The Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores has been taking place at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds since 1991. During that time, participation has fluctuated, with the occasional new Showfield record being set. What’s occurred for this event spanning the last ten years and more so the last two, has been nothing short of amazing. Dating back to 2013, this gathering of all things truck has more than doubled and in 2022 (August 5-7), a new Showfield record was set with 2,595 registered rides, including a new record of 213 big rigs as part of the Big Rig Show and Shine. This is the second consecutive year a truck Showfield record was set and overall, the event has seen a nearly 900 truck increase since 2019.
Gates opened at 7 a.m. daily for families, truck owners, and truck lovers from the region to enjoy all that the event had to offer. This included a low truck “skate parade,” tractor parade, multiple competitions for drivers, and displays indoors and out that featured some of the coolest trucks on the planet. Many first-time participants marveled at the diverse make up of the Showfield; from tractors to mini trucks, cool custom vans to fire trucks, lifted monsters to chopped originals, the event really had it all. There were even parts shopping options within the automotive flea market and midway, plus installs by way of A&A Auto Stores
In addition, the Monster Truck showcase with Diehl Wilson and his crew packed the grandstands for multiple shows between Friday and Sunday. Wilson, known for his time piloting the Virginia Giant, served as host to rides with his truck, plus emcee as Full Boar and Bad News Travels Fast soared through the air and crushed cars. Further, there were motorcycle stunt shows with Freestyle FMX riders and Moto Motion riders too. The freestyle riders soared through the area showcasing their daredevil skills, while Moto Motion’s riders used their trials bikes to exhibit amazing balance and showoff some stunts of their own.
On the Big Rig side of things, not only were the trucks on display, but companies were onsite hiring and looking to fill out staffing needs. Jobs didn’t just involve driving or having a CDL. Companies like Lily, NAPA Transportation, S&H Express, New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, Inc., NHH Services, Inc., FIT Transportation, and UPS were on site also looking to hire dock workers and other staff for their warehouses.
Rigs also served as the backdrop and soundtrack for Saturday’s Carlisle after dark showcase. This evening celebration included a drop and drag contest by the low trucks, a laughter and fun filled party with the Vanners, and the Big Rig glow show. The glow show allows guests a chance to check out the cool light displays, interiors, and sounds of the rides that help move America.
There were a trifecta of locations spotlighting displays too. This included Building Y (SyTys at Carlisle), Building T (S10’s, antique fire trucks, and featured display trucks), plus the pavilion (Vanarama 10). Finally, the S10 got a little extra love at Carlisle in 2022, with a two-show spotlight as part of its 40th anniversary (also featured at the Carlisle GM Nationals in June).
While the Carlisle Truck Nationals have concluded for 2022, many owners and guests are making plans for 2023. This includes vendors who saw much success within the automotive flea market and show truck owners who were part of the record setting Showfield. Planning is already underway for the 2023 show, so save the date. The Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores returns to Carlisle August 4-6! Call 717-243-7855 or online at CarlisleEvents.com for details about this event and everything else happening in America’s Automotive Hometown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
