Everything about the 2017 Carlisle Truck Nationals was perfect. The weather, perfect (some of Friday, all of Saturday and Sunday)! The trucks, perfect! The big rigs, perfect! The showfield laced with a century of truck history, perfect. These reasons and many more are THE reasons why this year’s Carlisle Truck Nationals tallied a top-5 all-time turnout. The event, which has been up and running since 1991 saw nearly 1,700 trucks, rigs and vans populating the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

Trucks began loading in as early as Wednesday, with even more plus a very dedicated vendor base coming to Carlisle Thursday. As the gates opened Friday, it was a steady stream of trucks from sun up until mid-day Saturday. The turnout was made even more impressive with an increased turnout of truck clubs. Their involvement this year dramatically increased as word spread far and wide about the fun of the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Three-day highlights included monster truck shows featuring Snakebite, Big Foot and rides from the Virginia Giant. In addition, the world-champion Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee dog team offered eight shows to standing room only crowds, while just across the way, Speranza Animal Rescue offered an adoption program and accepted donations with support from Pepsi and the thousands of guests on-site. In between, Phantom Entertainment erected their popular Phantom Fun Zone where guests of all ages jumped, hopped, climbed and slid!

As mentioned above, the turnout was near record-setting, meaning the showfield was laced with trucks spanning a century. With celebrations dedicated to 100 years of Ford trucks, 100 years of the RAM/Dodge truck brand and a little bit of everything in between, the weekend offered something for everyone.

The four-wheeled trucks weren’t the only truck themed draws for guests as the big rigs took center stage too on the southeast corner of the grounds. Hundreds of rigs, haulers, fleets and other heavy equipment (modern and classic) helped offering some unique fun throughout, including the always popular Saturday night glow show.

In all, the Carlisle Truck Nationals showed that truck passions run deep in central Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region. All the truck fun and then some returns next year with the hopes of breaking the all-time truck show record of just over 2,100 trucks. Save the date, because 2018’s weekend happens August 3-5.

The 2017 Corvettes at Carlisle event, presented by Corvette America runs August 24-27 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and guests this year have a chance to take home something unique. Of course there will be tons of memories that will last a lifetime, great food, iconic Corvettes, special guests and more; but for the second year in a row, Corvette enthusiasts could win a new car!

Up for grabs is a 2017 Corvette Stingray Coupe and it’ll be awarded Saturday evening. The clock is ticking to get involved because only 1,000 tickets are available and last year these tickets sold out very quickly. DO NOT hesitate to get involved!. As noted previously, the giveaway car is a 2017 Corvette Stingray Coupe and is of the C7 production era. The giveaway itself is hosted by the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation and Lancaster County Corvette Club the proceeds will benefit the CMAF and Clare House Lancaster.

Win a NEW Corvette? Yes – it’s true! The way to win is pretty simple, as its done raffle style and in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Lottery’s Pick 3 game. There are 1,000 tickets available and they are available on a first come, first served basis so be sure to secure yours now! For just $100.00, one lucky person could win the car! Tickets are available now via the Carlisle Events web page, by calling 717-243-7855 x113 or in person at Corvettes at Carlisle starting August 24.

The drawing takes place on Saturday, August 26 at 7 p.m. and the result is based on the Pennsylvania Lottery’s Pick 3 daily number drawing; meaning that a winning ticket will have three numbers ranging anywhere between 000 and 999. There will be two announcements, one at the stage on grounds and another downtown at the square in Carlisle as part of the Downtown Carlisle Parade and Street Party. If selected, the winner is responsible for applicable taxes and must claim their prize within 30 days of notification or the prize will be forfeited.

The raffle supports two great organizations and most importantly, supports the late, great Chip Miller and helps in the fight against and to raise awareness for Amyloidosis. The giveaway Corvette comes to Carlisle via Valley Chevrolet of Wilkes Barre and this is, without a doubt, THE perfect Corvette for any enthusiast!

Complete event details, links to register, buy tickets and more can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling the Carlisle Events office.

