What’s new this year?  That’s a question frequently asked by guests, vendors and even members of the media.  Carlisle Events is prepared for a south to Florida and its annual Winter AutoFest Lakeland offering, spotlighting a cornucopia of new and fresh things.  This includes displays, themes, guests, seminars and more.

Winter AutoFest Lakeland runs February 21-23 at the aforementioned SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus and the facility’s spacious footprint allows for a lot of variety.  That variety offers the addition of guests like Lou Santiago and Herb McCandless as well as GM Certified Technician, Paul Koerner.  

You’ve seen the names, but who are these guests?  Lou Santiago is the host of Car Fix on the former Velocity Channel (now Motor Trend TV), but he’s more than just a TV car guy, he’s a real-life car guy.  Lou is the kind of guy anyone can talk shop with for hours and the type of guy that anyone would want wrenching right next to them in the shop.  He’s an encyclopedia of knowledge and he, plus his knowledge, will be at the event Friday and Saturday (2/21-22).  

Another great guest is Herb McCandless.  Herb is a racing legend and yet another encyclopedia of car knowledge.  He’ll bring three of his most famous cars with him, too; a ’68 Hemi Dart, a ’70 Hemicuda and a ’72 Pro Stock Demon.  These cars have an amazing pedigree…just like Herb himself.  If cool cars and car stories are your thing, then an interaction with Herb’s a must!  

Paul Koerner has been a GM service technician since 1997 and has been specializing in Corvette care and service since 1999.  He’s obtained the classification of GM World Class Certified Service Technician.  In a nutshell, is fully tested and trained by GM to repair any system in any GM vehicle (sans Saab and medium-duty trucks).  His passion and knowledge run deep, in fact, at the 2019 Winter AutoFest event, Paul was found in the parking lot helping a patron whose car had broken down.  He’s that kind of amazing!

These three guys will do their own thing throughout the event, including seminars and tech talks, but they’ll also converge for a special seminar on Saturday (2/22) called “Ask the Pros.”  This panel will include Lou, Herb and Paul, while welcoming writer and industry expert Randy Bolig.  More names may pop in, but these are the four confirmed at this time.

While Herb and Lou are fresh guests in 2020, Winter AutoFest also offers three all-new displays.  One display honors 50 years of 1970 cars, with a display hosting a dozen or so rides from 1970.  In addition, another new display showcases race-inspired cars.  Within this display will be a $4.5 million dollar 2015 Ferrari FXX-K and a couple of million dollar L88 Corvettes.  The final all-new showcase is focused on the Mopar brand.  By popular demand, the Fun Field options at Winter AutoFest have expanded by one, adding Mopars in with pre-existing displays of the Corvette and Mustang.

Carlisle Events isn’t the only entity offering something fresh during Winter AutoFest.  Carlisle Auctions, a star player during the weekend as well, presents its two-day auction on Friday and Saturday (2/21-22).  During this time, a handful of ultra-low mileage consignments will cross the block.  This includes a 2005 Ford GT with under 1,500 miles and a 1978 Corvette with less than 250 miles.  In addition, as a nod to the Corvettes on display, Carlisle Auctions presents an all-Corvette hour on Saturday (2/22) starting at 1:30 p.m.

A complete rundown of this event, the auction and more are available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.  Further, the auction will offer a free web stream for it’s daily 10:30 a.m. event PLUS online bidding.  In addition, anyone who registered to bid for this auction receives a FREE bidder’s pass for the fall Sunset-Carlisle auction in Sarasota, Florida.  For spectators, single day admission tickets are $10 online or at the gate while a weekend spectator admission for everyday of the event can be purchased for just $15.  Admission also allows for spectator access to the auction.  As always at Winter AutoFest, parking is FREE.  

