NCM Insurance Agency and American Modern Insurance Group, has introduced new online self-service capabilities for policyholders which will launch in phases over the next few years. This month we have introduced a new Online Services portal which allows customers to receive electronic notification when new policy and billing documents are posted online and the ability to download and print the documents.
The online services not only give customers the option of doing business online 24/7, but saves paper in the process and helps customers better manage their insurance documents electronically.
“The Museum is fortunate to have customers from across the country and we realize that our business hours may not always be convenient – especially for those on the west coast,” said NCM Insurance Agent Adam Boca. “The new online services gives our customers 24/7 self-service access, and you can even signup to receive email and text notifications.”
Customers can also file non-emergency claims at their convenience, and request simple policy modifications like change of name, address or payment plan online at any time.
To learn more about the NCM Insurance Agency’s Online Services visit: www.ncminsurance.com/manage or if you would like a no obligation quote, visit www.ncminsurance.com.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
National Corvette Museum Launches Audio Tour
Tour Enhances Visits to the Museum with Information and Stories
The National Corvette Museum now offers an audio tour to accompany self-guided tours through the Museum. The audio tour is 45 minutes in length and can be downloaded to any MP3 device through the Museum's website free of charge, or visitors may rent an MP3 player at the Museum for only $5 each.
“'The audio tour will greatly enrich visitors' experiences as they navigate through our seven sections of the Museum: Gateway, Nostalgia, Performance, Engineering & Design, Enthusiast, Skydome/Hall of Fame and Exhibit Hall,” said Katie Frassinelli, Marketing and Communications Manager at the National Corvette Museum.
Listeners will hear how Corvette got its name, where Harley Earl got the idea for "Project Opel," why the Corvette emblem was changed at the last minute and how Bill Mitchell's paint shop guys got the car to match the shark.
Susan West Woodard, Program Director of Christian Family Radio in Bowling Green, loaned her vocal talents by recording the tour for the Museum. "The Museum has a lot of sights and ambient sounds in the different exhibits, so we felt Susan's voice would be a fantastic complement to the excitement already in place," added Katie.
The audio tour is currently available in English and can be rented at the Museum's admissions counter or downloaded here.
The National Corvette Museum now offers an audio tour to accompany self-guided tours through the Museum. The audio tour is 45 minutes in length and can be downloaded to any MP3 device through the Museum's website free of charge, or visitors may rent an MP3 player at the Museum for only $5 each.
“'The audio tour will greatly enrich visitors' experiences as they navigate through our seven sections of the Museum: Gateway, Nostalgia, Performance, Engineering & Design, Enthusiast, Skydome/Hall of Fame and Exhibit Hall,” said Katie Frassinelli, Marketing and Communications Manager at the National Corvette Museum.
Listeners will hear how Corvette got its name, where Harley Earl got the idea for "Project Opel," why the Corvette emblem was changed at the last minute and how Bill Mitchell's paint shop guys got the car to match the shark.
Susan West Woodard, Program Director of Christian Family Radio in Bowling Green, loaned her vocal talents by recording the tour for the Museum. "The Museum has a lot of sights and ambient sounds in the different exhibits, so we felt Susan's voice would be a fantastic complement to the excitement already in place," added Katie.
The audio tour is currently available in English and can be rented at the Museum's admissions counter or downloaded here.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Corvette Museum Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Chevrolet
Chevrolet’s first car pulled onto the auto scene like a decked-out debutante. Race-car driver Louis Chevrolet imagined an upscale dream car based on the racing cars he loved. The Series C Classic Six produced 40 horsepower and could go a whopping 65 miles per hour, competing with the high-performance cars of its time. For the first couple of years, it was simply called “the Chevrolet.” While Chevrolet co-founder Bill Durant would quickly shift the company toward affordability, performance would stay at the heart of Chevrolet for a century to come.
