For 30 years the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores has showcased some of the coolest trucks in the mid-Atlantic region.  From August 6-8, trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles and eras converge on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Joining the trucks are truck lovers, including lots of families and their kids.  For everyone at the event, it's a chance to see in real life the toys they play(ed) with as kids; toys like fire trucks, tow trucks, monster trucks, tractor trailers and heavy equipment. 

The big machines may drop jaws, but the little ones will do more than that.  Lowered and mini trucks have always played a key role in event weekend, but for 2021, the event welcomes an all-new dedicated area for lowered trucks and low truck clubs to gather for an official “Low Show.”

This special show within a show of lowered and mini trucks will be positioned just inside of Gate 3, the main entrance to the grounds near Carlisle Events offices to the north of the Gate.  More than ten clubs will be represented in this area to include new and old friends of the Carlisle Truck Nationals. In addition to this showing for low trucks, there will be additional competitions and activities for the low truck and all truck enthusiasts to enjoy. While at the show this year, look for a low truck limbo, coolest and largest club honors, drop and drag, a skating parade, dyno and more. 

For truck lovers looking to get upgrades while at the event, A&A Auto Stores not only presents the Carlisle Truck Nationals, but also offers in-person installations, while American Force Wheels, the Official Wheel of the Carlisle Truck Nationals brings a mixed bag of size and color options for trucks of all sizes backdropped on some incredible truck builds.

“The enthusiasm and excitement for the low truck show and showing at this year’s Truck Nationals is incredible, noted Ed Scholly, event manager of the Truck Nationals. This includes current clubs that have been showing at Carlisle and many new clubs or groups that we have not seen in a few years. Lowered, Lifted, Big, Mini, Late Model or Antique, 2021 is lining up real nice for truck enthusiasts trekking to Carlisle!”

So…while there are many great trucks and features that guests of all ages have come to know and love, 2021 will shine a new light on the lowered truck hobby and you’re invited!

Finally, Carlisle Events and the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds remain COVID compliant and plan to offer detailed health safety measures at all 2021 events.  Complete details on the COVID plan, specifics on how to secure a vending or car corral space, register for “Low Show,” the Showfield, links to purchase spectator tickets and more can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Spring Carlisle at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is an event that spawns an annual pilgrimage for car lovers and collectors from all walks of life.  Much like how the items available bridge generations of automotive production, the people who come to Carlisle also bridge generations – of families!  An enthusiast who first came to Spring Carlisle in 1977, now attends with their son or grandson, all while a first-timer shares the same aisle space as they buy, sell and trade all things automotive.

For 2021, Spring Carlisle runs April 21-25 and this year, offers a return to its normal April time frame.  With 8,100 spaces available, the grounds come to life with everything from the simple to the exotic.  If X marks the spot still means something to enthusiasts who love to hunt and pick, then Spring Carlisle has an X at every turn.  Hidden gems, treasures, collectibles, hard to find items; it all adorns the grounds at Carlisle.

In addition to vendors showcasing their wares, multiple partners will be onsite to create a unique Manufactures Midway.  The midway plays host to some of the top named automotive companies in the hobby, including Amsoil, Rock Auto, Meguiar’s, A&A Auto Stores, American Collectors Insurance and more.  A complete list of midway partners will be available online within the digital version of the event directory.  That directory will be available no later than two weeks prior to the event. 

Another great event aspect is the ARMO Hot Products Showcase.  See in person the latest and greatest products straight from the SEMA Show coming onto the market and talk person to person with their product EXPERTS.  Doing this helps you better understand what they are showcasing and how their products can work for any vehicle, regardless of its era.  Joining ARMO as a special attraction will be a display from the AACA.  The display will feature select cars and include information on the car club plus details on their annual fall meet in Hershey in October.

Along with the automotive flea market, the car corral boasts more history on display AND for sale.  The comfort level of buying and selling within the corral is high because the pressure is low.  Deal directly with the owner face-to-face and know exactly what you’re buying.

Speaking of buying cars, Carlisle Auctions returns to the Carlisle Expo Center in April a two-day classic and collector car auction.  The auction hosts over 400+ consignments and spans April 22-23.  In addition to nearly every decade of production crossing the block, Carlisle Auctions plans a themed truck hour at a time TBD on April 22.