The first quarter of 2020 is offering central Florida residents the chance to own some of the finest classic and collector cars in the world.  The fun continues with Carlisle Auctions at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland as part of Winter AutoFest (February 21-23).  The auction itself spans two days (February 21-22) and will see more than 400+ consignments cross the block, with some having a reserve.  In addition, the thrilling event starts at 10:30 a.m. each of the two days.  Reserve or not, when cars do sell, they will have done so to the highest bidder.  This year’s auction will see Carlisle Auctions move 10 decades of excellence in front of a jam-packed gallery of car lovers.

For Carlisle Auctions, starting its season in Florida has been a tradition since 2012.  This year is no different and the level of consignments might just be the best ever to grace the grounds in Lakeland.  Two of the top consignments have less than 2,000 miles on their respective odometers…total!  Don’t miss out as a 1978 Corvette, 2005 Ford GT and so much more take center stage.

This gem of a Corvette has just 213 ORIGINAL MILES and is code B2Z, also known as a Silver Anniversary Edition.  Its automatic transmission powers a 350 c.i. L82 V8 engine and not only does it go (although with 212 miles, it didn’t really go anywhere), it goes in comfort.  There’s an oyster leather interior, AM/FM radio and even a factory CB.  This car has been meticulously taken care of, having been stored in a climate-controlled room and it’s even been on display at the National Corvette Museum.

Another low mileage gem is a 2005 Ford GT with 1,531 miles.  For sale in its factory red paint with black interior, the odometer shows just over 1,530 miles.  The low mileage total combined with its all-original, unmodified body means it also comes with no damage or blemishes to the paint.  Best of all, this GT was just one of five ordered in 2005 with the stripe delete option.  Other great perks to further its value include original sales documentation, window sticker, owner history and even service history.

While those two and others crossing the block will come with a reserve, many others will be offered without a reserve.  There’s also a special theme in place for Saturday (February 22), as the 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. time slot is reserved for only Corvettes, including the above-mentioned ’78.  There will be Corvettes available during other times throughout the event too, but for Corvette die-hards, the Saturday time slot is a must-attend.

“We are looking forward to this being our most successful Winter Autofest Lakeland Auction to date,” noted Director of Auction Operations, Tony Cline.  “We have been fortunate to consign the best group of vehicles that we have ever offered at the SUN ‘n FUN venue.  Anyone who wants to be involved can call our team at 717-960-6400 to consign or register to bid.”

To be part of the auction, call 717-960-6400 or visit Carlisle Auctions online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.  While on the web, review details on many of the events’ consignments as well as details on upcoming auctions with Carlisle Auctions.  There are some great NEW features associated with Carlisle Auctions and Winter AutoFest in 2020 as well.  First, anyone who registers to bid for this auction receives FREE bidder access for Sunset-Carlisle, November 13-14 in Sarasota, Florida.  Second, interested bidders who can’t make Winter AutoFest in person can visit the aforementioned web page to bid online and finally, Carlisle Auctions will once again offer a FREE live stream of the auction, again at www.CarlisleAuctions.com. 

Since 1990, Auto Mania has taken place at the Allentown Fairgrounds in eastern Pennsylvania.  Under the guidance of Carlisle Events, Auto Mania has proven to be a the “little event that could” every January at the Agri-Plex facility.  Not only is it indoors and heated, the unmatched power and resources offered by Carlisle Events and its team help make the weekend a great way to start the Pennsylvania- based schedule for Carlisle Events and the Miller families. 

As the first date on the 2020 Carlisle Events season schedule, Auto Mania was a great starting point for those looking to pick up automotive pieces and parts, restoration items, collectibles, merchandise, memorabilia and more.  The outdoor vendor footprint, which has grown exponentially in the past few years, continued its expansion for 2020.   Playing perfectly into the weather for the weekend, a few of the outdoor vendors even had heaters, gloves, hats and scarfs for sale.   

For anyone at the event who was there when gates opened at 12 p.m. Friday, it was clear and obvious that excitement for the three-day affair was running high.   The line stretched around the building and once inside, guests were shoulder to shoulder and aisles were packed with enthusiasts.  The weekend turnout, despite some unsavory weather on Saturday, offered an overall solid result for all involved…including an uptick in gate over 2019’s offering.

