CARLISLE, PA (May 23, 2012) - The 2012 Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals was red carpet worthy as the international automotive world was on display at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. The weekend featured the return of the passport program, live music on the River 97.3 stage, kids and family activities, special guests and seminars. The event schedule also featured a few firsts like the downtown block party and screening of "Truth in 24 II" which included representation from Audi and a Sunday-only teen driving school. Most importantly, the weekend highlighted over 1,400 cars while hosting nearly 20,000 import & kit enthusiasts.
The weekend commenced on Friday in a way that it never had before. Though gates opened at 7 a.m. as usual, the evening activities made the initial day special. Following a day filled with great displays and seminars, show goers headed to downtown Carlisle for a myriad of activities. The Friday Night Block Party drew crowds to local shops and restaurants for live music and an eclectic mix of fare while the "Truth in 24 II" screening at the Historic Carlisle Theatre saw Audi display its best, both on screen and on the streets. Proceeds from the screening went directly to Safe Harbour, an organization that serves the homeless and potentially homeless in Carlisle and Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
The Saturday excitement continued with onsite autocross, a slew of seminars, scenic cruises and of course the cars themselves. The showfield hosted cars from at least seven different countries and over 33 different manufacturers. With the return of the passport program in 2012, attendees were once again rewarded with prizes by doing what they already do - walking the grounds and enjoying the vehicles on display. Prizes included gift certificates and discounts to local restaurants and shops. In addition, a free weekend for 2013 was awarded to one lucky winner.
Sunday saw the wrap of the weekend with additional seminars, autocross, live music and family fun just to name a few. The final day also included a trio of highlights, the first of which was the teen driving school hosted by the East Region of the National Council of Corvette Clubs at in the parking lot of the former International Automotive Components (IAC) complex. The school hosted nearly a dozen participants who were educated on various aspects of lost traction situations; including braking, turning and getting a real life, controlled feel for scenarios that are often learned "the hard way." Along with the driving school, showfield participant Ken Weidner was chosen as the winner of the 1978 Fiat X-1/9 giveaway car, while over 30 awards were handed out as part of the awards ceremony.
"The sun and warm weather combined with the Block Party, "Truth in 24 II" showing and all of the great cars made this the biggest, if not one of the biggest Import & Kit Nationals weekends on record," happily said event manager Ed Buczeskie. "It's always so much fun to see all of the unique import and kit vehicles that you just don't get to see anywhere else."
Though the event has concluded for 2012, it's never too early to begin thinking about 2013. Showfield and vendor registration is available for the event which will be held May 17-19, 2013 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. For more information, contact Carlisle Events at 717-243-7855.
