Special "tribute" to event founder Chip Miller staged to honor his workWith 2,499 Corvettes filling the infield of the fairground show field and 1,267 vendors selling Corvette parts, accessories, and memorabilia, the '04 Corvettes at Carlisle was an amazing success. This year's special displays included Greenwood Corvettes, a '54 Corvette reunion, unique Corvette race cars, and much more.
Since Carlisle Events cofounder Chip Miller's passing in March 2004, his son Lance has become the coordinator. "Corvettes at Carlisle was a huge success in every aspect, and I know my father was smiling while looking down from heaven," Lance said about the show. "I'm happy to have the first year under my belt, and I look forward to making the upcoming events bigger and better for everyone. I'm eager to start implementing some new flavor into the event in the future. My father left some big footprints, and I'm fortunate to have this opportunity to create some of my own. Life is good!"
This year's Chip's Choice collection of special feature cars specialized in Greenwood Corvettes. There was also a Greenwood Reunion display as part of the Fun Display show field. Superior examples of '54 Corvettes were displayed under a tent with an example of each color produced. The '05 Corvettes at Carlisle will recognize the 50th anniversary of the '55 Corvette. The Corvette Race Car Reunion highlighted Corvettes with racing backgrounds. The Racers Roundtable allowed attendees to ask questions to drivers and crewmembers. In 2005, the focus will be on the C4, C5, and C6 Corvette racing era as well as a ZR-1 Reunion.
The Corvettes at Carlisle Benefit Auction, supporting research and education of amyloidosis, raised more than $160,000. Chip Miller died from amyloidosis, a rare plasma cell disorder that affects the organs. Before he passed away, Chip Miller donated his pristine '57 Corvette for auction. Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction, made the high bid of $134,000 for the '57.
"I really did not plan to buy the car when I came there," Mecum said. "My sentiments got involved, and I still wasn't going to bid on it, but then it started so low and I thought, Boy, this is too low. I'm going to bid. From there, I was like any other red-blooded American boy. I got caught up in the bidding, and one thing led to another, and I was the winning bidder. I'm very happy with it; I'm just in love with the car."
At noon on Saturday, in memory of Chip Miller, all Corvettes in the fairgrounds were asked to rev their engines for 15 seconds followed by a moment of silence. The sound of 2,500 Corvette engines revving, followed by silence on the entire 82-acre fairgrounds, was an amazing tribute. Another was Chip's Memorial Garden, built outside Gate 1 along Clay Street. The garden features special flowers for Chip's wife, children, and grandchildren as well as a fountain, benches, lights, and a dedication plaque. Lowe's of Mechanicsburg and Oldcastle designed the garden and contributed supplies. Baer Care Landscapers completed the work.
Over the duration of the event, the Mecum Corvettes at Carlisle auction was staged, and 224 Corvettes were up for bid. The high sale was a '67 convertible that went for $102,500. On Saturday evening, hundreds of Corvettes paraded to downtown Carlisle, where food, vendors, live music, and more entertained Corvette enthusiasts and local community members.
Throughout the weekend, Corvette engineers were on hand to answer questions about the Corvette, including the all-new '05 C6. At the event, Lance Miller began preparation for a modified C6 that will incorporate a series of radical performance and styling modifications. The finished car is set for display at the '05 event.
The '05 edition of Corvettes at Carlisle takes place August 26-28, 2005. To learn more about Corvettes at Carlisle or to register, visit www.carsatcarlisle.com/corvette or call (717) 243-7855.