The Blue Oval returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 4-6 as part of the Carlisle Ford Nationals, presented by Meguiar’s.  Returning to its normal early June dates in 2021, the car show weekend brings Ford lovers together to celebrate all things Ford, from the most basic of marques like the Escort to the extravagant like the Ford GT.  In addition, Ford Nationals weekend gives you the past, present and future of the brand with nearly 100 years of production adorning the National Parts Depot Showfield. 

While the event starts on June 4, there will be cars and vendors on-site as early as Wednesday, June 2.  From car corral/for sale vehicles being parked in the car corral to vendors setting up within the automotive flea market to Featured Display vehicles getting parked indoors or under tents, everyone is chomping at the bit to get the fun up and running.  In addition, at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center, Ford will be setting up its showroom and test drives for all to enjoy.

As special guests go, the Carlisle Ford Nationals is pleased to welcome up and coming race car driver Hailie Deegan.  Deegan, a Ford Racing Development driver, is the daughter of famous racer Brian Deegan.  The younger Deegan might share her dad’s last name, but she’s successfully carved out a name of her own since 2012.  Deegan started racing at the age of eight and to date, she is the ONLY female ever to compete in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series and in 2016 she was named the circuit's Driver of the Year.  Last year, in her first ARCA start of the season, she finished fourth at Daytona.

Deegan may be a humanly special guest, but the vast array of special displays and celebrations are guests of another sort.  In addition to the great showcase of cars on the NPD Showfield, special themes and displays will anchor the indoor buildings.  Ford weekend welcomes its first-ever Comic-Car Con.  In addition, the Pinto gets a 50^th celebration as does the Big Horse Mustangs (’71-’73).  There’s also a Stroppe Reunion and the annual Ford Nationals Select display within Building Y.

Competitions and wheels in motion are also a big part of the fun.  All weekend there’s autocross, with ride-alongs from Gateway Classic Mustang, the Real Street Shootout Friday night and open runs by way of the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club on Sunday.  There’s even a rolling exhaust contest where the sounds of the machines echo throughout the grounds.  Ford (the company) also turns heads with their new vehicles on display as well as product walkarounds from their expert team on the midway and the stage. 

Yet another great weekend aspect is the Manufactures Midway and automotive flea market.  On the midway, some of the top companies in the hobby are set up showcasing and selling new products, while A&A Auto Stores is onsite handling installs of exhaust systems.  If new or aftermarket isn’t front and center for shoppers, the automotive flea market is a prefect way to find original and classic parts, while also offering collectibles, merchandise, practical items and more.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the web, be sure to apply for special displays, register to show, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.

There are many great charitable organizations that support the military.  It doesn’t matter if it’s financial, social, physical or emotional support, working with active military and veterans has become the primary focus of many groups spanning decades.  One such group, the Rescue 22 Foundation (and those it supports) stands to benefit from an upcoming car auction and the sale of a limited-edition Ford Mustang.

The auction, powered by Carlisle Auctions of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, takes place April 22-23 at the Carlisle Expo Center and happens in conjunction with Spring Carlisle, an automotive flea market event held at the neighboring Carlisle Fairgrounds (April 21-25).  On Friday, April 23, Carlisle Auctions, in conjunction with Sisson Pre-Owned of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and the Rescue 22 Foundation will sell the car at no reserve with 100% of the sale benefitting the foundation.

As noted, the car was a limited-edition build.  According to Garry Sisson, namesake of the dealership, there were just 30 built and the only way for them to be obtained was to be an active, deployed service member.  This car is #9 of 30 from the 2015 run and was originally obtained by Sisson as stock, with the intent to sell it.  That all changed; however, after a conversation with Brandon Rumbaugh, a friend of his, who lost his legs in Afghanistan.  Brandon, who has a foundation of his own in Uniontown, inspired Mr. Sisson to do something more.  That more ultimately translated to a raffle where for $50 per entry, someone would win this car on Christmas Day 2020, with all raffle proceeds going to the Rescue 22 Foundation.

But with a winner, how is this car now at Carlisle?  According to Mr. Sisson, when the name was drawn on Christmas Day, it happened to be a local (to western PA) wounded combat veteran who was, ironically enough, on the list for a service dog from the Rescue 22 Foundation on January 7, 2021.  Knowing the value of the foundation, the winner donated the car back to Sisson Pre-Owned who in turn, connected with Carlisle Auctions to facilitate this sale on April 23.

The Rescue 22 Foundation has been frequently mentioned, but who/what are they?  According to Executive Board Chair Angela Connor, “the Rescue 22 Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides the highest quality task trained service dogs to our nations combat veterans.”

