2002 All-Truck Nationals - Conquering Carlisle

This past June, more than 38,000 spectators turned out at the Carlisle fairgrounds in Pennsylvania for the 12th annual Carlisle All-Truck Nats. Some 82 acres of grass and pavilions were covered with more than 2,000 trucks of all species and more than 600 vendors hocking their wares.

This three-day event actually takes three days for us magazine types to cover because of the sheer quantity of trucks involved. A weekend at Carlisle means you will be seeing vehicles that range from Model A rat rods to '60s resto customs to daily driver fullsizes to insane one-off minis. We even came across one of the sickest fullsize vans we've seen in a long time -- a 2000 Chevy to be exact -- and a Navigator front-ended S-dime that we just had to get behind our cameras. There were even a couple big-rigs. And that was just the two-wheel-drive area.

The four-by section was packed with Jeeps, Scouts, and every sort of lifted fullsize and mini you could think of. On one end of the spectrum were 50 clean and restored Scouts belonging to the East Coast Scouts, who also happened to take home the club participation award. On the other end of the spectrum were a handful of new monster trucks that were built to feature-quality standards. It seems that this little West Coast trend is finally starting to spread.

As if the trucks themselves weren't enough to keep spectators salivating all weekend, the vendors' area and giant swap meet was crammed with must-have aftermarket accessories, as well as hard-to-find parts. Monster trucks Samson and Raminator filled the stands twice a day as they jumped and crushed piles of not-so-classic cars for the crowds. Those who needed to take a ride for themselves could climb into the bed of the Virginia Giant ride truck.

There were several competitions that kept the stands full throughout the three days. An SPL and sound quality competition was rockin' the mic, while the ramp travel index was measuring the off-roaders' articulation. There was also a Street Glow-sponsored neon competition and a high/low competition with about 52 inches difference between the two winners, but neither of the three was as inspiring as the ever-popular beauty contest. After some fierce competition, Nicole Shelly of Richfield, Pennsylvania, was crowned Miss 2002 Carlisle All-Truck Nationals.

After 2-1/2 sweltering hot days and one afternoon shower, Carlisle 2002 once again emerged as one of the must-attend events on the East Coast. The 2003 edition of the Nats will be held on June 27-29. For more information, contact the Carlisle events hotline at (717) 243-7855 or visit www.carsatcarlisle.com.