Records are made to be broken, or so it’s said.  For the 2021 Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores, not only was a new record for show truck turnout achieved, but it was also SHATTERED.  2,513 trucks toppled the previous mark of 2,109 (set in 2002) and gave the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and those within its fence line a look like never before.

August 6-8 were dates that for weeks were targeted as a potential outlet for yet another Showfield record in 2021 for Carlisle Events.  After all, in the hours before the show opened, the pre-registration total nearly matched all of 2020’s turnout.  This, combined with the fact that multiple Showfield records have been broken in Carlisle throughout the 2021 season, gave everyone a reasonable expectation that it would indeed happen again.

As the sun rose over the grounds on day one, an anxious group of truck clubs, truck enthusiasts and truck owners converged for one of the largest truck shows in the mid-Atlantic.  Special displays included fire trucks, Syclones and Typhoons (SyTys), cool custom vans, big rigs, lowered trucks and even tractors.  These eye-catching pieces of production offered the perfect backdrop for photos, smiles and memories to last a lifetime.  In addition, guests were treated to special entertainment activities like monster truck rides and shows, axe throwing, FMX stunt jumps, a Motocross skills and demo show, and more. 

As Friday transitioned to Saturday guests were again treated to a jam-packed event with truck fun and competitions.  The fun started at 7 a.m., with the record-breaking truck entering the grounds sometime before 10 a.m.  From there, a steady stream of trucks and truck lovers rode their wave of fun throughout the day and into the night.  The crescendo of the night, the big rig glow show, lasted nearly 2 hours, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  Monster truck fun continued with the rides and shows from Shockwave and Be Aware, plus the grandstands were packed for low truck limbo and the high truck competition, The night also kept the party going with drop and drag, and the aforementioned glow show. 

As records go, the big rig area also welcomed a record of sorts, as nearly 200 rigs hauled in to line the south side of the grounds between Gates 7 and 1 with haulers, rigs, wreckers, and heavy machinery.  Big rigs were such a part of the weekend that many trucking companies were on-site recruiting, while dozens more owner/operators were judged for awards consideration, with many hauling out with trophies.

It all wrapped on Sunday with two awards parades, one for the rigs and another for the standard trucks.  There was also one last go around for the monster trucks, stunt riders and the Bwana Jim wildlife show, before everyone hit the road for home.  As guests left, many pre-registered for next year, saving a little money off their costs along the way.  2022 dates are firmed up and plans are ongoing now for the event, taking place August 5-7. Details can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Following a year of uncertainty and pandemic-related encumbrances, Carlisle Events headed into 2021 with dedication, preparation and anticipation. The collector car/truck event producer presents more than a dozen shows annually, and after an impacted 2020 show season, they were greeted by eager enthusiasts and vendors for this year of rebirth.

As we near the end of the 2021 show season, with two more events on the schedule in Pennsylvania – Corvettes at Carlisle (Aug. 26-28) and Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market, Corral and Auction (Sept. 29-Oct. 3) – and one in Lakeland, Florida -- Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction (Nov. 12-13) – Carlisle Events’ results have far exceeded expected numbers in participation and in “smiles per hour”.

Mike Garland, Public Relations Manager for Carlisle Events said, “What an incredible ride we have had in 2021. We anticipated a good year, but we didn’t expect it to be as good as it has been. Shows broke records in attendance, vendor interest and car participation, and we had the highest turnouts in more than a decade. The demand for what we do – automotive entertainment, vehicle displays and products – was quite strong for our vendors at our swap meets, and we have seen favorable numbers driven partially by pent-up energy and a return to fun. Additionally, the vendor turnout was amazing. They came back after many were away last year.”

The automotive show industry has historically performed with peaks and valleys from year to year, but it never saw a valley like the one America experienced last year.