The National Corvette Museum celebrates Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary with a special 14-car exhibit, showcasing a variety of Chevrolet vehicles through the decades. On display are a 1912 “Little” – a product of the Little Car Company which was dissolved into Chevrolet; a 1928 Phaeton Touring Car; a 1935 Chevrolet; a 1936 Canopy Express Pick-up – used for produce display and delivery; a 1942 ‘War Car’, a 1955 Bel Air; a 1958 Impala; a 1964 Corvair; a 1965 Chevelle 300; a 1970 Chevelle; 1987 Monte Carlo; a 1996 Camaro; a 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette and a 2012 Volt.
“Our goal for this exhibit was to not only offer a wide variety of Chevrolet models, but also select vehicles to represent each decade of the 100 years,” said Katie Frassinelli, Marketing Manager and member of the Museum’s Display Committee.
As with the majority of vehicles on display in the museum, all of the exhibit cars are on loan from private individuals with three of them on loan from the General Motors Heritage Center. The display runs through December 31, 2011 in the Museum’s Exhibit Hall and is included with regular museum admission.
The National Corvette Museum is located at I-65, exit 28 in Bowling Green, Kentucky and is open daily, 8am-5pm CT. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for kids age 6-16, kids under 6 are free, or family admission (everyone in the same household) is $25.
In addition to the Museum’s celebratory exhibit, Chevrolet has launched a special “Chevy 100” channel on Pandora featuring 100 popular songs with Chevrolet-related references such as Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” and Don McLean’s “American Pie.” Additionally, Chevrolet is sponsoring the August 20 Woodward Dream Cruise – a grassroots event which draws an estimated 1.5 million car enthusiasts and 30,000 muscle cars to Michigan’s legendary Woodward Avenue. Chevrolet fans can also vote for their favorite models in a tournament-style bracket challenge which will eventually crown just one Chevy as “the best” at www.chevrolet.com/100-years/best-chevy-of-all-time/.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
National Corvette Museum Staff Join "One Acre Club"
Museum Team Demonstrates Support of Project with $15,000 Commitment
For just over a year the National Corvette Museum has offered a unique sponsorship opportunity for those wanting to play a role in helping to build the Motorsports Park. By participating in the “One Acre Club,” individuals, groups, clubs and businesses can help raise funding for the project, one acre at a time.
At the May National Corvette Museum staff meeting, development assistant Virginia Crump brought an idea to the group. She proposed the staff coming together to purchase an acre.
“During the Winner’s Circle celebration dinner, I was so impressed with Doug Fehan’s talk. The group of donors he was speaking to have a powerful influence on others, which if that power was utilized, could have an enormous impact on the reality of the Motorsports Park,” Virginia said. “Then, when individuals started coming forward to make their one-acre commitments, I felt like we as an employee group could make a powerful statement to others by buying an acre!”
Virginia proposed at the staff meeting that individuals could sign up for payroll deductions, spread out over a period of time, or make a one-time donation. Staff members felt this was a great idea and signed up to commit. At the June staff meeting Virginia announced that we were just shy of the $15,000 mark so some staff stepped up and agreed to pitch in more – bringing the total to $15,000.
“I’m so thrilled that we DID IT!” Virginia added. A total of 34 staff members stepped up to the plate to become a part of the “One Acre Club.”
Currently the “One Acre Club” Campaign has a total of 27 full acres committed, 2 half acres and 8 quarter acres. The “One Acre Club” promotion ends December 31, 2011 and affords full acre participants the choice of receiving track time in exchange for their contribution, or they can be recognized as donor members and receive an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes. All full acre participants receive an honorary “deed” for their acre.
For more information on the Motorsports Park project, visit www.motorsportspark.org and become a ‘fan’ on Facebook at www.facebook.com/motorsportspark.
For just over a year the National Corvette Museum has offered a unique sponsorship opportunity for those wanting to play a role in helping to build the Motorsports Park. By participating in the “One Acre Club,” individuals, groups, clubs and businesses can help raise funding for the project, one acre at a time.
At the May National Corvette Museum staff meeting, development assistant Virginia Crump brought an idea to the group. She proposed the staff coming together to purchase an acre.
“During the Winner’s Circle celebration dinner, I was so impressed with Doug Fehan’s talk. The group of donors he was speaking to have a powerful influence on others, which if that power was utilized, could have an enormous impact on the reality of the Motorsports Park,” Virginia said. “Then, when individuals started coming forward to make their one-acre commitments, I felt like we as an employee group could make a powerful statement to others by buying an acre!”
