Corvettes at Carlisle and the Corvette community have marveled at the design, power and elegance of the Grand Sport since the “first five” were introduced in 1963.  2021 Corvettes at Carlisle (August 26-28), presented by Top Flight Automotive, celebrates 25 years of the consumer-based Corvette Grand Sport.  This display will not only highlight some of the best from the 1996, 2010 and 2017 offerings, it welcomes the Grand Sport Registry (GSR) to the event AND special guest, retired GM Engineer, John Heinricy.

The Grand Sport Registry is an active automotive enthusiast organization with approximately 800 members dedicated to all things Corvette Grand Sport related. Its mission is to help owners and enthusiasts get more enjoyment out of these very special Corvettes by sharing information and participation in local and national Corvette events. The group is a dedicated Lifetime Club Member of the National Corvette Museum (NCM) and Two-Acre Member of the NCM Motorsports Park. While its focus is on all generations of the Corvette Grand Sport, GS ownership is not required for membership. In addition to a huge Grand Sport Corral at the Fairgrounds, the GSR will host a Carlisle welcome party for its members, co-sponsor the Chip Miller Benefit dinner, and participate in the downtown Carlisle parade as part of its 25^th anniversary celebration.

Heinricy is no stranger to Grand Sport fans, as he’s the owner of the first ’96 Grand Sport off the line…an iconic Z51 coupe which carries VIN #0001.  This car WILL be available for display at Corvettes at Carlisle in 2021. To the faithful he’s known as the “Father of the Grand Sport,” working as the Assistant Chief Engineer for Corvette and Director of the GM Performance Division during the time of its production.  Not only will he be available for guests to mix and mingle with, he’ll make a special appearance at the Grand Sport Registry tent, be part of the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation dinner on Friday, August 27 AND he’ll be downtown in Carlisle as part of the returning Corvette parade and street party.

A job title and the first car of its kind only scratches the surface of Heinricy’s resume. An inductee into the NCM Corvette Hall of Fame, John has won 11 SCCA national championships driving a Corvette, was intimately involved in developing the Corvette showroom stock racing program and the Corvette Racing C5R effort. He was a key member of the team that set 12 international world time / distance speed records, averaging as high as 175.885mph over a 24-hour period. Most recently, “Heinrocket” set multiple lap records in a Cadillac CTS-V at tracks in China and the Middle East.

This appearance also includes autograph sessions Friday and Saturday along with a Q&A on Saturday at 11 a.m. within Building R.  Heinricy’s appearance is just one of many special features at Corvettes at Carlisle in 2021.  In addition, don’t miss every generation of Corvette, 50 years of the 1971 Corvette, a nod to law enforcement by way of the Chip’s Choice display in Building T, the incredible NCRS Gallery display plus the Solid Axle Corvette National Convention comes to town as does a 7-sanctioned NCCC judging field.

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 learn more about the car show, register to become a vendor, sell in the car corral, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.

Carlisle Events has been tied to various charitable groups for decades, be it the Salvation Army, Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation, United Way, Wounded Warriors, etc.  In 2020, the company forged a partnership with Project SHARE of Carlisle as a means to help others during trying times related to the COVID pandemic.  While the pandemic and its fall out may not be today what it was in 2020, there are still needs by groups like Project SHARE.  As such, Carlisle Events and its throngs of car show enthusiasts will once again be supporting this local group by way of donations.

For 2021, donations will continue in person by dropping non-perishable items in a marked bin just outside of the main points of entry gates.  The donation window runs “now” through the end of Fall Carlisle on October 3.  Suggested donation items include canned fruit with no added sugar, low sodium canned vegetables, whole grains (like whole wheat pasta, brown rice and oatmeal), canned tuna and low sodium beans.  In addition, financial donations may be processed through the Project SHARE website or even more conveniently by TEXT by texting the words CARLISLE EVENTS (case does not matter) to 44321.  From there, donors can select their support level to help nourish the community that hosts and entertains them annually.

Project SHARE’s food pantry helps community-based programs that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life.  This includes education, financial stability, health and basic needs. 

“Project SHARE’s vision is ‘Nourishing Our Community…Awakening Hope,’” said Bob Weed, CEO of Project SHARE.  “Before and during this current crisis we have been providing nutritious food for our community in need,” continued Weed.  “We continue to serve our entire community in need through our monthly distribution days and our weekly Farmstand location where fresh produce, eggs, milk and bread are shared with all.  Safety and Nourishment remain our focal points in these days that we are moving through.  We will continue to serve with the support and encouragement of our community.”

Secure drop box locations will be available and those who participate can donate before, during or after attending an event in Carlisle this year.

Learn more about Project SHARE online at www.projectSHAREpa.org or call their Carlisle offices direct at 717-249-7773.

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 learn more about Spring Carlisle, register to become a vendor, sell in the car corral, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.

One of the best parts about a car show at Carlisle is being able to see real life versions of cars we played with as kids.  For one car owner, that real life car spawned an actual toy that Hot Wheels produced and can literally be played with by adults and kids alike.  That car, its toy, plus another unique gem are coming to the 2021 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals May 14-15, 2021.

Built and owned by Luis Rodriguez, the car is powered by a 2JZ engine, popularized by the Toyota Supra.  Of course, Luis loved the engine, but wanted something a little more unique.  There’s one seat and its in the middle of what can best be described as a cockpit.  The car is light by car standards, weighing in at 1,600 pounds and powerful…very powerful.  According to comedian and TV star Jay Leno (who has driven it), there’s nearly 630 horses in motion when it’s in full-on performance mode, but when Luis drives it to shows like the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, it’s a highway friendly 525 horsepower.  The exhaust even looks like that of a jet turbine, although it’s actually a stainless-steel veggie steamer. 