To say that one day stood above another shopping wise is a tough call, because with such an influx of guests throughout the weekend, every day was THE day for shopping and camaraderie in Allentown!   For the throngs of guests who made the trip, Auto Mania was the best outlet for parts buying, picking, flipping and just a generally fun time out of the house.  The event wrapped at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 19 with guests taking one final shot at deals within the automotive flea market and one last chance to connect with old friends before saying goodbye until “the next time.” 

Speaking of next time, Auto Mania 2021 takes place January 15-17.  The buzz is so strong with this event among vendors that a large chunk of available spaces were renewed during the 2020 event weekend as everyone anticipates next year’s offering.  In the meanwhile, Carlisle Events next event weekend comes in one month as staff travel to Lakeland, Florida for Winter AutoFest Lakeland.  That event runs February 21-23 at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus and hosts an automotive flea market and car corral, plus a two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions.  There’s a big car show theme destined to take over the facility.  This year, the NCRS brings its winter regional meet to the event, plus the Imperial Mustang Club of Polk County returns with its Mustangs and Mustangs show.  There’s a Corvette showcase and all-new for Lakeland, a Mopar showcase.  With special guests, displays and seminars planned, a trip to Florida in February isn’t a bad idea. 

As for the aforementioned auction, Carlisle Auctions anticipates 400+ consignments and boasts its exciting FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee.  In addition, buyers and sellers can enjoy live auction entertainment and other great conveniences related to being part of a Carlisle Auction.  A complete rundown of this event and others are available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

The 47th season of Carlisle Events commences January 17, 2020 and from the time the first guest or vendor walks through the door in Allentown, Pennsylvania until the lights are turned out in Sarasota, Florida in November, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions have a little something for everyone. From automotive flea market only offerings to auctions, car shows and truck shows, special displays, guests and more, being part of an event in Carlisle or Allentown, Lakeland or Sarasota gives car lovers from around the world something to see and do 10 out of 12 months annually.

2020’s schedule starts January 17 with Auto Mania at the Agri-Plex building of the Allentown Fairgrounds in eastern Pennsylvania. This event is PA’s largest indoor and heated automotive flea market and also serves as a great way to beat the dull and dark of winter to mix and mingle with like-minded car folks. From parts shopping to food, garage and in-home must haves, Auto Mania is easy to find, conveniently located just off I-78 near Allentown’s famous Dorney Park.

Just over a month later, car lovers looking to enjoy Florida in February can follow the Carlisle team to Lakeland, Florida to join the snowbirds for Winter AutoFest. Held at the SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus just off I-4, Winter AutoFest has evolved into a must-do event!  Carlisle Auctions hosts its first auction of the year with a 400+ car offering, while car owners and supporters of the hobby enjoy showcases of the Corvette, Mustang and all things MOPAR. There’s even a free cruise-in for all brands that either don’t fit that criteria or if you simply want a more relaxed experience at the show.  Of course what would a Carlisle backed weekend be without an automotive flea market, car corral and even a showcase of top of the line motor coaches?  Save the date, because February 21-23, 2020 will be here fast!

About two months after Winter AutoFest wraps, the “home season” for Carlisle Events commences. Spring Carlisle (April 22-26) and Fall Carlisle (September 30-October 4) bookend the schedule with six other major events jam-packed in between.

Spring and Fall each offer a utopia of nearly 100 acres of parts shopping, car buying and unmatched camaraderie with the combined nearly 200,000 guests that helped make Carlisle America’s automotive hometown.

Every event in between Spring and Fall offers a parts shopping experience either within the automotive flea market or midway, but the type of cars or trucks shown at each epically vary. The first specialty show happens in May and it’s the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, this year benefitting Driven to Cure. Running May 15-17, this show not only offers high octane activities like an exhaust contest, burnouts, drifting and autocross, it provides professional judging, a great car club atmosphere, special displays like 100 years of Mazda, 50 years of the Datsun/Nissan Z and dozens of classes; all while showcasing over 2,000 of the best rides from around the world.

