CARLISLE, Pa. — Another one of Carlisle Events' iconic car shows takes place this week and this time it will take you on a trip around the automotive world.
The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals is set for Friday and Saturday (May 10-11) at the Carlisle Fairgrounds which will bring more than two thousand vehicles from several different countries, all in one place.
"You see cars parked by country of origin upwards of eight different countries represented on our showfield," said Mike Garland, public relations manager for Carlisle Events. "The coolest part is you can walk the grounds and you can see these cars, the German cars, the Japanese cars, the Swiss-built cars. It's all here in one place."
It's a chance for car enthusiasts to experience something that goes beyond our borders. Harrisburg’s Brandon Thomas has been a long-time attendee of the event, however, more recently he's been part of the show with his 1971 MG MGB.
He found the UK import in a Pittsburgh barn and has spent the past two years restoring his car which visitors will be able to see this weekend.
"It [was] a weird, breathtaking moment when I got the email stating that they would like me to be inside and be part of the car show," said Thomas. "I really appreciate when people come up [to see the car], especially something that you brought back yourself. It just shows a lot of the passion."
Whether Thomas is attending the event to show off his car or check out others, his experience has always been one of a kind.
"You'll see license plates from all across 50 states coming here for one car show bringing everyone together as a culture is just one massive moment for me," said Thomas. "It brings car culture together. It's not just one car brand it’s everyone together as a family."
Chambersburg native Morgan Barclay is another owner of a car being showcased this year. Barclay's Volkswagen Rabbit L sedan will be out for all to see. However, his story is a unique one.
Barclay was part of the Westmoreland Plant team that built the original Rabbit L sedan. After finding one in Lititz, he got a chance to rebuild another Rabbit L sedan a second time around.
Six years of hard work later, there was no question that he was going to share it with the world.
"It's wonderful. [This car is] my personality," said Barclay. "It's really nice to have the groups gather to see what everybody's doing."
These are just two stories among thousands of owners who will attend the show, a reflection of how much more than just a car show this two-day event is.
"Every car has a story and the owners are always eager and excited to share those stories with us," said Garland. "Shows at Carlisle aren't just cars in the field. Yes, there are vehicles on display but many times the cars don't just show, they go."
Carlisle Events' very first Import & Performance Nationals took place in 1986 and was the second specialty show added to their schedule. It's one of many experiences Carlisle Events has been doing for five decades as they celebrate their 50th anniversary this year.
"Especially as a kid coming here and seeing this, 50 years of just seeing the car culture [come] together [shows] the passion," said Thomas.
An experience that may have you walking away with more than just the memory of some pretty cool cars.
"You go to these events for the social experience and for the wow factor and that's exactly what our car shows are all about," said Garland. "You will see something you've never seen before. You might just make a new friend along the way and you'll experience a very cool automotive community."
The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals takes place Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found on the Carlisle Events website.