Pre-register before May 21, 2012 to get your window sticker early and drive right in when you get to the gate!

• Gate-N-Go

The Rescue 1 Fire Safety for Kids Pro-Touring '48 Chevy Fleetline is a '48 Chevy that has complete C6 Corvette chassis and will on display at the GM Nationals. The car will be auctioned off when completed to raise funds for Rescue 1 Fire Safety for Kids "1 Child Saved" campaign, a fundraising campaign to provide firefighters with the educational tools needed to teach kids, pre-school through college, the dangers of distracted driving and fire.

A great project for a great cause - on display in June! For more details, check them out online.

• Photos
• '48 Project on YouTube

From the Desk of Event Manager, Rick Markko

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and check out the latest news about the GM Nationals and Camaro in particular. The Camaro growth at our event has been great and we want to keep that trend moving in a positive direction. As a passionate Camaro owner and enthusiast I will work hard to ensure that Camaros at Carlisle continues to lead the growth of the event.

This year, Camaros at Carlisle are supported by a host of Camaro clubs led by Rick & Joy Gawel of the American Camaro Association. Other clubs including the Tri State F-Body Club, Camaro Nation, Int. and the NY5THGEN will have members supporting the group. The Camaro classes are posted along with our updated Judging Guidelines. Be sure to check out the "Gate-N-Go" registration information below as well.

If you have any thoughts you would like to share, please do so. I will take them into consideration as we continue to plan the 2012 event. I recommend that if you want accurate, current and concise information that you contact me directly using the following resources:

Email: RickM@CarlisleEvents.com
Office: 717-243-7855 x124
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GMNationals

Rick

• Register Online

• Tri-State F-Body Club on Facebook

Friday night Blues and BBQ, it’s more than a catchy slogan; it’s a Friday activity that is guaranteed to give the weekend a true party atmosphere. Beginning Friday at 4 p.m., enjoy live music, Blues, BBQ and Beer in the area around the main grandstand. The fun will last until approximately 10 p.m., but will no doubt carry over into the remaining days of the event.

Live music will come from the Little Ivory Blues Band, Grand Point Station and Octavia. Each group will play for about two hours on the stage. In addition, table seating will be situated on and around the burnout pit with BBQ and Beer (fees apply) from Woody's Fuel Stop.

Whether you are part of the local community or a GM fan in town for the event, make this Friday night fun part of your weekend plans at the GM Nationals. A great place to return to after a night at the track!

In 2012, bring Carlisle your best GM Collector Vehicle and take home some cold hard cash in the process. As we continue our coveted "BEST" category awards, Carlisle Events has implemented cash awards for the following categories:

Ten “Specialty” Cash Awards ($250 for each award) for GM Nationals

• Register with Gate-N-Go
• GM Nationals Classes

Autocross comes to the GM Nationals in 2012 via Hotchkis Performance. Strap yourself in to one of the vehicles modified with Hotchkis Sport Suspension components and take a ride like you never thought possible in an old muscle car. Did you notice we used the word “vehicle” rather than “car”? That’s because Hotchkis is planning to bring a C-10 truck for rides, too! Oh, and did we mention that you can have all of this fun at no additional charge? It’s all included with your event admission.

As an added bonus, Hotchkis will award one lucky owner of a 5th Gen Camaro winner a TVS system AND have it installed FREE at A&A here at the event, all while they are checking out the rest of the show. You can’t beat that deal with a pile of money!

• Hotchkis

Before the term “super car” was used in reference to six figure, mid-engine, Euro cars, it applied to high-performance domestic muscle cars from the peak days of drag racing. We'll honor those super cars once again in 2012. The Legendary Solid Lifter Showroom IV is presented by the Super Car Workshop and Arone Auto Restoration.

• Visit Us on Facebook

Monster Trucks have been a part of Carlisle for some time, and for the first time, the monster family fun comes to the GM Nationals.

New in 2012, the Shell-Camino crew bring a great ride truck to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. The rides will provide great family fun and entertainment. The truck itself has a retro fitted bed to host passengers and is a 1972 Chevy El Camino.

As is the case during other Monster Truck themed events at Carlisle, the truck will give rides resembling a crushing feel, something that can only be experienced at Carlisle. Rides will cost $5 per person and take place rain or shine.

• Shell-Camino

During the GM Nationals this year, we are pleased to have Sam Auxier, Jr. -- known for "interviewing the greatest names in racing" -- join us again. Sam is a 2000 Super Car Hall of Famer and a 2002 inductee to the Drag Times Hall of Fame. Come out and meet this drag racing legend.