This is not the first time this car has been at the Carlisle Expo Center.  As part of the 2020 Fall Collector Car Auction, Mr. Sisson displayed the car to promote his original raffle, which by the way, raised nearly $100,000. 

“It’s not often that a car this nice can be sold twice with monies benefitting the same great organization,” noted Director of Auction operations Tony Cline.  “We are excited to work with Mr. Sisson, the Rescue 22 Foundation and our great bidder base to raise money for this rare and extra special car on April 23 at approximately 4 p.m.”

Carlisle Auctions is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleAuctions.com.  While on the web, be sure to learn more about the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, consign to sell, or as noted, register to bid and view committed consignments.  There are THREE WAYS to bid on this or any other car; in person, on the phone or online.  Learn more online or call 717-960-6400 today.

The car community is all inclusive!  Politics, race, orientation, specific car interests, able bodied, adaptive or otherwise, when showing a car, you’re simply an enthusiast and your enthusiasm tends to draw the interests of others who want to see what you’re showing and talk about what they are into as well.  Sometimes, once the dust settles on the initial conversation, someone might notice something a little different, but really…does it matter?  For car lover Jason Schneider, losing a hand at age 12 has not stopped his passion for cars OR his ability to wrench on them.

Schneider is a native New Yorker and northeast Pennsylvania resident who has owned many cars in his life.  He doesn’t just own or drive them, he races them, maintains them and upgrades them too.  What makes him different (according to some) is that due to an unfortunate accident as a child, he lost his right hand.  Never one to look at himself as different, Schneider navigated life as any normal kid would.  He built soap box racers, played video games, he got his drivers license and he fell in love with cars.  Of course, not everyone looked at him in the same way that he did. 

Over time, Schneider has proven his doubters wrong and along the way, helped showcase others who have done the same.  In 2005, he began a career in filmmaking as an editor, and in 2019, his directorial debut titled “Despite the Loss” premiered.  The 88 minute long feature length documentary not only takes viewers on a journey through his life, but introduces audiences to others “like him” who have persevered, despite their loss.  In fact, two stars of the documentary end up getting married after connecting by way of a dating app.  There are others featured in the film that share an automotive passion like Schneider, including Harry Sandhu, the shop owner of Z-Tuner in Florida and Jacob Innabnit, a CAD Designer who owns Eximious Custom Parts in Alabama.  In short, the movie with Schneider and everyone else featured what they already knew; they really aren’t different at all.

In 2021, as part of the Carlisle Ford Nationals (June 4-6) presented by Meguiar’s, Schneider will be the special guest of Carlisle Events and the Ford community.  While at the event, he’ll be showcasing his 1993 Fox-body Mustang, while also taking it to the track as part of Friday’s Real Street Shootout.  In addition, Schneider will be introduced to Ford representatives and his story will be showcased on social media platforms throughout the weekend too, including his and those of Carlisle Events.

By the way, this is the first time Schneider has ever been to a car show at Carlisle and it all came together through a mutual connection, the JP Emerson podcast.  Emerson, a friend of Carlisle Events, is in season 1 of his internationally available podcast, and heard about Schneider.  While booking him in, he also connected with Carlisle Events with the idea of a surprise invite.  It all played out on Emerson’s March 8, 2021 episode.  Schneider accepted and has been looking forward to the visit ever since.

“As a long-time fan of Carlisle Events, and a diehard Ford enthusiast, I'm thrilled to be a special guest of the Carlisle Ford Nationals this year,” said Schneider.  “It's an honor to meet some of the Ford brass, and the Real Street Shootout is a great opportunity to put my new Mustang project through its paces and test my own skills on the autocross.”

There certainly is a lot to see and do for he and everyone else who comes to the event.  Ford weekend welcomes its first-ever Comic-Car Con, where tribute, replica and in some cases real TV and movie cars will be showcased.  In addition, the Pinto gets a 50^th celebration as does the Big Horse Mustangs (’71-’73).  There’s also a Stroppe Reunion and the annual Ford Nationals Select display within Building Y.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the web, be sure to apply for Feature Vehicle displays, register for the National Parts Depot Showfield or to be a vendor, purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance and more.  Call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.  

Spring Carlisle presented by eBay Motors returns to its normal late April time frame (21-25) in 2021 and with it comes non-stop automotive fun spanning hundreds of acres and two facilities.  While Spring Carlisle itself might offer a shopping bonanza for some, others flock to the Carlisle Expo Center for the chance to enjoy LIVE collector car auction excitement April 22-23.  Carlisle Auctions offers THREE great ways to bid; in person, on the phone or online and for those who pre-register to bid and want to bid online, that process can start right away. 

