Corvette Racing posts Fifth GT1 Class Victory in 24 Hours of Le MansCorvette and Aston Martin went toe-to-toe in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, trading blows through a grueling day and night of racing. When the battle finally ended, Corvette Racing had won the GT1 class in the world's greatest sports car race for the fifth time in six years.
The victorious No. 64 Compuware Corvette C6.R, driven by Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta, and Jan Magnussen, finished fourth overall and scored Corvette Racing's twelfth podium finish since the team first came to Le Mans in 2000. It was the trio's third consecutive class victory at Le Mans and their fourth straight endurance racing win, a streak that includes last year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, Petit Le Mans, and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Corvette Racing extended its perfect finishing record in the 24 Hours of Le Mans to seven consecutive years, and Corvette became the winningest manufacturer in recent GT history at Le Mans.
This year's 24-hour endurance test reprised the drama of last year's battle. The No. 63 Corvette C6.R and the No. 009 Aston Martin DBR9 were in lockstep from the start, separated by less than a lap in the running order for hour after hour. The turning point came in the twenty-second hour when the green Aston Martin went to the garage with a mechanical problem. At 2:09 p.m., Jan Magnussen officially took the lead-a lead that Corvette Racing would not relinquish. The winning Corvette completed 355 laps, made 25 faultless pit stops, and won by a five-lap margin of victory.
Joining the three Corvette Racing drivers on the victory podium were Luc Alphand, Patrice Goueslard, and Jerome Policand, who finished third in their independent Corvette C5-R with 346 laps completed. The No. 63 Compuware Corvette C6.R of Ron Fellows, Johnny O'Connell, and Max Papis finished seventh after encountering drivetrain problems.
"It was an epic battle between two great warriors," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. "We've yet to come upon competition that can provide us the spirit of racing such as the Aston Martin Prodrive team. It's just sad that only one team could win. We put on a hell of a show."
CarArtWork to Create Celebrity Judge Awards for Corvettes at CarlisleCarArtWork is honored to announce that it has been selected to produce the '06 Celebrity Judge awards for Corvettes at Carlisle.
Each of the Celebrity Judges will receive a custom-designed business cardholder. Fashioned in stainless steel, the cardholder features a '56 Corvette emblem commemorating the 50th anniversary of this first-generation classic.
Attended by more than 50,000 people annually, Corvettes at Carlisle is the world's largest and most prestigious car show dedicated exclusively to the Corvette. In its 24th year, the '06 edition will be held from August 25-27 at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Approximately 150 automotive "Celebrities" will spend several hours on Saturday afternoon perusing the huge array of Corvettes-from vintage beauties to current day drivers-participating in Carlisle's Fun Field display. Each Celebrity picks his or her favorite Corvette from the more than 2,500 entries in this massive sea of fiberglass.
Lance Miller, event manager for Corvettes at Carlisle, lamented that "It is always a tough chore to find a unique gift for our Corvette Celebrities year after year. This year, when I saw CarArtWork's incredible craftsmanship, I knew right away what the '06 Celebrity Judges would receive. I believe each Celebrity will feel the exact way I do about the item CarArtWork specially designed for our Corvette Celebrities."
The '06 Celebrity Judges include Corvette Chief Engineer Tom Wallace; Bowling Green Corvette Plant Manager Will Cooksey; automotive watercolor artist Dana Forrester; Corvette Racing's Group Marketing Manager Gary Claudio; and many more recognized Corvette experts.
CarArtWork, a General Motors licensee, creates custom-designed automotive art featuring the Chevrolet Corvette, Chevy SSR, Pontiac GTO, and Hummer. For more information, contact:Diane Everse(502) 254-3029www.carartwork.biz.
::: Royal Purple/Corvette Fever Trivia Winner for February 2006We have our final winner in the Royal Purple/Corvette Fever Trivia Quiz. The April question was: How many Corvettes were shipped to Belgium in 1994? Correct answer: Eight cars were exported to Belgium in 1994. Tim Timmons of Lompoc, California, will receive a $200 gift certificate from Royal Purple. Congratulations, Tim!
::: zip products corvette trivia challengeThis month, Corvette Fever is continuing the new Zip Products Corvette Trivia Challenge. The Zip Products Corvette Trivia Challenge question will be featured in each issue and at www.corvettefever.com. You will be able to answer via e-mail or regular mail. Those who answer correctly will be part of a drawing for a $200 gift certificate from Zip Products. The winner of the contest will also be featured in the next issue of Corvette Fever.
Enter the Zip Products Corvette Trivia Challenge by answering the question and filling out the required information online, or by sending the answer on a 3x5 card with your name, address, phone number, and date of birth. See Rules on page 88.Send your written entry form to:Zip Products CorvetteTrivia ChallengeCorvette Fever magazine9036 Brittany WayTampa, FL 33619or answer online at:www.corvettefever.com.
This month's Zip Products Corvette Trivia Challenge question is:The ZR1 had its own special engine, wider wheels and tires, and its own unique rear styling for one year, but what was unusual about the glass?
::: Coming EventsOctober 5-8, Las Vegas, NVThe Las Vegas Corvette Association is proud to host the world class Corvette gathering: Corvette Roulette 2006. The first annual Corvette Roulette will be held at the Stardust Hotel and Casino located on Las Vegas Boulevard, "The Strip." This four-day event will include a reception and cocktail party; an indoor people's choice car show; an autocross; a fun rally; an awards banquet with lunch, raffle prizes, giveaways; and much more.Info:(702) 896-1555www.corvetteroulette.com
October 6-8, St. Charles, ILThe 11th Annual Mecum High Performance Auction, formerly Fall Premier. All collector cars welcome. Auctions: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.Info:(813) 568-8888www.mecumauction.com
October 15, Mays Landing, NJBoardwalk Corvettes presents the Smithville Vette Review XVIII. Rain date is October 22.Info:Dave: (609) 432-3782Ron: (215) 321-8835www.boardwalkcorvettes.com
October 20-22, Lakeland, FLLake Mirror Classic Concours d'Elegance, downtown Classic Car Show and Hot Rod Rendezvous. The Hot Rod Rendezvous will take place on Friday. Hours are from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Lake Mirror Amphitheatre and Promenade. Car Show, Saturday; Road Rally, Sunday.Info:(863) 683-1540www.LakeMirrorClassic.com
October 29, Lancaster, PALancaster County Corvette Club presents American Legends at Long's Park Show. Corvettes and all GM products. Original: antiques and classics; Modified: hot rods and street rods; cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs are invited. Benefits Spina Bifida Assoc.Info:Clyde Mooney(717) 371-8964www.lcccpa.com