Virginia proposed at the staff meeting that individuals could sign up for payroll deductions, spread out over a period of time, or make a one-time donation. Staff members felt this was a great idea and signed up to commit. At the June staff meeting Virginia announced that we were just shy of the $15,000 mark so some staff stepped up and agreed to pitch in more – bringing the total to $15,000.
“I’m so thrilled that we DID IT!” Virginia added. A total of 34 staff members stepped up to the plate to become a part of the “One Acre Club.”
Currently the “One Acre Club” Campaign has a total of 27 full acres committed, 2 half acres and 8 quarter acres. The “One Acre Club” promotion ends December 31, 2011 and affords full acre participants the choice of receiving track time in exchange for their contribution, or they can be recognized as donor members and receive an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes. All full acre participants receive an honorary “deed” for their acre.
For more information on the Motorsports Park project, visit www.motorsportspark.org and become a ‘fan’ on Facebook at www.facebook.com/motorsportspark.
Monday, June 6, 2011
ZR-1 Net Registry Joins “One Acre Club”
Organization Helps Further the Motorsports Park Fundraising Campaign with $15,000 Commitment
In December 2008, the ZR-1 Net Registry kicked off what would become a friendly rivalry between themselves and the Grand Sport Registry by purchasing a quarter acre as part of the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park fundraising campaign. Three years later that rivalry is in full force as the group presented a check for $15,000 to the Museum at this year’s C4/ZR-1 Gathering, making their total contribution to date 1-1/4 acres.
“We were challenged by the Grand Sport Registry, and I challenged myself and other members of the ZR-1 Net Registry to upgrade our quarter acre. I said ‘we can do better.’” Dave "Mom" Bright, founder and driving force behind the nonprofit organization said.
The Grand Sport Registry had presented a check to the Museum at the 2010 C4/ZR-1 Gathering, paying off a full acre as part of the campaign.
The registry actually started out as two separate organizations – the ZR-1 Net and the ZR-1 Registry, but in 2005 they officially became the ZR-1 Net Registry. The group has over 600 members worldwide and is registered as a nonprofit organization.
Dave "Mom" said his group is very excited about the park, “You can’t build it quick enough!” Dave added that they come down every year for the Gathering and enjoy participating in drag racing and autocross – but that the weather is unreliable. “You will be there for a three-day event, and maybe the day you are scheduled for drag racing its raining, but one of the other days the weather might be ok but can't reschedule. When you own the track, you have the flexibility of changing around the event at the last minute whereas now you can’t.”
Currently the “One Acre Club” Campaign has a total of 26 full acres committed, 2 ½ acres and 8 ¼ acres. The “One Acre Club” promotion ends December 31, 2011 and affords participants the choice of receiving track time in exchange for their contribution, or they can be recognized as donor members and receive an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes. All full acre participants receive an honorary “deed” for their acre.
For more information on the Motorsports Park project, visit http://www.motorsportspark.org/ and become a ‘fan’ on Facebook at www.facebook.com/motorsportspark.
In December 2008, the ZR-1 Net Registry kicked off what would become a friendly rivalry between themselves and the Grand Sport Registry by purchasing a quarter acre as part of the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park fundraising campaign. Three years later that rivalry is in full force as the group presented a check for $15,000 to the Museum at this year’s C4/ZR-1 Gathering, making their total contribution to date 1-1/4 acres.
“We were challenged by the Grand Sport Registry, and I challenged myself and other members of the ZR-1 Net Registry to upgrade our quarter acre. I said ‘we can do better.’” Dave "Mom" Bright, founder and driving force behind the nonprofit organization said.
The Grand Sport Registry had presented a check to the Museum at the 2010 C4/ZR-1 Gathering, paying off a full acre as part of the campaign.
The registry actually started out as two separate organizations – the ZR-1 Net and the ZR-1 Registry, but in 2005 they officially became the ZR-1 Net Registry. The group has over 600 members worldwide and is registered as a nonprofit organization.
