He’s making a drive, but not down the field this time. Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, will drive the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pace Car to lead the pack of 33 racers to the start of the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, this Sunday.

Harbaugh, who took the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012,  is quite the racing fan, we’re told, and is even a principal at Panther Racing, which fields the two-car, Chevrolet-powered IndyCar team with drivers J.R. Hildebrand and Townsend Bell. Hildebrand will drive the No. 4 National Guard Chevrolet in the Indianapolis 500 and Bell will compete in the No. 60 Sunoco “Turbo” Chevrolet.

The Laguna Blue Pace Car procession marks a record 12th time the Corvette has served in the role, starting in 1978. Be sure to tune in.

And, at your own, well, pace, come on over to Matick Chevy later this summer and check out the Stingray coupe yourself. Then you’ll know why Harbaugh and so many others are crazy about the vehicle.

A starter's breakfast program and a fun Corvette caravan from metro Detroit's Matick Chevy to Belle Isle -- plus reserved on-island parking, grandstand tickets, special talks by the Corvette team, an opportunity for late afternoon track laps, refreshments, lunch and more -- make Matick Chevy's Detroit Grand Prix Corvette Caravan Experience on Saturday, June 1 well worth the $150 cost for two.

The Corvette Corral entrance.

Corvette Caravan Experience sponsor, Matick Chevrolet, is offering a $50-off discounted Corvette Corral ticket (your cost is $150 instead of the regular $200) and a little bit more.

The June 1 Caravan Experience begins at 7:30 a.m. at Matick Chevy with the starter's breakfast and a presentation by Corvette racecar driver Danny Kellermeyer on the various races scheduled during the action-packed Grand Prix weekend.

Every color and model fill the corral.

The Corvette Caravan will then depart Matick Chevy around 8:30 a.m. and caravan in a parade to Belle Isle, where participants will have the closest parking to the track and all of its activities from the Corvette Corral. 

Matick Chevy is still taking RSVPs for the discounted Grand Prix tickets and the starter's breakfast program on June 1. Contact Gail at ghaffey@matickchevy.com or 313-532-5779.

Corvette enthusiasts enjoy a great outing at the Grand Prix Corvette Corral.

SPECIAL NOTE: Those Corvette enthusiasts who already purchased their tickets through the Grand Prix can also participate in the breakfast event and caravan. Please RSVP to Gail and mention that you will participate in the caravan.

The more the merrier.

One more thing: The 2014 Corvette will be the Grand Prix pace car!

2012 Corvette Corral photos by Robert Brodbeck

Mlive.com writer Eric Hammis recently hung a bit of his laundry out for all to see. Actually, he wrote a story about feeling like laundry in a spin cycle when he rode around the Michigan International Sppedway (MIS) the other day with Matick Chevy-sponsored racecar driver Danny Kellermeyer.

His experience is fun to read about: "I had to strap on a helmet, climb through a roll bar and lock myself into a racing performance seat belt. It was a little tricky, but once Kellermeyer began hitting the sharp turns of the infield course, I quickly appreciated all the equipment." rel="lightbox351208"

The two hooked up on the MIS Media Day, a time for writers, broadcasters, photographers and others to sample the course. Its infield track hasn’t been used for nearly 30 years for a major sportscar event, so I’d say folks are in for a real treat come May 25-26. Part of the course will include MIS's big track.

On the first of those two days, qualifying races will take place, while a qualifying and a feature race will cap the event on the second day. Get there around 8 a.m. each day if you want to see all there is to see, including the Matick-sponsored flag wrapped Corvette pace car owned by 2014 Corvette Caravan Michigan captain Larry Courtney.

The race is sponsored by the Western Michigan Region of the Sports Car Club of America, which re-introduces multi-class, sportscar racing at the MIS infield course.
    
Ticket sales for the Memorial Weekend races will be available for pre-purchase only and tickets and information can be found at the club web site.

The three-day National Corvette Museum (NCM) Bash in Bowling Green, KY, proved once again that a Corvette-lover's spirit can never be washed away with a little rain.

