Carlisle Chrysler Nationals Is A Go For 2020

Each year in July, the small town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, becomes all things Mopar central. It’s a gathering of Pentastar fans that is rivaled by no other. Sure, there are other great shows that happen around the country, but none like the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals. This year is no exception!

Although COVID-19 has caused the cancellation of an untold number of automotive events, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals event will go as planned, the weekend of July 10 through 12, 2020. One of the main concerns on the minds of the great folks at Carlisle Events is safety. That’s why the event will be adhering to applicable CDC guidelines for the weekend.

Carlisle Chrysler

The Thursday night cruise-in is an event before the event. It’s a cruise night for all things Mopar.

According to Ed Buczeskie, “The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is still on as planned! We have been following the virus very closely since the beginning and we have been taking steps to ensure the safety of our guests and staff. We want everyone to have as much fun as always, but we also want to keep them safe. We have a detailed breakdown of the measures we’ll be implementing as well as details on the event itself at CarlisleEvents.com.”

So, there you have it, no need to listen to the rumors about the event, we have it first-hand that it will be going as planned. Now, if you’ve never been to a Carlisle Chrysler Nationals event, here’s what you can expect to enjoy:

Free Thursday Evening Kick-Off to Carlisle

Hosted By Mopar Rebellion at the Carlisle Expo Center, the Thursday Kick-Off to Carlisle party is hosted by Mopar Rebellion. It is held at the Carlisle Expo Center at starts at 4:00 p.m. The expo center is a block west of the fairgrounds and is easily accessible by foot.

The Kick-Off features inexpensive food, music, great Mopars, and more. It is free for participants and spectators! There’s no judging – just fun with well over 400 cars. Be sure to arrive early before all of the spots are gone. Check out Mopar Rebellion on Facebook for more details on a fun all-Mopar event.

The Featured Vehicle Displays

These focused gatherings are always something special and unique to see at Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and that will be no exception for 2020! This year’s Featured displays will showcase 50 Years of the Dodge Challenger, 50 Years of the AAR & T/A, 50 Years of the Plymouth Duster, 50 Years of the Superbird,  and 50 Years of Pro Stock.

Carlisle Chrysler

Where else can you see a gathering of Plymouth Superbirds?

Meet Butch Leal, “The California Flash”

Butch Leal will be available Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11, in Building T to meet fans, pose for pictures, and talk drag racing. In fact, he’ll be here with his ’75 Duster. This will be a truly special photo opportunity that you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for additional details.

The 1970 Charger Registry is Having a Party at Carlisle

Carlisle Events is hoping to have the largest gathering of ’70 Chargers ever. The 1970 Charger Registry is going to celebrate on the Show field under a large tent. Carlisle Events is continuing to work with the 1970 Charger Registry to further develop this activity so please check back for updates or visit www.1970ChargerRegistry.com for more info.

Swap Meet

Be part of the world’s largest all-Mopar Automotive Flea Market. This is one event where you’ll be sure to find what you need. The Chrysler Nationals Automotive Flea Market is a great place for vendors to sell the parts, accessories, automotive memorabilia, and literature.

Carlisle Chrysler

Need parts? You’ll likely find them at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals.

Car Corral

There will be more than 300 Mopars available for sale in the Chrysler Nationals Car Corral. Why buy a car online when you can personally inspect each car, meet with the seller, drive the vehicle, and/or negotiate a great deal. Services on the fairgrounds to aid in your transactions include notary services, financing, appraisals, and insurance vendors. If you want to sell a Mopar at Carlisle this year, don’t miss this opportunity to put your vehicle in front of 48,000 Chrysler enthusiasts!

Mopar Survivor Display

As always, Carlisle is proud to be the home of the biggest and best Mopar Survivor display anywhere! Thanks to the efforts of Mel Major, you can see 40 to 50 of the best examples of original, untouched, and unrestored cars. The care these cars have been given throughout the years is astounding.

Young Guns – The Future of the Mopar Hobby

We were all there at one time or another – being the young person in the Mopar Hobby. Not only is the younger generation the future of the hobby, but Carlisle Events wants to encourage them to participate and bring their fresh perspective. Currently, three different classes are offered: Rear Wheel Drive, Truck/Van/SUV, and Front Wheel Drive/All-Wheel Drive. The goal is to give the Young Guns an area where they can network with their peers and call special attention to their efforts. Classes are open to licensed drivers, age 16-25.

Carlisle Chrysler

Hang on for the thrill ride of a lifetime!

Dodge Thrill Rides Are Back, Baby!!

Maybe a Hellcat isn’t in your budget and your local dealer won’t let you take one for a joyride. Okay, let the folks at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals take you for one. Experience over 700 horsepower with a professional driver as you slide around the track with the tires smoking and you begging for mercy. These rides are FREE. Just sign up at either the Dodge booth on the Midway or right at the track.

Take it to the Track with the Real Street Shootout

This year, be sure to participate in the Real Street Shootout, taking place Friday. It will begin with a driver’s meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the autocross track. Participants will have time to walk the track before the shootout to learn the course. Once you take to the track, each participant will get three (3) runs and each run will consist of three (3) laps for the first round. After the first round, we will begin eliminations until we have our Top Three. The Top Three will then make one last run of three (3) laps and the fastest lap of that round will determine the overall winner of the Shootout.

Carlisle Chrysler

No pre-registrations will be accepted. You must sign up in person at the show. Participation in the shootout is FREE. Simply register at Guest Services on Friday, but do it early, because the Shootout is limited to the first 20 vehicles. The winner will receive a plaque and the Top Three finishers will each get a cash payout! If you want to have some fun on the track, this is your chance.

These are just a few of the displays/activities that will be featured at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, and you need to make plans to see this and all of the events taking place. So just so we are clear, the event is happening and you need to be a part of this weekend gathering of the year.

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About the author

Randy Bolig

Randy Bolig has been working on cars and has been involved in the hobby ever since he bought his first car when he was only 14 years old. His passion for performance got him noticed by many locals, and he began helping them modify their vehicles.
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