2010 Carlisle Truck Nationals Pictures

Carlisle Car Show: 2010 Truck Nationals

The 2010 Carlisle Truck Nationals was, once again, a great event and MyRideisMe.com was there to enjoy the show. Truck enthusiasts from around the country were there competing for trophies and just to hang out with like-minded individuals. There was something for everyone including sky-high monster trucks all the way to frame laying minis.

One of the highlights of the show was a display of Vietnam Gun Trucks from the reunion of Vietnam-era U.S. Army Transportation Veterans who were in Carlisle for their meeting known as “The Gathering.” All of the vehicles present looked very impressive with their machine guns mounted up high.

As a different form of tribute to our soldiers, Malibu Customz had their 2009 Ford F-150 truck that they call the “Freedom Truck” on display. This spectacular truck was airbrushed by Mickey Harris and depicted scenes from all the U.S. military branches.

Over in Building Y, Dan Little organized a group of Rat Rodders to fill the entire building with all sorts of creative rides. Some people have an issue with the term “rat rod” but not George and Corey Green. Their entire 1936 Plymouth was covered in rats of all types. They even had the term displayed proudly up front on their bumper for the entire world to see.

Rat Rodders are definitely a creative bunch. What do you think about a real shotgun shifter? Hope it isn’t loaded.

Speaking of dangerous, if I saw a soccer mom rolling down the highway in this lifted mini van I think I would make a bee-line to the nearest exit. This driver actually needed a six foot tall step later just to get into the van.

Over at the topside of Carlisle Event’s 100-acre facility, the members of Rausch Creek Off Road Park were showing off on the rock crawling course that was built for the event. There were Jeeps, trucks, and rock buggies taking turns all day.

Diesel trucks can make gobs of power and the air near the dyno booth was constantly filled with black smoke as these beasts competed for bragging rights.

We ducked back inside briefly to escape the blazing afternoon sun. Actually, for a mid-August day the temperatures were perfect and the humidity was bearable. Inside, we found Scott Kauffman’s 1974 Chevy van called “Emerald Express.” I was really digging all the green lace paint.

Would you like to go for a ride in a monster truck? Every year the Virginia Giant returns to allow passengers to “experience the power and car crushing action of a monster truck.”

I have a soft spot in my heart for all things truck. I guess much of it has to do with the fact that, being 6′ 5″, I don’t fit in too many cars comfortably. It may also be the reason why I own 3 trucks. So, do you own a truck? Is it lifted? Dropped? Stock?  Let us know, we would love to hear about it.

A few more photos are available in the Picture Gallery.

Spring Carlisle Swap Meet

Aaah, spring in the Northeast. Time to take the covers off the hibernating beast in the garage and do some car stuff. The beginning of the season up in the Northeast has been marked for the last 31 years by a five day event simply known as Spring Carlisle. The event is held each year in April at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Carlisle, PA. During this event, the 81 acre facility is just stuffed full of cars, parts, supplies, and collectibles for sale. If it is for sale on the East Coast it will more than likely be here. Finding it may be a problem though. Even if you arrive when the gates open at 7:00 AM you will have a tough time seeing everything by the time the gates close at 7:00 PM.

Making it even harder is the fact that, if you are looking for cars, many of the nearby neighborhoods allow cars to park on their lawns (for a fee of course) and sellers take this opportunity to display cars for sale. Looking to buy shop equipment? With several large vendors present ordering ahead of time and having the vendor bring the item to the show can save you a lot on shipping charges. Just be prepared arrive early in order to actually get to the vendor with your truck to pick up your goodies. My suggestion would be to pick it up before 9:00 AM. After about noon even on a weekday the crowds will make it almost impossible to drive onto the fairgrounds.

Even if you are not looking for something specific this is a great place to step back, relax, and remember the past. Someone is always selling that old toy you used to have. Or maybe a lunch box or poster of your favorite old TV show. In this EBay era, it is still nice to be able to touch something before you buy it. Check out more pictures in the picture gallery. And don’t forget about Fall Carlisle!

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