While the 2025 Carlisle Ford Nationals car show may have taken place between Friday, June 6 and Sunday, June 8, for those in attendance in Central Pennsylvania, the days leading up to it were affectionately known as “Ford week.” Prior to Friday’s official start, vehicles were both rolling onto the National Parts Depot Showfield as well as staging within their respective display galleries. Guests were coming to town, and vendors were set up to do business amongst each other in advance of the official start time. Ford week has become an annual tradition for Blue Oval lovers around the world, going all the way back to the first year of the Carlisle Ford Nationals in 1995.

Special displays this year included those focused on the Mercury Motorsports Capri, 60 years of the GT350, a pair of amazing Ford GT displays, 70 years of the Thunderbird, the Galaxie Nationals, and the MK1 North American Focus. Best of all, show cars didn’t just stay stationary to be seen—they ventured out onto the grounds so guests could see the wheels in motion. From the Thunderbirds to the Galaxies, plus a grand cruise-in from Shelby American, there was no shortage of cool cars on the move.

In addition to the cars on parade, there were a variety of walk-arounds in front of the stage. This included offerings from Ford Performance, Fat House Performance, Shelby American, Ford Motor Company, Duncan Brothers, Saleen, and more. Speaking of Ford, they showed up and showed out in an epic way, with two great displays AND, as part of their Midway showcase, unveiled for the first time to enthusiasts a pair of 2026 Mustang offerings with their FX package. These vehicles, tipping their proverbial caps to Mustang’s past, embraced modern technology with a build toward the future.

As Friday transitioned to Saturday, the sun shone through for a bulk of the day as guests from around the world converged to watch Formula Drift racer Ben Hobson showcase his talents on the Carlisle track in partnership with RTR Vehicles. Local drifter and PROSPEC driver Adam Heishman was also part of the fun and, in addition, there were competitions like the rolling burnout and donut contest, rolling exhaust contest, and Sunday morning’s Real Street Shootout (autocross). Those contests weren’t the only outlets for awards—Hemmings.com recognized its top five clubs, and John Clor from Ford Performance Group honored the Coolest Clubs (one winner plus two honorable mentions).

Two great parades helped wrap up the event—one on Saturday and one on Sunday—as showgoers and the community alike began to look forward to 2026. On Saturday night, in partnership with the Downtown Carlisle Association, a few hundred Fords hit the street as part of the annual Downtown Carlisle Ford Parade, Park, and Party. And on Sunday morning, not long after the Real Street Shootout concluded, the Awards Parade was held, recognizing those who were chosen by their peers on the Showfield.

While the 2025 event is in the books with 3,319 cars attending this year, planning is already underway for 2026. Mark your calendars for June 5–7, 2026, as the Carlisle Ford Nationals return with even more of what you love—Ford on the Midway, special guests, walk-arounds, indoor displays showcasing the Bronco 60^th Anniversary, Roush 50^th Anniversary, and tent displays highlighting the 50^th Anniversary of the Starsky and Hutch Torino, and 40 years of the Ford Taurus, while Building  Y hosts the annual Carlisle Select display.  Call 717-243-7855 to register for 2026 or visit CarlisleEvents.com for details, spectator admission, and more.

In 2025, it’s hard to believe there are still “firsts” happening for women—especially in motorsports—but that’s exactly what’s taking place on June 22 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, during the 103rd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. While Tracy Gaudu isn’t the first woman to race to the 15,000+ foot summit, she will be the first to do it in a Corvette—specifically, her 2008 Z06. Even better? Two months after she reaches the summit, she and her Corvette will be on display at Corvettes at Carlisle (August 21–23) within the Racer’s Reunion tent.

Tracy Gaudu is more than just a Corvette owner or enthusiast—she’s a competitor. A true one-woman team, she’s the owner, driver, and financial backer behind her racing efforts. Since she began racing in 2008, Tracy has earned numerous accolades, including:

• 2008 NCCC National Champion
• Three-time NASA Southeast Champion: TT1 (2019/2020), TTU (2021)
• 2nd in class and 2nd overall at the 2021 Grand Prix of Chattanooga
• 2023 Car Chix Woman in Motorsport
• 2023 SCAA Appalachian Hillclimb Series Modified Unlimited Champion
• 2024 NASA Southeast Super Unlimited Champion
• 2024 Hoosier Hero

Now, in 2025, she’ll add “first woman to drive a Corvette at Pikes Peak” to her already impressive résumé.

But that’s not all—Tracy is also a United States Air Force veteran and currently serves as a vascular surgery and trauma physician assistant near her hometown of Johnson City, Tennessee. After all, not all superheroes wear capes!

