For Immediate Release

The 2008 Carlisle Import/Kit-Replicar Nationals

Around the World and Back to Their Own Garage, All in One Weekend.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

CARLISLE, PA – The 2008 Carlisle Import/Kit-Replicar Nationals took place this past weekend, at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The event celebrated two different car hobbies which at first don’t seem to mesh, but once you take in the atmosphere and the hierarchy of the show the combination makes a lot of sense. On the Import side of the showfield caters to cars from around the world, categorized by country of origin. This year’s theme for the Import aspect of the Carlisle IKR Nationals was “A British Invasion” and that is what they did. Everything from vintage MGs to showroom new Lotus’ and Aston Martins were on display.

Despite the tremendous showing by the vehicles from across the pond, the showdown for Club representation came down to the Germans and the Swedes. The SAAB club of Carlisle has won the honors of most members in attendance countless times and this year was no different with 194 registered vehicles. The Audi club continues to grow and had a tremendous representation with 92 registered Audis. The Audi club also won the honor of “the coolest club hangout.” This new award is given to the club who embodies the Carlisle experience; The club who is not only well represented in numbers and with amazing cars but also by enjoying their weekend with tents, food and drinks, games and music will take the honor of “the coolest club hangout”. The race car paddock was another new addition to this year’s show, which was located outside of the main gate and couldn’t be missed. The race car paddock showcased import race cars from across the country from a variety of different racing circuits. Everything from vintage Porche hill climbers to Toyota Supra drift cars were on hand with their drivers to talk about the cars and their accomplishments in the racing world.

On the kit/replicar side of the showfield enthusiasts took in the world’s largest replicar and kit car event. If you dream of owning a specialty sports cars like a Shelby Cobra but couldn’t foot the $500,000 plus price tag, this was the place to find everything needed to build the car of your dreams. Seminars were held throughout the weekend that showcased every aspect of the hobby. Sessions were conducted on building, maintaining and even buying kit and replicars for novices and experts. A special guest for the 2008 Carlisle IKR Nationals was Bruce Meyers creator of the Meyers Manx Dune Buggy. Meyers consistently had fans lined up at as his booth all weekend long to meet the creator of the dune buggy and hear his inspiring life story.

For 2009 we are excited to feature the classics from Japan. Although there were relatively few Japanese cars in the US in the 60s, by the 70s Americans had come to recognize the fun and excitement of these cars. From the classics like the Datsun 240Z, Honda CVCC and Mazda RX7 to the Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi 3000 and Toyota Supra, we will focus on the best from the Land of the Rising Sun May 15-17, 2009.

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Journalist note: Information about Carlisle Events, its event listings, auction offerings and the Carlisle Expo Center is available to journalists by phone:


Chris Hann
Director of Creative Services & Technology
717-243-7855 ext. 123
chrish@carlisleevents.com

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