When the 2024 dates for the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals were announced in 2022, many were circling them on their calendar, asking off from work, and planning for their July 12-14 car party vacation. With a little patience from those who consider this Christmas in July, the dates came and went; and what a fun few days it was at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center.
Gates opened at 7 AM each day for the event, but the fun actually started as early as Wednesday, July 10. Seriously, showgoers are so excited to be part of the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals that they roll in early to soak in the summer sun, meet up with friends, visit some early-arriving vendors, and on Thursday, July 11, enjoy the annual Mopar Rebellion Car Club kick-off party and cruise in. More than 400 rides and even more enthusiasts invaded the Expo Center lot for nearly four hours. During that window, they took the time to socialize, enjoy music, and indulge in some tasty eats too. There was even a Mopar-powered jet boat that was fired up, bringing the west side of Carlisle to life on a sleepy Thursday evening.
From there, it was full speed ahead with the car show itself. Friday started with a special ceremony on the stage. This included guests from the Walter P. Chrysler car club which announced a big Chrysler 100th celebration for 2025 in Carlisle, members of the Ramchargers, Herb McCandless, Buddy Martin, Paul Rossi, Claudia (Miss Direct Connection from the 1980s), and more. There was even an unveiling of a 1958 Plymouth Fury that had been completely restored to better than new and was powered by a 1,025 horsepower Demon 170 engine. This is the first known Demon 170 swap on the planet! The unveiling was hosted by Herb McCandless, Jr.
From there, guests enjoyed three full days of amazing cars, cool designs, original classics, parts shopping, and track competitions. There were three buildings with special displays and two tents; giving showgoers ample opportunities to see some of the best vehicles of their type. This included a 55-year reunion of A12 cars in Building Y, dozens of High Impact and Old Skool Paint cars in Building T, a 100 Years of Chrysler teaser showcase in Building R, the Survivor Tent hosted by the Major brothers in honor of their dad Mel, and a tent of trucks, but not just any trucks, this was a 20-year gathering of Viper-powered SRT10 Trucks.
The wheels were in motion at Carlisle throughout the weekend as well. There was a rolling exhaust contest, a rolling burnout and donut contest, open autocross runs, and even an autocross contest known as the Real Street Shootout. In each instance, the overlook at the Carlisle track was packed with spectators who fluttered over like moths to a flame when they heard the roar of the engines and the squeal of the tires.
Parts shopping is also a VERY important part of this event. The Manufacturers Midway was populated with some of the top companies in the automotive industry, while the automotive flea market was SOLD OUT, making it the largest of its type for Mopar enthusiasts. Big car show, big parts swap…big time fun at Carlisle in 2024!
Finally, the camaraderie amongst car clubs is one of the most personal elements one can experience at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals. The clubs, while individual, congregate at Carlisle as a community. They each have their own interests day to day, but at an event like this, what really drives their passion is their mutual love and respect for not only each other but for the cars and trucks in front of them. It makes looking forward to next year that much more special for everyone.
Speaking of next year, while 2024 is a wrap, plans are underway for 2025. Save the dates, because the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals return July 11-13 and will feature a big Chrysler 100th celebration, known as the Chrysler 100, the 55th anniversary of the 1970 AAR ‘Cuda and Challenger T/A, and more. Learn more about the continuation of the Carlisle Events 50th Anniversary season and make your plans at CarlisleEvents.com.