Perennially, the No.2-selling vehicle line in the United States is the Chevrolet Silverado family of trucks. General Motors introduced its first pickup truck in 1930, adding to Chevrolet’s truck line, which began as a line of work vehicles. Since then, GM and Chevrolet have met demand for luxury upgrades and environmentally conscious offerings without sacrificing its tough-task roots.

In that vein, Silverado began as a trim level for Chevrolet C/K pick-ups and Suburbans from 1975 through 1999, and its sister platform, the GMC Sierra also began as a trim level. Today, the differentiation between the two is largely grillework, interior trim, and more luxury options and configurations offered with the Silverado. Silverado and Sierra became their own lines beginning with the 1999 model year.

Still in its third generation that began with the redesigned 2014 Silverado, featuring new front-end designs, a bolder, more sculpted appearance, and tech and cosmetic enhancements, Silverado adds or improves a number of safety, trailering and cosmetic items for 2017.

New for 2017 are a segment-best 12,500-lb. max trailering rating for crew cabs and a standard Teen Driver feature that encourages safe driving habits with teenagers, enabling parents to view the vehicle’s maximum speed, distance driven and the number of times active safety features were engaged during a drive. Also new this year are a Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking system added to the available Enhanced Driver Alert Package, capless fuel fill and new exterior colors: Graphite Metallic and Pepperdust Metallic.

Assembled in Ft, Wayne, IN (Regular Cab and Crew Cab) and Flint, MI and Silao, Mexico (Crew Cab), Silverado personifies ruggedness, blending toughness and brawn with refinement and aerodynamics, reducing wind noise in the cabin and enhancing efficiency on the highway.

The Silverado 1500 with a Crew Cab fits full-size specs. With a short 5-foot-8-inch box, Silverado measures 230 inches long (the long box adds 19.6 inches), 80 inches wide and 74 inches high (for the 4x4) on a 143.5-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height measures 22.2 inches, while the Silverado LTZ’s base curb weight comes in at 5299 lbs. with the 5.3-liter engine and 4x4 configuration.

The Silverado’s interior is roomy, quiet and functional, with a strong cab structure. Its crew cab is spacious, providing 42.8 inches of front headroom, with 40.5 in the rear. Legroom is vast at 45.3 inches up front and 40.9 in the cab, while shoulder room measures 64.8 and 65.7 inches.

Silverado’s muscle comes in the form of three engine choices: a 4.3-liter V-6 rated at 285 hp and 305 lbs-ft of torque (297/330 on E85 fuel) and 18mpg/city and 24mpg/highway; a 5.3-liter V-8 that I tested delivers 355 hp and 383 lbs-ft of torque (380/416 on E85 fuel) and 16/24mpg; and the brawny 6.2-liter V-8 thunders out 420 hp and 460 lbs-ft of torque and is EPA rated at 15mpg/city and 21mpg/highway.

Last year, I tested a Silverado LTZ with the 6.2-liter engine and this year, I tested one equipped with the 5.3 liter. The 65 horses and 77 lbs-ft. I lost cost me a full second in the sprint and 7-tenths in the quarter, but we managed 7.3 seconds in the zero-to-60mph dash and 15.5 for the quarter-mile. On the highway, there was ample power to pass and overtake uphill grades and around town, other than an engagement jerk or two, the experience was confident. I averaged 19.1mpg in mixed-use driving -- largely long runs on the interstates.

My test truck smoothed out potholes, softroad surfaces and uneven macadam with its independent coil-over-shock front suspension with monotube shocks coupled with a solid axle rear with semi-elliptic, variable-rate, two-stage multileaf springs and monotube shocks. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering was carlike at times, and though high-speed S-turns produced top-wobble and sway, Silverado was confident and secure during road and highway tests.

The Silverado 1500 Regular Cab with 2WD and standard box starts at $29,080. With a Crew Cab with a short box, pricing starts at $37,350 and the standard box is $38,925. 4WD would add $3940. My test 1500 came with a Crew Cab and Short Box, and moved up to the LTZ trim at $48,820 (including $1295 for destination freight charges). Mine had the 5.3-liter engine and I would have preferred the 6.2, but we still had more than enough power to accomplish everything I needed it to.

