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The Carlisle Ford Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, brings the best and most beautiful Fords around the country to one place every year for an entire weekend at the end of May. This year, the event will take place from May 31st to June 2nd at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. Besides the incredible show field, there is a manufacturer’s area, automotive flea market, installations, and activities, as well as meet and greets with some of the industry’s greats.
Carlisle Events recently announced this year’s guest list, featuring authors, designers, TV hosts, racers, and more!
The Greats
Ford drag racer Al Joniec bought his first car for $25, therefore beginning the lifelong process of learning to fix them. Later, Joniec would take a job at a car dealership, eventually landing himself a dealership sponsorship. Ford Motor Company took note of Joniec, and he was selected as one out of eight in the nation to be awarded a full sponsorship. He went on to win multiple national championships, setting records for Ford along the way. Working with top Ford engineers and aftermarket manufacturers over the years has left him with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the inner workings of Ford race cars.
Charlie Morris, author of several automotive books, will be posting seminars and book signings throughout the weekend. His works include Ford Drag Team: The Story of the Drivers, Teams, Cars, and Races that led Ford During Drag Racing’s Golden Era, Total Performers – Ford Drag Racing in the 1960s, and Factory Lightweights: Detroit’s Drag Racing Specials of the ‘60s along with several others.
Donald Farr is a familiar name in the Ford game. Farr has authored several Ford books, with the most recent being Boss Mustang 50 Years, which will be available at the show. Farr will be on hand to sign books during the Boss 50thdisplay in Building T. A special seminar called “Boss Mustang 50 Years” will take place on the Saturday of the event, with Farr hosting.
Steve Saxty has spent three decades in the automotive industry, starting at Ford Motor Company before following his career to several other vehicle manufacturers. Saxty eventually found himself back at Ford and wrote a book entitled The Cars You Always Promised Yourself, about iconic RS cars, the Capri, XRs, and SVE vehicles. Encompassing the past 50 years, Saxty’s book allows the reader a peak behind the curtains, and highlights pivotal moments throughout history that has led to the Ford vehicles that we know and lust after today.
Ford Performance’s Enthusiast Communications Manager John Clor will be on hand to chat with enthusiasts and car clubs throughout the weekend. He will be hosting a Club Leader Meet and Greet on Friday afternoon in the Seminar Tent, as well as a presentation on “Ford Clubs in the Future” on Saturday in the same location. Each event will cover how Ford can assist enthusiast clubs, and create a direct connection with Ford, as well as providing an introduction to Ford’s all-new Ford Club Connect program.
Mustang Club of America Judge Jake Jerrell will be in attendance to explain the MCA Occasional and Daily Driven Classes and what judges look for. He will also review the rest of the classes, as well as Concours judging. A vehicle will be on display for use in a judging demonstration, giving attendees an inside look at car show judging.
Scott Hoag and Tony Alonso will be at Carlisle for book signings and seminars throughout the weekend, featuring their new book Engineer + Enthusiast = Excitement. The book covers the Mach 1 as well as the Bullitt, and will be available for sale throughout the weekend.
Mike Finnegan, co-host of Roadkill and staff editor for Hot Rod magazine will be a first-timer at the Carlisle Ford Nationals. Finnegan is also a boat racer, fabricator, and hosts Finnegan’s Garage on YouTube.
