The 2021 Carlisle Ford Nationals set a new record as 3,241 Ford vehicles covered the entire fairground show field this year. The number could have been much higher if our Canadian Ford fans had been allowed to participate as the COVID-19 protocols were still in effect along the Northern border.
The Ford Performance Tour was there with several new high performance Mustang models like the Shelby GT500, the 2021 Mustang Mach 1, and the new Mustang Mach E. The new Mach E is going to be a part of the Mustang brand’s future and the new performance version will have neck-snapping performance and handling capabilities. Jim Owens, Ford Mustang & Shelby Marketing Manager at Ford Motor Company, told me previous to this event that for every electric Mustang Mach E Ford sells, it allows them to sell two new GT500's due to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. While you may miss that Mustang exhaust note with the new Mach E, a V-8 rumble will still be around a few more years in the other models.
John Clor of Ford Performance Club Connect Team was in attendance and visited all forty-seven Ford and Mustang clubs registered and headquartered in large tents throughout the show field. If your club is not registered, you’re missing out, as John was handing out Ford Connect Banners to those who were.
Hallie Deegan, a Ford professional stock car racing driver and currently one of Ford Racing Development drivers was on-hand to sign autographs as well as famous Ford Drag Racer Al Jonec. Mr Jonec is known as the man who put the 428 Cobra Jet on the map in winning the 1968 NHRA Winternationals.
The isles of midways, vendors, and swap meet area were jam packed with enthusiasts as an estimated 60,000 Ford fanatics were looking for memorabilia, Ford clothing, those hard-to-find special parts, and other items as well as the past and newest Fords available. This year’s featured Mustang was the 1971 through 1973 Mustangs. Nearly 410,000 of this style Mustang were built during their three-year run of hardtop, fastback, and convertible styles and many of each were on display in buildings and throughout the show field.
The fairgrounds were packed with Ford lovers of all ages and backgrounds. With the nice weather throughout the three-day weekend, you could not have asked for anything better. Check out the gallery of images below, and you’ll agree, the Annual Carlisle Ford Nationals is more than a car show, it’s an event!
For many, it’s a gathering place for their groups and clubs from across the United States and a reunion for those that make the trek each year. If you’ve never been, mark your calendars for June 3-5, 2022 and make it happen.
