The 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals bring the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds to life June 5-7 and while there will be well over 3,400 show cars on the National Parts Depot Showfield, there will also be at least a half a dozen, if not more, special guests for showgoers to mix and mingle with.  These guests touch on various aspects of industry, from racers, social media personalities, and designers, actors to authors, and more, each guest interaction is FREE with admission to the event, with the experience a priceless memory of the 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals.  Now, without further ado, let’s meet the guests who are currently confirmed for this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals car show.

Ben Hobson – Formula Drift Pro

Formula Drift Pro Driver Ben Hobson returns to the Carlisle Ford Nationals in 2026 with RTR Vehicles and Team RTR, bringing his high-powered Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D to town for an action-packed weekend.  Fans can see Ben and his RTR Mustang in action on the track, meet him during autograph sessions at the RTR Midway Display on Friday and Saturday.  Plus, Ben and Team RTR will kick off the rolling burnout and donut contest.  If you’re a fan of modern performance and drifting excitement, this is a guest appearance you won’t want to miss.

Antonio Fargas – Actor/Starsky & Hutch

TV legend Antonio Fargas, best known as Huggy Bear from the original Starsky and Hutch series, joins the Carlisle Ford Nationals this June to celebrate 50 years of the iconic Starsky and Hutch Ford Torino.  Fargas will appear throughout the weekend in Building T alongside select screen-used TV and movie Torinos.  Fargas will offer autographs, photos, and meet-and-greet moments.  A fan favorite in Carlisle from his 2016 visit, Antonio’s return is a must-see/must-do for TV and automotive enthusiasts alike.

 

Carl Widmann – Ford Racing Production Vehicles Chief Engineer

Ford Racing Production Vehicles Chief Engineer Carl Widmann returns for another exciting weekend with Ford Motor Company.  A familiar face in Carlisle dating back to his time as Mustang Chief Engineer for the S550 program, Widmann will be on-site Friday and Saturday to talk all things Ford Performance and answer fan questions about the latest high-performance vehicles.  He’ll also take part in special walk-arounds featuring the all-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC at the stage each afternoon around 3 PM.

Arie Groeneveld – Ford Racing Chief Program Engineer

Ford Racing Chief Program Engineer Arie Groeneveld comes to Carlisle to share insights into the development of some of Ford’s most exciting performance vehicles, including the Mustang Dark Horse SC.  With 30 years at Ford, Arie has played key roles in programs ranging from the Bronco Raptor and Police Interceptors to Lincoln luxury vehicles and Super Duty trucks.  His recent work testing alongside the Mustang GTD and GT3 race cars at tracks like Sebring and VIR helped shape the success of the Dark Horse SC.  Fans can meet and hear from Ari throughout the weekend alongside Carl Widmann as they offer for special presentations focused on Ford’s latest high-performance Mustang.

Steve Saleen – Motorsports Hall of Famer

Automotive icon and Hall of Famer Steve Saleen returns in 2026.  Founder of Saleen Autosport and creator of the legendary Saleen Mustang, Saleen helped redefine modern American performance through racing success, engineering innovation, and decades of Mustang development.  Inducted into the Mustang Hall of Fame alongside Carroll Shelby, his impact on Ford performance culture remains unmatched. Fans attending Carlisle will have opportunities to meet Steve, hear stories from his remarkable career, and participate in autograph sessions, vehicle signings, and more.

Camilo Pardo – 2005 Ford GT Designer

Legendary Ford GT designer Camilo Pardo rolls into Carlisle for an exciting weekend of stories and fun.  Best known as the designer behind the iconic 2005-2006 Ford GT and the original 2002 concept car, Pardo helped create one of the most celebrated supercars in modern automotive history.  Fans can meet Camilo in the Team Shelby tent throughout the weekend, view his automotive artwork, attend autograph sessions on Friday and Saturday, and catch the unveiling of a brand-new project during a special Friday stage presentation.

“REVan” Evan Smith – Automotive Journalist/YouTube Personality

Automotive journalist and YouTube personality “REVan” Evan Smith joins the Carlisle Ford Nationals to capture the cars, people, and stories that make Ford weekend special.  Known by longtime enthusiasts as the former editor of Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords magazine, Evan will be roaming the grounds in search of standout vehicles, unique builds, and passionate owners for his REVan Evan YouTube channel.  Fords on the Showfield could even become part of his Carlisle Ford Nationals video series.