Another great attraction, though non-automotive, is the Women’s Oasis.  This ‘home away from chrome” welcomes amazing vendors and artisans selling items such as handmade crafts, jewelry and accessories, kitchen must-haves, unique clothing, treats to temp you, relaxing scents, beauty products and so much more

When it’s all said and done, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions offer investments that truly accelerate, either in the form of transportation, collectibles, merchandise or even the motorized, but non-automotive stuff known as “anymotive.”    

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, register, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of all events or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today. 

Drifting – the art of car sliding in competition, may be the fastest-growing motorsport. Made popular in America by such drifting-focused films as “Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift,”  “Mischief 3000,” “Evolusi KL Drift,” “Drift The Sideways Craze” and the manga anime “Initial D,” along with an homage to the skill in the animated “Cars” film, drifting is as much about performing as performance, as putting on a good show is what enthusiasts like to see and how points are scored.

To maintain the best speed possible during rallies, races or just entertaining fans by showing off, drivers employ a technique known as drifting, in which the driver purposely oversteers, with loss of traction, while maintaining control and driving the car through the entirety of a corner. This practice causes the rear slip angle to exceed the front slip angle so that, in many cases, the front wheels point in the opposite direction to the turn – so if the car is turning left, the wheels are pointed right or vice versa. This situation is also called opposite lock or counter-steering. Drifting differs from “four-wheel-drift” used in Grand Prix and sports car racing, in which cornering at high speed is aided by clutch kicking, then purposely oversteering and countersteering.

Sliding sideways at high speeds has been an American practice since the automobile got into the hands of those who saw the car as more than simply transportation, but the genre of drifting has its beginnings in Japan … or Sweden.

The most widely accepted origin story is that in the 1970s, Keiichi Tsuchiya introduced sliding during races, a technique he developed after watching motorcycle racer/auto racer Kunimitsu Takahashi drift in the All-Japan Touring Car Championships. Tsuchiya honed his skills while racing on Japanese mountain roads and became known as “Drift King”. A lesser-known beginning is credited to a Scandinavian practice of “flicking,” a technique of initiating oversteer using the handbrake, to prevent the vehicle losing momentum on the track during rallies. This thread goes on to say that Japanese racers picked up the technique, revolutionized it and led to a sport all its own. From there, we still go back to Tsuchiya, who starred in the first drifting video, “Pluspy,” which inspired racers and organizers to hold the first major drifting event: the D1 Grand Prix, in 2000.

D1, founded by Option drifting magazine magnate, Daijiro Inada, was originally called “The All Japan Professional Drift Championship,” and was not the first organized drift event or even first drift competition, but it was embraced by Japanese media and was publicized in magazines and videos. Early drift events migrated to America, and even before D1, Inada, presented a drifting event in 1966 at Willow Springs (CA) Raceway. Drifting has since evolved into an international sports phenomenon in which drivers manipulate their rear-wheel-drive (in most cases) modified performance rides in various maneuvers to earn points based on judges’ scoring. One such maneuver is having the driver keep the car sliding for extended periods of time, often linking several turns.

Few competitions are for speed as with typical races, so there’s no checkered flag. Most events involve a figure-skating (complete the maneuver) regimen, or follow-the-leader approach in which drivers must follow the line of the lead vehicle and NOT pass. Other points can be awarded to those with the highest speed for the angle carried through the course. The fewer corrections needed through the course are also worthy of style points. Spinning is a point-loser, unless the lead driver spins in a follow-the-leader event. Tire smoke counts and when allowed, a legal pass gains points. In case of a tie, there is often a solo demonstration of the pass … and just like in a slam dunk contest, style prevails. Judges, generally a three-judge panel, award points on speed, angle of attack, precision, control, keeping the car in a straight driving line and style-style-style. 

Drift cars are usually light- to moderate-weight rear-wheel-drive coupes and sedans, and power levels vary widely. Often, competitors will convert all-wheel-drive cars to RWD, as AWD rides have been banned from most of today’s events. Popular AWD conversions include Nissan GT-R, Subaru WRX, Toyota Avensis, Scion tC and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

In early events, the top performing cars were Nissan 350Z, Dodge Viper and Charger, Nissan 370Z and Scion tC with healthy competition from Mazda RX-7 and Pontiac Solstice.

While any performance vehicle that has been modified to take on the genre can compete, today’s most popular drift cars cover badges from across the world, with heavy emphasis on Nissan. Among the top performers are Nissan’s 370Z, 350Z, 240SX, 200SX and Silvia S14; Toyota 86 and the old Corolla AE86; Scion FR-S; Honda S2000; Lexus IS300; Subaru BRZ; and Mazda RX-7 and MX-5. Germany is represented with Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63S, and BMW slides with E36, E46 and the M5. It is the M5 that holds the record for longest continuous drift, breaking the mark set by Toyota GT86. America comes to the fray with such performers as Ford Mustang, the old Goat -- Pontiac GTO and Ford Focus.

