When you think of car shows that exceed the expectations of many, any one of the Carlisle Events held throughout the year must come to mind. There is no denying the staff knows how to offer an excellent show for enthusiasts. But, will this year be remembered in the same way?

Although Carlisle Events puts on a series of great happenings, the Chevrolet Nationals is the one I, and many of you reading this, are concerned about. Although COVID-19 has brought about the nearly complete shutdown of the state of Pennsylvania, we are hearing things might be opening up for residents. In fact, according to the Carlisle Events webpage, they are planning to hold the yearly event, as scheduled.

The event will be celebrating 50 years of the Monte Carlo. Come check out some excellent examples of Chevrolet’s luxury muscle.

According to the Governor’s news webpage, beginning May 15, thirteen Pennsylvania counties will move to the Yellow Phase of reopening. Those counties include Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland. The Carlisle events are held in Cumberland County and are ready for their turn too.

It is currently mid-May, and the state is finally starting to open. As far as I am concerned, there is hope for a great Chevrolet Nationals since there is nearly a month until late June. There are also several counties that are not in the “Yellow Phase” areas, which are bucking the Governor’s reopen plan and considering an open date ahead of its projected timeline. People are ready to get out and about.

Are you ready to get out of the house? Make your plans to attend the Chevrolet Nationals.

As of the time of this writing, I also checked the Carlisle Events web and Facebook page, and the previously rescheduled Spring Swap Meet, which is planned to occur the weekend before the Chevrolet Nationals, is still a “go.” If the event prior to the Chevrolet Nationals is still on track, I am hopeful for the Bow Tie gathering. If you are wanting to keep up to date about the event, I suggest you check out the Carlisle pages. Each page has daily updates that will explain what is happening with each event, and what enthusiasts can expect.

“We’re getting revved up for car show season in Carlisle, and we hope you are too,” says Mike Garland, public relations manager with Carlisle Events. “There will be some great spotlight displays June 26 and 27 at the fairgrounds, including GM’s of the ’70s, a MASSIVE 50-year celebration of the Monte Carlo, and more. Competitions abound as well, including burnouts, autocross, and an all-new, exhaust contest. We also plan on having some great seminars and guests, including TV host and author Courtney Hansen.”

When the venue does open, there will surely be some COVID-19 safety-related protocols in place, and you can be sure the folks at Carlisle will do everything they can to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all. “We want to assure everyone that we (Carlisle Events) are putting our best foot forward from a safety standpoint, given the current state of things,” assures Mike.

All I can say is, don’t give up on the show. Make sure to check the Carlisle pages often to know exactly what is happening. Hopefully, I’ll see you there.

The UMI Performance Autocross Ride-Alongs will be running throughout the weekend. These rides are open to anyone attending the Chevrolet Nationals.

Planned Show Highlights

Guest Appearance by Automotive TV Host Courtney Hansen

She will be with us Saturday in Building T.

Special Display Planned To Honor The ’70s

A special event within the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals this year will celebrate the fabulous cars of the 1970s, in display in Building T. This display is open to all makes within the GM family Additionally, Building T will hold a 50 Years of the Monte Carlo Display and 50 Years of the LS6 454 Display that will truly take you back to the era.

Young Guns — The Future Of The Hobby

This class offers Showfield access to car owners 25 years old and younger. Classes are open to licensed drivers, age 16 to 25.

Register Your Nova For The Nova Nationals

Carlisle Events and the National Nostalgic Nova Club have teamed up to create a special meet within the Chevrolet Nationals. The annual Novas at Carlisle “show within a show” is held throughout the event weekend.

Sit In Bruce Larson’s Nitro-Burning Racer As It Warms Up

Bruce Larson, Carlisle’s resident noisemaker, returns to host Nitrofest. Bruce, an NHRA champion and all-around car guy, will be here to share his amazing USA-1 funny car. What’s more, several lucky audience members could be chosen to sit in the car as it is fired up.

Free Autocross Rides All Weekend

The UMI Performance team members will be offering free Autocross Ride-Alongs throughout the weekend. These rides are open to anyone attending the Chevrolet Nationals, and you can even take multiple rides. Just visit the UMI tent in the north field, sign the waiver, and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime.
*Age/height restrictions may apply

Join The UMI Performance Crew On Friday Evening

The ever-popular Real Street Shootout Contest presented by UMI Performance is on the schedule once again. For the fifth year, participants can sign up and compete for the chance to win several cash prizes, and be crowned the Real Street Shootout Champion. The contest is free to participate; however, it is limited to 20 cars.

The Solid Lifter Showroom is filled with priceless cars that are fan favorites.

Solid Lifter Showroom

The ever-popular Solid Lifter Showroom will be back in Building Y. The hard-working team from Super Car Workshop presides over this collection of ultra-rare vehicles throughout the weekend. You can speak directly to the specialists responsible for many of these awesome restorations. Yenkos, COPOs and so much more compose what has become one of our most beloved displays at Carlisle.

Be Chosen As A Member Of The Carlisle Elite On Friday

Once again, the Carlisle Events’ staff will be roaming the Chevrolet Nationals/NPD Showfield on Friday of event weekend in search of their ten favorite vehicles to become the newest members of the Carlisle Elite. To be picked for the Carlisle Elite, your car doesn’t have to be rare or a high dollar or have been the recipient of a professional restoration. In fact, the only real criteria is, it catches our collective eye. Make sure your car is registered and parked on the show field on Friday to be eligible.

There are many more details about the all-new Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals that can be found by clicking here. The Carlisle Events website is also a great place to learn more about club programs, activities, and more. Hopefully, we’ll see you there. Tell them Chevy Hardcore sent you.