Meanwhile, a Race Team Tire Tech seminar presented by the folks from Michelin Automotive Tires, a C7 Power Train Development seminar and a NCM Motorsports Park update brought attendees up to speed with what’s going on in the world of Corvettes.

Larry enjoyed spending time with Paul Koerner, a C4/C5/C6 specialist.

“I watched Paul for three days answer people’s questions about problems with their cars and saw him run out to the parking lot to diagnose cars on the spot,” says Larry. “He would tell car owners what parts were needed to fix their problems. I hope to get him to one of my events in Michigan next year.” 

Diversions aplenty kept attendees busy throughout the Bash, including a golf scramble (new), shopping at Opry Mills in Nashville, TN, vintage racecar rides at the museum, road tours and Corvette shows. As well, a “Garage Party” seminar — with women of the GM Corvette Team — covered all aspects of Corvettes, including maintenance, engineering and even high-performance driving. 

Mark your calendars for next year’s event, suggests Larry. “We love to see old friends, meet new ones, and just have a good time at area restaurants and hotels.”

Visit corvettemuseum.org for information on next year’s event.

“I feel good and I’m ready to go,” said racecar driver Danny Kellermeyer following his first race of the day this past Saturday (May 4) at Waterford Hills Road Racing (WHRRI) in Clarkston, MI.

“I qualified on the pole today, and had a good run,” he added, minutes before the next race. “My car is in top shape with a new engine. We finished the pretesting a couple weeks ago out here and we’re ready.”

That first pretest day, squeezed in between snow and rain just a couple weeks ago, did have its challenges, but Danny doesn’t it let it get to him. “We lost our exhaust system on that first test day,” he said with a grin. But it’s onward and upward for  the man in yellow as he was preparing for Media Day at the Michigan International Speedway (MIS)  this past Monday to showcase what’s to come May 25-26 when he competes in the SCCA Majors National Double.

The two-mile infield MIS track has been resurfaced and the grounds are ready for action. The Matick Chevrolet-sponsored flag-wrapped Corvette, owned by the 2014 Corvette Caravan Michigan Captain Larry Courtney, will serve as the pace car for this first-time Memorial Day weekend event.

Our metro Detroit dealership and Danny Kellermeyer of D.J. Racing Enterprise of Ortonville, MI, are excited about another year-long racing partnership that features Danny racing in his Corvettes at various tracks around the Midwest.

Race and Corvette enthusiasts can see Corvette racing at its best, with Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Majors competitions being a big highlight of Danny's schedule.    

The partnership is part of our Matick Chevrolet's Corvette motorsports mission. Last summer, we also sponsored racecar driver Jeff Nowicki of Birmingham, MI, and the Michael Baughman Racing (Team MBR) to run their Corvette in Chevrolet’s GRAND AM Rolex Series' 200 during the 2012 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.

Crew chief Kevin reviews race details.

As the Corvette has just turned 60 and as we celebrate the all-new C7 2014 Corvette Stingray, this is a most exciting year for the car and for racing. The Corvette is legendary.

A bit about racecar driver Danny Kellermeyer: He has enjoyed a nice past few years on the road racing circuit – all in his Corvettes. He captured the 2010 and 2011 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Great Lakes STO National Championship as well as the Waterford Hills Road Racing 2010, 2011 and 2012 STO championships. He has some 16 sponsors, including several Corvette-related ones (Sawyer, MI-based Corvette Central, Ohio-based ACI — American Custom Industries, to name a few).

Danny’s 2012 season of 22 races resulted in 91 percent podium finishes. The podiums totaled 17 first-place victories and three second-place finishes.

D.J. Racing Enterprise competes at SCCA national and regional events. Their cars also are displayed at a variety of show events during the year, including the Corvettes America annual show, which will be Aug. 10 at Alpine Valley in White Lake, MI.



Bottom line: Matick Chevy knows Corvettes. Stop in to see more than 25 Corvette on display indoors (we deliver nationwide), or look for us at the race track this year.

More information is available at djrace.com and matickchevy.com, or facebook.com/matickchevy.

Anthony Cardiello of New York loves his new B2K Callaway."This is the most powerful of all my Callaways," he says.

