The 2020 Carlisle Truck Nationals Wowed Guests!
CARLISLE, PA … If you build it, they will come. We all know the famous Field of Dreams movie line. Well, if Carlisle Events and the Carlisle Truck Nationals, presented by A&A Auto Stores, may, if you host it, they will come…and come they did. While the 2020 Carlisle Truck Nationals didn’t match numbers from the past few years, it actually saw a larger turnout of trucks than the 2014 show offered. With a nice mix of 106 years of truck history on display combined with family friendly activities, the event happened in a unique and different way, during unique and different circumstances.
Gates opened at 7 a.m. daily and while most of the afternoon Friday was a wash, there was enough sunshine to enjoy the Showfield, midway and indoor displays. In addition, the aforementioned family fun took center stage where possible. Dialed Action Sports presented Mountain Bike stunt exhibitions, while Lawrence Frederick and his world champion Disc-Connected K9s soared above the infield, much to the delight of guests of all ages. If ever there was a time for indoor truck viewing, mid-day Friday reminded guests that yes, it’s August and yes, it rains. Though outside was best suited for a slip and slide, inside Buildings T and Y were about three dozen super cool trucks. For Building Y, it was the SyTy display, while Building T hosted the annual Featured Vehicle display. Within T was a 1916 Fire Truck, classic car haulers, lowered trucks, lifted trucks and more.
As the weather did a 180 on Saturday, those who didn’t come Friday afternoon mixed and mingled (at an acceptable social distance) with everyone who was planning a Saturday venture. The bikes and the pups were back in action, but there were other competitions too. Day 2 hosted the low truck limbo, high truck challenge and the drop and drag contest. In addition, more family fun came to fruition as the Optimus Prime replica rig anchored the Big Rig display AND played host to kids of all ages during its time onsite. The Big Rigs also closed out the day, with their popular glow show lighting up the Carlisle night.
Another hot draw throughout the event came from Ford. Following a successful showcase at the previous week’s Carlisle Ford Nationals car show, Ford spotlighted its 2021 F-150 truck, offered a Ford Raptor simulator for guests AND displayed their Ford Lifestyle trailer. Within and around this trailer was stylish merchandise for sale and products on display that accessorize, power or compliment some of Ford’s most popular brands.
Sunday was a chance to see one last show, check out one last truck AND check out the winner’s list. For some, that meant an award and recognition as part of the two awards parades. For others, it meant simply saying goodbye to friends with a plan to return for 2021. Speaking of which, next year’s Carlisle Truck Nationals take over the fairgrounds once more between August 6-8. Details about this event and all others promoted by Carlisle Events are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.
Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of over a dozen annual collector car/truck events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA), the Sunset Auction Facility (Sarasota, FL) and the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus (Lakeland, FL). The season schedule includes four automotive flea markets of varying size, five auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, imports, tuners and performance sport compacts. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available via CarlisleEvents.com or CarlisleAuctions.com.
Carlisle Truck Nationals Big Rig Show & Shine 2020 Winner’s List
BEST OF SHOW: Todd Gribble- 2012 Peterbilt 389
Best Interior: AG Milam / Summer Breeze Farms- 1989 Peterbilt
Best Custom Chrome: Todd Gribble- 2012 Peterbilt 389
Best Graphics: Rick Prine, McClymonds Supply & Transit - 2020 Peterbilt 389
Best Truck Name: Chuck Gamber (Jack the Rapper)- 1958 Reo A63203
Best Sleeper: Brian King- 2017 Kenworth W900L
Best Paint: Jacob Bonham- 2007 Peterbilt
Best Fleet: HJ Towing / John’s Towing
Best Lights: Todd Gribble- 2012 Peterbilt 389
Movin’ Out’s Choice: Todd Gribble- 2012 Peterbilt 389
Bill Miller’s Choice: Todd Gribble- 2012 Peterbilt 389
Large Car Magazine’s Choice: Josh Weaber- 2013 Kenworth W900L
Largest Fleet Challenge:1st: HJ Towin; 2nd: Hunter Contracting
Coolest Convoy: Hunter Contracting