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Ford World to Honor Carroll Shelby and Shelby Branded Cars at Carlisle

50th Anniversary of Shelby on Display by the Hundreds in 2012

CARLISLE, PA - Tradition, excellence and elegance, that is what the Shelby brand is all about. Much like the automotive brand of Shelby and Ford, the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Gumout Performance Products offers style, history and tradition and has been since 1995. The event, June 1-3 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, combines its own legacy with that of one of the most iconic names in motorsports history, Carroll Shelby.

For many months, Carlisle Events, Team Shelby Northeast, Shelby American and Summit Point Motorsports Park have been planning a special display to honor Mr. Shelby, the man that "started it all." The high profile display will showcase at least 400 of the best Shelby rides around and with the passing of Mr. Shelby on May 10, the display and celebration will take on even more meaning. Mayor William "Doc" Kronenberg of Carlisle will also be onsite with a CPA to authenticate the gathering as the largest ever of its type at Carlisle.

The week of Shelby commences late Wednesday evening (5/30/12) with a special revving of the engines as part of a national remembrance. Foot meets pedal at 9:55 p.m. eastern time with the sound of muscle resonating from fence line to fence line in Carlisle and points beyond. As the weekend approaches, Friday launches the start of the Ford Nationals along with multiple Shelby displays and a special evening dinner and gala hosted by Team Shelby at 7 p.m.

As part of the dinner, the Team Shelby tent located just east of the main grandstand, plays host to hundreds of special guests, including representatives from Speed TV, Team Shelby and the famed Barrett Jackson auction company. Representing Barrett Jackson will be Steve Davis (President), Gary Bennett (Vice President of Consignment) and Phil Neri (Vice President of Sales and Marketing). Davis is the night's keynote speaker with additional "friends of Shelby" taking the microphone thereafter. Joining Davis are John Luft (President of Shelby American Inc.), Gary Patterson (Vice President of Shelby American Inc.), Wayne Geoffrey (Ford Racing National Sales Manager) and Allen Grant (former driver with Team Shelby).

Because the special display carries such prestige during Ford weekend, enthusiasts of all ages and all automotive brands are encouraged to attend. The Shelby display features more than just Shelby Fords; any car branded with the Shelby name is eligible to be part of the weekend. In addition, Ford Motor Company representatives will be onsite to pay respects to a man they knew very well.

"We mourn the passing of a great man, true innovator and friend in Carroll Shelby," noted event manager Rick Markko. "Thankfully we have his legacy in the great cars he built to provide us with an eternity of reminders of his talents. We’ll celebrate his life during the Ford Nationals and pay homage to the man, the machine and a great friend."

Many of the Shelbys on display at Carlisle will also be part of the second annual Downtown Carlisle Parade and Street Party. The weekend also features live music, great giveaways and family activities, such as Kids at Carlisle and the Women’s Oasis. Further, the weekend offers a burnout competition, beauty contest and drag racing at Quarter Aces Drag-O-Way. With the Blue Oval as far as the eye can see, the 2012 Ford Nationals will be an elite Ford-branded event that is a must attend for men, women and children of all ages.

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About Carlisle Events: Carlisle Events, producer of 11 annual collector car, truck and motorcycle events, attracts more than half a million people to its Pennsylvania based shows annually. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA) and Bloomsburg Fairgrounds (Bloomsburg, PA). Included in the annual events schedule are two huge automotive swap meets and auctions - Spring and Fall Carlisle as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, motorcycles, imports and kit cars and tuner and modern customs. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, the “Cars at Carlisle” shows attract automotive enthusiasts from around the world. Information about Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions is available to consumers via the Internet at www.CarlisleEvents.com, www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by phone at 717-243-7855.