• Sam Auxier, Jr Website
• Automotiveradionetwork.com
• Car Crazy Interview at SEMA

David Snyder will help celebrate the return of the “W” motor cars to the GM Nationals with an awesome display of his automotive art featuring products produced by GM. David displayed his portfolio of automotive art work in “T” building. Many stopped by to meet Dave and witness first hand his artistic ability as he worked on a new painting.

• David Snyder Car Art Online

The Carlisle GM Nationals are giving you a handful of prizes in 2012 and the latest one to come your way is a FREE day of education at the Bondurant School. The prize consists of a day filled with information on skid control, line techniques, accident avoidance, lead & follow and more. You'll do all of this in a 2011 Camaro SS.

Participants get a real feel and some important knowledge of safety and strategy in racing. The fundamentals of steering weight transfer and braking techniques are reviewed and practiced. Other skills and exercises include skid control and accident avoidance as well as ABS and non ABS braking techniques. You will learn racing terminology and techniques that will help you search for speed including trail braking, throttle steer and heel & toe downshifting. All your new racing skills will be perfected on the 1.6-mile Bondurant track.

Official rules and a link to register will be available soon. Please note, the Bondurant course is in Arizona and the prizewinner will be responsible for his or her own travel and accommodations to the location.

• Bondurant School

Cacklefest was an AMAZING hit in 2011 and Bruce is bringing his USA-1 Camaro and Corvette back to Carlisle for another go-around.

Soon, we'll open registration for a lucky few winners to get behind the wheel and feel the rush of warming up Larson's fuel cars. Plus, Bruce will be right beside you helping along the way.

Better yet, winners will also get their choice of either a pair of weekend passes for the GM Nationals, or showfield registration. Contest rules and a link for registration are NOW AVAILABLE!

• Register Now
• Official Rules
• Cacklefest - Watch Video From 2011

Jason Sturgeon brings his rockin' country sound to Carlisle and the GM Nationals for a special Saturday performance. Sturgeon returns to Carlisle to showcase his talents on the Red 102.3 stage.

Sturgeon has spent the past few months touring the country promoting his newest single, "Time Bomb" and other hits in support of his most recent CD release, "That's Me."

Sturgeon has opened for the likes of Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Randy Houser, Brooks & Dunn, Travis Tritt, Eli Young Band, Luke Bryan and many others. He has released four national radio singles, “Simple Life,” “Rollin’ On," “The Cover” and the aforementioned "Time Bomb," which is currently climbing the country radio charts and has been featured multiple times on CMT.

Don't miss Jason and be sure to check out the video for "Time Bomb," featuring World of Outlaws legend Steve Kinser.

• Jason Sturgeon
• Red 102.3
• Jason Sturgeon - Time Bomb

It's always great to get together with old friends. You can share stories, catch up on the old times and see just how much you've changed over the years. Well, a gathering of Chevy's best from the 1958-64 era should provide an equal amount of memory jarring conversation.

Don't miss out on awesome looking 348 and 409 “W” Motors made famous by the likes of Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins and Dave Strickler’s “Old Reliable.”

More details to come, but if you want to be part of this display, contact event manager Rick Markko at RickM@carlisleevents.com or call 717-243-7855 ext 124.

• GM Nationals - Register Online

Carlisle Events, in conjunction with Auto Enthusiast, will award a fresh 409 cubic inch engine provided by our good friend Don Fezell of Don Fezell Classics. The engine looks original, but features a host of high performance parts from some of the top manufacturers in the industry. During the rebuild, the machine work was done by R & R Machine of Brookville, PA while final assembly was completed by Jerry Wallace. All of these partner companies offer products that are available for your very own engine build, many of which can also be found as part of the swap meet and Manufacturers Midway located within the GM Nationals. This 1963 409cid engine will produce 425 horsepower with the reliability and durability you would expect from The General. In addition to the engine being up for grabs, it will also be on display on an Easy-Run Engine Test Stand.

Follow the build in the pages of Auto Enthusiast, available both in print and online.

Contest rules and a link to register are now available!

Also, congratulations to our 2011 winner, Richard Brooks of Farmington, New Hampshire! He won an LS engine built by Gardner Competition Engines.

• Auto Enthusiast
• Register Now
• Contest Rules

The Performance Point is back at the GM Nationals for 2012. The Point is a great place for GM enthusiasts to get up close and personal with Fuel Funny cars and other unique and special cars and to meet special guests.

The Chevrolet Camaro is always well represented by many different clubs. The American Camaro Association is arguably one of the largest grassroots Camaro clubs out there today that covers ALL generations of this iconic and very popular car! Thanks guys and gals! If you own a Camaro, be sure to register early for Camaros At Carlisle held during the 2012 event and supported by a host of Camaro clubs. Pre-registration is now open. Register for the GM Nationals, June 22-24, 2012. Save some bucks and be a part of the elite. Watch this space for news of the contest to actually sit in one of Bruce Larson’s Fuel Funny cars during the start up procedure.

