as they staff our gates (varies by event) and accept donations for their Lions International Disaster Relief program.  Look for Lions in a yellow vest with a black donation tin in hand.  Last year, with your support, $10,000 was raised and donated to the Carlisle branch of the Salvation Army to support humanitarian relief efforts in war-torn Ukraine.  This year, your support benefits those in need, foreign and domestic; all by way of the Lions International Disaster Relief Program.  Can’t donate in person?  Learn more about the Lions program online by way of the links below.

Carlisle Area Lions Club – Learn More
Lions International Disaster Relief – Learn More

Are you looking for some items that you may have seen at the event? Well, we may have you covered on our eBay store, Carlisle Overstock! Here we list any "extras" that were available at the events. Items range from special display banners and license plates to unique show diecast and stickers! You never know what you may find...

Carlisle Overstock eBay Store