Corvettes at Carlisle 2023 may not be happening until August 24-26, but plans are underway for the biggest and best all-Corvette themed car show of its type.  For three days in central Pennsylvania thousands of guests and decades of Corvette history converge on Carlisle and just announced, some of the key features that will turn heads and keep guests snapping photo after photo while on-site.

2023 isn’t just the next year up on the calendar rotation, it’s also a milestone that supports two of the event’s special displays; 50 years of 1973 Corvettes and 100 Years of Le Mans.  There are two other great displays planned too; the 15^th Anniversary of the Will Cooksey Z06 and the always popular Corvette American Flag.

Let’s start with the Corvette Flag.  For the first time since 2018, dozens of red, white, blue, and even silver (for the flag pole) come together to showcase American’s sportscar and THE symbol of America itself.  The flag build is happening on Saturday, August 25 and will happen on the east side of the grounds from mid-morning through mid-afternoon.  Interested participants must be registered for the Fun Field and once confirmed, can apply for the flag display by way of the application portal within the flag activity listing on the Corvettes at Carlisle web page.  After all Corvettes are in place, photo ops will be available for car owners and guests alike. 

Another great display will be anchored by an equally great man.  In 2008, Corvette Plant Manager Wil Cooksey was honored by Chevrolet with the release of the Wil Cooksey Edition Z06.  The car was only available in Crystal Red Tintcoat with an optional 3LZ Titanium two-tone leather wrapped interior.  Each of the rides were personally autographed by Mr. Cooksey.  Fast forward to August of 2023 and we’ll honor the man and his namesake Corvette.  It’s super easy to be part of the display too, as “Wil Cooksey Corvette” is now an available club option.  Best of all, registrants who pick that option by July 10 will part specially in the reunion area with like branded Corvettes and get a special gift too. 

Now, the two round number displays that are sure to draw attention throughout the event’s run bring some of the coolest C3s to Carlisle as well as some of the premier Corvettes to have ever turned a lap on the famed French racetrack.  The 50 year/1973 gathering puts dozens of ‘73s under a tent in the middle of the Fun Field, while spotlighting what turned out to be the first real re-design of the C3 since its debut in 1968.  Much like the Cooksey display this gathering has its own club (50^th Anniversary Registry).  The application process is ongoing and is fully vetted by enthusiast and long-time friend of Carlisle Events, Joe Clemente. 

Finally, Corvettes at Carlisle gave loads of attention to race prepared Corvettes in 2022 as part of Chip’s Choice.  That display and theme were so popular, that it’s back with a twist.  For 2023, Chip’s Choice focuses on 100 Years of Le Mans.  Many great automakers have placed cars in the Le Mans competition field over the years, but none have gained more press than the Corvette.  Dating back to its initial class winning Corvette in 1960 through its modern-day success, the Corvette Racing Team has entered cars that can now be considered historic and iconic.  Some of those rides are coming to Carlisle, include the aforementioned #3 Cunningham Corvette, a 1994 Callaway LM #001, a 2001 Callaway C12R, and more. 

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, apply for display consideration, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The classic and collector car hobby is strong across the country, with each state and region having their own popular tastes. As Florida goes, it’s one of, if not the hot spot for all things autos. For two days, November 11-12, Carlisle Auctions and its brand of entertainment came together with enthusiasts within the Sunshine State for the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction.

This auction only event (no car show or swap meet) took place at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus and offered buyers, sellers, and even spectators the chance to mix and mingle not only amongst themselves, but with some of the coolest cars, trucks, and more that the region had to offer.

While the event faced its challenges, taking place just after Hurricane Nicole traversed a large portion of the state, it still hosted approximately 400 lots spanning automotive productive history. From the earliest consignment, a 1930 Ford Model A Custom, to more modern muscle, there was a little something for everyone in Lakeland. Options included classic, show-worthy daily drivers, practical trucks and SUVs for recreational usage, and even some white-glove, best of show gems. All told, the gallery was diverse and the participants, both in person and online were spirited.

Of the millions of dollars in sales, the Top 4 totaled $324,640. Each of those four lots sold on Saturday and were led by a 1962 Corvette ($93,960). In fact, Chevrolet as a whole dominated the Top 4, with a 1956 Bel Air ($82,080), 1960 Corvette ($75,600), and a 1969 Camaro ($73,000) rounding out the group of four.

“Thank you to all of our bidders and consignors that were a part of our Lakeland Fall Auction, especially those who participated despite the elements,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations. “As this event concludes, so does our 2022 auction schedule. It was quite a successful year for us, both in Lakeland and in Carlisle,” continued Cline. “We can’t wait to return to Lakeland in February to jump-start our 2023 season and we hope you’ll join us!”

As Tony mentioned, Carlisle Auctions does return to Lakeland and the amazing SUN ‘n FUN facility in February. The Winter Lakeland Collector Car Auction takes place February 10-11 and starts at 10:30 a.m. each day. This is once again an auction only event. Truck lovers will want to be sure to circle February 10 on their calendar, as the all-truck hour returns at approximately 1:30 p.m. Carlisle Auctions is actively accepting consignments for the auction as well registering bidders. Call 717-960-6400 today to learn more or visit CarlisleAuctions.com to view results, check out still for sale lots, make plans for not only the February Florida offering, but for the rest of the 2023 auction schedule too.

