From 50 Years of 1973 Corvettes to 100 Years of Le Mans: Corvettes at Carlisle 2023

Corvettes at Carlisle 2023 may not be happening until August 24-26, but plans are underway for the biggest and best all-Corvette themed car show of its type. For three days in central Pennsylvania, thousands of guests and decades of Corvette history converge on Carlisle. 

2023 isn’t just the next year up on the calendar rotation, it’s also a milestone that supports two of the event’s special displays; 50 years of 1973 Corvettes and 100 Years of Le Mans. There are two other great displays planned too; the 15^th Anniversary of the Will Cooksey Z06 and the always popular Corvette American Flag.

Let’s start with the Corvette Flag. For the first time since 2018, dozens of red, white, blue, and even silver (for the flag pole) come together to showcase American’s sports car and THE symbol of America itself. The flag build is happening on Saturday, August 25 and will happen on the east side of the grounds from mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Interested participants must be registered for the Fun Field and once confirmed, can apply for the flag display by way of the application portal within the flag activity listing on the Corvettes at Carlisle web page. After all Corvettes are in place, photo ops will be available for car owners and guests alike. 

Another great display will be anchored by an equally great man. In 2008, Corvette Plant Manager Wil Cooksey was honored by Chevrolet with the release of the Wil Cooksey Edition Z06. The car was only available in Crystal Red Tintcoat with an optional 3LZ Titanium two-tone leather wrapped interior. Each of the rides were personally autographed by Mr. Cooksey. Fast forward to August of 2023 and we’ll honor the man and his namesake Corvette. It’s super easy to be part of the display too, as “Wil Cooksey Corvette” is now an available club option.  Best of all, registrants who pick that option by July 10 will park in the reunion area with like-branded Corvettes and get a special gift, too. 

Now, the two round number displays that are sure to draw attention throughout the event’s run, and they’ll bring some of the coolest C3s to Carlisle — as well as some of the premier Corvettes to have ever turned a lap on the famed French racetrack. The 50 year/1973 gathering puts dozens of ‘73s under a tent in the middle of the Fun Field, while spotlighting what turned out to be the first real re-design of the C3 since its debut in 1968. Much like the Cooksey display, this gathering has its own club (50^th Anniversary Registry). The application process is ongoing and is fully vetted by enthusiast and long-time friend of Carlisle Events, Joe Clemente. 

Finally, Corvettes at Carlisle gave loads of attention to race prepared Corvettes in 2022 as part of Chip’s Choice. That display and theme were so popular, that it’s back with a twist. For 2023, Chip’s Choice focuses on 100 Years of Le Mans. Many great automakers have placed cars in the Le Mans competition field over the years, but none have gained more press than the Corvette. Dating back to its initial class winning Corvette in 1960 through its modern-day success, the Corvette Racing Team has entered cars that can now be considered historic and iconic. Some of those rides are coming to Carlisle, include the aforementioned #3 Cunningham Corvette, a 1994 Callaway LM #001, a 2001 Callaway C12R, and more. 

Gates open at 7 a.m. each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE. Complete details about the 2023 Corvettes at Carlisle car show, including information on how to become a vendor within the automotive flea market, register for the Fun Field, apply for display consideration, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.