Premium Deep Ocean Blue Metallic paint added $395. The Enhanced Driver Alert package (with Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Safety Alert Seat, Front and Rear Park Assist and Intellibeam headlamps) added $945; and the LTZ Plus Package added $770 for power adjustable pedals, Bose® premium audio system, remote start and heated steering;

A Borla Bright Chrome exhaust tip was $149; 6-inch rectangular black tubular assist steps added $700; a power sunroof added $995; a full bedliner added $395; Chevrolet MyLink® Audio System with 8-inch Diagonal Color Touch with Navigation added $495; heated and vented seating added $650; front leather-appointed bucket seats were $510; and all-weather floor mats were $160. The sticker-as-tested was $57,490, but local incentives dropped it to $55,590, so check your local dealer for the best programs.

> 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.

In 1900, Henry Ford built his third vehicle – a truck, but it wasn’t until 1917 that Ford Motor Co. launched its first truck line, with the 1917 Ford Model TT, based on the Model T car, but with a reinforced chassis and rear axle. This early pick-up was rated at one ton.

When Ford premiered its F-150 truck line in 1948, it is doubtful that they envisioned creating a pick-up that would become “America’s Truck” for more than three decades. They produced a vehicle that was destined to become America’s best-selling truck for 39 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 34 years.

The 1948 version, known as the Ford Bonus-Built or F-1, replaced the company's previous car-based pickup line. Now in its 13th generation, which began in the 2015 model year, F-150 essentially stands pat as the most significant changes include a new turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 50 lbs.-ft. more torque for a best-in-class 470 lbs.-ft., an advanced 10-speed transmission that optimizes power and torque curves for improved performance and efficiency; an available Ford Sync® Connect multimedia system; and new appearance and exterior color options.

The 2017 Ford F-150 comes with a truckload of standard amenities and features including a six-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive; air conditioning; tilt and telescoping steering wheel; first-row side-impact airbags; cargo box lights; antilock brakes; electronic stability control and roll stability control

Manufactured at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, F-150’s personality is bold with its aggressive shape, wide stance, prominent wheel arches and chiseled grille; while comfort, utility and refinement define the truck’s interior. Ergonomically optimized seating for front-row occupants enhances comfort and buttons and controls are optimized so they can be operated while wearing work gloves.

My 4x4 test truck with a SuperCrew® cab and carried a short bed of 5.5 feet and measured 231.9 inches long, 77.2 inches high for the 4x4, and 79.9 inches wide on a 145.0-inch wheelbase.

Powerwise, F-150 offers several engine choices, including a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 with 325 hp and 375 lbs.-ft. of torque, for an EPA rating of 19 city/26 highway mpg; the standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing that produces 282hp/253 lbs.-ft and an EPA of 18/25; and the new available turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine that works with the new 10-speed automatic transmission that increases last year’s power numbers to 375 hp and 470 lbs.-ft. of torque. That system worked efficiently and powerfully and I managed a 6.2-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 14.8-second quarter-mile (hand-timed) in my F-150 XLT.

Ford’s F-150 is confident cruising the highways, handling heavy payloads and smoothing out road irregularities. Rack-and-pinion, electric power-assisted steering is aggressive and predictable, and coil-on-shock, long-spindle double-wishbone independent front suspension with a stamped-steel lower control arm, and a Hotchkiss-type non-independent live rear suspension with leaf springs and outboard shock absorbers work well together to provide a level truck ride. Four-wheel vented ABS disc brakes deliver responsive stopping ability.

The cabin is packed with amenities and is spacious, with 40.8 inches of front headroom and 40.4 inches for those in the cab. Front legroom was a generous 43.9 inches with second-row passengers getting 43.6 inches. Shoulder room is a comfortable 66.7 inches in row one and 65.9 in the rear seats.

For 2017, Ford F-150 is offered in six basic trims with tweaks for engines, bed length and cab size. The base XL starts at $27,110; the XLT which I tested, started at $32,480; the upscale Lariat bases at $40,865; the Raptor starts at $49,265; King Ranch® model starts at $51,080 and the uppermost scale Platinum trim starts at $53,635.