Dave "Mom" said his group is very excited about the park, “You can’t build it quick enough!” Dave added that they come down every year for the Gathering and enjoy participating in drag racing and autocross – but that the weather is unreliable. “You will be there for a three-day event, and maybe the day you are scheduled for drag racing its raining, but one of the other days the weather might be ok but can't reschedule. When you own the track, you have the flexibility of changing around the event at the last minute whereas now you can’t.”
Currently the “One Acre Club” Campaign has a total of 26 full acres committed, 2 ½ acres and 8 ¼ acres. The “One Acre Club” promotion ends December 31, 2011 and affords participants the choice of receiving track time in exchange for their contribution, or they can be recognized as donor members and receive an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes. All full acre participants receive an honorary “deed” for their acre.
For more information on the Motorsports Park project, visit http://www.motorsportspark.org/ and become a ‘fan’ on Facebook at www.facebook.com/motorsportspark.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
National Corvette Museum Participating in Blue Star Museums
Corvette Museum one of more than 1,300 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer
The National Corvette Museum has joined Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their immediate family from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2011.
The National Corvette Museum kicked off the Blue Star initiative with an American Warrior Recognition event on Thursday, May 26 bringing nearly 80 wounded warriors from Fort Knox and Fort Campbell to the Museum for complimentary tours, a luncheon and souvenirs.
“We think it is only fitting that America’s sports car – the Chevrolet Corvette – shows its appreciation to American warriors,” Museum Executive Director Wendell Strode said.
The Museum also offers free admission during the month of November to any American veteran (not just active) and their immediate family as part of Military Appreciation Month. Additionally, active military receive free admission to the Museum year-round, while the Blue Star summer program extends the benefit to their immediate family.
“Blue Star Museums may be the program at the NEA of which I am proudest,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. “Blue Star Museums recognizes and thanks our military families for all they are doing for our country, and simultaneously begins young people on a path to becoming life-long museum goers.”
“Last year the success of the inaugural year of the Blue Star Museums program showed that partnerships between the nation’s museum and military communities are a natural,” said Blue Star Families Chairman Kathy Roth-Douquet. “We are thrilled that 300,000 military family members visited our partner museums in the summer of 2010. We hope to exceed that number this year as the military community takes advantage of the rich cultural heritage they defend and protect every day.”
This year, more than 1,324 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 500 new museums this year. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer. This year’s Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and 70 children’s museums.
Participants in Kentucky also include International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort, National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Museum of Science and History in Owensboro and Speed Art Museum in Louisville. In nearby Nashville, TN, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts and the Parthenon Museum are participating.
About Blue Star Museums
Blue Star Museums runs from Memorial Day, May 30, 2011 through to Labor Day, September 5, 2011. The free admission program is available to active-duty military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members). Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find out which museums are participating, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The site includes a list of participating museums and a map to help with visit planning.
Museums that wish to participate in Blue Star Museums may contact bluestarmuseums@arts.gov, or Wendy Clark at 202-682-5451.
About National Corvette Museum
The National Corvette Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation and is open daily, 8am-5pm Central Time. It is located at 350 Corvette Drive, Bowling Green, KY – just off I-65 exit 28. For more information about the Museum visit www.corvettemuseum.org or call 800-538-3883.
The National Corvette Museum has joined Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their immediate family from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2011.The National Corvette Museum kicked off the Blue Star initiative with an American Warrior Recognition event on Thursday, May 26 bringing nearly 80 wounded warriors from Fort Knox and Fort Campbell to the Museum for complimentary tours, a luncheon and souvenirs.
“We think it is only fitting that America’s sports car – the Chevrolet Corvette – shows its appreciation to American warriors,” Museum Executive Director Wendell Strode said.
The Museum also offers free admission during the month of November to any American veteran (not just active) and their immediate family as part of Military Appreciation Month. Additionally, active military receive free admission to the Museum year-round, while the Blue Star summer program extends the benefit to their immediate family.
“Blue Star Museums may be the program at the NEA of which I am proudest,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. “Blue Star Museums recognizes and thanks our military families for all they are doing for our country, and simultaneously begins young people on a path to becoming life-long museum goers.”