As the anticipation builds for the auction and consignments are checked in, enthusiasts who want to look and serious buyers looking to add a nice piece to their collection can preview what’s on tap starting April 21.  From there, nearly every car will be in place for the event by 7 a.m. on April 22.  Carlisle Auctions will start the bidding fun each day at 12 p.m. and by doing so, gives everyone in attendance even more of the fun they’ve come to know from Carlisle Auctions.

Carlisle Auctions is in the giving spirit for 2021 as well, moving select lots for charity.  This includes (as of press time) a beautiful 1964 Cadillac Eldorado and a wooden American Flag art piece.  The car comes to Carlisle Auctions by way of the Williamsport, Maryland Volunteer Fire Company & EMS, while the flag art is courtesy of the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club.  There will also be a 2015 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Coupe, #9 of 30.  Proceeds from this sale benefit the Rescue 22 Foundation.  100% of the sales from these items will benefit the fire company and Warrior Project, respectively. 

The two-day event not only presents the aforementioned charity items but will also offer an all-truck specialty hour on April 22.  This hour spotlights all things truck and should see about two dozen trucks of various styles, size and era cross the block. 

“We are thrilled to offer our second auction of the season in Carlisle,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We are eager to showcase and sell the consignments we have to date but we are also actively looking for more.  If you have a vehicle that you’d like to sell, call us today to reserve your spot.  We can’t wait to have you as part of this fantastic auction starting April 22.”   

Vehicles will begin loading in on Tuesday, April 20.  All outdoor placements can be viewed by one and all, but ONLY event staff, registered buyers/sellers and guests and select business partners are permitted to enter the Expo Center during the auction.  Due to gathering restrictions, general spectators are restricted from entering the Expo Center.  If a desired lot doesn’t sell, Carlisle Auctions offers a “Still for Sale” option for one last chance at connecting seller and buyer person to person and away from the spotlight of the auction block.  “Still for Sale” is available starting April 22 and is available in person for a few days following the event in person and online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com for approximately three weeks. 

Carlisle Auctions is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleAuctions.com.  While on the web, be sure to learn more about the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, consign to sell, or as noted, register to bid and view committed consignments.  Learn more online or call 717-960-6400 today.

Carlisle Auctions has been connecting enthusiasts with cars for sale by way of auction for some time.  Often, a sale means the buyer gets the ride of their choice, while the seller and auction house financially benefit.  On Thursday, April 22, one person will go home with a car, but the party that benefits the most will be a group of first responders in Williamsport, Maryland.

Carlisle Auctions two-day event runs April 22-23 at the Carlisle Expo Center and happens in conjunction with Spring Carlisle presented by eBay Motors (April 21-25) at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  The auction sees nearly 100 years of history cross the block and upwards of 400 consignments committed to sell.  One such consignment, a 1964 Cadillac Eldorado, has been designated as a charity car.  The car, donated by a local Williamsport, Maryland resident, will see 100% of its sales benefit the Williamsport Volunteer Fire & EMS in Williamsport, Maryland.  For them, that means the purchase, maintenance and operation of emergency life-saving equipment needed to protect the town of Williamsport and its surrounding areas.

While this isn’t the first car tapped for charity that Carlisle Auctions will sell, it is the first where dollars go directly to first-responders and their needs for the community they cover.  This car, while not 100% original, is of survivor quality and definitely a daily driver.  Like many rides of its age, there are some cosmetic blemishes, but it comes with four new tires, a cleaned-out fuel system, new convertible top motor and more!  Best of all, it’s basically been in storage since 1991 and when you register to bid with Carlisle Auctions by calling 717-960-6400, you can bid online today, or by phone or in person at the event. 

“The owner came to our Deputy Chief and said that he wanted to donate a car to the fire department,” noted Kimble, Vice President of Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS.  “We were amazed when we saw what he was offering us because normally, donated cars aren’t road worthy, they are the type that we’d use for extraction or rescue practice.  This one…this was very different,” continued Kimble.  “Due to COVID, we had to cancel all of our bingo events over the past year and while we did some raffles, the sale of this vehicle will go a long way towards our needs.”

In fact, their current needs include supplementing the cost of a brand-new ladder truck and a pending purchase of new Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s). 

“When Mr. Kimble came to us with this car and his idea, we were happy to welcome he and his first-responder brethren into the Carlisle Auctions family,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We have seen some nice Cadillac’s over the years, but none as nice and attached to such a worthy cause as this.  We encourage bidders to bid with their hearts and with the Williamsport, Maryland community in mind.  We can’t wait to sell this one on Thursday afternoon, April 22.”

Carlisle Auctions is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleAuctions.com.  While on the web, be sure to learn more about the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, consign to sell, or as noted, register to bid and view committed consignments.  Learn more online or call 717-960-6400 today.