For years, Mopar enthusiasts have flocked to the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and annually, each show seems to top its predecessor. While new Showfield records have been a near annual occurrence for this event, one number has eluded its participants: 3,000! Wait no longer, as not only did this year’s event (July 15-17) at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds set a new Showfield mark for the second straight year, but it also finally topped 3,000…3,101 to be exact. Powered by guests from around the world, this show truly was one for the ages.
With favorable weather throughout the weekend, Thursday’s set up day (July 14) seemed more like a show day. In fact, by 4 p.m. the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center’s parking lot was packed as the Mopar Rebellion Car Club hosted its kick-off party. This event within the event grows annually and is free for spectators and participants alike. Mix this in with the early bird fairgrounds access for parts shopping and it’s easy to see why the world’s largest all-Mopar themed show got off to such a great start.
Gates opened at 7 a.m. Friday but before the official start time, show cars were rolling on grounds and spectators were lined up waiting to check out the displays and get their first interactions with the variety of special guests, including Cristy Lee, Herb McCandless, Paul Rossi, the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos, Miss Direct Connection 1984, Claudia Abel, and more. While many of those guests had a chance to get on grounds and meet the early attendees, they also stood front and center at 10 a.m. as part of the event’s State of the Hobby Address. For more than an hour, the panel spoke on what the hobby has meant to them, what they do in it and how important a car show like this is to owners and attendees alike. Further, a handful of cars were unveiled at the stage, including one from ExoMod; a 1968 Charger carbon fiber body, positioned atop a brand new 2021 Challenger Hellcat Redeye.
The Friday morning gathering helped usher in a full day of autograph signings from many of the aforementioned guests. It was also a day filled with sensory delights, including amazing smells from the food court and Showfield alike. Dodge had guests on edge all day with their thrill rides, plus the foot traffic at their midway display served as a reminder to them how important and popular they are to the hobby and this event. Friday wrapped up with the autocross shootout and saw an upset of sorts, with a modified Jeep Cherokee topping a Dodge Viper on the final run of the night.
On Saturday, the line of cars rolling on grounds started early and lasted until mid-day. Cristy Lee was back on stage as well as a special presentation from Mopar’s Mad Men, Jim Ramsey and Joe Schulte, the marketing guys responsible for the famous ads coming out of the ‘60s era muscle car magazines. Along with them were McCandless and Buddy Martin (of Sox and Martin fame).
Saturday also included an all-new rolling burnout and donut contest. The fun took place on the track in front of a packed audience and opened with an exhibition from Dodge. What happened next wowed the crowd, as trucks and cars of all eras participated, culminating in a win by a Massachusetts attendee and his 1969 Charger.
The record setting show didn’t just include cars and trucks on display, there was an entire display and parade showcasing Mopar collectibles. This included bikes, a snow sled, driving simulator, video games, Richard Petty Lawnmowers, and more.
The fun concluded Sunday with one last pass through the displays, some rides with Dodge and a two-hour awards parade that included a photo opportunity with Cristy Lee. While 2022 has concluded, guests and event planning staff are already looking forward to next year. Save the date, because the 2023 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals are July 14-16 and include displays focused on the Malaise Era, High School Mopars, and more. Visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855 to make your plans today.