“Last year the success of the inaugural year of the Blue Star Museums program showed that partnerships between the nation’s museum and military communities are a natural,” said Blue Star Families Chairman Kathy Roth-Douquet. “We are thrilled that 300,000 military family members visited our partner museums in the summer of 2010. We hope to exceed that number this year as the military community takes advantage of the rich cultural heritage they defend and protect every day.”
This year, more than 1,324 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 500 new museums this year. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer. This year’s Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and 70 children’s museums.
Participants in Kentucky also include International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort, National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Museum of Science and History in Owensboro and Speed Art Museum in Louisville. In nearby Nashville, TN, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts and the Parthenon Museum are participating.
About Blue Star Museums
Blue Star Museums runs from Memorial Day, May 30, 2011 through to Labor Day, September 5, 2011. The free admission program is available to active-duty military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members). Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find out which museums are participating, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The site includes a list of participating museums and a map to help with visit planning.
Museums that wish to participate in Blue Star Museums may contact bluestarmuseums@arts.gov, or Wendy Clark at 202-682-5451.
About National Corvette Museum
The National Corvette Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation and is open daily, 8am-5pm Central Time. It is located at 350 Corvette Drive, Bowling Green, KY – just off I-65 exit 28. For more information about the Museum visit www.corvettemuseum.org or call 800-538-3883.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Chevy and Indy 500 Celebrate 100 Years of Shared History
• Louis, Arthur, and Gaston Chevrolet all competed in early Indy 500 races
• 2011 Camaro SS Convertible will be 22nd Chevrolet to start iconic race
• New 2.2L turbocharged Chevrolet V-6 to compete in 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series
On May 30, 1911, Arthur Chevrolet competed in the inaugural Indianapolis 500. One hundred years later, a Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible will lead the 2011 Indianapolis 500, as the car maker and iconic race celebrate their Centennial anniversaries – and start the countdown for Chevrolet’s return to IndyCar racing in 2012.
“Before Chevrolet was a brand, Louis Chevrolet and his brothers made a name for themselves behind the wheel of a race car,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “After Chevrolet became a car company, Louis and his brothers continued to race at Indy, forging one of the most storied relationships in automotive racing.
“That history includes some of the most memorable cars that have paced the Indianapolis 500, well as many checkered flags won under Chevrolet power,” Campbell said. “With a new Chevrolet race engine competing in next year’s race, the relationship between Indy and Chevrolet is heating back up.”
1911 - 1920: Louis, Arthur, and Gaston Chevrolet compete at Indy.
Although 2011 marks the 100th anniversaries for Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500, the connection can be traced back to as early as 1905.
That year, Louis Chevrolet and Carl G. Fisher competed while touring the Midwest as daredevil drivers in racing exhibitions, and the excitement of automobile racing shaped the fortunes of both men.
In 1909, Fisher began building his brick-paved auto-racing track near Indianapolis as Louis Chevrolet became a nationally known celebrity driving for Billy Durant’s Buick racing team.
In early 1911, Durant invited Chevrolet to partner on automotive projects, including a new car to be called a “Chevrolet.” Louis soon took a break from engineering to help his brother, Arthur, prepare a Buick for the inaugural 500-mile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
On May 30, 1911, Arthur Chevrolet drove 30 laps in the first Indianapolis 500 before mechanical problems sidelined his car. On November 3, 1911, Louis Chevrolet and Billy Durant incorporated the Chevrolet Motor Car Co. in Detroit.
Three years later, Louis Chevrolet sold his interests in the Chevrolet car company to Durant and moved to Indianapolis to pursue racing with his brothers. Louis competed in the 1915 Indianapolis race, lapping the track at more than 80 mph before dropping out with engine trouble. He returned for the 1919 Indianapolis 500 with brother Gaston, campaigning in cars from their own company, Frontenac Motors Corp. Louis and Gaston finished seventh and tenth, respectively. In 1920, Gaston won the Indy 500 in a Monroe-Frontenac, becoming the first winning driver to finish the race on one set of tires.