“I’ve always loved the Corvette,” said Tracy.  “Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted one, but never thought I could afford one.  Finally, I got my first; a 2005 C6.  It was amazing,” added Tracy.  “I joined the Longhorn Corvette Club in Austin, Texas and attended their events, took part in autocross, and had such a great time participating and competing with that club and the rest of the Southwest Region of the National Council of Corvette Clubs.  At one point, I made the best mistake ever, I looked around in the showroom of a local dealership and that’s where I found my current love; a 2008 Z06,” added Tracy.  “I do this all myself typically, but I’ll be competing at Pikes Peak with the help of some amazing friends.  To be the first woman ever to drive Pikes Peak in a Corvette is historic and I’m honored.  I can’t believe I’m the one making this kind of history,” concluded Tracy.     

Follow her journey in Colorado at the official Pikes Peak Hill Climb website, then meet her in Carlisle, snap a photo, and see her Atomic Orange Z06 up close—complete with a Lingenfelter LS7 427 Eliminator Spec R motor (650 max HP / 560 max torque). This is a moment of Corvette history you won’t want to miss!  Best of all, this is her first-ever Corvettes at Carlisle.  Given all that she’s accomplished, it should be a pretty cool experience to not just be at the show, but to be a part of the Racer’s Reunion tent.

Gates for Corvettes at Carlisle 2025 open at 7 AM daily. Kids 12 and under are free, and students and military personnel (with valid ID) receive discounted admission. Learn more about Corvettes at Carlisle and purchase discounted spectator admissions at CarlisleEvents.com.

Friends celebrating similar interests and spending time together — that was one of the many things the late Elliot “Chip” Miller loved about the car community. The notion that it didn’t matter what automaker you supported — when car lovers and like-minded people come together, good things happen. After all, even in the days before his untimely passing in 2004, he firmly believed life was indeed good!

His legacy is honored annually by way of his namesake Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation (CMAF) and the events it hosts. For 2025, the event will once again benefit the foundation as well as bring Ford lovers together on the Friday of the largest all-Ford-themed car show in the world.

Beginning with the doors opening at 5 PM on Friday, June 6, and continuing with a 6 PM dinner at the Carlisle Expo Center (100 K Street in Carlisle, PA), the CMAF will roll out the red carpet for fans and dignitaries alike with a focus on the Ford GT and Shelby GT350. This one-of-a-kind camaraderie can’t be duplicated outside of this dinner — and really, outside of the Carlisle Ford Nationals too.

The event not only offers participants a one-on-one chance to mix and mingle with some all-time names associated with the Ford GT and Shelby GT350 but also offers a great mix of food and drinks. Best of all, there are multiple ways to support the CMAF — both by attending the dinner and via planned raffles and a live charity auction. Prizes will vary but include some otherwise unattainable items, experiences, autographs, and more.

As if the chance to mingle with legends and their creations isn’t enough, consider this: Carlisle and its surrounding towns have many great dining options, but there aren’t many opportunities for large groups, car clubs, etc., to all come together in a mixer of this size. With that in mind, supporters of the CMAF and Carlisle Ford Nationals attendees should consider making this event part of their Friday evening plans. Dollars support a great cause too. The cost per person is $85 and includes a full-course meal, dessert, and host bar. Tickets will also include a special commemorative gift for each participant.  A limited supply remains and are available to purchase via the Ford Nationals portion of CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The dinner is only one amazing portion of the Carlisle Ford Nationals. Ford weekend in 2025 includes special guests and displays from Ford, the 60th Anniversary of the Shelby GT350, TWO Ford GT Displays (including a 20-Year Celebration), 70 Years of the Ford Thunderbird, 25th Anniversary of the North American MK1 Focus, a Reunion Display of the Mercury Motorsport Capris, Galaxie Nationals (over 100 Galaxies anticipated), the Ford Nationals Select Display (including the 2008 Bullitt Verification Prototype), the Downtown Carlisle Ford Parade, Park, and Party, Autocross, a variety of “Wheels in Motion” activities, seminars, plus an automotive flea market, car corral, and Manufacturers Midway.

Call 717-243-7855 to register as a vendor or National Parts Depot Showfield participant. Discounted spectator admission tickets are also available online, while kids 12 and under are FREE! Don’t delay — space is limited all around, so be sure to visit the Carlisle Ford Nationals portion of CarlisleEvents.com to sign up and get involved.

The first true car show of the 2025 Carlisle Events season has come and gone—and what a fun few days it was at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds! Spanning May 16–17, the grounds came to life with more than just show cars. While 2,176 cars graced the Showfield, the event offered entertainment on multiple levels.

