Carlisle Truck Nationals Crushes Records
CARLISLE, PA… The annual Carlisle Truck Nationals truck event is many things to many people. It’s a place for truck clubs to converge and have fun. It’s a place for owners of trucks of all sizes to get together and showcase their prized rides and custom creations. It’s a place for families to enjoy an affordable day (or weekend) out seeing in real life the toys they play with at home. And, for the last three consecutive years, it’s a place where Showfield growth has almost become expected, as yet ANOTHER Carlisle Truck Nationals (August 4-6, 2023) not only wowed guests through the gate, it SHATTERD another truck turnout record.
Though about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, the previous record high was 2,594. That is, until big rig owner John Savoy registered his hauler, making the number 2,595. From there, every registrant set a new mark until the final number of 2,870 was reached by mid-day Sunday, August 6. That’s right, a new mark by 276 trucks. Best of all, dating back to 2019 (and including the COVID year of 2020), truck show numbers have skyrocketed. For 2019, Carlisle hosted 1,703 registered trucks, in 2020 it was 1,570, 2021 saw a massive jump to 2,510, 2022 did 85 better with 2,595, and now 2,870 in 2023. Wow, what growth! Speaking of growth, theBig Rig Show and Shine stretched fence line to fence line; tallying some 231 rigs; up more than 150 over the past 10 years.
What brings the trucks, and guests back to Carlisle annually? How about the wide variety of showcase options. Guests can enjoy lowered mini trucks, lifted big trucks, monster trucks, antique big rigs, modern day haulers, antique fire trucks, cool custom vans, heavy equipment, and more. There’s also a nice mix of family activities and fun for the kids too; including monster truck rides and shows, a kids cash grab, Kids bingo, all new in 2023, Mr. Mysterrio the Magician, face painting, balloon animals, a goody bag, and best of all, FREE admission for all kids 12 and under. Kids had a chance to see in real life, the toys they play with at home and the payoff was well worth the cost of admission.
In addition, the Truck Nationals hosted a variety of automotive flea market vendors, business partners on the midway, and dozens of trucks for sale within the truck corral. Truck weekend celebrated 40 years of the Ranger too, and even put the wheels in motion with multiple competitions and pop-up parades. The low trucks skated around the grounds, while the 454 SS trucks showed off their style as well. In addition, low truck limbo, high truck challenge, drop and drag, and the rolling burnout contest presented by Atturo Tires offered no shortage of truck themed activities for the throngs of showgoers. Club gatherings also help make it a fun weekend for attendees and participants.
Judged or non-Judged, the show was a smashing success and while 2023 is a wrap, the Carlisle Truck Nationals 2024 (August 2-4) is in the early planning. Registration for it is now open and planned 2024 display themes include a great gallery of antique fire trucks by way of the Old Fire Farts, Vanarama within the American Collectors Insurance Pavilion, American Truck Historical Society, the Big Rig Show and Shine, and more. For details on upcoming car events at Carlisle, advanced arrival information, or to check out the winner’s list and photos from Truck Nationals weekend, visit CarlisleEvents.com.
Carlisle Truck Nationals Big Rig Show & Shine 2023 Winner's List
Conventional Cabover Tractor-Sleeper: 1st: Chad Walker, 1985 Peterbilt 359; 2nd: Jamon Reid, 2021 Kenworth T680; 3rd: Wayne Jones, 1998 Peterbilt 379
Conventional Cabover Tractor-Day Cab: 1st: Randy Whisler, 2018 International LoneStar; 2nd: Vogel Specialized Transport, 2009 Peterbilt 379; 3rd: C&S Snyder, 2022 Kenworth W900L
Dump Truck – Triple Axle & Up: 1st: Dalton Hobbs, 2021 Peterbilt 389; 2nd: Skylar King, 2004 Peterbilt 379; 3rd: BHL, 2018 Peterbilt 389
Dump Truck – Single Axle & Up: 1st: Colby Bauman, 2003 Peterbilt 330
Small & Medium Roll Back: 1st: Pellas Towing & Recotry, 2022 Peterbilt 337; 2nd: Lehman’s Towing, 2023 International; 3rd: Pellas Towing & Recovery, 2024 Peterbilt 536
Large Roll Back: 1st: Hunter Contracting, 2022 Peterbilt; 2nd: Chick’s Towing, 2022 Peterbilt; 3rd: Pellas Towing & Recovery, 2024 Western Star
Small & Medium Wrecker: 1st: Kevin Amicucci, 2022 Ford F550; 2nfd: HJ Towing, 1987 International 9300; 3rd: HJ Towing, Kenworth
Large Wrecker: 1st: Thomas Sanchez, 2002 Peterbilt 379; 2nd: Pellas Towing & Recovery, 2023 Peterbilt 567; 3rd: Bill Warner, Jr., 1997 Peterbilt 379
Straight, Box & Flatbed Truck: 1st: Josh Riccio, 2003 Peterbilt 379; 2nd: Brad Hunsberger, 2000 Peterbilt 379; 3rd: Ken Truxal, 2021 International
Construction & Service Truck: 1st: Matt Linski, 1994 International 4900; 2nd: Tyler Matsumoto, 2019 Kenworth T270; 3rd: Ken Dahler, 2005 GMC
Special Truck: 1st: Chase Hartman, 2000 Peterbilt 379; 2nd: Wally Eshenaur, 1951 Ford F600; 3rd: Rosh Riccio, 2017 Peterbilt 379
Tractor Trailer Combo 2005 & Prior: 1st: Chris McCay, 1998 Kenworth W900L; 2nd: MJH Trucking, 2002 Peterbilt 379; J3rd: DRT Services, Peterbilt 378
Tractor Trailer Combo 2006 & Up: 1st: 50/50 Trucking, 2018 Kenworth W900L; 2nd: Cody Wagner, 2022 Peterbilt 389; 3rd: Brian King, 2017 Kenworth W900
Antique: 1st: Walker & Sons, 1973 Peterbilt 359; 2nd: Dan Fromm, 1985 Peterbilt 359; 3rd: Ben Kline, 1959 Dodge D700
Military: 1st: Ti Kress, 1966 Jeep Kaiser
Car Carrier: 1stLong Island Auto Exchange, 2021 Peterbilt 389; 2nd: MikeSantoro, 2020 Peterbilt 389
BEST OF SHOW: Gidget Laster - 2015 Kenworth T370
Best Interior: Chad Walker - 1985 Peterbilt 359 Extended Hood Best Custom Chrome: Derrick Hobbs - 2005 Kenworth W900L
Best Graphics: HJ Towing & Recovery- 2007 Peterbilt 379
Best Truck Name: Bradley Sirko - 1995 Peterbilt 379 OVER BUDGET
Best Sleeper: Jesse Shirey - 1996 International 9370
Best Paint: Rolon Nolt - 1995 Kenworth W900L
Best Lights: Long Island Auto Exchange - 2021 Peterbilt 389 Limelight
Movin' Out's Choice: Jesse Shirey - 1996 International 9370
Bill Miller's Choice: Mike Santoro -2020 Peterbilt 389
Large Car Magazine's Choice: Joe Petrizzo - 2003 Peterbilt 379
Best Fleet:
1st: HJ Towing - Excellent Paint & Graphics
2nd: Hobbs Trucking - Nice Display & Clean Trucks
3rd: Hunter Hauling - Extremely well detailed - Show Room Ready
Largest Fleet Challenge: H.J. Towing
Coolest Convoy: H.J. Towing