1945 to Today: 22 Chevrolet Vehicles Pace the Indy 500
Carl Fisher paced the first Indianapolis 500 – in his personal car – because he felt a rolling start would be safer than the traditional drivers’ sprint. Since then, the pace laps that start the race have become a popular tradition of the Indy 500. This year, a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible will pace the 500-mile race – the 22nd Chevrolet to do so.
“Chevrolet has paced the Indianapolis 500 more times than any other brand,” said Campbell. “The 2011 Camaro SS Convertible Pace Car brings a modern interpretation of one of the most iconic cars ever to pace Indy – the 1969 Camaro SS Pace Car. We think this is a fitting way to celebrate Chevrolet’s history with the Indy 500, while gearing up for our next 100 years at Indy.”
The first Chevrolet to pace Indy, a 1948 convertible, was driven by Indianapolis Speedway President Wilbur Shaw.
Ten Corvettes have paced the Indianapolis 500. The first appearance was in Corvette's 25th anniversary year, 1978. That year, the Wall Street Journal triggered a buying frenzy for the official 1978 Corvette Limited Edition Pace Car replicas when it published a front-page story about their collectability
The 2011 Camaro SS will be the seventh Camaro to pace the 500. The first was in 1967, the year of Camaro’s introduction. Camaro was invited back to pace the 1969 race. The white 1969 SS Convertible pace car, with its domed hood, "Hugger Orange" stripes and specially trimmed interior, became a singularly iconic Indy pace car. Today, Camaro collectors treasure the remaining examples of the 3,675 official replicas built in 1969.
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Car’s Summit White exterior, with orange stripes, is a direct lift from the 1969 pacesetter, while the orange leather-trimmed interior is a modern counterpoint to the historic exterior. To bring the pace car look to the street, Chevrolet will offer 500 of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars for sale. They are slated for delivery this spring.
2012: The Return of Chevy Power to IndyCar
In addition to pacing the Indy 500, Louis Chevrolet’s namesake has also powered many of the cars that competed at the Brickyard.
Most recently, Chevrolet competed in Indy-style competition as an engine manufacturer in 1986-93 and 2002-05 with V-8 engines, winning 104 races, powering six driver champions, and scoring seven Indianapolis 500 victories.
Next year, Chevrolet will return to the IZOD IndyCar Series with a new twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 racing engine powered by renewable E85 ethanol fuel. Developed by General Motors and Ilmor Engineering, the Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 will have a displacement of 2.2 liters, aluminum block and cylinder heads, and will be a fully stressed chassis member supporting the gearbox and rear suspension.
The Chevrolet IndyCar engine will be available to all entrants in accordance with the series' regulations. Team Penske is the first IndyCar team to commit to Chevrolet power in 2012. Team Penske previously tallied 31 open-wheel victories with Chevrolet engines, including four Indianapolis 500 wins.
• 2011 Camaro SS Convertible will be 22nd Chevrolet to start iconic race
• New 2.2L turbocharged Chevrolet V-6 to compete in 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series
On May 30, 1911, Arthur Chevrolet competed in the inaugural Indianapolis 500. One hundred years later, a Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible will lead the 2011 Indianapolis 500, as the car maker and iconic race celebrate their Centennial anniversaries – and start the countdown for Chevrolet’s return to IndyCar racing in 2012.
“Before Chevrolet was a brand, Louis Chevrolet and his brothers made a name for themselves behind the wheel of a race car,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “After Chevrolet became a car company, Louis and his brothers continued to race at Indy, forging one of the most storied relationships in automotive racing.
“That history includes some of the most memorable cars that have paced the Indianapolis 500, well as many checkered flags won under Chevrolet power,” Campbell said. “With a new Chevrolet race engine competing in next year’s race, the relationship between Indy and Chevrolet is heating back up.”
1911 - 1920: Louis, Arthur, and Gaston Chevrolet compete at Indy.
Although 2011 marks the 100th anniversaries for Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500, the connection can be traced back to as early as 1905.
That year, Louis Chevrolet and Carl G. Fisher competed while touring the Midwest as daredevil drivers in racing exhibitions, and the excitement of automobile racing shaped the fortunes of both men.
