Corvette Blog

The autocross and drag racing activities began Sunday morning at 8, and continued throughout the day, until about 5 pm.  Having exclusive use of the facilities enabled the United Council of Corvette Clubs to work through their agenda with few delays.

This Blog shows a number of additional views of the day's event, cars, and competitors.

[ Car Show Blog ]

[ Points Meet Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing , East Ohio , Eastern U.S. , Indiana , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , Northeast U.S. , Southeast U.S. , West Ohio | 0 Comments Permalink

Well, it's history now!  The United Council of Corvette Clubs met on Sunday, May 25 in Thompson, Ohio to compete for dragging points.

The Green Hornet was there, too.  That is, the powerful Green Hornet shown to the right, as seen from up in the control tower.

Our announcer, Dijon, explained pretty much everything from the microphone, as he walked us through the time trials, the run-offs, and the final runs for King or Queen of the Hill.  An upcoming Blog will show our winner for the day.

Enjoy some of the photos of the day past the jump, and in subsequent Blogs.

Posted By Bill Connell In Carolina , Corvette Events , Corvette Racing , East Ohio , Eastern U.S. , Indiana , Michigan , Midwest U.S. , Northeast U.S. , Southeast U.S. , West Ohio | 1 Comments Permalink

Today the Chevrolet Corvettes were revealed as the official Pace Cars of the 2009 Indianapolis 500 which takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2008.  In fact, this will be the first time when a pair of two distinctly different, yet incredibly hot, Corvettes will be featured.  The first will be a Z06 running on E85 Ethanol (in the foreground) and the second will celebrate Corvette's 30 year Pace Car history.

The Ethanol Z06 will be driven during the pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi. 

Now what about the production models you ask?  We know you already want to get your hands on one of them!  It is reported that Chevy will produce a total of 500 Pace Car replicas in both coupe and convertible form, each signed personally by Fittipaldi.

For a complete gallery of images of the pace cars, click here.  For more details on the production version and its special features, keep reading. 

[ Indianapolis Motor Speedway ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Concept & Show Cars , Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Talk about impressive!  Our friends over at AutoBlog alerted us to the post on CorvetteForum showing that Jamie Furman, driving a stock C6 Corvette Z06 with run flat tires got under 11 seconds, 10.98 to be exact at 129 mph at the Maryland International Raceway.  The time was validated by an official at the track, setting the record for the fastest production vehicle!

After watching video after video of other random vehicles with much less power overtaking the Z06 on YouTube, it makes me proud to see Jamie going out and making this happen at MIR.

While the record isn't recognized necessarily by any governing body, the simple fact that he has the proof to show and that people all over the internet are talking about his achievement is good enough for us!

After reading on in the story, we find out that Furman actually owned Vipers back in the day.  Seeing that its usually the Viper-lovers that create the most noise about how they think their car beats the Vette, this should quiet them... at least for a while.

Feel free to head over to AutoBlog for the larger scanned images of both of Jamie Furman's races, one with the run flat tires and one with special drag tires.

[ AutoBlog ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Competitors , Corvette News , Corvette Performance , Corvette Racing | 5 Comments Permalink

The most successful team in American Le Mans Series history has set the schedule for the 2008 season.

The Corvette Racing Team will test two new Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars in February as they prepare for March's first race from Florida on the 15th:  the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Corvette Racing decided to compete in all 12 Series rounds with both Corvettes in GT1.

According to WhoWon.com, "Corvette Racing was conceived as a long-term program to showcase the performance, technology and value of Chevrolet's world-class sports car," said Mark Kent, director of GM Racing. "Since the team's competition debut in 1999, Corvette Racing's success in top-tier road racing has produced a strong return on our investment, paying dividends in marketing, engineering, technology transfer, personnel development and other areas of our business. Corvette is now a performance icon that's recognized around the world, and Corvette Racing's continued participation in the American Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be an important element in the global celebration of GM's 100th anniversary in 2008."

[ Who Won ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Events , Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 1 Comments Permalink

Season long chatter raised the issue: why is Corvette racing in the American LeMans Series GT1Class without serious competition?

"We bring these Corvettes to the race track for Corvette lovers to see, touch, smell, hear and be a part of this team.  They love just seeing these cars.  Would they love to have more competition?  Absolutely.  And do we hope it comes?  Yes we do. "  So explained Doug Fehan of the GM Racing Program at the end of the season last weekend.  [ Full story ]

Now we know!

