Carlisle Events
Carlisle, PA – Since 1986, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds have offered some international flair to automotive enthusiasts by way of the annual import car show. The event has evolved over the years and today’s iteration, known as the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, returns for its 40th offering May 16-17. In doing so, the grounds will once again highlight some of the best rides from around the globe, both on the Showfield and by way of Featured Vehicle displays.
When the gates open on Friday, May 16, guests will roll in to enjoy nearly 2,000 show cars and trucks from around the world. There are at least eight different countries showcased, with England being one of them.
The TR7 was Triumph’s last TR car with its production lineage dating back to 1975. Fast forward to May and the plan is to celebrate the famous wedge design. We are looking for several examples to display indoors at the show. This is open to all variants of the TR7 and of course, the TR8. In addition to the cars on display, there’s a goal of amassing a gallery of TR7/TR8 memorabilia and/or collectibles to showcase too.
This display will be one of many, as car clubs take center stage to highlight what drives their passion. This includes a massive display from the SAAB Club, Volvo Club, Porsche Club, Opel Club, BMW Club and more. In addition, there will be a general featured vehicle display that will no doubt include at least one super car. It’s a guarantee that guests will see something they’ve never seen before, either on grounds or within a display.
Another great display to check out can be found just east of Building T. That’s where the race-prepared vehicles call home. The race paddock is reserved exclusively for vehicles that are set up for racing. This includes road racers, autocross cars, drag racing, rally cars, and more.
Speaking of race cars, more so cars with their wheels in motion, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals also hosts a variety of track-tivities. This includes drifting and autocross powered by NICOClub, a rolling burnout contest, and drift limbo. In addition, there are on-grounds parades, low car limbo, and even a rolling exhaust contest. Best of all, these activities and displays all happen with the backdrop of car clubs, automotive flea market vendors, a great concessions area, and over 20,000 guests.
A complementary component of the event is the 3rd annual Brew Mixer. This will be held on Saturday of the event weekend and takes place directly across from the Food Court, making for one-stop shopping for food, beverage and live music. The Brew Mixer will host a variety of central Pennsylvania breweries offering their own unique beverage options. All of this is enhanced by local bands playing everything from covers to original songs. Access to the Brew Mixer is included with admission to the show.
Gates open at 7 AM each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE. Complete details about the 2025 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, including information on how to become a vendor, register for the Showfield, apply for display consideration, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.
Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of over a dozen annual collector car/truck events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA), and the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus (Lakeland, FL). The season schedule includes automotive flea markets of varying sizes, multiple auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, imports, tuners, and performance sport compacts. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.
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