Celebrate Mopar history and culture at 2014 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals
The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals has been the premier all Mopar-themed event in the world since its inception in 1991. Fast forward to 2014 and this year's event promises to once again be the cream of the crop within automotive circles. As the only July event on the Carlisle Events schedule this year, the weekend of July 11-13 hosts special guests, displays, seminars and the cars.
As has been the case for many years, the event unofficially launches on Thursday with a kick-off party and cruise in at Cumberland Valley Motors in nearby Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The free kick-off, presented by the Mopar Rebellion Car Club, draws upwards of 400+ cars and provides yet another great outlet for Mopar enthusiasts to congregate, talk shop and catch up on happenings since last year's show. With this serving as a popular appetizer, the main course Friday, Saturday and Sunday will ultimately leave enthusiasts wanting more by week's end.
Throughout the weekend, the 100-year history of Dodge will be front and center. Unique displays include a special Race Hemi Reunion, a pre-war car display, an A12 Reunion and a special 50thAnniversary display of the popular Plymouth Barracuda. The A12 showcase can be found within and around Building Y, while the 'Cudas and Barracudas will be positioned in Building T. Numerous special guests are scheduled to appear as part of these special celebrations including Don Grotheer, Bob Riggle, Shirley Shahan, Mr. Norm and more.
In addition to the overall happenings, each day offers something special too. Friday, the first official day of the event, is also Collector Car Appreciation Day. Join guests for a special mid-day ceremony with show-specific guests, award-winning cars and more. This day is designed to recognize the importance of the collector car hobby and features proclamations, speeches and a collector car showcase in front of the stage. Friday's festivities will also include a birthday party to celebrate Dodge's centennial. Included on stage will be the legendary Golden Commandos and Ramchargers race teams, local politicians, representatives from SEMA, Carlisle Events ownership, special walk arounds hosted by Steve Magnante and more.
Saturday welcomes back all of the same guests from Friday and brings even more excitement and activities. Those onsite can meet Andre and Renaud Veluzat - builders of what pop culture knows as the General Lee. The fun continues with additional seminars that vary in presentation, but ultimately cater to one common theme: the love, care or history of the Mopar brand.
Guests will also want to catch the Dodge Power Rallye Tour. Carlisle is one of approximately 50 scheduled tour stops and at Carlisle, a full showcase of 2014 Dodge branded vehicles, including the Charger, Challenger, Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey will be on display. There will also be special edition vehicles, plus the Charger SRT and Challenger SRT. The Rallye Power Tour brings with it the opportunity to test drive the full line of Dodge vehicles.
What also makes Saturday great is that it wraps with the Mopar Hall of Fame ceremonies which take place about 30 minutes from Carlisle in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. This sees some of the most iconic members of the Mopar community receive their deserved recognition for contributions and achievements within the automotive community. The best part is, this truly unique event is open to the public. Details are available at http://moparhalloffame.com/.
Other great show aspects include the massive all Mopar-themed swap meet, a car corral, burnouts, beauty, an awards parade, club competition, autocross program with Hotchkis Sport Suspension Dodge Scat Pack Thrill ride experience, downtown movie screening of Snake and Mongoose and much more. It's not too late to register either.