My XLT, which adds SYNC®, the Power Equipment Group and Chrome Front and Rear Bumper to the XL, based with a Regular Cab and 6.5-foot box; the 3.5-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and 4x2 drive, but my test drive upscaled a bit. A Super Cab added $2910, and as I am a 4x4 guy, especially with trucks, that option was added for $3495.

Shadow Black paint was a standard color, and the interior was augmented with the 301A option which added some great tech conveniences for an additional $2100, then discounted by $1000. The package included fixed backlight with privacy glass and defroster, sideview mirrors with heat, turn signal, auto-dimming feature, rear view camera, power-adjustable pedals, 8-way power driver's seat, 4.2-inch productivity screen in instrument cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM satellite radio, a class IV trailer hitch and more.

A drop-in bedliner added $350; box side steps added $325; the remote start system added $195; reverse sensing system added $275; Black platform running boards were $250; the voice-activated navigation system was $795; Sync® 3 with voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist®, Vehicle Health Reports and an 8.0-inch center-stack touch screen with audio control and compass added $450, and the coolest high-tech item: Ford Telematics™ Powered by Telogis® was $800. This system includes an onboard device that tracks vehicle location, speed and idle time with optional vehicle diagnostics and maintenance reports.

Destination charges were $1295, for a sticker of $40,110, and after discounts and available incentives of $3750 were deducted, my net sticker-as-tested was $36,360. But check with your dealer for local and national incentive programs and the best deal.

You can “Celebrate 100 years of Ford trucks”, see the 2017 Ford F-150 and more than 2,000 trucks that span decades, from lowered mini trucks, lifted 4x4s, chromed out big rigs, SUVs, custom vans, new trucks and perfectly restored classics at the Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 4-6 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. This event and has been the epicenter for all things truck since 1991.


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.

As the 2017 season winds down for Carlisle Events, the team in America’s Automotive Hometown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania is turning its attention to their next to last event of the year; Fall Carlisle. Fall Carlisle is a five-day swap meet at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds that also includes a car corral and in conjunction with Carlisle Auctions, a three-day collector and classic car auction at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. This event is massive, so big in fact that nearly every inch of the 150 acres that Carlisle Events owns is filled with something automotive related. 8,100 vending spaces sell out and nearly 100,000 guests travel to Carlisle from around the world to eat, breath and live all things all things automotive.

Fall Carlisle 2017 runs September 27-October 1, with the auction spanning September 28-30. The thrill of the hunt is on display throughout as guests buy, sell and trade from sun up until sun down. As the guests scour the grounds, not only is there an unmatched level of camaraderie in place, there’s a bit of a competition too. See, everyone is shopping for that hard to find item and the first one to it wins, so as you can imagine, it’s a bit competitive at Carlisle each spring and fall event. This also goes for cars and trucks that are for sale by owner within the car corral. Some of the best deals are found at the most unsuspecting of times.

If buying and selling isn’t what brings a person to Carlisle, maybe it’s the chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones or get an education via FREE on stage seminars. Back by popular demand is Steve Mercurio of Pro Metal Shop. Steve is an expert fabricator and offers hands on, FREE seminars on the stage to help guests who have DIY projects on going or upcoming.

The automotive side of Fall Carlisle isn’t the only popular attraction. There are non-automotive options too, including a massive food court with additional vendors located about the grounds and the Women’s Oasis. The Oasis, or home away from chrome, is a large tent filled with kitchen must-haves, candles, jewelry, arts, crafts and more.

Along with the vendors who bring cars and parts to sell, Fall Carlisle also features a massive Manufacturers Midway that includes some of the biggest brand names within the hobby. Confirmed to date for the midway are the AACA Museum, AMSOIL, ClassicCars.com, CPI Truck, Meguiar’s, Woodward Fabrications, Flowmaster, Edelbrock, Hagerty Insurance, More Than Tires and many more great companies who recognize the value of vending at Carlisle.

Finally, Fall Carlisle also includes a three-day collector car auction presented by Carlisle Auctions at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. Complete details about the auction are available by calling 717-960-6400 or on the web at www.CarlisleAuctions.com, while Fall Carlisle details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.