Carlisle Chrysler Nationals Once Again Reign Supreme in 2012

July 10, 2012 - PRLog -- The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals were hot, both from an excitement standpoint and above-average temperatures.  The heat did nothing to stop the throngs of attendees from coming on grounds each day.  From sun up on Friday until the gates closed Sunday afternoon, Mopar excitement ran wild over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

Popular attractions over the weekend included the swap meet, car corral, Survivors tent, Mod Top display in Building Y, vintage racecars in Building T and the ever-popular retro dealership in Building G.  In addition to the special displays, a showfield laced with well over 2,200 cars drew attendees from far and wide.

Another exciting feature of the weekend came in the form of industry guests like TV host Lou Santiago, artist David Snyder, the Ramchargers, drivers Bill Stiles and Herb McCandless as well as Dan Woods and Rich Nedbal.  In addition, mainstream celebrities came to Carlisle.  Richard Petty brought fans out by the thousands on Sunday for a limited engagement, while Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke) and Ben Jones (Cooter) entertained crowds daily with multiple autograph sessions.  

In addition to the cars and stars, Chrysler was well represented providing free test drives while Hotchkis Performance once again hosted free ride-along sessions.  Following a successful appearance during the Carlisle GM Nationals, Hotchkis eagerly showcased their TVS system on muscle from today and yesterday at the on-grounds autocross course.

Saturday night featured something unique as Mopar Collector’s Guide hosted the first-ever Mopar Hall of Fame Class.  The festivities were held at the Radisson Hotel in nearby Camp Hill, Pennsylvania and featured the induction of the legendary Ramchargers and the Sox & Martin race team.

Finally, multiple prizes were awarded, some of which involved cash.  A Daisy Duke contest was held on Friday of event weekend as nearly 20 ladies competed for the $300 cash prize to the delight of the standing-room-only crowd.  Saturday saw the return of the ever-popular Ms. Carlisle beauty contest and the Carlisle burnout competition, while Mopar selected its Top Eliminator, sending one car to SEMA in Las Vegas for its annual fall show.  Two prizes went home with lucky winners as well, a Hemi engine courtesy of Muscle Motors and Mopar Muscle Magazine and an iPad.
 
The 2012 event has barely passed, but 2013 is already in the planning stages.  Next year's event is slated to be held July 12-14, 2013.  Enthusiasts are encouraged to get involved early for savings and convenience.