Carlisle Truck Nationals 2025: Diesel Power and Big Rigs Take Over

DW STAFF . September 25, 2025 . Diesel World

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Another Record-Setting Year for One of Our Favorite Shows!

The Carlisle Fairgrounds roared to life August 1–3, 2025, as a few shy of 3,000 registered trucks converged for one of the year’s most anticipated gatherings—the Carlisle Truck Nationals. While the show field boasted an array of trucks, the spotlight for many was firmly on the diesel-powered machines and the towering big rigs that commanded attention from sunrise to sundown.

This year’s Big Rig Show and Shine was nothing short of spectacular. Row after row of gleaming haulers filled the grounds, with their polished chrome and immaculate paint reflecting the summer sun. Competitors came from across the country, as some had spent weeks on the road just to be in attendance. The judging, handled with precision through eJudged.com, covered over a dozen classes, recognizing rigs for everything from paint and lighting to interior craftsmanship. The pride of ownership was evident, as each truck told its own story of miles traveled, loads hauled, and countless hours of upkeep.

On the diesel pickup side, enthusiasts brought their best lifted and lowered trucks, and everything else in between. Cummins, Duramax, and Power Stroke builds lined the show field, many sporting performance upgrades, custom tuning, and other attention-grabbing details. Owners swapped stories of build processes, road trips, and the relentless pursuit of both horsepower and reliability.

As the day heated up, the vendor midway buzzed with diesel-focused exhibitors offering performance parts, turbo upgrades, fuel system components, and heavy-duty drivetrain gear. In the flea market, sharp-eyed shoppers hunted for rare diesel badges, OEM components, and chrome accessories to keep their rigs running strong and looking sharp.

When the sun dipped below the horizon, the Big Rig Glow Show transformed the fairgrounds into a sea of lights. Multi-colored LEDs traced the lines of cabs and trailers, while underglow kits lit the pavement beneath these massive machines. Crowds gathered to admire the artistry, with each truck turning heads in its own unique way—proof that diesel power doesn’t have to be all business.

The weekend wrapped up with Sunday’s awards parade, where winning big rigs and diesel pickups rolled proudly past the grandstand to the cheers of thousands. From meticulously restored classics to modern workhorses dressed to impress, the procession celebrated the very best of the diesel scene.

For those who live and breathe the rumble of a tuned diesel or the commanding presence of a big rig, Carlisle 2025 was more than just a show—it was a testament to the passion, pride, and performance that drives the community forward.

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