So get your motor running and slide with style…fast and furious with your styling drift.  In fact, if you want to drift AND enjoy a car show, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (May 14-15) offers you both.  From an international Showfield to drifting and autocross by way of NICOFest, the weekend gives you a chance to have fun, all while pushing your ride and driving skills to the test.  Register for the event, purchase discounted spectator tickets or learn more about NICOFest at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855 today. 

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

 

The first event of the Carlisle Events season has come and gone; Auto Mania, an automotive flea market that kick-started the 2021 schedule at the Carlisle Expo Center.  From here, the next Carlisle based event is Spring Carlisle (April 21-25), followed by six more car/truck shows and wraps up with Fall Carlisle at the end of September.  While the automotive flea market events are some of the largest in the world, the specialty shows are what draw the cars, the people and fan the flames of excitement. 

The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (May 14-15) are first up and while the international spotlight of cars is a display in and of itself, the multiple themes recently announced will be eye catching.  Roll to the event in final weeks of the spring season for a big Volvo celebration, 20 years of the Honda K-Series and 30 years of the Toyota 2JZ engine.  Additionally, the Opel Manta turns 50, the club, Opels at Carlisle, celebrates 25 years of attending the show AND the 15^th annual Opel Nationals meet, which rotates locations annually, has rotated its way to Carlisle for 2021!

Next up is the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s (June 4-6) and a quintet of unique, must-see displays.  Given the star power of cars on stage and screen, 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.

From pony power to all things GM, the Carlisle GM Nationals (June 25-26) usher in summer and another handful of special displays.  Comic-Car Con gets a nod at this event too and is supported by a 50^th celebration of the Vega and H-Platform.  Further, there’s a GM Swaps display, a GM Nationals Showcase display and the annual Solid Lifter Showroom in Building Y.

After a few weeks “off,” the grounds come to life again with the biggest all-Mopar themed event of its type, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 9-11).  From a jam-packed Showfield to a bulging swap meet, themes still help carry the event from year to year.  In 2021, taking center stage will be a showcase of 1971 vehicles – all kinds of them.  In addition, the “Dirty ‘Birds” get preferential treatment.  What is a Dirty ‘Bird?  Well, car lovers know what a Barn Find is, but as dirty birds go, this display will highlight derelict Superbirds…ones that aren’t shiny!  Chrysler weekend gives guests at least three more great displays, one hosting Survivors, another tailored to the Demon, the other a spotlight of Old Skool paint!  For the paint display, cars may have a coat 40 years in the (un) making or one that is retro, but new to your ride.  Either way, it’ll be a trip back in time.

The Mopars give way to trucks of all types as the Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores come to life August 6-8.  Family fun is the theme during truck weekend and the featured display in Building T will showcase some of the truck enthusiasts interests of this event. Participants, clubs and associations of the Truck Nationals also bring some of the best features of this event to the Showfields in Carlisle. Big Rigs, Vans, Cyclones, Typhoons, Sky High Rides and a show for those that like them low are just a few of the gatherings that will gives kids and parents alike the chance to see in real life the toys they’ve played with at home.

Specialty show season concludes with Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive (August 26-28).  For three days, every generation of Corvette will be at Carlisle, flanked by generations of Corvette lovers.  In 2021, the event honors 50 years of the 1971 Corvette, a nod to law enforcement by way of Chip’s Choice, the Solid Axle Corvette National Convention comes to town as does the NCCC and a 25^th reunion of the Grand Sport.

The 2021 Carlisle Events season concludes much the same way it started, with an automotive flea market event.  Fall Carlisle (September 29-October 3) is the event that started it all in 1974 and for the 48^th time, vendors and enthusiasts alike converge on Carlisle to celebrate tradition, the car culture and an unmatched camaraderie that only those who are part of the experience can truly appreciate.

Each and every Featured Vehicle Display theme is accepting submissions now.  All candidates for the displays are vetted by each event’s planner, with notifications coming in the weeks leading up to the event.  If chosen, vehicles are then showcased not only front and center at the events, but online through social media posts, as part of event promotional materials and even within the event guide, handed out free to guests upon arrival at Carlisle.

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, register, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of all events or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.   