Next question: what's the plan for 2008?

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

The Corvette racing enterprise is extensive.  While the Corvette Racing Team C6.R twins wrapped up the GT1 Manufacturer's Title this last weekend at Laguna Seca,   C5.R Corvettes continue to compete in various venues around the globe.  And, especially in Europe, GT3 competitions now include Corvettes, as well.

To celebrate it all, the Corvette Motorsport website provides a pretty wide range of information on equipment, events, and racing news.  Some interesting videos are there for your enjoyment, too.  Check it out!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette Racing , Corvette Videos | 1 Comments Permalink

The rumors were true!  Chevy's much anticipated 2009 Corvette ZR1 did drive a loop at Laguna Seca on Saturday, and many photos were taken.

Still partially hidden with blacked out panels, the car was unloaded from a trailer, and driven to much acclaim.  The ZR1 wheels are beautiful.  The raised, almost mounded, hood is clearly evolutionary in design.  The rear spoiler is full width.  It appeared to be in manual transmission iteration.  And, exactly what's going on behind the front wheel openings is still not clear to this writer.

Winding Road has the broadest selection of photography.  Enjoy!

[ Related CorvetteBlogs ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Racing | 1 Comments Permalink

Corvette Racing's twin Compuware Corvette C6.Rs waged a fierce battle on Saturday in the season finale of the American Le Mans Series at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  When the four-hour race was finished, Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta stood on the top step of the victory podium in the GT1 class for a record-tying ninth time in 2007.  The "two Ollies" drove their No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R to a 30-second victory over the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R of Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen.

Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan reflected on Saturday's result: "I think the final race of the season was the crowning touch to what we did all year - perfect races, no mistakes, and dedicating ourselves to getting better every time. It's a great ending to a great season."

"Fifty years ago, Zora Arkus-Duntov, the godfather of Corvette Racing, conceived the Corvette SS race car to put Corvette squarely in the arena of international endurance racing," said Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper.  "This year marks the 50th anniversary of both the Corvette SS and of the Laguna Seca circuit.  As we look back on the results today at this great track and reflect on Corvette Racing's record of success over the years, it's clear that the Corvette C6.R has realized Zora's dream."

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Do you know Jake?  Have you seen him around, especially on a Corvette Racing Team car or on CRT clothing?  Either way, viewers of the final 2007 American LeMans Series Race at Laguna Seca, CA this Saturday will be seeing Jake wherever they turn.

The Jake Skull Mascot first began quietly appearing a few years ago, but is really getting a baptism by fire this weekend as both C6.R Corvettes will be wearing the full body treatment for the first time!

Check out the full body decor past the jump!  This is a car that will be photographed by many, and appreciated by the fans.  CorvetteBlog would like to see replicas available for model collectors, too!

The Monterey Sports Car Championships, the final round of the 12-race ALMS series, will start at 2:43 p.m. PT on Saturday, October 20.  The four-hour race will be televised live on SPEED Channel from 5:30 to 10 p.m. ET.

[ Corvette Racing Team Story  ]

[ Monterey Sports Car Championships ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 1 Comments Permalink

Three cars ran GT1 Class in the Petit LeMans at Braselton on Saturday.  The No. 3 Corvette C6.R sustained major damage in an accident, and had to be flatbedded off the track.  The Maserati MC12 finished 50 laps out after also sustaining damage.

The winners of the race were Max Papis and the "Two Ollies" (Olivier Beretta and Oliver Gavin) in their No. 4 Corvette C6.R.  And, although there is a remaining race in this year's American LeMans Series, Olivier and Oliver have already secured for themselves their third GT1 championship.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

With two races remaining in the 12-race American Le Mans Series, Corvette Racing Team drivers Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta hold a 32-point lead in the GT1 drivers championship over Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen.  With bonus points on the line at Petit Le Mans in Braselton, Georgia this Saturday, even a third-place finish will clinch a third straight GT1 drivers' title for Gavin and Beretta.  They'll need to complete at least 70 percent of the race distance to score championship points.

The 10th running of Petit Le Mans, the 11th round of the 12-race ALMS series, will start at 11:15 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 6.  The 1,000-mile/10-hour race will be televised live on SPEED Channel from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6:30 to 10 p.m. ET.

[ Corvette Racing Team ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Everything's Bigger in Texas!  That certainly includes the State Fair of Texas, which makes the State Fair here in Michigan look like a starter kit.  If you do happen to be in Texas over the coming three weeks, you'll want to hit up the State Fair in Dallas.

