Nice weather and cool cars go together like…well, like every good cliché of things that go together.  For two days in June (21-22), the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds came to life with nearly 1,000 cars spanning the history of the Chevrolet brand as part of the annual Chevrolet Nationals.  The National Parts Depot Showfield was bustling with over 100 years of history, hosting a greater turnout of cars than the year before.  

Chevrolet weekend offered many things to many people – seminars, cool displays, activities (autocross rides with UMI Performance, Nitrofest), contests (burnouts, beauty, Real Street Shootout), special guests (Bruce Larson, Matt Avery, Charlie Morris, Larry Lombardo, Linda Vaughn and more than a half a dozen other greats from the history of Hurst) but it was the Bandit Jump that literally had folks craving more.

Vendors were coming to Carlisle days in advance of the weekend, with showcars quick to follow.  Indoor displays like the Solid Lifter Showroom in Building Y and the Featured Display showcase within Building T were in place by Thursday evening.  Additional spotlights like Novas at Carlisle and the Hurst Showcase also came together in advance of Friday’s 7 a.m. opening.  Once in place, these “best of the best” features helped anchor another great Chevrolet Nationals weekend.

With many great cars on display, many more cruised in to be part of the judged showfield.  From Fiero’s to Buick’s, Cadillac’s to Oldsmobile’s, Corvette’s to trucks and more, there was a little bit of something for everyone.   

As previously noted, the Bandit Jump was the star attraction of the show.  On Saturday at around 1 p.m., the Northeast Ohio Dukes stunt team launched a Smokey and the Bandit themed Trans-Am through the air on the southside of the grounds.  After soaring some 30 feet in the air and 120 or so feet in distance, the front-end impact left the crowd cheering and its driver, Ray Kohn wanting more.  This was also the first-time Kohn and the NEOD have jumped a Trans-Am and also the first time a jump like this was attempted anywhere in the country this year.  Needless to say, the crowd standing rows deep were appreciative of the efforts.  

In addition to all of the fun at the fairgrounds, the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center came to life for the second annual Summer Sale, powered by Carlisle Auctions.  From 11 a.m. until around 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, some 200 consignments crossed the block; again, spanning automotive history.  There was even an all-Chevrolet hour, offering a perfect compliment to all the fun happening across the street.  The top selling auction car was a 1966 Corvette going for $61,000, while another Corvette, this one a ’63, selling for $46,000.  Each sold during Carlisle Auctions’ all-Chevrolet hour late Saturday afternoon.

As the last of the vendors and showcars load out at Carlisle, everyone is making plans for 2020’s event.  Save the date, because the 20th edition of the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals take place June 26-27.  Registration is now open for that event and would be attendees are welcome to call 717-243-7855 or visit www.CarlisleEvents.com to learn more.  

Central Pennsylvania is rich in the trucking industry.  Not only do many major roadways pass through or near the area, but multiple companies have established trucking hubs to help get their products from point A to point B within the mid-Atlantic region.  In addition, Carlisle Events launched the Carlisle Truck Nationals and Big Rig Show & Shine in 1991 because ultimately, trucks of all types, are the backbone of our society.  It’s this love for trucks and the passion of those who attend shows at Carlisle that help usher in multiple businesses as supporting parts for the 2019 season (and beyond).

Carlisle Events is pleased to welcome back A&A Auto Stores as the presenting sponsor of truck weekend.  A&A has been in business for more than 60 years and within the past two years, established a brick and mortar business in Carlisle.  Not only are they the presenting sponsor, they are the official performance parts installer of Carlisle Events for many shows on the season schedule.

Joining A&A are our official sponsors Extang, Rock Auto, Meguiar’s and our ALL NEW partners, American Force Wheels and Ranch Hand Bumpers.  Ranch Hand fitted its first grille guard on the front of a truck in 1986 in a small shop in south Texas.  Since then, business experience, knowledge and determination has expanded their presence on the road from a single rancher’s truck to tens of thousands of trucks, Jeeps and SUVs across the nation.

The list doesn’t stop with presenting partners and official sponsors.  As Carlisle Truck Nationals weekend grows, so does its list of partners.  Guests at Carlisle can expect to see Ford Trucks, General Tire, Skyjacker, Rolling Big Power, Fury Off Road Tires, FASS Diesel, Borla Performance, Lund International, 4 Wheel Parts, BD Diesel, Anthem Wheels and other truck outfitters who vend at Carlisle with specific product offerings geared to truck and off road enthusiasts.

