We are about a month out from making our annual pilgrimage to the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds for the 2026 Corvettes at Carlisle show happening August 27-29. In addition to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 1974 Corvette, the show’s organizers have announced that several historic Grand Sports will also be attending the show to help celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the 1996 Grand Sport!

Two of the five original 1963 Corvette Grand Sports built by Zora Arkus-Duntov will be displayed during the three-day show. They include Chassis #001 that was originally driven by Roger Penske with the iconic Blue and Yellow Sunoco livery at the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring. Currently it’s owned by Harry Yeaggy. Joining that famous GS Roadster is Chassis #004 which makes its home at the Revs Institute in Naples, Florida. Piloted by Dr. Dick Thompson at Watkins Glen in August 1963, it became the first of the five Grand Sports to win a race. The car would then race at the 1963 Nassau Speed Week where it dominated the Cobras in attendance.

Joining these two historic Grand Sports is 1996 Corvette Grand Sport #001. Previously used by Chevrolet as an engineering and validation car in advance of its limited run of 1,000 Grand Sports for the final year of C4 production, the car was famously owned by legendary Corvette engineer John Heinricy who was one of the key persons in bringing the special edition Corvette to market.

It’s very rare for Corvette enthusiasts to lay their eyes on one of the original Grand Sports, let alone two of the most famous Corvettes in existence, and the icing on the cake is the addition of the VIN 001 1996 Grand Sport. These three iconic cars will also be joined by the new 2026 Grand Sport and Grand Sport X and attendees can see the latest Grand Sports on display inside the GM Engineering Tent on the Manufacturers Midway.

Team Chevrolet is Coming to Carlisle

Team Chevrolet will be returning to the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds where they will be showing off all the Corvettes in the C8 lineup including the Stingray, Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Z06, ZR1, and the mighty ZR1X. Don’t miss the exclusive Corvette cutaway display and engine exhibits featuring LS6, LT6, and LT7 powerplants in the GM Engineering Tent on the Manufacturers Midway. The engineers will also be hosting walk arounds at the fairground’s main stage plus individual sessions are scheduled inside the tent. It’s a great opportunity to meet many of those GM employees who brought these engineering marvels to life.

World’s Largest Corvette Show

Corvettes at Carlisle is a three-day celebration of America’s Favorite Sports Car and it’s the world’s largest gathering of Corvette owners anywhere! In addition to the Anniversary gatherings for the 1976 and 1996 Grand Sports, the Chip’s Choice display will feature a special collection of cars curated by Lance Miller that celebrates “Family Legacy” of those cherished Corvettes which have been passed on to family members.

The Aerolarri Wheels “People’s Choice – Best in Show” content is happening now with the final round of Corvettes just posted to Facebook. The top three likes totals advance to the in-person final at Corvettes at Carlisle in August! The deadline for this vote is 7/31! Have fun and remember, a like = a vote!

This year’s special guests include Wes Wong, the FBI On-Scene Commander during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in New York City. Wes will be sharing his powerful and unforgettable memories from that day. Paul Koerner aka “The Corvette Mechanic” will have his team at the show for seminars and helping attendees diagnose issues with their cars. Our friend Steve Garrett is offering a seminar on the CORVETTE TODAY Podcast, and there will be an autograph session so you can get the signatures from all special guests attending Corvettes at Carlisle.

No trip to Corvettes at Carlisle is complete until you’ve walked the rows at the automotive flea market with vendors offering new and used Corvette parts, as well as collectibles, detailing supplies, and anything else you need for your garage. For those seeking a new ride, the Corvette Corral offers 100-150 Corvettes for sale by their owners with cars available in all years and conditions. Looking to take your Corvette to the next level? You can have your Corvette modified in Installation Alley with parts from some of the biggest names in the industry.

There is still time to pre-register your Corvette for the Fun Field. When you pre-register, you can cruise up toward Gate 3 and turn right onto Bryn Mawr Road to pick up your entry credentials. Just look for the signs! Once you have your sticker on the windshield, you’ll be directed to enter at Gate 2. Pre-registration is open until the week of the event. Save time and get your Corvette in the Fun Field! Click here to pre-register for the Fun Field.

Corvettes at Carlisle takes place on August 27-29 at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds. Gates open at 7:00 AM each day. Fun Field registration is available online through Monday of event week, while discounted spectator admission tickets are available throughout event weekend. Each can be secured at CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855 for details. As always, kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.

Source:
Carlisle Events

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