The first full weekend of June (5-7) the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiars celebrates its 25^th anniversary and welcomes nearly 60,000 guests and over 3,000 cars to the National Parts Depot Showfield. Special guests are still TBA, but special displays are nearly finalized. To date, Ford weekend spotlights the Grabber 50^th anniversary, 15^th anniversary of the Ford GT, a Euro Ford garage with the 50^th anniversary of the Capri and 35^th anniversary of the Merkur, a Thunderbird reunion and a Starliner reunion.  Ford weekend also offers a downtown Carlisle Ford parade and street party, Ford executives hosting product showcases and seminars, there’s onsite installs and of course the FREE test drives at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center.

Just a few weeks later, the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals (June 26-27) host around 1,000 rides that span the history of the brand. The National Parts Depot Showfield not only hosts all Chevy branded rides, but welcomes Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Cadillac and more! Displays for 2020 include 50 years of the Monte Carlo, Novas at Carlisle, the Solid Lifter Showroom, Featured Vehicle Display spotlighting GMs of the ‘70s within Building T, and much like Ford weekend, guests are still TBA. 

Up next and spanning July 10-12, the grounds come to life again with the world’s largest all Mopar themed weekend, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals.   This three-day event really launches the day before with a 200+ car cruise-in at the Carlisle Expo Center, then quickly transitions to a nearly 3,000 car event at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Display highlights include 50 years of the following:  Dodge Challenger, AAR & T/A, Plymouth Duster, Superbird and Pro Stock.  Chrysler weekend also spotlights some of the best rides from 1970, while showcasing some of the best of the best within Building T’s Featured Vehicle Display.  Parts shopping is also a big deal every July at Carlisle with the largest all-Mopar themed automotive flea market in the world drawing shopping hopefuls from around the world.  Burnouts, a club challenge and more help power this annual summer gathering of all things Mopar.

August offers the last full month of summer as well as two of the hottest automotive events on the season schedule.  The Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores (August 7-9) is the most family-friendly event on the Carlisle Events schedule.  With monster truck shows, cool custom vans, a family fun zone and trucks of all sizes, kids and adults alike will be wowed by real life versions of the toys they played with as kids.  From the special displays in Buildings T and Y to the eclectic mix of trucks on the judged and non-judged showfields, there’s shapes, sizes, styles and eras of trucks for as far as the eye can see.

The final specialty event of the year starts Thursday, August 27 and it’s THE car show that put Carlisle Events on the map; Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive.  Over the course of the event, Team Chevrolet members join over 60,000 guests and 5,000+ Corvettes to celebrate America’s Sportscar.  There are product walkarounds, a downtown Corvette parade and street party, special displays like ones focused on 1970 Corvettes, seminars, special guests and more.  2020 is also expected to showcase more 2020 Corvettes in one place than anywhere else outside of the factory.  The 2020 Motor Trend Car of the Year stood front and center in 2019 and expectations are similar for August of 2020 as well. 

Much like the Import & Performance Nationals, each specialty event noted above includes a burnout contest, track activities, car club gatherings, other fun automotive based activities including (at select shows) an off road course, low car limbo, exhaust contest, high and low truck showdown and there are different classes for the variety of vehicles to be able to park in regardless of event.

Lastly, not only does Carlisle Events bring automotive excitement to central Pennsylvania, Carlisle Auctions does so too.  For the Carlisle Auctions team, three events are held in Carlisle and done so in conjunction with events, with two more auctions taking place in Florida.  Auction season commences on February 21 with an offering within Winter AutoFest in Lakeland (400+ consignments).  Up next is the Spring Carlisle auction starting April 23 (500+ consignments) followed by the Summer Sale on June 27 (200+ consignments).  This auction serves as a nice compliment to the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals and offers an all-Chevrolet hour during the day too.  The final two auctions take place starting October 1 with the Fall Carlisle auction (500+ consignments) and November 13 brings the auction team back to Florida for Sunset Carlisle (400+ consignments).  Other than the Summer Sale which is a single day offering, each auction spans two days.