Be sure to visit the GM Nationals Facebook page and please "Like" us! Thanks!

• Pontiac Registry

Electric Drag Racing is becoming more popular than many would have guessed as recently as five years ago. Now, an electric racer will be on display as part of the GM weekend. Car owner Ron Adamowicz is bringing his ride to Carlisle.

It's not just electric, it's FAST! How about a run time of of 10.08 at a speed of 127.75 m.p.h. in 2011? Better yet, the team has tweaked the car with a lighter 2012 Camaro body, more powerful controllers and lighter battery pack. They're hoping for a run in the 7 second range on a 1/4 mile strip.

Team Haiyine will have their shot at Quarter Aces Drag-O-Way as part of the ever popular drag racing fun!

• East Coast Electric Drag Racing Series
• Team Haiyine
• Quarter Aces Drag-O-Way
• Team Haiyine in Action

Historical timelines are great. They highlight where you've been, show you where you are and in between, cover how you got there. An automotive timeline is no different and at the GM Nationals this summer, you can witness cars from the early parts of the 1900's through modern day.

Anchoring, and possibly leading the way in the "old car" department, will be a 1900's era Cartercar. Cartercars were produced from 1900-1915 in Michigan by Byron J. Carter and his Motorcar (later Cartercar) Company.

In 1909, Cartercar was bought by GM, thus making it the perfect addition to the weekend. Check out a true classic by being part of the show.

• Wikipedia - Cartercar

The Carlisle GM Nationals feature some of the best cars in the region both on the showfield and as part its annual invitational display. This year, meet Brian Lutz and check out his 1954 Pontiac Chieftan Custom Coupe. The Cheifton was most recently auctioned off with proceeds benefitting Operation Homefront, helping Troops and their families.

The car has been restored, modified and fully customized. The Chieftan has a 3 inch chopped top, pancaked hood, full custom interior and sound system, modern drive train featuring a ProCharged 2006 GTO LS2, 6-speed transmission and more.

See the Chieftan and many more great invitational display cars in Building T all weekend long.

• Operation Homefront
• Full House Motorsports LLC

Carlisle Events recognizes the need that today’s technology plays with today’s technician. Because of that, you could win an iPad at any one of our 10 Carlisle based events. This prize will serve as a great accessory for travel, shop work, web browsing, gaming or whatever you want to do with it. Over the course of the year, beginning with Spring Carlisle (April 25-29) and concluding with Fall Carlisle (October 3-7), 10 Apple iPads will be handed out. The iPads will be at least an Apple iPad 2. One lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive an iPad in conjunction with each event at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, with each winner being selected from a pool of names specific to each event.

Rules and a link to register are now available. Registration will also take place on site during each event.

• Official Rules
• Register Now

Whether you’re running a big block “rat”, a super charged hairdryer or a Pontiac HO, all engines and spectators are welcome to join in the Friday night drag racing. Racing takes place at the 1/8 mile, NHRA sanctioned track of nearby Quarter Aces Drag-O-Way.

• Quarter Aces Drag-O-Way
• Quarter Aces Drag-O-Way Directions

Get your official event merchandise via the Carlisle Store. The Carlisle Store offers event specific shirts, memorabilia and more. Remember, the Carlisle Store and Brickel’s Racing Collectibles offer site to store and site to home shipping. Order any item online and have it mailed directly to the store at Carlisle for convenient pick up during the show or to your mail box at home. Please note, event specific t-shirts will ONLY be mailed within two weeks of its respective show. The event shirt for the GM Nationals is NOW available to pre-order.

Additional styles are colors are available. Click the link below for more options.

• Carlisle Store

Over 150 GM cars and trucks are available for sale in the GM Nationals Car Corral. The best part about the car corral is that you can meet with the seller, drive the vehicle, negotiate your own price and see and touch the car in person. Services including notary, financing, insurance, temporary tags are available right in the car corral. For more information or to purchase a car corral space, please contact us at (717) 243-7855 or email info@carlisleevents.com

The GM Nationals Swap Meet is the perfect opportunity to sell the parts and accessories that have been collecting dust in your garage. The swap meet is also the place for the parts you need to finish a job. Parts, memorabilia, collectibles and literature –you’ll find it all in the GM Nationals Swap Meet.

For more information or to purchase space, please contact us at 717-243-7855 or email info@carlisleevents.com.