Corvette enthusiast Anthony Cardiello of Long Island, New York, is the proud new father of one of twenty-five 25th-anniversary B2K Callaway Corvettes. George Matick Chevrolet (which had “car No. 20”) in Michigan and one other dealership in the country were the last two stores to have the coveted car available for purchase.

We asked Anthony, a fundraising executive for the Ronald McDonald House in New York City, a few questions about his inspiration for making the purchase and his experience with the vehicle thus far.  

But before we get started, here’s a front-seat look at Anthony’s drive when it comes to the world of cars, and especially Corvettes: Anthony has always been fascinated with cars. His father drove a 1962 Chevy that he remembers fondly. “It had six cylinder and he finally let me drive it when I was in college. I would try to make it go faster than it could,” he says with a laugh, “because I’m into performance, driving a car, testing its capabilities …”

Anthony has been a ‘Vette owner since 1972, and has been a member of the Long Island Corvette Association since 1993. The organization inspires him to go on rallies, race his ‘Vette a bit and generally enjoy what he loves doing — driving, especially out in Long Island’s farm country where he says “there’s plenty of room to stretch, and not get snagged.”

After cruising, Anthony likes to tinker with his four performance vehicles (three Callaway Corvettes — the one he just purchased, a 1987 TT and a red ‘91 ZR1, purchased in ’91 — and a 2012 SRT8 Challenger).

Anthony's Callaways

On his first Corvette: “When I got out of the Army in 1972, I wanted to treat myself, so I bought an LT1. It was ‘Bryar Blue,’ sort of a greenish blue metallic, an outstanding color. Its motor was considered high-performance for that time. That car thoroughly hooked me on Corvettes for the rest of my life.”

1987 model musings: “The red 1987 Callaway, which I purchased 10 years ago, with twin turbos, was incredibly different from all the other Corvettes. As 240 horsepower was standard, my 87 B2K was 380 — scary!”

Anthony's been Corvette crazy since 1972.

How do you like your new car’s color — cyber gray metallic? “Well, that’s the color it came in, because all 25 of the 25th-anniversary Callaways were the same, including the options. But you know, there are silver cars out there and gray cars out there, but this color is really different  — green-grayish and metallic, it changes colors.” 

Anthony enjoys tinkering in his garage.

When did you decide to buy the 2012 B2K? “I was at the Corvettes at Carlisle show in Pennsylvania and saw one there. I thought it was beautiful. I knew that I didn’t’ have any space for it in the garage and I said to myself, ‘well, if I get that, then one would have to go.’ So that cooled me off a bit. But then I read about it, and couldn’t get it off my mind. So I decided to get one. My Callaway Camaro had to go — someone else is enjoying that now.”

How did you end up finding the B2K in Michigan? “I called  Callaway and they told me there were two left: one in my region and one out in Michigan at Matick Chevy. So I cautiously called the Michigan location.”

How was your shopping/buying experience? “I was put in touch with Rich Curran of Matick Chevy. We hit it off. If you’re going to sell Callaway ‘Vettes, you better know the car; Rich knew the car and so do I, inside and out. Rich gave me the confidence to buy it, making the process easy. I now understand that distance doesn’t matter — it was in my driveway three weeks later.” 

Have you had much of a chance yet to give your B2K a whirl? “Yes and it’s great. It’s the best car so far by Callaway. With 25 years of being in business and their relationship with Chevy, they put their heart and soul into it. It’s an incredible car.”

Part of the fun of owning a super-charged Corvette is hearing its roar. What does the B2K sound like? “It has a high-pitched whine to it when you’re making a lot of power. I like the sound of the whine. It pulls like a freight train … the first four gears are incredibly powerful. This is the most powerful of all my Callaways. But I’ll wait until it has about 1,000 miles until I nail it.”

This Laguna Blue Tintcoat C7 with official Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors will serve as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car on Sunday, May 26.

Update from Chevy News: The Corvette Stingray Pace Car differs from production models with only track-mandated safety features and strobe lights. No powertrain upgrades are required to run in front of the IndyCar pack, thanks to its all-new 6.2L LT1 engine, which features advanced technologies including direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). They help produce an estimated 450 horsepower more efficiently.