Garland said, “Returning and first-time visitors were rewarded with a larger vendor turn out, more entertainment and more bang for their buck. They came out to see the cars, the clubs, the vendors’ wares, and such special guests as Aaron Kaufman (TV host and car builder) at the GM Nationals, Hailie Deegan (one of the new faces of racing) at the Ford Nationals and Herb McCandless (racing legend) at the Chrysler Nationals. They attended to enjoy such special events as movie sound effects from “Ford vs. Ferrari,” a Comic-car Con, and an axe throwing exhibition. Carlisle Events continues to attract and bring out top names from the auto industry, while showing off top cars from vintage and classic to the newest and most innovative. We have emphasized clubs, current culture and families, and our visitors have spun the wheel with us and have given us a chance for their entertainment dollar. We responded and so have they.”

This year’s highlights thus far include:

Auto Mania -- January 15-17 -- For decades, Auto Mania has started the Carlisle Events car show and swap meet season in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The three-day event gives car lovers from the mid-Atlantic a chance to re-connect, shop and otherwise enjoy all things automotive. In 2021, the only difference from the historical norm is that Auto Mania was held at the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Vendors and guests made great use of their one-year-only temporary home by offering an eclectic mix of auto parts, collectibles, merchandise, tools, practical use items and more for sale. Vendors saw a constant flow of attendees coming to them for deals, advice and conversation. Auto Mania 2022 returns to the Allentown Fairgrounds and its customary home of Ag Hall January 14-16, 2022.  Next year’s first Carlisle Fairgrounds Event will be the inaugural Winter Carlisle Auto Expo Collector Flea Market and Car Corral held Jan. 28-29,  2022 at the Carlisle Expo Center, across from the Carlisle Fairgrounds. Winter Carlisle a two-day flea market sale of collector car automotive parts, collectibles, and car corral.

Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction – February 19-20 – Held at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland, FL -- The two-day Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction brought car lovers from around the Sunshine State together to bid and buy on nearly 100 years of automotive history. Carlisle Auctions, resulted in a show record of more than $4 million in total sales and a better than 60 percent sell through rate of its 400-plus confirmed lots. Next year’s Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction is scheduled for February 25-26, 2022. 

Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Auction -- April 21-25 -- Spring Carlisle presented by eBay motors was a five-day destination for car lovers to buy, sell and trade all things automotive. Coming back to cars after a challenging 2020, thousands of enthusiasts and vendors (with an abundance of inventory) created a stream of energy unlike anything in recent memory. Day one deals and swaps led to Day two auctions previews at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. The Carlisle Spring Collector Car Auction saw more than 400 vehicles on the block, ranging from a 1910 truck to 2020 vehicles. Charity lots and private sellers brought in a total of more than $6 million in sales, led by a 1957 Ford Skyliner, selling for $136,425 and a 1967 Corvette for $121,500. Next year’s Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Auction is scheduled for April 20-24 2022.

Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals – May 14-15 – More than 1,800 show cars on the field marked the event’s third largest turnout in the event’s six-year history. The weekend was also filled with more activities than ever, showcased new and vintage imports and domestics, and welcomed car clubs and kit cars. A tribute to Bruce Myers and the Myers Manx dune buggy ended with a 40-vehicle parade lap. There were drifting, autocross, seminars, vehicle judging and awards, and even a marriage proposal – she said, “Yes.” Next year, Carlisle’s Import & Performance nationals is set for May 13-14, 2022.

Carlisle Ford Nationals – June 4-6 -- Fans of Ford and the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s were eager to return to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds to showcase and celebrate their prized rides in 2021. Following a later-than-usual (due to the pandemic), revised  2020 event, showgoers only had to wait 10 months to reunite in Carlisle for the biggest Carlisle Ford Nationals of all time, welcoming a NEW RECORD 3,241 registered show cars. This total topped the previous mark of 3,194 set in 2019 and was the second highest total for any car show ever hosted by Carlisle Events. Highlights included a display of the NEW Ford Bronco, the 2021 Mustang Mach 1, classic Broncos, how the GT40s got their sound in the movie “Ford vs. Ferrari,” autograph sessions with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Hailie Deegan and the return of the downtown Carlisle Ford Parade and Street Party. The Ford family of fun returns June 3-5, 2022 in Carlisle.