In addition to the competition among the cars on the GM Nationals NPD Showfield, there is a battle between clubs to see who has the most cars registered. As a bonus, we offer the use of a 20’ X 20’ tent to those clubs who register 25 vehicles or more. These tents are a great place to take a break and they make a great club headquarters for the weekend. Larger clubs may be eligible for a bigger tent. Contact us for details.

2011 Club Participation Winners:
1ST – CCGTO
2ND – Greater Northeast Impala SS
3RD – Mid Atlantic Fiero Owners

• Carlisle Club Relations
• Download the Club Flyer for your next club meeting

Are you ready for the 2012 season? The Coolest Club award is based on the premise of your club tent being THE PLACE to be. Plan your theme and your decorations well for 2012 because there are a host of clubs vying for the honor.

Congratulations to our 2011 winners; the Greater Northeast Impala SS Club

• Carlisle Club Relations
• Download the Club Flyer for your next club meeting

Once again, "A Pontiac Celebration" in historic Warwick, Rhode Island will celebrate Pontiac’s great history in a three-day event, September 21-23, 2012, filled with fun and beautiful cars– for Pontiac enthusiasts of all ages!

Like the first Pontiac Celebration in 2010, the 2012 event is for two very important purposes: 1) to celebrate these great cars we all love, and 2) to raise money to help two children’s cancer charities we support: Alex’s Lemonade Stand foundation for childhood cancer and The Tomorrow Fund helping children and families affected by cancer. The 2010 Pontiac Celebration raised $8,000, and we hope to far surpass that this year.

ALL Pontiac lovers welcome! Visit www.PontiacRegistry.com for more information, call 941-792-6279 or (local) 401-934-0663; e-mail info@pontiacregistry.com.

Tom Henry Racing was once again located on the Camaro Showfield with their “Tom Henry Racing Camaro." This customized, performance-enhanced version of the new, fifth-generation of Chevrolet's iconic sports coupe will be sold exclusively by Tom Henry Racing, the high-performance subsidiary of Bakerstown, Pennsylvania dealer, Tom Henry Chevrolet. These unique Camaros build on the reputation established by THR when it sold the unique "Tom Henry SS" Camaro during 2001 and 2002.

• Tom Henry Racing

Get exhausted with the A&A Auto Stores Installation Alley. Borla Exhaust Systems will be the featured products available for installation on GM vehicles. Products available for late model Camaro and more. Make your reservation with A&A today so you can get your GM exhaust or other upgrade done while you enjoy the event.

To schedule an appointment in advance, or to inquire about their vast inventory of products contact Lewis at A&A Auto Stores. 570-313-0325 or aaauto20@choiceonemail.com.

• AA Auto Stores

While at the GM Nationals, many tuned up their automotive knowledge with free seminars including information for both the seasoned veteran and rookie do-it-yourselfers. Topics have included performance, restoration and maintenance. Seminars are conducted by some of the biggest names in the business.

No Carlisle event would be complete without the burnout contest. Bragging rights are up for grabs once again at the Carlisle GM Nationals. Join us as we crown the “Carlisle King (or Queen) of the Hill.” Pre-registration is required at Guest Services. A show sticker (i.e. registered for vending or show vehicle), driver’s license and proof of insurance are required. The contest is limited to 10 vehicles with each getting 3 minutes to burnout.

Contestants for Ms Carlisle GM Nationals compete for cash prizes on Saturday evening at the Grandstand.

PLEASE NOTE: We have implemented new rules and created a new format for Ms. Carlisle. See the registration form for details.

The GM Nationals is fun for the entire family and we have not forgotten the kids. In the Kids at Carlisle Activity Center Area, we have crafts for kids and parents to enjoy together. We also have lots of play activities that we think will “wow” the young ones. Come and check it out!

• Kids at Carlisle

Have you ever wanted to make someone or something disappear? Magician Eddy Ray can and he'll be doing just that as part of the Carlisle GM Nationals. His appearance will be on Saturday only, with two performances, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., both near the main stage.

Eddy has been astounding people from the U.S.A. to Japan and all points in between with his incredible and artistic slight of hand, hilarious interactive audience segments and fresh approach to performing magic and illusions. Those skills have enabled him to win many awards, including a 4th place prize at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Eddy has also starred in and produced his own television series called Magic Town and has performed in every imaginable venue.

Add Carlisle to that list and don't miss more great family entertainment as part of the weekend!

• Eddy Ray Magic
• Eddy Ray

Ladies, stop by the GM Nationals Women’s Oasis tent and visit our amazing vendors selling items from jewelry and accessories to handmade crafts and beauty products. Plus we have massages, seminars, and special services offered by the vendors. See the schedule in the event magazine or stop by the tent, located beside Building R.

• Women's Oasis Details