As always, Chevrolet will have an awesome presence during the event, including the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Corvette!!  If you haven't seen this baby in person, you don't want to miss out.  They will also have Kevin Harvick’s #29 Monte Carlo and an XBOX racing pit area to get into the action.

The State Fair of Texas is home to the biggest car show in Southwest America, with two huge exhibit halls and more than three million visitors each year.  Some of the other highlights from Chevy will be the all-new 2008 Chevy Malibu, the Tahoe Hybrid, the OCC Silverado, and the Dale Jr. "Big Red" Silverado.  Go check out the Le Mans Vette and stay for the fun!

[ BigTex.com ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

What in the world is a "Mule Test Corvette," you might ask?

You will recall that people liked the appearance of the first Corvettes in 1953.  Hey, they're still good looking 55 years later!  Unfortunately, they had no power or performance.  They were, as many have said, "dogs" in the performance area.  The two-speed Powerglide transmission and wimpy six cylinder engine made few friends with prospective customers, and Chevy dealers had to work really hard to sell out the production run of just 300 cars that first year.  The 1954 model was no better.

But then Zora Arkus-Duntov was given the responsibility to develop the car people wanted.  One of the test vehicles he used to improve performance is called the Mule Test Corvette.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette History , Corvette Racing | 2 Comments Permalink

The car on the cover of November's Corvette Enthusiast magazine is the 2007 Indy 500 Corvette Pace Car.  With its awesome Atomic Orange Metallic paint and unique flames, this car is a head turner!

We blogged about this car much earlier in the year, when it was first announced.  And, now -- for a million reasons -- now, the dealership that is our corporate parent, is finally getting one.  We will be looking to sell this car to one of the readers of CorvetteBlog, so check back soon for photos of the arrival and all the details.

[ Related Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

The 2007 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix was a great experience for metropolitan Detroit, for Michigan, and for the U.S. as a whole!  Of all the Grand Prix events we've had here, whether in the canyons of the inner city, around and about the Renaissance Center, or on the old island in the Detroit River, this Grand Prix was the best yet!

Virtually everything was done well.  My biggest criticisms are these:

1.  When my batteries ran out on my digital camera, I had trouble finding anyone who had an idea of where to buy more.  Now, I did find some, and they were reasonably priced, but it just took me a while.

2.  When I went to take the shuttle back to Foxtown to get my car, the line was pretty long.  The parking fee was reasonable, the shuttle fee was reasonable, and the ride was comfortable.  I just had to wait about 45 minutes to get voted off the island.

I make these statements not to complain.  These are my biggest criticisms of an extremely well-run and well-planned event.  As I said, virtually everything was well done!  Thanks to Roger Penske, and the thousands who followed his lead.  Congratulations on a job well done!  For those who didn't make it this year, we hope to see you in September 2008.

By the way, CorvetteBlog was the only blog dedicated to "all things Corvette" to be there to cover this important event.  Thanks for reading!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

The opportunities to learn when present at an event like an American LeMans Series race are so much greater than from just reading about it!  As you having been reading on CorvetteBlog, the ALMS just made its Michigan debut this past weekend.  The ALMS portion of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix was a two hour, 45 minute timed event.

The ALMS includes four classes of vehicles in each race:

LMP1 -- Purpose-built, closed wheel cars that are among the most technologically advanced and fastest sports cars in the world

LMP2 -- Slightly smaller, less powerful, yet extremely nimble vehicles, with proven capability of winning overall

GT1 -- Heavily modified versions of production cars; this class includes the Corvette C6.R

GT2 -- Production sports cars with few modifications

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

A limited number of Corvette enthusiasts received special treatment at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix this past weekend. 

Not only did they get to enjoy the roar of the C6.Rs screaming around the track, as did the rest of us, but they were treated to special Corvette Corral parking on the island and a pre-race parade loop around the course.

Other participating marques had corrals, too, but no marque was represented so well as Corvette.  Ferrari's, Viper's, Audi's, and Porsche's were present, but in much smaller quantities.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

GT1 Class winners in the American LeMans Series race yesterday as part of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix were Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen in their #3 Corvette C6.R (pictured here, at race end).  They finished a complete lap ahead of their sister #4 car, piloted by Olivier Beretta and Oliver Gavin.  Once again, the Corvettes faced competition from no other marque.