The year's race marks the 24th time a Chevrolet has served as the official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500, more than any other brand, dating to 1948 with a Chevrolet Fleetmaster. Corvette has led the way a record 12 times, starting in 1978.

As reported 4/26/13 by Chevrolet News:

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe will have a suggested starting retail price of $51,995, and the Corvette Stingray Convertible will start at $56,995. Both prices include a $995 destination fee but exclude tax, title, and license.

“The 2014 Corvette Stingray perfectly embodies Chevrolet’s mission to deliver more than expected for our customers,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The Corvette Stingray delivers a combination of performance, design and technology that very few manufacturers can match, and none can even come close for $52,000.”

Standard features on the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray include:
- Seating with lightweight magnesium frames for exceptional support, and eight-way power adjustment
- Five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors up to 12 vehicle attributes
- New seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching
- 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system
- Carbon fiber hood on all models, and a carbon fiber removable roof panel on coupes
- Aluminum frame that is 99 pounds lighter (45 kg) and 57-percent stiffer than the previous model’s structure
- Advanced, high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting
- Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, with next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera
- Bose nine-speaker audio system with SiriusXM Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and SD card and auxiliary input jack
- Keyless access with push-button start
- Power tilt/telescope steering wheel
- An all-new, fully electronic top on the convertible that can be lowered remotely using the key fob

As shown at the North American International Auto Show, the Stingray coupe fitted with the major available options would be $73,360, including:
– 3LT interior package, with leather-wrapped interior ($8,005)
– Z51 Performance Package ($2,800)
– Competition sports seats ($2,495)
– Exposed-carbon-fiber roof panel ($1,995)
– Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1,795)
– Dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195)
– Carbon fiber interior trim ($995)
– Sueded, microfiber-wrapped upper interior trim ($995)
– Red-painted calipers ($595)
– Black-painted wheels ($495)

The 3LT Interior Package includes: Bose 10-speaker surround-sound audio system; SiriusXM Satellite radio with one-year subscription and HD radio receiver; color head-up display; memory package; navigation system; heated and ventilated seats with power lumbar and bolster adjustment; premium Napa leather seating surfaces; and leather-wrapped dash and instrument panel, console and door panels.

The Z51 Performance Package includes: high-performance gear ratios; transmission-cooling system; larger 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and tires; larger, slotted rotors and brake-cooling ducts; electronic limited-slip differential and differential cooling system; unique chassis tuning; and available Magnetic Ride Control active-handling system with Performance Traction Management. Equipped with the Z51 package, the Corvette Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in under four seconds, and more than 1 g in cornering.

America’s iconic sportscar has enjoyed a wonderful history over the past six decades. To commemorate those 60 years, all Corvette owners are invited to celebrate the car’s 60th Birthday Bash at GM World Headquarters in Detroit MI, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, June 30.

The event will take place at GM’s Renaissance Center, in the GM employee parking lot along the Detroit River.

A special caravan will arrive from Flint, MI, birthplace of the Corvette. Flint-area Corvette clubs are currently trying to find a Corvette from every model year to participate in the caravan. 

Event activities include food booths, a deejay, a 50/50 raffle benefitting the 2014 Michigan Caravan, a car cruise through beautiful Belle Isle on the Detroit River (where the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will have taken place a few weeks earlier), sales of Corvette paraphernalia (2014 National Caravan window clings, flags, etc.) and more.

A special tent can be set up for any club that would like to promote its club and events.

The Birthday Bash is made possible by various organizations, including the MotorCities National Heritage Area and the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more information on the Birthday Bash this June or the 2014 Michigan Caravan, email michcaravan2014@aol.com or call (586) 876-6923. For more information on the 2014 National Corvette Caravan, click here.

Larry Courtney, Michigan captain of the National Corvette Caravan, says that interested attendees can also receive up-to-date route information for the 2014 National Corvette Caravan as well as details on how to sign up for it. The 5th National Corvette Caravan will take place the last week of August 2014. Regional caravans will form and join other caravans as they travel across the United States to gather in Bowling Green, KY, for four days of festivities at the National Corvette Museum.