If this car isn’t cool enough, it gets bonus points after having been made into a Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast.  The 2 Jet Z toured the country a few years back and after 15 stops with other cars that were unique in and of their own design, it was selected to earn the toy honor.  Hand built, industry tested and enthusiast approved, the 2 Jet Z, Luis and its little toy buddy will be part of the 2JZ display in May.

But wait…there’s more!  Luis’ mental wheels of innovation kept spinning and in addition to the 2 Jet Z, he’ll be bringing his latest creation, Scorp*Ion.  This ride kind of resembles something from Tron, which is very fitting because Luis says he was inspired by Syd Mead. Mead designed the Light Cycles and several other vehicles and objects for Tron. Scorp*Ion is powered by a 510 horsepower, turbocharged Mitsubishi four-cylinder engine and with its carbon fiber body, it weighs a mere 1,500 pounds.  Scorp*Ion will join 2 Jet Z in Building T. These are two more reasons to check out the most unique and diverse show on the Carlisle Events schedule.

In addition to these two (or is it three) vehicles, guests will enjoy 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!

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 learn more about Spring Carlisle, register to become a vendor, sell in the car corral, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.

Annually, Ford lovers flock to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds to enjoy the past, present and future of the brand.  That timeline not only includes cars and car parts, but guests too.  This year’s event, presented by Meguiar's, runs June 4-6 and welcomes for the first time, pro racer Hailie Deegan.

Deegan is coming to Carlisle on Saturday, June 5 only.  Her appearance times and on-grounds meet and greet location is TBD at this time, but details will be posted to the Carlisle Ford Nationals page in the days/weeks leading up to the event. 

Once at Carlisle, she’ll bring with her an impressive resume for someone who will be just a few weeks shy of turning 20.  A Ford Racing Development driver, the Deegan name might sound familiar.  Her dad Brian is a famous professional racer himself, as he’s active in freestyle motocross, car and truck racing and was a founding member of the Metal Mulisha.

While the younger Deegan might share her dad’s last name, 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.  With Ford Performance, she’s full-time in the ARCA Menards Series and also select events in the Mustang GT4 with Multimatic Motorsports in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge!  In the pandemic riddled 2020 season, she started with a bang, finishing second in the Daytona ARCA race in February.

During her one-day appearance at Carlisle, she’ll host a meet & greet with fans, sign autographs and even take pictures.  Meeting Deegan at Carlisle is FREE with admission to the event itself either as a vendor, spectator or National Parts Depot Showfield participant.  Discounted single day admission tickets are available online now through event weekend and those looking to show can save 10% by registering now through May 3.  After that date, registration shifts to full price and is still available online through event week, but relevant materials must be picked up versus being mailed with an early registration and savings.

Regardless of how or when you make a commitment to attend, doing so yields access to thousands of cars and trucks spanning the history of the brand, thousands of vendors and midway partners selling millions of automotive pieces and parts, special displays and so much more.

As an added bonus, if you attend the show on Friday or Saturday, you can return on Sunday for FREE with your previous day’s event ticket.  This is a great way to enjoy the final hours of the event without larger crowds, watch the awards parade, shop for last minute deals within the automotive flea market or snap some great unobstructed pics of the special indoor displays.  Save your ticket stub from your initial visit and enjoy the final day FREE with Carlisle Events and the 2021 Carlisle Ford Nationals.

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.

The Carlisle GM Nationals (June 25-26) has always celebrated all things GM, including the iconic Corvette.  With Corvettes at Carlisle taking place just a few months later (August 26-28), Corvette owners and enthusiasts tend to wait until August to bring their Vette to Carlisle.  For 2021, however; guests at the GM Nationals will see the best of both worlds via the York County Corvette Club and the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation. 

Corvettes for Chip is officially transitioning from a fall event at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center to a mid-summer showcase on the National Parts Depot Showfield and the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  The pairing of the two events benefits all involved, offering over 100 more vehicles for showgoers to enjoy, while also supporting the CMAF and its efforts to raise money and awareness for Amyloidosis.  Amyloidosis is the disease that took the life of Carlisle Events co-owner Chip Miller in 2004.

Corvettes for Chip is THE perfect way for Corvettes to be part of the Carlisle GM Nationals, while also offering a dedicated location for Corvettes and their owners.  Many of the same aspects of the familiar Corvettes for Chip event will be part of the Carlisle GM Nationals, including vending both days and judging on June 26 for eight classes, awards, goody bags, prize raffles, a 50/50 drawing, the ability to pre-register and of course support the CMAF.  Corvettes for Chip is a non-sanctioned event hosted by the York County Corvette Club, long-time friends of the CMAF. 

For those who partake in the fun, this is a chance to access two additional entertainment options.  Mentioned already is the Carlisle GM Nationals.  For 2021, the show spotlights pop culture rides by way of Comic-Car Con, there’s a 50^h celebration of the Vega and H-Platform, plus a GM Swaps display, a GM Nationals Showcase display, the annual Solid Lifter Showroom in Building Y and a June 26 appearance by TV host and builder Mike Finnegan. 

Further, less than a five-minute walk west of the fairgrounds is the aforementioned Carlisle Expo Center.  Within this facility, Carlisle Auctions hosts a one day, 200+ consignment classic and collector car auction known as the Summer Sale.  The auction provides guests a chance to add to their collection or start a new one and do so as part of an auction that rivals its “as seen on TV” counterparts.

An auction, a car show, a Corvette showcase, parts shopping AND a charitable venture, all for one price and all part of the Carlisle GM Nationals.  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 learn more about Spring Carlisle, register to become a vendor, sell in the car corral, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.