This was my first in-person ALMS race, and I must share some observations:

As drivers have previously said, the flow of the track in an ALMS race is unique, with different classes of vehicles competing at the same time.  There are essentially four different levels of play at any moment.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Wish you could obtain start to finish coverage of today's American LeMans Series race at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix?

ALMS Radio Network can be heard on XM Radio Channel 144 and on-line at www.radiolemans.com.

Please let CorvetteBlog readers know what you think of the coverage.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 1 Comments Permalink

A popular feature of the Ron Fellows Edition Corvette Z06 earlier this year was the unique white color.  You will recall that the production run was quite limited, with many dealers not even getting one unit.  For example, the car at our dealership was gone in less than a week.

A second white Z06 has now surfaced, but no announcement has been made to make them available to the public.  This car is pictured here, perhaps for the first time anywhere.  I photographed this Pace Car for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix at the Corvette Racing Team Tuesday morning pep rally.

By the way, if you are hungry for white, the CorvetteBlog has been contacted about a Ron Fellows Edition Corvette Z06 available with just under 100 miles.  If you are interested, please send me a comment below.  It will be kept private, and I will get back with you soon.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 3 Comments Permalink

As the yellow Compuware C6.R Corvettes tore around the 2.1 mile track this afternoon to qualify for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, their moves were loud and powerful!  Car #3 driven by the "Two J's", Jan Magnussen and Johnny O'Connell, gets pole position.  Car #4 in the capable hands of the "Two Ollie's", Olivier Beretta and Oliver Gavin, follows.

Once again, the spectators were disappointed to see no competition from other marques, but we know that the Corvette Racing Team continues to tweak and improve.  Ultimately, improvements on the track bring improvements to the retail Corvettes.

My photos were taken from Grandstand #2, just north of the finish line, facing Canada to the east, and almost directly across from the paddock area.  Many follow the jump.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Friday is Free Prix Day.  There is no charge to enter Belle Isle or to wander the grounds today.  The Corvette Racing Team will be practicing at 8:40 a.m. and at 3:20 p.m.  Qualifying for the GT1 Class begins at 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, of course, is the actual American LeMans Series race, with a race starting time of 3:15 p.m.  Believe me, from the looks of things Tuesday at the Corvette Racing Team Pep Rally, and having talked to some of the drivers, these boys are ready!  Keep in mind that admission to the island on Saturday and Sunday is by ticket only.  As of Tuesday there were only about 4000 tickets of any kind left.  They may even be all gone by now!

Sunday is the Indy Car competition, beginning at 3:45 p.m.

Keep in mind that the only parking available on the island is for a limited number of pre-registered Corvettes.  The best plan is to park at an outlying area, and take one of the many free shuttles.  Passengers will be dropped off at the entrance to the walking bridge to Belle Isle.

The complete schedule from the Detroit Grand Prix website is copied for you just past the jump in this blog.  ALMS activities including our Corvettes is highlighted.

[ Parking and Shuttle Information ]

[ Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Website ]

[ CorvetteBlog on the Pep Rally ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

A huge Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Pep Rally was held Tuesday morning just outside the Wintergarden of the Renaissance Center, by the Detroit River, to celebrate the return of racing, especially American LeMans Series Racing, especially featuring the Corvette C6.R race car, to the city of Detroit. 

Representing the Corvette Racing Team drivers were the complete team of Johnny O'Connell, Ron Fellows, Jan Magnussen, Olivier Beretta, Max Papis, and Oliver Gavin (shown signing autographs).

Representing the American LeMans Series was Scott Atherton and representing the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix was Chairman Bud Denko.       

Roger Penske was recognized for his extensive contributions to bringing the sport back to Detroit.

Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager, and Troy Clarke, GM North America President, spoke highly of the effort, making the point that "Corvette is turning the competition into spectators."

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

If you were looking for surprises in the Mosport Grand Prix this last Saturday, you would have had to settle for Corvettes finishing one-two-three instead of the usual one-two!  With two yellow and one white C6.R doing their magic, the accomplishment was outstanding, eh

All three C6.Rs completed 116 laps of the fast 2.459-mile Mosport circuit, with a result of:

Position / Drivers / Car / Laps

1. O'Connell / Magnussen, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 116

2. Gavin / Beretta, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 116

3. Fellows / Pilgrim, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 116

Corvette Racing's next event is the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on Saturday, Sept. 1. SPEED Channel will televise the race live at 3 p.m. EDT.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

As we have blogged before, CorvetteBlog is fired up about the next round of the American LeMans Series being right here in the automotive capital of the world!

