The annual Carlisle Truck Nationals truck event is many things to many people. It’s a place for truck clubs to converge and have fun. It’s a place for owners of trucks of all sizes to get together and showcase their prized rides and custom creations. It’s a place for families to enjoy an affordable day (or weekend) out seeing in real life the toys they play with at home. And, for the last three consecutive years, it’s a place where Showfield growth has almost become expected, as yet ANOTHER Carlisle Truck Nationals (August 4-6, 2023) not only wowed guests through the gate, it SHATTERD another truck turnout record.
Though about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, the previous record high was 2,594. That is, until big rig owner John Savoy registered his hauler, making the number 2,595. From there, every registrant set a new mark until the final number of 2,870 was reached by mid-day Sunday, August 6. That’s right, a new mark by 276 trucks. Best of all, dating back to 2019 (and including the COVID year of 2020), truck show numbers have skyrocketed. For 2019, Carlisle hosted 1,703 registered trucks, in 2020 it was 1,570, 2021 saw a massive jump to 2,510, 2022 did 85 better with 2,595, and now 2,870 in 2023. Wow, what growth! Speaking of growth, the Big Rig Show and Shine stretched fence line to fence line; tallying some 231 rigs; up more than 150 over the past 10 years.
What brings the trucks, and guests back to Carlisle annually? How about the wide variety of showcase options. Guests can enjoy lowered mini trucks, lifted big trucks, monster trucks, antique big rigs, modern day haulers, antique fire trucks, cool custom vans, heavy equipment, and more. There’s also a nice mix of family activities and fun for the kids too; including monster truck rides and shows, a kids cash grab, Kids bingo, all new in 2023, Mr. Mysterrio the Magician, face painting, balloon animals, a goody bag, and best of all, FREE admission for all kids 12 and under. Kids had a chance to see in real life, the toys they play with at home and the payoff was well worth the cost of admission.
In addition, the Truck Nationals hosted a variety of automotive flea market vendors, business partners on the midway, and dozens of trucks for sale within the truck corral. Truck weekend celebrated 40 years of the Ranger too, and even put the wheels in motion with multiple competitions and pop-up parades. The low trucks skated around the grounds, while the 454 SS trucks showed off their style as well. In addition, low truck limbo, high truck challenge, drop and drag, and the rolling burnout contest presented by Atturo Tires offered no shortage of truck themed activities for the throngs of showgoers. Club gatherings also help make it a fun weekend for attendees and participants.
Judged or non-Judged, the show was a smashing success and while 2023 is a wrap, the Carlisle Truck Nationals 2024 (August 2-4) is in the early planning. Registration for it is now open and planned 2024 display themes include a great gallery of antique fire trucks by way of the Old Fire Farts, Vanarama within the American Collectors Insurance Pavilion, American Truck Historical Society, the Big Rig Show and Shine, and more. For details on upcoming car events at Carlisle, advanced arrival information, or to check out the winner’s list and photos from Truck Nationals weekend, visit CarlisleEvents.com.