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.
Monday, June 6, 2011
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.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
National Corvette Museum Displays Roy Orbison's 1967 Corvette Stingray
Roy Orbison was one of the world's first car collectors, and took great pride in his collection. His red 1967 Corvette Stingray is now on display at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY.
Roy was a big Corvette fan and owned several over the years. The display car was Roy's personal car, used daily to drive to the studio during the making of "The Traveling Wilburys" and "Mystery Girl" albums. It was also the last car that Roy purchased before his death in 1988.
The car has 390HP and 427 CI. It features factory side pipes, air conditioning, OEM bolt-on alloys, chrome step plates, 4-speed manual transmission, electric windows, power steering, OEM gauges, 3 2BBL carburetors and matching numbers. The car is on loan from Roy's wife, Barbara Orbison.
Crank up your favorite Orbison tunes and take the scenic drive to Bowling Green this summer to see Roy's car, as well as many other American classics!
Roy was a big Corvette fan and owned several over the years. The display car was Roy's personal car, used daily to drive to the studio during the making of "The Traveling Wilburys" and "Mystery Girl" albums. It was also the last car that Roy purchased before his death in 1988.
The car has 390HP and 427 CI. It features factory side pipes, air conditioning, OEM bolt-on alloys, chrome step plates, 4-speed manual transmission, electric windows, power steering, OEM gauges, 3 2BBL carburetors and matching numbers. The car is on loan from Roy's wife, Barbara Orbison.
Crank up your favorite Orbison tunes and take the scenic drive to Bowling Green this summer to see Roy's car, as well as many other American classics!
Monday, May 23, 2011
America's Sports Car Recognizes America's Warriors
Event Welcomes Wounded Warriors from Fort Knox and Fort Campbell to Corvette Country
Sometimes it can be hard to find a meaningful way to show your appreciation towards those who give so much to protect our freedom, but on May 26 Corvette enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to do just that.
The National Corvette Museum in collaboration with hundreds of Corvette enthusiasts and other supporters of our nation’s military are joining together to honor our American Warriors with a special caravan that will bring Wounded Warriors to Bowling Green, Kentucky for a day of immersion in America’s Sports Car, the Corvette.
Approximately 80 wounded warriors will be given a scenic ride from Fort Campbell and Fort Knox to Bowling Green by enthusiasts from all over the country in Corvettes, escorted by Kentucky State Police. The day’s activities include guided VIP tours of the GM Corvette Assembly Plant and National Corvette Museum, lunch and a complimentary gift card to the Museum’s Corvette Store.
Financial support for the event was provided by ExxonMobil, National Association for Uniformed Services, American Legion Post 23 and numerous other individuals, clubs and organizations.
"We are very proud and honored to support the American Warrior Recognition," said Rebecca Aldred, Mobil 1 global brand manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company. "We are extremely grateful to these brave men and women for the sacrifices they made in service to their country, and intend to demonstrate that appreciation during their visit to the National Corvette Museum and the GM Corvette Assembly Plant."
Those who cannot attend the event but would like to contribute to the cause may make a tax-deductible donation online at https://store.corvettemuseum.com/services/donations.asp.
A second American Warrior Recognition event is planned to be held during the Museum’s annual “Vets ‘n Vettes” event in November.
Sometimes it can be hard to find a meaningful way to show your appreciation towards those who give so much to protect our freedom, but on May 26 Corvette enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to do just that.
The National Corvette Museum in collaboration with hundreds of Corvette enthusiasts and other supporters of our nation’s military are joining together to honor our American Warriors with a special caravan that will bring Wounded Warriors to Bowling Green, Kentucky for a day of immersion in America’s Sports Car, the Corvette.
Approximately 80 wounded warriors will be given a scenic ride from Fort Campbell and Fort Knox to Bowling Green by enthusiasts from all over the country in Corvettes, escorted by Kentucky State Police. The day’s activities include guided VIP tours of the GM Corvette Assembly Plant and National Corvette Museum, lunch and a complimentary gift card to the Museum’s Corvette Store.
Financial support for the event was provided by ExxonMobil, National Association for Uniformed Services, American Legion Post 23 and numerous other individuals, clubs and organizations.
"We are very proud and honored to support the American Warrior Recognition," said Rebecca Aldred, Mobil 1 global brand manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company. "We are extremely grateful to these brave men and women for the sacrifices they made in service to their country, and intend to demonstrate that appreciation during their visit to the National Corvette Museum and the GM Corvette Assembly Plant."
Those who cannot attend the event but would like to contribute to the cause may make a tax-deductible donation online at https://store.corvettemuseum.com/services/donations.asp.
A second American Warrior Recognition event is planned to be held during the Museum’s annual “Vets ‘n Vettes” event in November.