To celebrate the arrival of the Corvette Racing Team in our backyard, in the 2007 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix this weekend (Friday thru Sunday), Chevrolet is hosting a pep rally tomorrow morning (Tuesday, August 28) at 11a.m. at GM Global Headquarters at the Renaissance Center.  If you are nearby, don't miss it.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

If you'll be in the Toronto area Wednesday in advance of the Mosport weekend, make plans to stop by Metro Hall Square for the 2007 Mosport Race Fest.  Local Corvette-driving hero, Ron Fellows, and fellow Canadian Tony Burgess will be the featured guests for an afternoon of fun with the American Le Mans Series.

Here's the info:

What: Mosport Race Fest

When: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday, August 22

Where: Metro Hall Square, 55 John St. in Toronto

Featuring:

Show cars from Penske Motorsports (Porsche RS Spyder), Lowe's Fernandez Racing (Lola-Acura) and Porsche (911 GT3)

XBOX Race Simulators (fans and media can race Ron Fellows)

Corvette Racing-pit stop demonstration with Ron Fellows at 12:15 p.m.

Ron Fellows and Tony Burgess Autograph session at 12:45 p.m.

[ Related Blog ]

[ Corvette Racing Team ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Olivier Beretta and Oliver Gavin won for the fourth straight time in their C6.R Corvette in the American LeMans Series contest at Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin) on Saturday.

Their victory surpassed both the efforts of their Corvette Racing teammates Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen and the Doran Racing Maserati MC12 of Didier Theys and Fredy Lienhard, who finished second and third respectively.  The Maserati was enjoying its debut run.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

The Corvette C6.R race cars will get some competition this weekend when Aston Martin fields a DB9 against our intrepid team in the next chapter of the American Le Mans Series.  Aston Martin showed up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in mid-June (which they won) and for the first race in the ALMS at Sebring, but otherwise has been invisible this summer.

The track in Elkhart Lake is a favorite of drivers because the four-mile course is carved into the rolling hills of Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine forest.  It is said to be "a 14-turn test of horsepower, handling, and bravery".  The one circuit in North America that every road racer relishes is Road America.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

When you think of a single website that brings together videos, Corvette Racing Team news, catalog information, the lyrics to Chevy Corvette inspired songs, etc., what else could it be but Corvette Blog?

Corvette Blog is happy to announce that the good folks at Chevrolet have put together a remarkable website called chevynation.com, and it's unlike any other.  Using the concept of a virtual city center with music club, stadium, garage, chop shop, and clubhouse, it's amazing what all you can see and do.

Although the site is Chevy-wide, Corvette themes are common.  You can listen to a seven minute clip of Zora Arkus-Duntov driving a 1961 Corvette fuelie, you can read a 1963 Corvette catalog, you can listen to current NASCAR-themed Chevrolet commercials, and you can do so much more!

[ ChevyNation ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Fun , Corvette Memorabilia , Corvette Racing , Corvette Videos | 1 Comments Permalink

Corvette C6.R driver Oliver Gavin submits to Winding Road's "Driver Evaluation" in the September issue, now available on-line.

Gavin claims the current C6.R is his favorite race car, idolizes Ayrton Senna, and holds a lifelong dream of winning LeMans outright.  We love his focus!

[ Winding Road ]

[ Related Corvette Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

The Waterford Hills Road Racing course opens its doors to competitions each summer.  In addition to the Corvettes running this Saturday, Waterford Hills has seen Bowtie and Miata competitions this summer.  Yet to come are Mopars and Neons.

In addition to the competition between Corvettes this Saturday, be sure to enjoy the Corvettes on the Hill Car Show.  Complete information is available at their website.  Since Corvette Blog will be at Cruzin Telegraph, be sure to send us some digital photos from Waterford Hills if you attend!

[ Waterford Hills ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

"We seem to be on a bit of a roll here, and I'm extremely happy to have my sixth win of the season" (in his Corvette C6.R) said Oliver Gavin, following Saturday's Acura Sports Car Challenge at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.  The winning car was also piloted by Olivier Beretta.

Running uncontested once again, the Corvettes finished first and second in the GT1 Class and 11th and 12th overall.  The report from the Corvette Racing Team website indicated that "both Corvette C6.Rs performed flawlessly in the two-hour, 45-minute race".

