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Records Broken at the
Carlisle Chrysler Nationals
From Show Cars to Fun – New Bench
Marks Set at Carlisle in 2014
CARLISLE, PA
– Something happened at Carlisle in
2014 as part of the Carlisle
Chrysler Nationals that shows how
much loyalty there is in the Mopar
hobby. What might that be? A
record total of showfield cars
registered for the event. Given
that the event saw three perfect
days of weather and that enthusiasts
for the brands spotlighted at this
show are very passionate about their
cars, this created a perfect storm
of awesomeness for the event. The
past, present and future of Dodge
and its sister brands were onsite,
plus there were hands on
experiences, special celebrations
and more. All of that allowed those
who attended to leave with a smile
on their face and memories they
won’t soon forget.
Though the event is just three days
on paper, it was essentially a
four-day happening. This was
because Early Bird Thursday at
Carlisle brings people to town for
not only a great shopping experience
within the massive (and sold out)
all-Mopar themed swap meet, but
because the evening hosts a free
cruise-in at Faulkner Dodge Ram.
This cruise, hosted by the Mopar
Rebellion Car Club, saw nearly 400
cars roll in and offered food, music
and the joys of catching up with
“old friends” that many had not seen
since last year’s show.
Once the gates opened at 7 a.m.
Friday, there was no stopping the
positive vibes that this show
emanates. Guests enjoyed a
combination of classic cars and
trucks as well as the chance to
experience thrills unavailable to
many. Via Dodge, there were test
drives of their latest products,
plus everyone who got behind the
wheel of a new Dodge was able to
strap in with professional driver
Leah Pritchett and experience the
Scat Pack Thrill Ride. Further,
Hotchkis Sport Suspension was onsite
offering autocross ride alongs and
Brenner Chrysler Jeep showcased
various Jeep models in conjunction
with the Rausch Creek Off Road
Playground. |
Along with the hands on offerings,
there was shopping via the swap
meet, car corral and Manufacturer’s
Midway, plus with cars of all eras
onsite, there was no shortage of
photo opportunities. Friday also
hosted a 100 year Dodge Birthday
party and Collector Car Appreciation
Day. The highlight of the weekend,
however; took place around 4:30 p.m.
Saturday when Ralph Gilles,
Senior Vice President Product Design
Chrysler LLC, CEO SRT Motorsport
brought the crowd to its feet with a
stunning burnout powered by the 2015
Dodge Challenger Hellcat. This car
comes factory with 707 horse power
under the hood and to date, the
corresponding video of it on the
Carlisle Chrysler Nationals Facebook
page has nearly 3,000 shares.
Special Displays were also a popular
draw. Buildings G, T and Y had
something for everyone to see. G
welcomed a Race Hemi reunion, Y had
a special A12 showcase and T focused
on a general invitational display.
Muscle Motors and Mopar Muscle
Magazine also played a key role in
this year’s event with an engine
giveaway. The winner was drawn
Saturday and she was onsite to
happily accept her prize.
Finally, one of the more popular
happenings annually took place
Saturday too as the Mopar
Collector’s Guide presented its
annual Hall of Fame. There were a
dozen inductees in 2014 including
Herb McCandless.
He was given a lifetime achievement
award for his contributions to the
brand and to racing.
Though this year’s event has
concluded, preparations are underway
for the 2015 show. Next year’s fun
runs July 10-12 and features an ‘80s
celebration with some ‘50s tail fins
thrown in for good measure. Save
the date because it’ll be a fun
one! |
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