Passionate. That one word and ten letters is the best way to describe and summarize those who attend and/or participate in the worlds largest all-Ford-themed car show: the Carlisle Ford Nationals. The 2023 offering presented by eBay Motors (June 2, 3, 4) became the second-largest Ford Nationals ever and did so in more than one way. The all-time showfield mark was set in 2022, but this years total of 3,434 show cars, combined with a stellar vendor and spectator turnout, means that since 2014, this was the largest gathering of Ford lovers at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. Now, why did all these blue oval lovers migrate to Carlisle, Pa.? Where does one begin? Maybe it was the two-dozen new product walkarounds from industry experts being introduced two and sometimes three times an hour, or the half a dozen or so new vehicle unveilings. It could have also been the special guests, unique displays, competitions, parades, and, of course, parts shopping within the automotive flea market. The reality is, it was all of that, and more. Day one included a special one-day-only visit by two-time Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. Vaughn and his RTR Vehicles team came to showcase their new fleet of vehicles, meet fans, sign autographs, and have some drifting fun on the Carlisle track. In addition, another automotive giant, Steve Saleen, made Carlisle home for the weekend. Steve and his team showcased a handful of Saleen customized rides, including the S7 and an all-new SA-40 Mustang, including one that supports a charitable cause. Steve was also part of a special evening dinner and auction that benefited the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation. Further love of Ford branded products came from Kyle Sargent of Ford Performance Racing Parts as well as Gary Patterson and Tracey Smith from Shelby American. Sargent showcased a pair of 700+ HP F-150s, while the Shelby leadership not only introduced but also reopened production of the Shelby Dragonsnake with its former driver Bruce Larson, while also pulling the covers off a pair of Centennial Edition trucks on the Carlisle stage. KTL Restorations also got in on the walk-around game, showcasing their award-winning 1970 Aruba Eliminator two different times as amazed showgoers looked on. The wheels were in motion at Carlisle, not only from Gittin Jr. drift exhibitions, but from rides via Gateway Mustang, the Real Street Shootout (autocross), a rolling exhaust contest, rolling burnouts and donuts presented by Atturo Tires, on-grounds parades, monster truck rides from the Virginia Giant, and the Ford Downtown Parade, Park and Party. As the final hours of the 2023 event concluded, awards were posted and presented to those who were available to receive them, while others celebrated the success of the weekend with late-day photos and even some open autocross runs on the Carlisle track. While 2023 is a wrap, the Carlisle Ford Nationals 2024 is in the planning stages and taking place May 31 to June 2, 2024. Registration for it is now open, and planned display themes include 60 Years of the Mustang, including a gallery of legendary and historically significant Mustangs, a Mustang production timeline, a Y-Block Reunion, 40 Years of the SVO, 50 Years of the Mustang II, and the annual Ford Nationals Select display. For details, or to check out the winners list and photos from Ford Nationals weekend, visit www.CarlisleEvents.com.