While much of what’s listed above is specific to light trucks, the Big Rig showcase includes custom and antique rigs, while also featuring a great array of partners for truckers and trucking enthusiasts.  Experiencing nearly 200 big rigs and heavy equipment is just one amazing aspect of the Big Rig Show & Shine, but when walking the grounds, guests can talk directly with the likes of Cumberland Truck Center representing Volvo Trucks as well as Kenworth of PA representing Kenworth Trucks. Commercial Carriers both national and regional show up in full force representing their fleets, while offering career opportunities as well as impressive fleet showings just for fun from carriers of various products.

Seeing is believing at Carlisle and truck weekend annually runs the first full weekend of August.  In 2019, the event kicks off August 2.  Complete details about the event are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com and if you’re interested in supporting the show as a sponsor or business partner, connect with event manager Ed Scholly at EdS@CarlisleEvents.com or by phone at 717-243-7855 x118.     

Currently, the fifth best-selling vehicle in America, the Chevrolet Equinox is second in Chevy sales, only to its Silverado line. In the second year of its third generation, the Equinox compact SUV has sold nearly 2 million vehicles since its launch in 2004 for model-year 2005.   

For 2019, Equinox plays on last year’s redesign by upgrading cosmetics and tech. This year’s tweaks include the Lights and Bright package available on 1LT trim, consisting of 19-inch bright-machined wheels with Sparkle Silver pockets, LED headlamps, LED taillamps, chrome grille surround and molded assist steps. Also new are LS Convenience and LT Appearance packages; 7-inch or 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen radios; available 8-inch system with navigation; four USB data ports are standard and two additional USB ports, an SD card reader and auxiliary input jack are now available. From a tech and safety standpoint, the Standard Rear Vision Camera has been upgraded to HD view; the available Surround Vision has been upgraded to HD view; Front Pedestrian Braking is now available on the Premier trim and Adaptive Cruise Control is available on Premier. Cosmetically, Pacific Blue Metallic and Kinetic Blue Metallic are new exterior paint schemes.

The exterior paint plays off Equinox’s expressive styling with sculpted designs. As was the case last year, a mass-efficient body structure is at the center of the Equinox’s lean curb weight and helps make the most of its available turbo engine options. The rounded and clean Equinox architecture measures 183.1 inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 65.4 inches high on a 107.3 -inch wheelbase, with a 8.0-inch ground clearance. The 2.0-liter Turbo AWD crossover I tested in the Premier trim, had a curbweight of 3665 lbs.

Packed with amenities inside and out, standard exterior highlights include projector-beam headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, LED taillamps on uplevel models, a hands-free power liftgate, outside heated power-adjustable and auto-dimming body-color manual-folding mirrors with turn signal indicators and chrome mirror caps,
19-inch ultra-bright aluminum wheels and a chromed dual-outlet exhaust.

The Equinox cabin is accommodating, and filled with entertainment and function. With seating for five, the interior provides 40 inches of front headroom and 38.5 inches in row two; legroom is 40.9 inches in the row one and 39.7 in the second seats, while shoulder room is 55.7 and 55.5.

Inside, the cabin has a “kneeling” rear seat that features tilting bottom cushions that enable a flat load floor for easier loading. Connectivity technologies include 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink® infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Teen Driver is offered, allowing parents to set controls and review their teen’s driving habits and available Surround Vision offers a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle. Also inside are dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview auto-dimming mirror and standard active noise cancellation. And my test Equinox Premium came with leather heated seats with driver memory, a heated steering wheel and wireless charging.

Equinox power comes from a choice of three engine systems: 1.5-liter turbo, 1.6-liter diesel or 2.0-liter turbo engine. The 1.5-liter 4-cylinder is rated at 170hp and 203 lb-ft of torque; the 1.6-diesel is good for 137hp and 240lb-ft; and the 2.0-liter turbo I tested is rated at 252hp and 260 lb-ft. and was EPA-rated at 22mpg in city driving for both FWD and AWD, and 29/highway for FWD and 28mpg/highway for AWD. My week of driving averaged 24.7mpg in an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

The turbo synched effectively and zipped well on the track, with a zero-to-60mph sprint completed in 6.7 seconds, during a brisk 15.2-second quarter-mile (hand-timed). While the electric power rack-and-pinion steering showed some vagueness, and visibility was a bit obscured, the ride was soft, and tuned for passenger comfort rather than driver’s feel. The Equinox independent MacPherson strut front suspension with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar and its independent four-link rear leveled out most pavement irregularities. 

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in FWD, AWD, either of three engine selections and either 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission. Equinox pricing starts at $24,995 for the base L-trim model with the 1.5-liter turbo liter engine in front-wheel-drive; the LS 1.5 bases at $27,095; the LT 1.5 trim starts at $28,395 and the Premier starts at $32,395 with the 1.5 Turbo. My test Premier 2.0L Turbo started at $35,095. 