Since automotive swap meets began in the late 1940s or early ’50s, they have been a treasure chest of items for collectors, enthusiasts, project builders, professional auto shops, amateur “car people”, the curious, and families who embark on a bonding “car history day.” For many attendees, automotive swap meets are a bargain hunters’ paradise, but they are more than that. Swap meets offer the bargains, the collector pieces and hard-to-find parts, and they are also family events, networking hubs and can be annual can’t-miss experiences for car and car-part lovers.

The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market and Corral at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, in Carlisle, PA, is an evolution of the Fall Carlisle Collector Swap Meet & Car Corral in 1974, which led to a similar Spring event in 1977. Held on an 82-acre cornucopia of everything automotive, Spring Carlisle showcases 8,200 vending spaces, each filled with items from aftermarket to reconditioned parts to original parts to car care products. Event-experience motives aside, the primary goal of most who attend automotive swap meets, is finding the right part or parts … and finding them at the right price.

Tim Demark, Carlisle Events Vendors Manager said, “Vendors show classic used parts from tires to the top of the car, new parts for currents to antique parts for classics. They encompass all projects and needs. These parts can be had for the right price…if you understand the process.”

To be successful in swap meet shopping, have fun and be prepared. Demark said, “Swap meets are a picker’s haven if you adhere to these five Golden Rules:

1. Be methodical. Always write down the space marker of a vendor space at which you see an item you want to buy. If you see it and temporarily pass it up, you might not remember where it is.  

2. Work the field in quadrants and sections and take notes on maps or directories.  Break the field up using landmarks (e.g. the stage and grandstand; the infield and car corral; the north hill, etc.).

3. Wear comfortable shoes … it’s a large field.

4. You may need two three days to get it right. At Carlisle, we have 8,200 vendor spaces. Take your time or take a few days to see it all. And wear comfortable shoes … it’s a large field. Have fun seeing it all.

5. Bring something to haul your purchases, or remember that at Carlisle, we have free parts hauling that covers our 82 acres.

Demark added, “When shopping, the best tip is: Be aggressive. You can always ask, ‘is that the best you can do?’  The more aggressive you are, while being respectful and not low-balling too low, the better you can do. Don’t start a battle, but look for the truth … a true fair price.

Demark added, “Have fun and be flexible. Look hard and don’t be afraid to talk to the guy across from you – vendor or fellow shopper – he may have the answer or part you are looking for, or know where to find it.

Ed Buczeskie, Carlisle Spring and Fall and Imports Manager added, “ANY item can be had for a bargain. However, large items are typically the best for bargaining because they take up space and space is important. If someone sells a large item, it makes more space in the truck/trailer for the trip home.”

Buczeskie cautioned, “I would NOT recommend trying to bargain on something that’s already priced well. It’s already a deal. Take it and walk away. Why risk offending the seller if it’s already a good deal? But if you’re planning to negotiate, it helps to ‘read’ the seller before trying to bargain. Before even talking to the seller, try to watch how he/she deals with other potential buyers first if possible. Once you have a read on the seller, try to ‘match’ the seller’s demeanor. No matter what, BE RESPECTFUL. Respect can get you a better deal … sellers like giving deals to nice people. But in the end, it never hurts to try to negotiate if you are reasonable.”

Some of Buczeskie’s tips for buyers include:

1. If you find a deal, or it’s something you really need and you’re not likely to find another one, BUY IT NOW. If it’s a deal to you, it’s probably a deal to others, so someone else WILL buy it if you don’t.

2. Be prepared. Make a list of what you need before you come to the event. This will help you to remember what you’re looking for. You can share your needs with your buddies so they can also be on the lookout, and you can share with a vendor who might have similar item or know where to get it.

3. Do your homework on the parts you are looking for before you come to the event – what’s it worth, how hard is it to find, etc. This way you’ll know if you find a good deal.

In short, the top shopping tips to consider include:

1. Be prepared. Do your due diligence … research what you want to obtain.

2. Arrive early and look at everything you can, you might find a treasure you aren’t looking for. Also, by arriving early, you may get the deal before someone else does.

3. Haggle. Get the best respectful deal you can.

4. Network and talk to others. That’s part of the fun, part of the experience, and it could lead to the best deal or best item you can find.

5. Have fun. It is an event, after all. Enjoy the location, the conversations and the experience.

Next month, we’ll talk about how to make a deal (Swaps), after all, Spring Carlisle itself starts on April 21 and runs five days at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  To learn more about the event, purchase spectator tickets, secure vending space and more, call Carlisle Events at 717-243-7855 or visit them online at CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.