Do you enjoy a good discount?  How about the convenience being able to gift something you know someone special in your life enjoys?  Oh…and are you a gift giver, either during the holiday season or as part of a special occasion?  If you answered YES to these questions AND you or someone you know is into the collector car hobby, then Carlisle Events has the deal of the year just for you!  The annual Carlisle Events Holiday Sale returns in 2022 with savings, convenience and all new, gift cards.

Holiday Sale 2022/23 starts at 8 a.m. on Friday, November 25 (Black Friday) and runs through Tuesday, January 3 at 5 p.m.  During the run of the sale, those who buy will be doing so at a 20% savings on Showfield or Fun Field registrations, single day spectator admission tickets, event passes, and the best value of them all, season passes.  Regardless of what is bought, the savings is key, especially for a season pass.  Season passes are regularly $89.99 and are best for those who attend multiple events as a spectator; someone who walks the grounds to look at the show cars and trucks or purchase items within the automotive flea market.  During the sale, they’ll be available for just $71.99 ($69.99 for AACA members), meaning you can walk through the gates for an average of around $2.00 per day.  Season pass access also means entry to events away from Carlisle, like Auto Mania in Allentown, Pennsylvania and a pair of classic/collector car auctions in Lakeland, Florida. 

If a season pass isn’t a viable option, then single day or full-event spectator admissions may be.  Those too will be offered at a 20% discount and with single day options per show ranging from $10 to $20 depending on the event, a few dollars’ worth of savings means more money to enjoy the finer aspects of the event itself.

Season passes and spectator admission savings are one thing, but what about savings for those who show off a car or truck?  This is also an option and that means showgoers can help populate the grounds with decades of past, present and future classics, while saving 20% along the way.  This is the deepest discount option available and includes having all relevant event paperwork mailed in the weeks leading up to a specific show, including window sticker.

Finally, ALL NEW for the holiday sale, gift cards!  Gift cards will be available as part of this sale and going forward, meaning any denomination of money can be added to it and instead of just giving someone the gift of tickets or show access, they can offer up options that may translate to booking vending spaces for the automotive flea market, a visit to the Carlisle Store for merchandise, the concessions area for food, parking, transactions related to Carlisle Auctions, etc.  These gift cards will be processed just like a credit card and can be given in a stylish holiday themed card holder or a generic Carlisle Events holder.  Gift cards are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and more.

Online sales for all discount options commence on Black Friday, with orders starting November 25 at 8 a.m.  Phone and in person ordering options run during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) November 28 through December 22, with only online orders available thereafter (Carlisle offices closed for the holidays).

Call 717-243-7855 today to learn more or visit www.CarlisleEvents.com starting November 25 to accelerate your purchase!  The annual Carlisle Events holiday sale...capitalize on the savings and give the gift of Carlisle this holiday season.

Annually in late October/early November, automotive businesses from around the world converge on the Las Vegas Convention Center for the SEMA Show.  SEMA, short for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, is a trade association that consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, street-rod builders, restylers, car clubs, race teams, and more.  The show itself brings a who’s who of the automotive world to Vegas to show off their products and builds, network with industry professionals, and in some cases, receive special honors.

For 2022, SEMA honors have not only been bestowed on Carlisle Events, but one of its staff members too.  At a banquet/dinner on November 1 hosted by the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), Carlisle Events was recognized as its Business of the Year, while Sponsorship and Development Specialist Jeff Broadus was inducted into the ARMO Hall of Fame.

Candidates for the ARMO Business of the Year award must have demonstrated exceptional service, integrity and business ethics as well as made a commendable contribution to the restoration industry and for 2022, that distinction goes to Carlisle Events.

While the aforementioned award is for a business, the ARMO Hall of Fame focuses more on individuals who have played an integral role in the advancement of the restoration industry.  For Broadus, his contributions to the hobby extend beyond Carlisle Events, but the sum of his accomplishments meant that his first year with the Carlisle team was award-worthy.

The Hall of Fame dates back to 1998 and the honor for Broadus means THREE Carlisle Events team members have been tapped as Hall of Famers since its inception.  Past inductees include Carlisle Events co-founder Chip Miller (2004) and long-time Director of Business and Event Development, Jim Vinarski (2018).

“Carlisle Events has a long and rich history of supporting SEMA and ARMO,” said co-owner Lance Miller.  “We were honored and quite humbled to be awarded ARMO 2022 Business of the Year.  We take great pride in every event we host and our goal is for each person that enters our gates to feel like a member of the Carlisle family,” continued Miller.  “This award really goes to each of our supporters and our team.  We love this hobby and appreciate being a small part of it.”

As our team returns from SEMA in the coming days, their focus immediately turns to the 2023 events season, which starts January 20 with Auto Mania (January 20-22) in Allentown, Pennsylvania and concludes with the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction (November 10-11).  In between, there are a dozen events and auctions.  The season schedule spans months as car enthusiasts converge on America’s Automotive Hometown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania and beyond, for some of the biggest classic and collector car events in the world.      

Complete details about the upcoming 2023 season are available online at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855, while auction specific information is available at CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.