Corvette Racing's next event is the four-hour Generac 500 at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on Saturday, August 11.  NBC Sports will televise the race tape-delayed at 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 12.

[ Related ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

The Corvette Racing Team will compete in the GT1 Class in the American LeMans Series competition this Saturday.  The venue this time is the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Unfortunately, the Corvettes will be unchallenged in their class.  Once again the Aston Martins are taking a pass, and no other competitor has stepped up to take on the Vettes.

The race begins at 3:15 P.M. and continues to 6:00 P.M. and will be covered by CBS Sports.  It will be available for viewing Sunday at 2:00 P.M.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Nows it's a couple of days later, but the headline is the same: Corvette takes Lime Rock GT1 Class.

Corvette Racing spent the weekend after the Fourth of July on the roller coaster 1.54-mile Lime Rock Park circuit.  Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta avoided the heavy holiday traffic on the congested road course, and scored a .384-second victory in their No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R over Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen in the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R.

Gavin and Beretta completed 165 laps and finished eighth overall. It was the pair's fifth win in six American LeMans Series races contested this season.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Well, Corvette is running unopposed again this Saturday in the American LeMans Series.   A year ago, Aston Martin had eked out a win over the Compuware Corvette C6.R by a fender at the Lime Rock, Connecticut event.  This year, it will be Corvette all the way!

GT1 qualifying is tomorrow at 3:55 p.m. EDT.

The American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix itself will start at 3 p.m. EDT on Saturday, July 7.  CBS Sports will televise the two-hour, 45-minute race tape-delayed at 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 8.

The Corvette Racing Team has five races to run over the next nine weeks.  GM Road Racing Group manager Steve Wesoloski. "We'll be racing on road courses that range from 1.5 miles at Lime Rock to more than 4 miles at Road America, with a new temporary circuit in Detroit also in the mix."

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

This marvelous 1963 Corvette Grand Sport was driven by "Mr. Chevrolet" Dick Guldstrand at Sebring.  A stunning vision of a sports car, this vehicle was available for viewing and photographs at the Bloomington Gold Show last month.

Stunning from all directions, it is no surprise that the Sunoco Blue racer was a big winner for the newly formed Roger Penske Racing Team.  Guldstrand went on to many other victories and accomplishments, including veneration in the National Corvette Museum Hall of Fame.

[ Guldstrand Motorsports ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette History , Corvette Racing | 3 Comments Permalink

Bill Thomas' Corvette-based 1965 Cheetah is back!  I know, I know: you may not have even missed it!

One of the amazing vehicles I saw at the recent Bloomington Gold Show was the 2007 version of the 1965 Cheetah.  When I met the on-site representative, Ron Keck, I just had to ask: what's a Cheetah?

Ron explained that the Cheetah is a safety-enhanced continuation of the original vehicle, not a replica.  The original vehicles were authorized by Chevrolet to battle the Cobra in the early 1960's, but funding for the program was pulled when just a couple of dozen of these little spitfires had hit the race tracks.  They had torn up the racetracks in 1964 with eleven victories.

The first photo shows the original car parked in front of a 1959 Chevy wagon.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Events , Corvette History , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

For those of us who haven't been blessed with a Corvette trip around the loop at the 24 Heures du Mans (a.k.a. 24 Hours of Le Mans), here is hope of a safer ride for us through the miracle of the Internet.

A click to the attached link will enable you to accompany Ron Fellows driving the loop in just 5.25 minutes.  Hold on to your croissant!

[ Bad Boy Vettes Video ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

Drivers Ron Fellows, Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen piloted their No. 63 Compuware Corvette C6.R to a runner-up finish in the GT1 class and sixth overall in the world's most prestigious sports car race. the 24 Heures du Mans.  The race is called the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the U.S.

The drivers enjoyed having competition from other marques again (unlike in the American LeMans Series), but the combination of a superbly running Aston Martin, rain, and the presence of a safety car on the track late in the race prevented the Corvette Racing Team from taking first place for the fourth time in a row.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Those months of driving in the American Le Mans Series are paying off for the Corvette Racing Team.  It was hard to not want Aston Martin -- or anyone for that matter -- to show up to give our boys a run for the money.

