Carlisle Ford Nationals Celebrate SVT, HiPo 289's, Shelby and More

CARLISLE, Pa. - May 22, 2013 - PRLog -- The Carlisle Ford Nationals returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 7-9 for a weekend unmatched within the Ford community. With nearly 50,000 enthusiasts onsite and over 2,500 cars spanning Ford's production history, this year's event will be one that any Blue Oval fan will want to be part of. The 2013 event aims not only to feature a vast array of Fords throughout production history, but will also play host to a special Team Shelby Grand National event, the 20th Anniversary of SVT display powered by SVTOA, a High Performance 289 50th Anniversary reunion, various classics and so much more.

The gates open on Thursday as part of the new "early bird" day that has been implemented for select shows in 2013. The day will be a perfect way for anyone looking to browse the swap meet or car corral and get a jump on the buying process. In addition, this day will serve as a set-up day of sorts for everyone that will be positioned onsite over the course of the weekend. An admission cost applies, but parking in all Carlisle-owned and operated lots is free.

When the event itself moves forward at full speed on Friday, the gathering will be epic. The SVT 20th anniversary will be housed in Building Y, showcasing Mustangs, Lightning's, Contours, Focus, Raptors, GT's and more SVT equipped vehicles. As part of this gathering, Marcie Cipriani will be onsite with the SVTOA group. In addition, Building T will host a great Invitational Display, including a pair of Gran Torino cars featured as part of the Starsky & Hutch franchise. One car, a '76 was used while filming the TV show, the other, a '74 was part of the 2004 film. Further, onsite installations, including the Mustang Garage, return providing even more opportunities for enthusiasts to enhance, improve or upgrade their prized ride.

Team Shelby comes back to Carlisle too, this time around hosting a very special Grand National event. The gathering includes a Team Shelby Pre-Poker Run Party in Winchester, Virginia, scenic Poker Run from Winchester to Carlisle, a celebration party at Carlisle including awards, Team Shelby BBQ, lunch at Carlisle Saturday and the great camaraderie that comes with an event like this.

The Carlisle Expo Center will once again serve as home base for the Ford Go Further Ride and Drive Experience. Multiple Ford-branded cars will be available for enthusiasts to test drive free. This feature is bigger and better each year and allows for an amazing face-to-face interaction between patrons and Ford employees. This isn't the only opportunity for show goers to see what a Ford has to offer. On grounds at Carlisle, Ford will also play host to some unique and interactive driving action. Ford Racing and Ford Truck fans can experience what a true performance truck can do as the Ford Raptor experience will be on site for the weekend.

Speaking of the Raptor, one is up for grabs at Carlisle this season. Beginning with the Carlisle Ford Nationals Ford fans can register onsite for a chance to win a 2-year lease on a 2013 Raptor. Details will be available online. The opportunity to register will also be available at the Carlisle Truck Nationals held in August and the NEW Carlisle Sports & Outdoor Nationals held at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in September. Additional entry opportunities are available online as well. The drawing will take place on Sunday, September 8, the final day of the Carlisle Sports and Outdoor Nationals.

Another great giveaway in 2013 sees Ford Racing offering a new crate X302 engine. No other small block Ford can say that it has been developed from the ground up and tested by the people that know how to make a Ford run best - Ford Racing Engineers. These are the same engineers that design and build 500+HP Ford Racing Crate Engines, 1,000+ HP Pro Stock engines and 200+MPH NASCAR engines. X302 features a mix of the best OEM, Ford Racing, and aftermarket parts to deliver strong street performance at an outstanding value. This is the perfect replacement engine for a vintage muscle car, late model project, truck or street rod. And unlike the imitators, no other crate engine has the Blue Oval heritage, Ford Racing Engineering, and Technical support. See complete rules and links to register online now at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Additional activities throughout the weekend include a burnout competition, beauty contest and entertainment for the entire family. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the event with the Kids at Carlisle activities center, the Women’s Oasis, autograph sessions, industry guests and so much more. With the Blue Oval as far as the eye can see, the 2013 Ford Nationals will be an elite Ford-branded event that is a must attend for men, women and children of all ages.