Corvettes at Carlisle has not only showcased some of the top Vettes ever built each August since 1982, but it’s also welcomed some of the greatest minds in the industry to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds too.  These guests included the likes of Zora Duntov, Wil Cooksey, Ken Lingenfelter, Tadge Juechter, and Reeves Callaway just to name a few.  These names, and others like them, have left an undeniable mark on the hobby and have had, or will have their moment in the spotlight at Carlisle.  Unfortunately for Corvette fans, one name unexpectedly jumped to the top of the honors list with the sudden passing of Reeves Callaway on July 11.  At this year’s event, August 24-26 in Carlisle, Mr. Callaway will be remembered in multiple ways, including by way of the annual Chip’s Choice display.

While Callaway Cars have designed, developed, and manufactured high-performance product packages for cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, they made possibly their biggest splash with Corvettes.  Along with enthusiast-built rides, they also added their touch to a trio of Corvettes with a history tied to the famed 24 Hours of LeMans; the theme of this year’s Chip’s Choice.  As part of the Callaway honors, Corvettes at Carlisle is honored to announce that ALL THREE Callaway Corvettes (two Corvettes, one “Callaway C7R”) that raced (two raced, the C7R did not race but ran during 1996 LeMans pre-qualifying. The C7 was built specifically to run GT1 at LeMans ) at the famed track will come together for the first-time EVER to be displayed as a tribute to the man and mind who designed them.  These cars include a silver 1997 Callaway C7R, a red, white, and blue 2001 Callaway C12R, and a silver 1994 Callaway LM #001.

The first-time-ever showcase of the three cars is made even more special by their
lineage and history.  The ’96 Callaway C7R was a completely new, purpose-built car that carried on the visual tradition of design by Paul Deutschman and was offered in a limited production series of two.  This one was LeMans prepared but failed to qualify for the race.  The ’01 C12R competed at LeMans in 2001, sat on the GT2 pole, and led its class for a period of time.  Unfortunately, it logged a DNF due to an engine issue.  Its visit to Carlisle marks the FIRST TIME it’s ever been showcased in the United States.  Finally, the ’94 LM #001 car earned pole position in GT2 with Boris Said as the driver.  #011 led its class but was snake bitten with a DNF.  In ’95 the car, known as Frieda, entered again and earned 2^nd in the GT2 class and 9^th overall, making it the highest-finishing Corvette at LeMans since 1960 when a Briggs Cunningham Corvette finished 8^th overall.

These three cars are just a small part of the Reeves Callaway honors for 2023.  Plans are underway for some extra signage and banners at Corvettes at Carlisle, an extra moment of revving in his honor, a feature segment in the event guide, and more, including some special moments planned by the Callaway Owners Group car club.

With an entire display gallery populated with historic and prominent LeMans racers, a Fun Field hosting every generation of Corvette ever produced, the NCCC, NCRS Gallery, 50 years of 1973 Corvettes, and more, this event can’t be missed.  Gates open at 7 a.m. each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Complete details about the 2023 Corvettes at Carlisle car show, including information on how to become a vendor within the automotive flea market, register for the Fun Field, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Pop quiz.  What do you get when you mix nice weather with a passionate enthusiast base, a field of vendors, great special displays, and a nice mix of some of the most amazing show cars in the world?  The answer…a brand new Showfield record for the THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR.  This year’s total of 3,156 show cars tops last year’s mark of 3,100.

For a show that runs from Friday, July 14 to Sunday, July 16, things got going as early as Wednesday with displays cars, vendors, and Showfield participants rolling in.  Impressive you might think?  How about the fact that Thursday’s “set up day” hosted well over 1,000 cars at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and then as part of the evening kick-off party hosted by the Mopar Rebellion car club at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center, another 400-500 rides; all powered by a group of passionate guests who traveled to Carlisle from around the world.

When things officially got going on the 14^th, the fun was jump-started by an opening ceremony with a panel of Mopar royalty, including Linda Vaughn, Paul Rossi, Ms. Direct Connection – Claudia Abel, Herb McCandless, the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos, and more.  Hosted by Herb McCandless, Jr., the ceremony offered the guests a chance to speak for about 5 minutes on their life and times within the hobby, share a few anecdotes, garner a few laughs, and in general, show their appreciation for throngs of guests who helped make them who they are today.  From there it was a live rendition of the National Anthem and a walk around from Dodge on their new Demon 170.

Speaking of Dodge, they entertained non-stop, both at their midway display and on the Carlisle track by way of Hellcat thrill rides.  There was a line to ride during every hour of operation and much like a roller coaster, the wait was worth it, as the ride went from 0-60 smiles per hour in the blink of an eye.

Dodge wasn’t the only special guest/attraction that had flashbulbs popping and heads turning.  Building R saw the return of the Mopar Collectibles display; a gallery of Mopar-themed items that weren’t show cars.  Items include a Chrysler window unit AC, drag racing suits, model trains, shirts, signage, go-karts, etc. 

Displays-wise, guests were able to check out a full tent and building of Malaise Era cars, High School Mopars, 1973 50^th Anniversary rides, and a general Featured Vehicle Display.  In addition, the Mopar Survivors Tent returned and showcased around 40 cars that were at least 85% original.  Some cars were in motion too with parades and track activities.

Parts shopping was a big thing at Carlisle, with an automotive flea market populated with millions of items spanning fence line to fence line.  Parts were both NOS and OEM used, giving buyer and seller alike more options than anyone could possibly imagine.  Mix that in with the midway and it’s clear to see why shopping at Carlisle was a big part of the weekend! 

While 2023 is a wrap, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals 2024 is in the early planning.  Registration for it is now open and planned 2024 display themes include a focus on the A12 and High Impact Paint cars.   For details on upcoming car events at Carlisle, advanced arrival information, or to check out the winner’s list and photos from Chrysler Nationals weekend, visit CarlisleEvents.com.