Carlisle Hosts Chrysler Nationals in July

Last year’s Carlisle Chrysler Nationals saw a record 3,000-plus show cars on site, and with displays, features, and draw of the automotive flea market, 2023 should be just as big. 

This year’s Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is July 14-16  The event is more than a car show, it’s a reunion of sorts for like-minded friends and family.

Despite the three promoted days, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals actually starts, somewhat unofficially, on July 13 with a kick-off party at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center hosted by the Mopar Rebellion Car Club. The party starts in the late afternoon/early evening and is free for all to attend. There is a DJ, grilled food for sale, and some other fun elements, but more than anything else, it’s a way to get a glimpse of the excitement planned for the weekend. 

At 7 a.m. on the 14^th, the traditional show starts, and this year’s event will feature a number of special themed displays: the Malaise Era, High School Mopars, 1973 50^th Anniversary, and a general Featured Vehicle Display.In addition, the Mopar Survivors Tent is back as is Herb McCandless with a tent display of some of his prized rides.

Beyond seeing the cars at Carlisle, there’s a chance to enjoy some track activities, and there’s also an automotive flea market for parts shopping, too. The track fun includes a rolling burnout and donut contest presented by Atturo Tires, and the Real Street Shootout (autocross). There are more wheels in motion by way of impromptu parades, which helps bring the cars to the people, no matter where they are on grounds. 

As the automotive flea market goes, there isn’t one bigger for Mopar enthusiasts than the one at Carlisle. A quarter of the southern portion of the grounds is filled from east fence line to west with car parts, merchandise, collectibles and memorabilia. Parts are both NOS and OEM used, giving buyer and seller alike plenty of options.

The cars may be the stars, but there are some other special guests at Carlisle, too.  In addition to the aforementioned Herb McCandless, the Ramchargers, and Golden Commandos are back, too.  Also planned for 2023 are Linda Vaughn, Butch Leal, Paul Rossi, members of the “Missile” race team, Dave Rea, and Claudia Abel (Ms. Direct Connection).

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is actively taking registrations for the Showfield, vendor registrations for the automotive flea market, and selling discounted spectator tickets in advance of the July 14-16 offering.  

Learn more at CarlisleEvents.com.