Carlisle GM Nationals -- June 25-26 – GM passion was on display by attendees and by the show, as more than 20,000 guests and 1,026 show cars -- the best car count at the GM Nationals since 2014 – attended the GM fest. Event highlights included open autocross runs and ride, the Solid Lifter Showroom, GM Engine Swaps, the H-Platform and Vega feature, Comic-Car Con and Corvettes for Chip (charity car show within the show). One of the biggest surprises of the weekend was the turnout of Fieros at the show. There were so many in one place that guest celebrity Aaron Kaufman (Gas Monkey Garage, Aaron Needs a Job, Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman) remarked that he’d never seen so many together in one place…and he’s been to a lot of car shows. Next year’s event is set for June 24-25, 2022.

Carlisle Chrysler Nationals -- July 9-11 – Mopar Madness propelled a record turnout of 2927 vehicles at Carlisle’s Chrysler Nationals as well as a sold-out swap meet of vendors. Energy throttled out along with Demons, 50-years of 1971 Mopars, Roadrunners, muscle cars, vintage autos and trucks, ‘Old Skool’ Paint, and even Dirty ‘Birds, as Carlisle welcomed “Mr. 4-Speed,” Herb McCandless, the Golden Commandos, Ramchargers, Joe Zolper and Dave Rea. From car parades, competitions including rolling exhaust, real street shootout and open autocross runs, to award judging vendor sales, food and fun, the sold-out crowd was mad for Mopar. Next year’s fun runs July 15-17, 2022.

Carlisle Truck Nationals -- Aug 6-8 – The Carlisle Truck Nationals continued the trending toward record-breaking events. More than 2,500 trucks registered for the event, shattering the old mark of 2,109 (set in 2002). For three days, truck lovers converged on Carlisle to enjoy trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles and eras and included tractors, big rigs, and heavy equipment. Truck weekend 2021 also welcomed the return of monster truck rides and shows, plus freestyle FMX stunt riders. New for 2021 were more lowered trucks, family fun with a wildlife show and the aforementioned tractors.  Next year’s Carlisle Truck Nationals is set for August 5-7, 2022. 

Completing the season are Corvettes at Carlisle -- Aug 26-28 -- and the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market & Auction -- Sept. 29-Oct 3 – as well as the CARLISLE AUCTIONS Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction in Lakeland, FL – Nov. 12-13. All indications are that 2021 will continue to roll at full-speed for those shows. The fun, the fans, the cars and the excitement keep running throughout 2021.

Garland summed up the year so far, adding, “The smiles per hour we put on people’s faces, increased measurably. We provide opportunities for families, particularly the kids – the next generation of automotive enthusiasts – to see in real life, the vehicles they play with at home or on their computer games.”

> Visit www.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. </I>

America moves on its highways, and Big Rigs are what moves America. The semi-trucks also called 18-wheelers, Big Rigs, semi-tractor trailers, transport trucks, transfer trucks, flatbeds, low boys and by many other names, move about 71 percent of the nation’s freight by weight.

Big Rigs have been celebrated in song, on TV, and on film, and they will have three days in the sun at this weekend’s Carlisle Truck Nationals at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds (August 6-8), at a special event called: The Carlisle Truck Nationals Big Rig Show and Shine.

Big Rigs, are seen and heard 24 hours a day on the nation’s highways, and they became an American lynchpin industry not long after the concept was introduced with the invention of the semi-truck in 1898, by Cleveland horseless carriage maker Alexander Winton. Winton conceived the idea to help him move his horseless carriages to different car lot locations in Ohio. The concept was improved upon in 1914, by August Charles Fruehauf, who needed a large carrier to transport a friend’s boat. He invented the semi-trailer, which he then hitched to the back of a Ford.