Of course, no one showed up most of the time, but the wisdom in running without competition is coming to light.  Reports from Le Mans indicate that the Corvette Racing Team is in better shape than ever to take on other marques this weekend.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Historic information is being sought for a unique 1965 Corvette Coupe by Pro-Team Corvette of Napolean, Ohio. This vehicle, with VIN 194375S115982, was built to be shipped to Switzerland, where it became known as the Suisse Racer.

It has a 425hp, 396 cubic inch engine, and all numbers match. The physical description given is: very rare radio delete car, optioned with race prepared big block, aluminum heads, aluminum water pump, side exhaust, teakwood wheel, telescopic, race harnesses, race seats, M-22 transmission, posi, special heavy duty suspension, heavy duty brakes, American racing wheels, and high speed radial tires.

Posted By Bill Connell In Classic Corvettes , Corvette History , Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Racing , Corvette Recognition | 2 Comments Permalink

Once again, the GT1 Class was "Corvettes only" at the Utah Grand Prix over the weekend.

Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta scored their fourth win in five starts this season, taking the GT1 class honors in the American Le Mans Series Utah Grand Prix at Miller Motorsports Park. The "two Ollies" completed 61 laps of the 4.5-mile circuit in their No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R, finishing 26.550 seconds ahead of Jan Magnussen and Johnny O'Connell in the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R. The two Corvettes finished eighth and ninth overall.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

When the Corvette Racing Team competes this Saturday in the Utah Grand Prix at Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, it will be the final dress rehearsal for the team's assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  The team will be focusing on an evaluation of Michelin tires and the new GM air conditioning system that they will use in France, so this race will be a good test before they leave.

Although they contrast geographically and culturally, Salt Lake City and Le Mans are both home to impressive racing facilities.  And after three consecutive races in the tight confines of concrete-lined street circuits, Corvette Racing's drivers are eager to return to the wide-open spaces of the 24-turn, 4.5-mile Miller Motorsports Park for the fifth round of the American Le Mans Series. The track is the longest road course in America, and its flat, smooth asphalt replicates the conditions that Corvette Racing will encounter on the immense 8.5-mile Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans on June 16-17.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

As Corvette increasingly stakes its claim to world-wide fame and becomes more desirable in Europe, GM has taken steps to support that interest.  The Corvette Performance Academy was developed to promote safety and skill among Corvette drivers.

A series of events on demanding test tracks in Germany, France, Sweden, Belgium and Luxembourg will allow drivers to learn how to safely take the Corvette to the extremes.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Corvette Racing , Corvette Safety , Vacationing in a Corvette | 0 Comments Permalink

It has to have been frustrating for the Corvettes not to have serious competition in the GT1 Class in the American LeMans Series this year.  The "entire GT1 Class" at Houston, for example, is pictured at the right!

Of course, Aston Martin was there for the first race, and they have committed to being back before the year is over.  But most of the time it is Corvette versus Corvette!

Autoweek is reporting this week that the CRT is seriously considering moving to GT2 competition against Porsche and Ferrari no later than the beginning of next year.  Corvette program manager Doug Fehan said that building a GT2 version of the car is one option open for next season.  Another option is to take the C6.Rs to race in the European-based Le Mans Series.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Once again, it was no surprise that Corvette took the GT1 Class win at the Lone Star Grand Prix in Houston on Saturday, but it wasn't the two Ollies this time, but rather their Corvette Racing Team compadres, Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen who got the win in the No. 3 car.

With both speed and good fortune on their side, Magnussen and O'Connell completed 138 laps and finished 50 seconds ahead of Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta in the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

The Corvette Blog is grateful to Grassroots Motorsports Magazine for the tip that Rev It Up is providing competition opportunities this summer. The ability to test drive the entire 2007 Chevrolet performance lineup (although with Z06 you will be in the passenger seat) is offered for a minimal entry fee. Oh, the prize will be a 2007 Corvette!

The first event will be held in San Francisco July 6, 7. Orange County, Houston, Orlando, a NJ-NY site, and Washington, D.C. will follow in sequence over the next month.  Information and sign up opportunity is provided at Rev It Up.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 1 Comments Permalink

The Corvette C6.Rs compete in the second annual Grand Prix of Houston Saturday night, on the 1.7-mile JAGFlo Speedway at Reliant Park temporary street circuit. This is the third in a series of street races on the American Le Mans Series calendar.

After winning the GT1 class in last year's inaugural event in Houston, Corvette Racing is well prepared for the bumpy roads that surround the Astrodome. "Houston will be the bumpiest track that we race on this season," said Oliver Gavin, driver of the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R.