Monday, May 16, 2011
National Corvette Museum Honors Teachers with Appreciation Expo
This Sunday, May 22 from 1-3pm area teachers have the opportunity to be rewarded for their hard work and efforts at the 2nd Annual Teacher Appreciation Expo. The event began as a way for the local community to show their appreciation to educators who work so hard to educate our youth. Last year’s event welcomed educators from 13 school districts and offered an afternoon of free food, massages, door prizes, swag bags and vendor booths geared towards teachers plus free Museum tours for the teacher and their immediate family.“Growing up with a parent who worked in the school system I saw a lot of behind the scenes work they do to prepare for their students,” said Katie Frassinelli, Marketing and Communications Manager. “An event like this gives our community the chance to thank the teachers for everything they do because often the teachers don’t get thanked enough.”
This year offers loads of door prizes including $50 worth of Mary Kay cosmetics; free color, cut and style from Spa Fabulous; jewelry by A Sterling Performance; wreath by Lolly Dots Boutique; Tastefully Simple gift bag; $50 Parent-Teacher Store gift card and much more. Teachers and their immediate family will also enjoy food and drinks provided by Puerto Vallarta, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Mariah’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sam’s Club, Riley’s Bakery and Fazoli’s.
“We have some demonstrations that will take place on our stage throughout the event, and the first 150 teachers will take home a swag bag filled with loads of goodies,” said Jackie Utzler, Education and Community Events Coordinator at the Corvette Museum.
Teachers are encouraged to register online for the event at www.corvettemuseum.org/teacher.
For more information , visit our website:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/teacher
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
General Motors Announces C7 to be Built in Bowling Green, Kentucky
The General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant was packed full of community and state leaders, GM officials, media and supporters of Corvette today in hopes of good news with regards to the future of Corvette and Bowling Green. It was good news indeed as GM North American President Mark Reuss took to the podium and announced their plans to invest $131 million in the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, "This facility is particularly thrilling for me to be at because I've had Corvettes, in fact, Corvette is one of the reasons why I went to work for the company a long time ago," said Reuss."It's a thrill for me to be here today in Bowling Green as the bearer of good news at one of our very best facilities building" our most iconic car," Reuss said. "When I say our most iconic car, I really mean America's most iconic car."
Reuss then cut to the chase and made the announcement everyone had been hoping for, "I'm here to announce that GM will invest $131 million in Kentucky to ensure that the next generation Chevrolet Corvette will be produced by this team, in this plant, in Bowling Green - the Home of Corvette.
Reuss's announcement was met by resounding applause, cheers and a standing ovation
"Thank you to you because you are the reason and the quality and the innovation and the craftmanship that happens here is a direct reflection of our re-investment, but more importantly as much money as that is, we really are adding about 250 jobs to the area..."
Reuss said the current generation will continue for about two more years while work happens behind the scenes work will begin to update the facility and ensure the Corvette will continue to be the true American sports car built here for many years to come. The C7 model is predicted to be debuted Spring of 2013 for a 2014 model year Corvette.
"As you know Bowling Green is a special place and not just to me and to GM but to Corvette lovers around the world. This place is THE mecca for those who appreciate true affordable sports car performance and they come from the four corners of the globe to see what you do here," said Reuss. "It is amazing and it is inspiring and it is very American. "
Reuss added that they come to see the birthplace of the American car that holds it own against Porsche, Ferarri, BMW and the rest of the legendary European sports car makers, both on the street and on the track. "They come to see how on earth Americans can build such a car... a car that meets and beats the best in the world, and the world has to offer, although typically the world has to offer theirs at a MUCH higher price point."
Reuss praised the craftsmanship of the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, that the plants in Italy wish they could match. He added that though GM boasts the Corvette getting 27 miles per gallon, that he had a Corvette in school and would get better than that - 29 miles per gallon from Detroit to Nashville. "Like the ad says, you are building rockets."
"Unlike any other facility in North America your doors are open to our customers who make pilgrimmages to Bowling Green to see their car being built, meet the people, and visit the National Corvette Museum." Reuss also praised the Museum pointing out that it is not funded by General Motors. "I'm one of the lovers of the Museum and the heritage of Corvette and this state means a lot to me personally."
Reuss closed his presentation saying "Tadge and the team are doing the next generation Corvette and it will thrill all of the sports car drivers of the future and it will be built right here." He added that this is just one of their ongoing investments of billions of dollars in their US facilities, keeping and creating jobs for their American workers.
Later in the presentation Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear named Reuss a Kentucky Colonel, presenting him with a framed certificate and mint julep cup.
Watch a complete video of Reuss's speech on the National Corvette Museum's You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/corvettemuseum. High res images are also available for download at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/corvettemuseum/GMC7Announcement
https://picasaweb.google.com/corvettemuseum/GMC7Announcement
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