The 2020 Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions schedule is as follows:

Event	Location	Date
Auto Mania	Agri-Plex/Allentown Fairgrounds, Allentown, PA	1/17-19
Winter AutoFest	SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, Lakeland, FL	2/21-23
Lakeland Winter Auction	SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, Lakeland, FL	2/21-22
Spring Carlisle	Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA	4/22-26
Spring Carlisle Auction	Carlisle Expo Center, Carlisle, PA	4/23-24
Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals	Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA	5/15-17
Carlisle Ford Nationals	Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA	6/5-7
Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals	Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA	6/26-27
Carlisle Summer Sale Auction	Carlisle Expo Center, Carlisle, PA	6/27
Carlisle Chrysler Nationals	Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA	7/10-12
Carlisle Truck Nationals	Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA	8/7-9
Corvettes at Carlisle	Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA	8/27-30
Fall Carlisle	Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA	9/30-10/4
Fall Carlisle Auction	Carlisle Expo Center, Carlisle, PA	10/1-2
Sunset Carlisle Auction	Sunset Automotive Group Facility, Sarasota, FL	11/13-14

 

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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 more than half a million enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

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Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals event weekend has, in some form or another, been taking place in May annually since 1986.  With 2020 offering the 35^th edition of this international automotive celebration in Carlisle, guests who attend now have a chance to benefit a great cause, all while enjoying the cars, the people and the excitement.  For the first time ever at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, instead of a presenting sponsor supporting the event, the event is supporting the sponsor so to speak.  From May 15-17, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals benefit Driven to Cure!

Since the car community is such a tight-knit group, they often come together to support “one of their own” in times of need.  That solidarity will be on display with the aforementioned partnership and benefit car show in May in Carlisle.  Founded by car enthusiast Andrew Lee, DTC is a non-profit 501(c3) established to help raise awareness and provide funding for the research of rare kidney cancers like Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer (HLRCC) in children and young adults.  Andrew passed away on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019 after a long and courageous battle.  Despite his passing, the cause forges on with events, fundraisers, etc. and has raised $600,000 in three years for research.

So, how can Import & Performance Nationals showgoers help?  At the May event in Carlisle, DTC will be onsite hosting a show within the show.  More so, their showcase serves as the OFFICIAL memorial for Andrew, just over a year after his passing.  By doing so, their mix of cars and excitement for Andrew and the hobby he loved so much will be a must-see within Building Y.  Plus, while checking out the cars, guests can also meet folks inspired by Andrew.  This includes friends, family and fellow car lovers.  In addition, Andrew’s car, a customized Nissan GTR complete with a personalized license plate that reads F CANCR will be the centerpiece attraction.  The car was supported by BASF during its time at SEMA, Liberty Walk made a replica model of it and the DTC cause gained so much traction that following Andrew’s passing, he received a moment of remembrance at the 2019 Paul Walker Memorial Ride in Canada.

Prior to his passing, Andrew noted the following: “My GTR has proven to be the closest thing I have to a cure for my cancer.  Driving the GTR has become a tremendous outlet for me. The places I have gone, the people I have met and the passions I have developed just because of this gift have become the best medicine available.”

“Carlisle Events takes great pride year in and year out by giving back,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller. “This year will be extremely special due to Andrew and Driven to Cure evolving around the automotive hobby.  Two great friends introduced me to Bruce, Andrew’s father from DTC and upon our first meeting we knew we had the perfect ingredients for a wonderful way to showcase DTC and even more so, to provide a nice backdrop for a memorial for Andrew as part of our May event,” continued Miller.  “Andrew started Driven to Cure to help others.  He poured his passion into helping others. We at Carlisle Events want to honor his legacy and help his mission.  What better way to do so than to pay tribute to an amazing person that was taken away from this earth way too early.  Please join us to celebrate Andrew’s life during the 2020 Import & Performance Nationals event starting May 15, 2020 as we support DTC.“

Event details, including information on the DTC show and how to support it can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com via the Import & Performance Nationals specific page or by calling 717-243-7855 today!