A semi-truck refers to a truck or tractor that has an engine, meaning it can run on its own. However, the trailer or tractor-trailer portion cannot run on its own, as you can only use a tractor-trailer when it’s connected to the truck because it doesn’t have front wheels or power. When you join a trailer to your truck via a hitch or fifth-wheel coupling, the engine-powered air pump releases the brakes. From there, the semi can pull the trailer. If you’re driving a tractor without a trailer, you’re bobtailing

Arguably the first industry to embrace the semi-truck was the logging industry, which originally transported logs by river, or by horse-and-carriage. The truck evolved mightily in the first half of the 20th century and the trucking industry expanded with it for long hauls when Freightliner created the first overhead sleeper cab in 1953. Engines caught up with industry need and direct-injection turbo-charged diesel engines became standard during the 1950s, as trucks began the conversion from standard gasoline engines.

Today, there are about 37 million registered business-use trucks in America, with more than 3.7 million Class 8 trucks driven by 3.5 million employed Big Rig drivers and many more uncounted who work for themselves. Together, they haul 11.5 billion tons of cargo, and with tech advances and increased safety rules in effect for drivers, tractor-trailers and their freight runs continue to increase their efficient grip on delivering everything America and Americans need. On average, Class 8 trucks each travel more than 65,000 business-related miles a year

While every truck driver and Big Rig fan has their favorite 18-wheeler, the top manufacturers today include Freightliner -- a division of Daimler Trucks North America, Kenworth, Peterbilt, International – from Navistar International Corporation (formerly International Harvester Co.), Volvo and Mack. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz has already released promotional material for their “Future Truck 2025”. This self-driving truck will use radar senses, including top-of-the-line blind-spot detection to drive autonomously, leaving the driver’s hands free to communicate with the dispatcher and schedule pickups and drop-offs.

The celebration of Big Rigs at the Carlisle Truck Nationals includes club attendance and judging the best of the best. Judging the entrants is Greg Grifana, co-owner (with his wife) of GS Grifana Car Shows Inc. Grifana is a trucker who has been judging truck shows – 419 of them in the last 29 years. He has been a CDL-Class-A truck driver for 39 years. Grifana said, “I used to run oversize loads and moved houses, buildings and loads of 300,000 lbs. in my Mack truck.

Grifana has seen the trucking industry change since the 1970s. He said, “The old ‘cowboy’ image of the trucker is gone. The longer non-stop under-the-table runs are gone as CDL licensing and elog (electronic log) now monitors time and whereabouts. Back when I started, many drivers ran two or three logbooks to keep running, and ran without sleep. Today it is much safer and full-time truckers can easily earn six figures. Some drivers run seven days a week – regs say they can run 70 hours in seven days, before a 34-hour rest/restart.  Some drivers drive 11 hours in a day and work 14 hours including loading, then take a 10-hour reset. Some drivers run four days a week, and some run four months at a time. When I started, I ran East Coast to West Coat and never stopped. A lot has changed.”

Grifana said that when he started, Mack and Peterbilt were the stars and $80,000 could get you all the truck you needed, plus whatever it took to customize and personalize the rig with graphics, entertainment, sound and comforts. “Today, you can get into a rod-tractor for from $100,000-$200,000 without a trailer. Some have a standard sleeper or a king condo and some have a longer wheel base,” he said.

Judging this year’s Carlisle Big Rig show, Grifana expects to see uptweaked aftermarket and performance items. Grifana said, “There are more accessories available than ever. I often see 12-speed automatic transmissions with two-speed reverse, and cool graphics, sleeper compartments and creative upgrades.”

In judging, what makes a winner in Grifana’s eyes? Grifana said, “A working truck that’s clean with add-ons and details. I like polished rims, tanks, doorjambs, chrome buttons and caps, and a clean engine. Standouts would include custom interiors, top to bottom. Once I saw a Jacuzzi in the back of a sleeper, and music from molded interior speakers. I prefer working trucks, but we also see tricked out show-only trucks.”

The advice Grifana gives his fellow truckers is “Take pride in what you do. Look forward to your success and enjoy your journey. Above all, keep the shiny side up, the rubber side down and the pedal to the metal.”