Sure, the show cars provided plenty of rare and unique sights, but the competitions truly wowed guests. From drift limbo and low car limbo to rolling exhaust, burnouts, and donuts, the wheels-in-motion activities kept the energy high. These high-octane crowd-pleasers were perfectly complemented by drifting and autocross, presented by NICOClub.

The Featured Displays drew big crowds too, showcasing 50 Years of Triumph’s “Wedge,” an Old School Tuner Display, the Race Car Paddock, and a Vehicles From Around the World exhibit.  With cars parked by country of origin, guests were able to take a visual trip around the globe—all without leaving Carlisle.  The vendor footprint was also up from 2024, with an even larger turnout of parts and those selling them.   

Education and flavor were also part of the mix. ASE Certified Master Technician Paul Koerner hosted multiple seminars on car maintenance and performance.  And back for its third year, the Carlisle Brew Mixer welcomed eight Central PA breweries and three musical acts, adding a flavorful and festive element to Saturday’s fun.

For the next generation of enthusiasts, there was no shortage of activities. Oxford Power Wheels Racing made its IPN debut, giving kids a taste of the track. Young guests also enjoyed a cash grab, RC car giveaways, and the chance to vote for their favorite display car in Building T. The passport program encouraged both kids and adults alike to explore the event and earn prizes—creating a fun and educational experience they won’t forget.

The car club scene was next level once again, supported by Hemmings.com. Saabs at Carlisle earned the Largest Club award, while the Rolls Royce Foundation took home Coolest Club. Recognition didn’t stop there—judges from eJudged.com awarded standout cars, and surprise “Carlisle Elite” winners were selected on Friday to recognize exceptional vehicles on the spot.

While the 2025 event is in the books, planning is already underway for 2026. Mark your calendars for May 15–16, 2026, as the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals return with even more of what you love—Race Car Paddock, passport fun, and all the high-energy action that gives this event its international flair.  Call 717-243-7855 to register for 2026 or visit CarlisleEvents.com for details, spectator admission, and more.

There have been some historic Corvettes and Corvette dignitaries who have found their way to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds as part of Corvettes at Carlisle.  The father of the Corvette, Zora Duntov has graced the grounds, thousands of his Corvette creations have done the same over the years, but for 2025, his first-born, a 1953 C1 (Engineering Car #3950), has been confirmed for the show (August 21-23).

Each year, some 5,000 Corvettes attend Corvettes at Carlisle.  These Corvettes span all eras and generations of production and come from across the country.  Cars and car owners come from far and wide, but never before has one literally served as the springboard for an entire lineage of vehicles thereafter.  This Corvette is considered to be the very first one to ever roll off the Corvette assembly line, but how did it find its way to Carlisle? 

For decades, automotive historians believed the first two production 1953 Corvettes had been destroyed shortly after their manufacture, a narrative long accepted as fact. However, following a dedicated 20-year search by Corvette enthusiasts Corey Peterson and John Amgwert, this long-standing myth has been definitively shattered.

Peterson and Amgwert began their investigation after identifying inconsistencies in the official historical record. Convinced that these early Corvettes may still exist, their research spanned over two decades and multiple states. In 2023, their perseverance culminated in a landmark discovery: a vehicle stored in an Oklahoma restoration shop, initially suspected to be the second Corvette ever built.

Subsequent meticulous research and documentation confirmed something even more extraordinary — the car in question was not the second, but in fact the very first production 1953 Corvette ever assembled. The find instantly rewrote Corvette history, offering new insights into the genesis of America’s iconic sports car.

“We always believed the cars were out there somewhere,” said Corey Peterson. “Confirming that we had located Corvette #3950, the very first production model, is beyond what we could have imagined. We are thrilled to share this incredible discovery with the Corvette community at Carlisle.”

Throughout Corvettes at Carlisle weekend, attendees will have the rare opportunity to view the car up close. In addition, Peterson and Amgwert will be on hand to discuss the details of their discovery, offering presentations and Q&A sessions that chronicle their two-decade search and the research that led to this historic moment.

Don’t miss this unparalleled celebration of America’s Sports Car at Corvettes at Carlisle 2025! It’ll be centrally located for all to review; parked on the stage, adjacent to the Midway and grandstand.  Gates open at 7 AM daily, kids 12 and under are free, plus students and military (with valid in person ID) are eligible for discounted admission too.  Learn more about Corvettes at Carlisle and purchase discounted spectator admissions at CarlisleEvents.com.