Todd Zuercher – Bronco Author/Historian

Bronco author and historian Todd Zuercher joins the Carlisle Ford Nationals as part of the Bronco 60th Anniversary Celebration.  Best known for his book Ford Bronco: A History of Ford’s Legendary 4x4, Todd combines decades of Bronco ownership, off-road adventure, and historical research into one unforgettable guest experience.  Meet Todd throughout the weekend in and around Building T, purchase signed copies of his book, and celebrate six decades of Bronco heritage with a true enthusiast and expert.

Al Joniec – Legendary Ford Racer

Legendary Ford racer Al Joniec joins the Carlisle Ford Nationals and brings decades of drag racing and road racing history with him.  Known for his work with Ford’s drag racing teams, Joniec also played a key role in SCCA competition as the Engine and Car Chief for the most successful Shelby Cobra in history.  During the weekend, Al will host special presentations on “The Last Winning Cobra,” detailing the story behind the 1973 SCCA National Championship-winning 427 Shelby Cobra.  Fans can also meet Al in the Team Shelby tent on the NPD Showfield alongside renowned automotive author Charlie Morris.

Charlie Morris – Automotive Author

Noted Ford author Charlie Morris has penned numerous Ford titles throughout the years including a book on the Ford Drag Team, Al Joniec’s career, Mercury Drag Racing, and many more titles.  Charlie will be hosting a seminar on the Ford Drag Team on Friday and Saturday in the Hospitality Tent.  Charlie will also be joining Al Joniec in the Team Shelby Club Tent during the weekend for meet and greet opportunities.

See, that’s a solid roster for guests for the 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals and even more may be confirmed between now and June 5.  In the meantime, please note that gates open at 7 AM each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE, while students 13+ are admitted for just $5 (with valid in-person ID).  A military discount is also available with valid ID for in-person purchases only.  Complete details about the 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals, including information on how to become a vendor, register for the National Parts Depot Showfield, engage with an event activity, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

When May rolls around in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, there are a few givens - the grass (and leaves) pop to a certain shade of green, and cars from around the world flock to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds for the popular Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals car show.  This year, a NEW Showfield record of 2,288 was set, marking the third such time this has happened in the last four years and topping the previous mark of 2,195.  The cars, the people, and the excitement showed up and showed out for two perfect weather days, May 15-16, 2026.

Sunshine helps make any car show good, but cool cars and a passionate enthusiast base can take good and make it great, which was the case at Carlisle.  With sunny skies and temps in the 70s both days, the international gallery of vehicles beamed, while showgoers traversed the automotive world with cameras in hand.

Speaking of special displays, Building T was bustling non-stop with a trio of themes.  This included a showcase of vehicles from around the world, a 100 Years of Maserati display, and a Supercar Showdown.  In fact, there were Supercars in both Building T and Y.  In addition to these great rides on the east side of the grounds, Building R on the west side hosted the popular Race Car Paddock. 

In between those amazing display buildings was the Showfield and this year, it spotlighted the best rides emanating from more than a half dozen countries.  Leading the way was Sweden and its throngs of SAABs and Volvos.  In addition, Germany, France, England, Japan, Korea, and the United States were also front and center.  At every turn, there were cars that most guests only see once a year and in one place; Carlisle!

Speaking of turns, the Carlisle track and adjacent rows had their fair share of lefts and rights as the wheels went in motion.  There were pop-up, on-grounds parades, drifting and autocross hosted by NICOClub, a low car limbo, drift limbo, rolling burnout and donut contest, and even a rolling exhaust contest.  Guests lined up rows deep in some cases to see cars from the Showfield compete, much to the delight of their fellow enthusiasts and participants too.

There was even parts shopping within the automotive flea market and family fun too.  It really was the perfect weekend and it was all powered by a passionate enthusiast base that, in some cases, more than a year ago, decided that Carlisle was their vacation destination for something that’s more than just a car show! 