You can see Big Rigs galore at the Carlisle Truck Nationals, this weekend, Aug. 6-8 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. One of the largest and most action-packed truck events in the world, the Carlisle Truck Nationals features new and vintage trucks, lifted, lowered, monster trucks, vans, fire trucks, classics, antiques, modern, and a special big rig event: Carlisle Truck Nationals Big Rig Show and Shine. It is a showcase of Rigs, Wreckers, Carriers, Dumps, Antiques and Heavy Trucks of all kinds.- or four-wheel drive, jeep, big rig or mini truck.

> Visit www.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. </I>

On July 12, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions announced the return of collector car auction excitement to the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus with the Fall Lakeland Collector Car Auction, November 12-13, 2021.  With online bidding available, this and every Carlisle Auction, are ideal for buyers and sellers from around the world as well as the thousands of classic and collector car enthusiasts who live in central Florida.  With 400+ consignments offered; each lot will be ready to sell to the highest bidder.  In addition, Carlisle Auctions noted a return to the facility February 25-26, 2022 for a similar, two-day event, the Winter Lakeland Collector Car Auction. 

Other news emanating from America’s automotive hometown of Carlisle, Pennsylvania is that the popular Air & Coach Concours will return to be part of the February fun and will be part of the returning Fall offering too.  This offers another great gathering of luxury motorcoaches, camaraderie, food and fun. 

While auctions, motor coaches and a very active runway offer a visual backdrop to the facility, Carlisle Events will no longer be taking the lead on car shows or parts shopping.  These elements may continue by way of third-party hosts or car clubs in February 2022.  Long-time supporters of the NCRS Winter Regional event and the Mustangs and Mustangs, Legends Having Fun car shows should follow up directly with relevant club leaders for details moving forward. 

Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions have been part of the central Florida car culture since 2012, first in Zephyrhills, then starting in 2015, Lakeland.  Though the look and feel of what’s coming to the SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus may vary slightly moving forward, without the past 10 years of support from car enthusiasts of all types, the ability to continue with the Air & Coach Concours, plus two great auctions would not be possible.

Carlisle Auctions has one Pennsylvania auction remaining on its schedule in 2021, the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction, September 30-October 1, at the Carlisle Expo Center.  Not long after its conclusion, the Carlisle Auctions team will turn its focus to the two Florida events, including registering bidders, accepting consignments and the overall planning for the sale of investments that truly accelerate.  Learn more today at CarlisleAuctions.com or call 717-960-6400.

Despite government fuel regulations that bit into horsepower, the 1971 Corvette was built for performance with a focus on trouble-free cars.

For 1971, the St. Louis Corvette Plant built 21,801 C3s – 7,121 Convertibles and 14,680 Coupes – and they may have looked like 1970 Corvettes, but they had their own quirks and personality changes. Virtually the same externally, the 1971 Corvettes can be differentiated from 1970  by the chrome trim strip surrounding the front grill, and ’71s have a 9.0 or lower compression ratio compared to the 10.25 or higher ratios in 1970. Engine changes were done to reduce the octane requirements from previous years as mandated by the government. For 1971, all Corvette engines were designed to operate efficiently on the new no-lead or low-lead gasoline mixtures. The engine tweaks took priority over cosmetic changes, though parking light lenses were switched from clear to amber in most ’71s. 

There were minor advances made, such as an easier-to-open fuel filler door, and an automatic transmission selector quadrant that illuminated during night-time operation. The resin process used to form body parts was updated to increase quality and 1971 was the last year for the M22 “Rock Crusher” heavy-duty transmission – named for the throaty and guttural sounds made during shifting. Additionally, the 1971 Corvette was the last Corvette model to feature the fiber-optics light monitoring system, and it is believed that many late-model 1971 Corvettes were manufactured without the fiber optics.