"Street races are always challenging because you don't want to crash the car with Le Mans just a few weeks away," he explained. "You need to push but also to make sure you don't make a mistake. But it's not easy because with four different classes on the track, you often have to go off the racing line to pass. Then you get pickup on the tires and it is difficult to come back.

The 2-hour, 45-minute Grand Prix of Houston will begin at 5:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. EDT). The race will be televised tape-delayed by CBS Sports on Sunday, April 29, from 1-3 p.m. EDT.

[ Corvette Racing ]

[ Grand Prix of Houston ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta drove their No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R to their third straight GT1 win of the season. The two Ollies completed 71 laps on the 1.968-mile Grand Prix of Long Beach street circuit, finishing .349 seconds ahead of the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R driven by Jan Magnussen and Johnny O'Connell.

Is there no manufacturer out there with enough pride and confidence to take the Corvette Racing Team on?

Corvette Racing's next event is the Grand Prix of Houston, the third of three consecutive street races, on Saturday, April 21. The 2-hour, 45-minute race on the 1.7-mile JAGFlo Speedway at Reliant Park temporary street circuit will begin at 5:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. EDT). It will be televised tape-delayed by CBS Sports on Sunday, April 29, from 1-3 p.m. EDT.

[ FULL STORY ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

The C6.R Corvette Racing Team hits the American Le Mans Series race at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. local time) this Saturday, April 14. The one-hour, 40-minute race will be televised in a same-day broadcast on SPEED from 8 to 10:30 p.m. ET.

The streets of Long Beach, California are uncharted territory for the ALMS, but several Corvette Racing drivers already know the ins and outs of the famed waterfront circuit. The upcoming 100-minute sprint race on the bayside circuit on April 14 - the shortest race on the ALMS calendar - will mark the series' first appearance at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, but it will be déjà vu for Corvette Racing's Jan Magnussen and Johnny O'Connell.

 "All in all, Long Beach is a great setting for a race and it's good for the ALMS to race there," said Magnussen, who shares the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R with O'Connell. "I've raced a Daytona Prototype there previously, and the track is much like the street circuit in St. Petersburg in terms of how the track is crowned. One corner that's unique to Long Beach is the very tight hairpin at Turn 11. It's a place where you just don't try to pass, and you hope that nobody else tries to pass you."

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta sailed to their second consecutive GT1 class victory of the season in their Corvette C6.R in St. Petersburg, Florida on Saturday. The "two Ollies" had a smooth run to the American Le Mans Series winner's circle in their No. 4 Compuware Corvette.

According to the Corvette Racing website: "My Corvette, my crew, and my teammate were perfect," said Beretta, who extended his record for ALMS career victories with his 30th win. "It was very important to stay out of trouble. There was a lot of traffic ahead and behind, and I had to always be careful of the walls. There were quite a lot of things to deal with at once, but that is all part of sports car racing."

The next event in the series will be April 14, 2007 at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  Television coverage will again be on the Speed Channel.

[ Corvette Racing ]

[ Speed Channel ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

The Corvette Racing Team competes in the second race of the American LeMans Series this Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida at 5 P.M.  Much shorter than the recent 12 Hours of LeMans, this race lasts only two hours forty-five minutes.

In a story about driving their C6.R Corvettes in races within city limits, and in races with much faster and slower race cars at the same time, Olivier Beretta and Johnny O'Connell point out the change of dynamics in dealing with these challenges.

[ ALMS Story ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Competitors , Corvette Events , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink

Today is the 50th anniversary of the running of the fabled 1957 Corvette SS at the 12 hours of Sebring.  The Corvette SS nameplate has been hot of late due to leaks that the name will be revived for the vehicle nicknamed the Corvette Blue Devil for the last two years or so.

The original Corvette SS was born from a design by Arkus-Duntov, who used the tubular space frame of the Mercedes 300SL as his template. In the meantime, Harley Earl’s design studio, again using the D-Type Jag for inspiration, began with the body.  The original fiberglass prototype was dubbed the XP-64. The letters stood for Experimental Pursuit, which the aircraft-loving Earl borrowed from planes that were in the early testing stages. A second car, however, featured a considerably lighter magnesium body that housed a 283 cubic-inch fuel-injected V8 that made 307 horsepower at 6,400 r.p.m.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette History , Corvette Racing | 0 Comments Permalink