My Premier 2.0L Turbo came in standard Summit White exterior paint (Premium colors add from $395 to $995). Jet Black, perforated leather-appointed seat trim was also standard. My Equinox was in all-wheel-drive (which I nearly always recommend), adding $800, and was upgraded with the Infotainment II Package (Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium System, Navigation and 8-inch diagonal touch screen, as well as a Bose® premium 7-speaker system, for $1125. Also added, for $2145, was the Confidence and Convenience II Package: Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Safety Alert Seat, HD Surround Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control – Camera, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam® headlamps, heated steering wheel, 8-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar, Ventilated driver and front passenger seats and Heated rear outboard seats. With Destination Freight charges of $1195, my test 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Premium stickered at $40,165, but cash allowances and regional incentives cut my particular ride by $2000, so check with your local dealer.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

The first day of summer may be June 21, but just one day later on the 22nd, Carlisle Auctions accelerates the summertime fun with its second annual Summer Sale.  The auction, held in conjunction with the neighboring Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals, sees the first gavel drop just after 11 a.m.  While the event itself starts then, the buzz on the display floor gets underway with preview hours starting at 8 a.m.  Carlisle Auctions anticipates 200+ classics will cross the block, plus merchandise and memorabilia for sale too. 

While there are many amazing consignments committed spanning generations of production, THE star of the event is a 1989 Lamborghini Countach.  Considered one of the first true super cars, its 455 HP/V12 engine takes it from 0-60 in under 5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 192 (or so we’ve heard).  Available in an eye-popping Rosso Sivila Red with tan leather interior, this consignment has just 2,284 miles on its odometer and would be the jewel of any car collection.  

Consignments date back to 1935, but also spotlight current and future collector classics.  From Camaros, Cobras, Corvettes, Mustangs, trucks of all types and so much more, this auction has it all.  As an added bonus to the fun, Carlisle Auctions will tip its cap to the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals.  The auction is excited to announce an all-Chevrolet hour starting at approximately 3 p.m.  During this hour, only Chevrolet branded vehicles will cross the block.

“This is an excellent mix of consignments,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “There is something here for everyone and consignments are priced to sell.  From your first classic to an addition to the collection, expect options priced from $5,000 to $350,000,” continued Cline. “It’ll be a fun automotive weekend at Carlisle and we’re looking forward to the second annual Carlisle Summer Sale.”

Find an investment that will accelerate with Carlisle Auctions as part of the Summer Sale.  To learn more about the auction, view consignments, register to bid and more, visit www.CarlisleAuctions.com or call 717-960-6400.

Carlisle and Corvettes go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly!  While the tasty sandwich dates back decades, car show fun at Carlisle can be traced back to year one of Corvettes at Carlisle, 1982.  This year, as the event celebrates its 37th Anniversary, guests can expect to see some of their favorite showcases and guests, while also checking out new and unique aspects of the Corvette along the way.  Powered by Corvette America in 2019, the Corvette fun commences on August 22 and runs through Sunday, August 25 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

Guests at Carlisle will love seeing all the great Corvettes, including some that will be showcased at the stage by members of Team Chevrolet.  In addition, another new feature will be the theme for the annual Chip’s Choice display.  For 2019, the display includes modified Corvettes.  These Corvettes can be of any generation and year, though guests can expect more modern Corvettes showcased.  From C1’s to modern day C7’s, expect some very unique cars within the display.

Other displays include the annual 50-year Corvette showcase; this time honoring 1969 Corvettes.  Along with some of the best from 1969, the Corvette Challenge cars return for a 30th Anniversary celebration along with a Corvette reunion focused on race prepared Corvettes. 

In addition to the displays, Corvettes at Carlisle welcomes special guests.  The 2019 roster includes the likes of Dave McLellan, Wil Cooksey and the aforementioned Team Chevrolet.  Also, as part of race centric displays, Corvettes at Carlisle is pleased to welcome celebrity race drivers like Johnny O’Connell, Stu Hayner, Kenny Wallace Jr., Shawn Hendricks, Boris Said and more.

The event isn’t just about the great cars on display though, as many amazing Corvette vendors make Carlisle home for the weekend too.  Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Manufacturers Midway and the automotive flea market for their shopping needs, or if buying a new Corvette is of interest, those are available too via the car corral.

Finally, the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation is once again working in conjunction with the Lancaster County Corvette Club and Clare House to raffle off a 2019 Corvette Stingray.  Tickets are available now via the LCCC and are just $100.  Only 1,000 tickets are available, and proceeds benefit Clare House and the CMAF.  The drawing runs in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Lottery Pick 3 drawing which takes place Saturday evening, August 24 at 7 p.m.

Complete details about this event, links to buy tickets, register for the Fun Field and more are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.