The lack of major changes in design allowed the GM production line in St. Louis to focus on producing “a more trouble-free car,” and plant workers took pride in building better overall machines. Vince Shanks, the plant manager of the St. Louis Corvette Manufacturing Plant, was quoted as saying, “When you ask a GM guy where he works in St. Louis, he’ll tell you ‘Corvette’ rather than ‘Chevrolet.’  Every Corvette he sees on the road is one he’s worked on. That’s quite an incentive for perfection.”

The 1970 through 1972 Corvettes were purpose-built. Zora Arkus-Duntov, often called “The Father of the Corvette,” was the Director of High Performance Vehicles at Chevrolet and Chief Engineer for Corvette. He specifically engineered the 1970-’72 Corvette’s suspension, tires and aerodynamics for the car’s safe performance at 140mph. Designed for speed and stability at speed, the 1971 Corvette incorporated specific design specs. Every facet of its design, from the front and rear door handles, was wind-tunnel tested and refined. The N44 nylon cord tires were designed specifically for the Corvette for sustained 140 mph driving, and were used on no other American car. The suspension was built with more “travel” than any other American-built car, for the softest ride of any US-performance vehicle. Brakes, steering, aerodynamics and horsepower were all designed for top-speed performance. Even airflow was special-built as the air entered by way of a spoiler below and behind the grille through two slots in the bodywork, rather than through the grille and radiator.

Base priced at $5,496 (Coupe), $5,259 (Convertible), and available with a 3-speed manual (standard), 4-speed manual (optional) or 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic (optional), power dropped from the 1970 version to comply with  regs. 1971 Corvette muscle ratings ranged from 270hp to 425hp and from 360 lb-ft to 475 lb-ft of torque from 10 different engine/trans set-ups. The previous base engine produced 300hp, and hp drops were seen in the LT1, 454 LS5 and 454 LS6 engines. The base 350ci base engine was rated at 270hp, while a beefier LT1 350 got 330hp; the 454ci LS5 was rated at 365hp and the 454ci LS6 was good for 425hp – down as much as 50hp from 1970, as it was developed to operate on low-lead, lower-octane fuel.  

The top acceleration was still formidable despite the power drop, as the Stingray ZR2 was touted as dashing from zero to 60mph in 5.3 seconds, while polishing off a quarter-mile drag time in 13.7 seconds.

Standard colors for 1971 were Nevada Silver, Sunflower Yellow, Classic White, Mille Miglia Red, Mulsanne Blue, Bridgehampton Blue, Brands Hatch Green, Ontario Orange, Steel Cities Gray, and War Bonnet Yellow.

Built on a 98-inch wheelbase, he 1971 Corvette had a height of 47.8 inched, length of 182.5 inches, width of 69.0 inches and ground clearance of 4.8 inches, for a curb weight of about 3300 lbs. Inside, driver and passenger were afforded headroom of 37.2 inches, legroom as much as 43 inches, shoulder room of 46.9 inched and hip room of 48.4 inches.

The 1971 Corvette also included an optional custom interior trim package made up of leather seat trim, wood-grain accents, lower carpet trim on interior door panels, wood grain accents on the console and special cut-pile carpeting.

Standard security, safety and accident prevention items included an audio alarm system, gas cap lock, child safety seat, fire extinguisher, seat belts and shoulder belts (except convertible) with pushbutton buckles and retractors for driver and passenger, built-in head restraints, energy-absorbing steering column, passenger-guard door locks, safety door latches and hinges, folding seat back latches, energy-absorbing padded instrument panel, thick-laminate windshield, padded sun visors, safety armrests, and safety steering wheel.

At 50 years old, the 1971 Corvette is a classic, and while some in good condition can be purchased for under $20,000, one auctioned ’71 ZR2 convertible – only two were produced -- hammered for $550,000.

You can see the 1971 Corvette and thousands of “America’s Sports Car” representing all generations of Corvette at Corvettes at Carlisle, August 26-28 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. Corvettes at Carlisle is the largest and most fun-filled Corvette event in the world. 

> Visit www.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. </I>