In 1909, Fisher began building his brick-paved auto-racing track near Indianapolis as Louis Chevrolet became a nationally known celebrity driving for Billy Durant’s Buick racing team.
In early 1911, Durant invited Chevrolet to partner on automotive projects, including a new car to be called a “Chevrolet.” Louis soon took a break from engineering to help his brother, Arthur, prepare a Buick for the inaugural 500-mile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
On May 30, 1911, Arthur Chevrolet drove 30 laps in the first Indianapolis 500 before mechanical problems sidelined his car. On November 3, 1911, Louis Chevrolet and Billy Durant incorporated the Chevrolet Motor Car Co. in Detroit.
Three years later, Louis Chevrolet sold his interests in the Chevrolet car company to Durant and moved to Indianapolis to pursue racing with his brothers. Louis competed in the 1915 Indianapolis race, lapping the track at more than 80 mph before dropping out with engine trouble. He returned for the 1919 Indianapolis 500 with brother Gaston, campaigning in cars from their own company, Frontenac Motors Corp. Louis and Gaston finished seventh and tenth, respectively. In 1920, Gaston won the Indy 500 in a Monroe-Frontenac, becoming the first winning driver to finish the race on one set of tires.
1945 to Today: 22 Chevrolet Vehicles Pace the Indy 500
Carl Fisher paced the first Indianapolis 500 – in his personal car – because he felt a rolling start would be safer than the traditional drivers’ sprint. Since then, the pace laps that start the race have become a popular tradition of the Indy 500. This year, a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible will pace the 500-mile race – the 22nd Chevrolet to do so.
“Chevrolet has paced the Indianapolis 500 more times than any other brand,” said Campbell. “The 2011 Camaro SS Convertible Pace Car brings a modern interpretation of one of the most iconic cars ever to pace Indy – the 1969 Camaro SS Pace Car. We think this is a fitting way to celebrate Chevrolet’s history with the Indy 500, while gearing up for our next 100 years at Indy.”
The first Chevrolet to pace Indy, a 1948 convertible, was driven by Indianapolis Speedway President Wilbur Shaw.
Ten Corvettes have paced the Indianapolis 500. The first appearance was in Corvette's 25th anniversary year, 1978. That year, the Wall Street Journal triggered a buying frenzy for the official 1978 Corvette Limited Edition Pace Car replicas when it published a front-page story about their collectability
The 2011 Camaro SS will be the seventh Camaro to pace the 500. The first was in 1967, the year of Camaro’s introduction. Camaro was invited back to pace the 1969 race. The white 1969 SS Convertible pace car, with its domed hood, "Hugger Orange" stripes and specially trimmed interior, became a singularly iconic Indy pace car. Today, Camaro collectors treasure the remaining examples of the 3,675 official replicas built in 1969.The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Car’s Summit White exterior, with orange stripes, is a direct lift from the 1969 pacesetter, while the orange leather-trimmed interior is a modern counterpoint to the historic exterior. To bring the pace car look to the street, Chevrolet will offer 500 of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars for sale. They are slated for delivery this spring.
2012: The Return of Chevy Power to IndyCar
In addition to pacing the Indy 500, Louis Chevrolet’s namesake has also powered many of the cars that competed at the Brickyard.
Most recently, Chevrolet competed in Indy-style competition as an engine manufacturer in 1986-93 and 2002-05 with V-8 engines, winning 104 races, powering six driver champions, and scoring seven Indianapolis 500 victories.
Next year, Chevrolet will return to the IZOD IndyCar Series with a new twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 racing engine powered by renewable E85 ethanol fuel. Developed by General Motors and Ilmor Engineering, the Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 will have a displacement of 2.2 liters, aluminum block and cylinder heads, and will be a fully stressed chassis member supporting the gearbox and rear suspension.
The Chevrolet IndyCar engine will be available to all entrants in accordance with the series' regulations. Team Penske is the first IndyCar team to commit to Chevrolet power in 2012. Team Penske previously tallied 31 open-wheel victories with Chevrolet engines, including four Indianapolis 500 wins.
For Chevrolet coverage during the Indy 500 weekend, visit the Chevrolet Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter, hashtag: #ChevyIndy500.
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
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