While the 2026 event is in the books, planning is already underway for 2027. Mark your calendars for May 14–15, 2027, as the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals return with even more of what you love—Race Car Paddock, passport fun, special displays, an international automotive showcase, and all the high-energy action that gives this event its international flair.  Call 717-243-7855 to register for 2027 or visit CarlisleEvents.com for details, spectator admission, and more.

2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the introduction of Ford’s legendary off-road thoroughbred: the Ford Bronco and it’s fitting that you’ll find over 60 extraordinary Broncos celebrating the Bronco’s history on feature displays this year at the Carlisle Ford Nationals.  Ford weekend is June 5-7 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and the Bronco honors will no doubt be epic for all in attendance.

First, a little history.  The Bronco was introduced for the 1966 model year as a competitor to the Jeep CJ-5 and the International Scout.  With several key features differentiating it from the competition (including a V8 engine introduced mid-year ’66), the Bronco soon became a favorite of foresters, service station owners, hunters, and families in need of a capable second car.  Each succeeding generation gained more luxury, comfort, and performance, adapting to Americans’ changing tastes.

For three great days in Carlisle, the collection of Broncos assembled for the Carlisle Ford Nationals are some of the most iconic Broncos from throughout the Bronco’s 60-year history and represent a rare opportunity to see so many vehicles in one location.

All three body styles (roadster, half cab, wagon) of the 66-77 Early Bronco are represented along with unique and rare versions including several military Broncos, a Bronco used for security at Nixon’s “Western White House,” and the “Boss Bronco” concept assembled by Kar-Kraft; Ford’s legendary skunkworks shop.

Examples from each of the Bronco’s six generations are planned too, including the Bronco II and Bronco Sport.  Numerous examples from the sixth-generation Broncos, including First Edition, Bronco Raptor, Heritage Limited, Stroppe, and 60th Anniversary editions are also coming to Carlisle.  Ford’s 60th Anniversary 6G U13 concept is also making a special appearance at the show and will be a must-see addition to an already amazing roster of vehicles. 

Racing has always been a large part of the Bronco’s legacy and the group of race-prepared Broncos coming are considered some of the most influential builds.  This includes the 1968 Baja 1000 winning Bronco once driven by Al and Bobby Unser, the 1969 Mexican 1000 overall winning Bronco driven by Baja legend Rod Hall, and a Stroppe Baja Bronco that raced in the 1971 Baja 500 towing a travel trailer driven by Carl Jackson.  Carl will also be one of a few special guests in attendance.  Late model racers are well-represented too, with a Bronco DR (one of only 50 built) and the Liberty Firearms Institute 6G Bronco Raptor, fresh off a finish at NORRA’s Baja event a few weeks ago.  Several local and regional mud racers, dirt drag racers, and rock crawlers will also be shown, as well as an early Bronco that raced in this year's King of the Hammers in California.  All of this perfectly represents the Bronco’s versatility in competitive events.

Bronco’s strong heritage as both a utility vehicle and an outdoors adventure rig are represented by a 5th generation Bronco used by the U.S. Forest Service along with a service station Bronco, a game warden’s truck, and a couple Broncos with pop-top campers and rooftop tents on them.  Beyond that, three Broncos, all at least 55 years old, that have traveled with their current owners throughout the 48 contiguous United States (one of which has been to all 50 states, down through Baja and even above the Arctic Circle) are included in another exhibit showcasing the Bronco’s durability.

Other special guests include Joel Silverstein, who, like Carl Jackson, raced Broncos for Team Stroppe, and Todd Zuercher who has also raced Broncos in Baja and is widely known in the Bronco community as the leading historian on the evolution of the Bronco, and the author of “A History of Ford’s Legendary 4x4 Ford Bronco.”  With over 300 Broncos registered to attend, the display here at the Carlisle Ford Nationals gives attendees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a wide variety of the trucks that have forged Bronco’s reputation as a legendary 4x4.

Gates open at 7 AM each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE, while students 13+ are admitted for just $5 (with valid in-person ID).  A military discount is also available with valid ID for in-person purchases only.  Complete details about the 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals, including information on how to become a vendor, register for the Showfield, apply for display consideration, engage with an event activity, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets, can be found at CarlisleEvents.com.