The Carlisle Import/Performance Nationals is the largest import/performance car show in the US. Since 2006, the PHA has enjoyed a major presence at this show in the Race Paddock, and our display has served well to publicize and promote the PHA and its activities. This year was no exception.
Our display was in a new location this year — we had all of Building R plus a tent outside the building, with parking for our trailers and support vehicles nearby. We had 12 PHA cars, and a bunch of drivers and other PHA members to help support the event.
I dropped my car off on Thursday afternoon (and stored my trailer), but decided not to camp this year for the whole event, and only returned for the day on Saturday. I’ve been told that while our display was popular on Friday, the foot traffic was significantly higher on Saturday. And also, 3 separate storms rolled through the fairgrounds on Friday, one necessitating the doors be closed in Building R while it passed.
When I returned Saturday, the weather could not have been better, and remained that way the entire day.
The first thing I saw was Dan Malave’s 1996 Star Formula Mazda, and I had to wait a while to be able to get a clear photo of it as there were so many others taking pictures.
I put my car (1986 VW Scirocco 16V) outside when I dropped it off Thu, and was pleased to find it in good company with Don McLaughlin’s 1983 Renault RS and Keith Gehard’s new car — a 2016 Scion FRS, orange of course!
Keith told me that my car was extremely popular, mostly with VW types. I am regretting my decision not to camp, as it is always fun to talk to other Scirocco nuts. Note that I did roam the show later, and my car and Mike Axarlis’s car were the only 2 Sciroccos that I found.
Then I wandered inside Building R, and there was a great display set up, with more cars, an area showing videos, and PHA members answering questions.
I started looking around, and cars pictured left to right: Bob Oswald Jr’s 1970 VW Beetle, Bill Ascheman’s 1952 MG TD, Joe Whiteley’s 1964 Austin Healey Sprite, Mike Axarlis’s 1979 VW Scirocco
On the last photo of Mike’s Scirocco, the kid accidentally wandered into my photo and tried to back out, but I convinced him (and his parents) to stand proudly by the car he was admiring.
Last but not least, Alan Lesher brought his 2004 Dodge Neon, and Brian Serfass brought his 2001 Mazda Miata.
The Carlisle Import Performance show is pretty impressive. I hiked up to a spot that shows the whole place.
Our old Pavilion was being used for slot car racing BTW. It looked like fun.
Don McLaughlin took some excellent pictures of the show, and you can enjoy them here:
