National Corvette Museum Announces 2011 Hall of Fame Inductees

The National Corvette Museum has announced the following inductees to be recognized as part of the 14th Annual Corvette Hall of Fame Ceremony in 2011. Ron Fellows, a champion driver for Corvette Racing, Clare “Mac” MacKichan, a key designer for the first and other early Corvettes, and Ray Quinlan, donor of a 1953 Corvette to the Museum taking the project from an archives facility to museum will be recognized with the highest honor bestowed by the Museum for their contributions to the past, present and future of Corvette.

The 2011 Hall of Fame recipients will be inducted into the Corvette Hall of Fame during a ceremony and banquet on Friday, September 2, 2011. Their induction will take place as part of the Museum’s 17th Anniversary Corvette Celebration festivities September 1-3, 2011.

Corvette Hall of Fame Inductee Ron Fellows’ impressive skill as a driver for the Corvette Racing Team has earned him the respect of Corvette fans everywhere. His 27 wins, three ALMS championships and two wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, along with his unprecedented four consecutive "Most Popular Driver" awards from ALMS fans, testify to his track record of success. Although he has not raced for the factory team since 2008, he remains one of the most recognizable, respected and popular personalities to ever represent Corvette's racing heritage. As evidence of his enormous popularity, GM paid tribute to Ron by creating the "Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06" in 2007.

While he still races in NASCAR events and is tied with Terry Labonte for the most road course wins in NASCAR history, Ron has served as an advisor for the GM/Pratt & Miller factory team and an ambassador for Corvette in general, showing up at races, Corvette Corrals, Corvette functions and charities, often auctioning off passes to the Ron Fellows Driving School for worthwhile causes.

Corvette Hall of Fame Inductee Clare “Mac” MacKichan was instrumental to the design and success of all Chevrolets in the mid-twentieth century. In his position as Chief Designer of the Chevrolet Studio, General Motors Design Staff, he was directly responsible for the design of all of the Corvettes from number one, through the 1950s and early 1960s. It was under his guidance that the 1954 Waldorf Show Corvettes were designed. In addition to his position as Chief Designer for Chevrolet, Mac also served as Director of Design for GM's Adam Opel AG in Germany, and later as Executive in Charge of Advanced Design and Engineering for Design Staff.

While he didn't always work on the Corvette brand, he continued to own one and participate in many Corvette activities - appearing and speaking at car shows and event all over the country. He would even decorate his office with parts of Corvettes that had been thrown away. Mac bought Corvettes and truly loved having a role in the creation and evolution of America’s sports car, even though it was unrecognized due to Harley Earl’s policy of giving credit only to himself, and later to Bill Mitchell. Sadly, Mac passed away but his contributions to the Corvette live on.

Corvette Hall of Fame Inductee Ray Quinlan is probably the first Museum enthusiast, and it's fair to say the Museum might not be where it is today without the support of this NCM Lifetime Member No. 001. When the idea of a Corvette Library & Archives first came about, it was Ray who came forward and said he would donate his 1953 Corvette if the plans would incorporate a Museum... a place to house not only historical documents but also artifacts and cars. Memberships were the sole means of raising money in the early days, and Ray was right there, joining at the beginning.

While Ray owned a number of collectible cars, Corvettes were his passion. He was a member of the Corvette Club of Illinois and active with the National Council of Corvette Clubs and National Corvette Restorers Society. Ray always loved the Museum and all it represented, talking to visitors that were looking at the 1953 on display and sharing with them the history. Today, every visitor passing through the halls of the Museum hears the story of Ray and how his donation started the Museum.

The National Corvette Museum established the Corvette Hall of Fame in 1998 to confer the highest honor and recognition upon the most influential individuals in the history of the Corvette. The award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, each having reached the highest level of accomplishment. Inductees must also reflect the highest standards of integrity and character to positively enhance the prestige of the Corvette and the National Corvette Museum.

Additional information on reserving a spot at the prestigious Corvette Hall of Fame banquet will be available in the coming months via our website at: www.corvettemuseum.org or can be obtained by subscribing to our weekly eNewsletter “NCM eNews” at: http://www.corvettemuseum.org/ncmenews/.

The National Corvette Museum is the ‘Gateway to All Things Corvette’ and a member-driven, 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation. Weekly news on the latest Corvette developments, racing updates, event features and raffles are available by subscribing to “NCM eNews” at: corvettemuseum.org/ncmenews. Dedicated to the mission of celebration, education and preservation, the Museum is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT - located at Exit 28 on I-65 in Bowling Green, KY.

Corvette Museum Offers $1 Admission for Kentucky Residents

The National Corvette Museum has named the entire month of December “Dollar Days” for residents of Kentucky who visit the Museum. All month long, Kentucky residents can tour the Museum for a $1.00 admission per person, and will only need to show a Kentucky drivers license to take advantage of the special offer. Children will be admitted at the $1.00 price with adults presenting the Kentucky identification.

The Museum features over 70 Corvettes, from the 1953 - the first Corvette to capture the hearts of America, to one-of-a-kind prototypes, the only 1983 in existence and historic Corvettes normally unavailable to the general public. A special Camaro exhibit with more than a dozen examples of the model is on display throughout December as well. Visitors can sit behind the wheel of a new Corvette and Camaro, race against the clock with the interactive Pit Crew Challenge, and take a drive in the new educational Driving Simulators.

“Dollar Days” is the Museum’s way of giving back to Kentucky residents to thank them for their support and gives them an opportunity to see first-hand why the Corvette is one of the state’s greatest resources and now the official state sports car of Kentucky. “We are proud to be able to showcase our Museum dedicated to this extraordinary automobile and celebrate, educate and preserve Corvette’s legendary past and future,” states NCM Executive Director Wendell Strode. “Each visit to the Museum is different because things are ever changing, and guests visiting in December will be able to see our new Camaro display. We look forward to welcoming our Kentucky friends.” Visitors can also take a chance to win a 2011 Corvette or Camaro for only $10 and do some holiday shopping in the Corvette Store.

The National Corvette Museum is the ‘Gateway to All Things Corvette’ and a member-driven, 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation. Weekly news on the latest Corvette developments, racing updates, event features and raffles are available by subscribing to “NCM eNews” at: corvettemuseum.org/ncmenews. Dedicated to the mission of celebration, education and preservation, the Museum is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT - located at Exit 28 on I-65 in Bowling Green, KY.

Corvette Museum to Offer Limited Edition Z06 Carbon Raffle

Car is one of only 500 to be built.

The automotive world received an exciting announcement this year when information was released on the new 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition. The car represents the latest track-to-street technology transfer, and with only 500 to be produced it is sure to be on every Corvette lover’s holiday wish list this year.

“Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. “With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast.”

The National Corvette Museum is offering the chance for someone to win one of these cars through a fundraising raffle. The car, a Supersonic Blue Carbon Edition Z06, VIN #03 AND the FIRST production Carbon Edition in Supersonic Blue, will be raffled on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 2pm CT. Winner need not be present to win and as with most Museum raffles there are a limited number of tickets available. Chances to win this collector car are $300 each, with only 1,000 tickets available.

“For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. “For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time.”

This limited edition Z06 boasts Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers and black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complementing the car’s Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.

Exterior features include black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter.

The Z06 Carbon’s ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue seat stitching to match the exterior. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The car has all the options, and MSRP is $99,925.

Tickets are available online at corvettemuseum.org/raffle or by phone during normal business hours at 800-538-3883. The winner will be contacted by phone following the drawing, and raffle winners are posted on the Museum’s website at corvettemuseum.org/raffle_winners/. “Our raffle fundraisers offer a chance to make someone a Corvette owner and truly benefit the Museum in many ways,” states NCM Executive Director, Wendell Strode. “We look forward to welcoming another raffle winner to the Museum to take delivery.”

GM Corvette Assembly Plant Begins Development of New Onsite Wildlife Habitat

Plant Manager Dave Tatman and UAW Chairman Shane Colvard Plant Tree Together

For 29 years, the General Motors Bowling Green Corvette Plant has been committed to actions that restore and preserve the environment while building America’s favorite sports car – the Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette Plant continues to demonstrate its commitment to the environment through its development of a new 75-acre onsite Wildlife Habitat, which will be open to the public in the spring of 2011. At 9:00 am on Friday, November 12, 2010, Plant Manager Dave Tatman and UAW Local 2164 Chairman Shane Colvard will join together to plant the second tree on the habitat. The first tree was planted by WKU’s very own Big Red in conjunction with the plant’s WKU Red is Green partnership.

The Wildlife Habitat project will be broken up into three phases over the next three years:

Phase A began September 27, 2010 and is estimated for completion in spring 2011. Approximately 25 acres will be bush hogged and disked for the grasses and tree planting areas. The initial planting of 400 saplings will be utilized as buffer zones. A driveway and parking area with picnic tables will be placed at the entrance.

Phase B is estimated for completion in spring 2012. During this phase shelters will be placed over the picnic tables, a one-mile walking/running trail will be made, and old tank saddles will be removed. Endangered species will be transplanted into the habitat, and the construction for wetlands will be initiated.

Phase C is estimated for completion in spring 2013. During Phase C the wetland will be constructed, and an additional 12 acres will be planted with wildflower and grasses - bringing the total planted area to 37 acres. The parking lot will expand as needed, and solar technology enhancements will be made. There will be a sink hole path and viewing location for education and Geological purposes.

The Corvette Plant is open to allowing the community to use the Wildlife Habitat for projects and educational purposes. Plant Manager Dave Tatman has been a part of this type of important environmental venture before, although on a much smaller scale. Tatman says, “The Corvette Plant is excited to begin work on the habitat and to give back to the community by opening this natural environment to the public. The opportunities are endless with a habitat like this. We want area schools to bring their classes to the habitat for outdoor teaching sessions. We invite local groups, such as Boy and Girl Scouts, to use the habitat for tree planting projects, restoration of habitat and native wildflowers and grasses, construction of bird/bat houses and butterfly habitats, and more.”

According to Tim Bartee, District Conservationist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), “The diversity this project will provide will not only be an eye appealing wildlife habitat but will be an excellent resource for educational projects due to the karst geology and cave systems we have in central Kentucky. The project involves cultivating a wildlife habitat and public education - both important to our agency mission of Helping People Help the Land.”

If you have ideas or would like to help with the Wildlife Habitat, please contact Olin Desonier, GM Corvette Plant environmental engineer, at 392-6457.

National Corvette Museum Offers "Free Admission" to Recognize U.S. Military, Fire Fighters and Police During "Military Appreciation Month"

The National Corvette Museum would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the many men and women who have served, and are serving our country.

November is "Military Appreciation Month" at the National Corvette Museum and all military personnel, firemen, police officers and their immediate families will receive "Free Admission" during the entire month of November. All branches including active, retired and reserve members will be honored with free admission when presenting a military or service ID or copy of their DD-214.

"We are truly a blessed nation and our military provide the safety we have to enjoy our American privileges," states NCM Executive Director, Wendell Strode. "Corvette is an American icon and we invite these special individuals and their family members to experience a tour of the Museum dedicated to America’s favorite sports car."

In addition to free admission, this year will be even more special as the Museum has added some displays and activities to enhance the experience.

3rd Annual Vets ‘n Vettes Event – November 4-6, 2010
Regular Registration $10
While many of the participants will have a Corvette, owning one is certainly not a requirement to participate! The event features road tours, a poker run, warrior session BBQ luncheon, military history team trivia, participation in the Bowling Green, Kentucky Veteran’s Day Parade, presentation of colors by WKU's ROTC, seminars and a banquet.

Special Displays and Activities

- Military vehicle displays provided by the Kentucky National Guard Nov. 4-6: himar, resupply vehicle,and rigid wall shelter. Representatives from the Kentucky National Guard will be on-site to tell visitors about the vehicles, answer questions and even let visitors sit in them They will also perform himar demonstrations at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm.

- Memorial circle on the Museum's front lawn. Purchase a flag for $1 to place in memory or in honor of someone. The names of those who the flags represent continuously scroll on the lobby television monitor.

- Aviation Heritage Park, a local group who acquire and restore military aircraft for display at Basil Griffin Park in Bowling Green, has display cases of memorabilia on Corvette Boulevard.

- Flag raising ceremonies available by reservation. Guests can reserve a day to bring a loved one’s American Flag and the Museum and National Guard will perform a ceremony, raising and flying their flag at the Corvette Museum. Reserve your spot by calling Pam at 270-467-8800 or email pam@corvettemuseum.org.

- Holiday greeting cards are available for people to write messages for the troops. The cards will be sent overseas in late November. In addition, for only $5 you can purchase a family admission pass to the Museum to send to the troops overseas so that they can visit with their family upon their return.

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO TO PROTECT OUR FREEDOM!

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, the Museum is located at Exit 28 on I-65 in Bowling Green, KY. For more information on the Museum visit us at:
http://www.corvettemuseum.org/ or call 800-538-3883.

National Corvette Museum and Historic Railpark & Train Museum Offer Free Child Admission with Kid-Friendly Food Donation

Promotion to Benefit Feeding America: Kentucky's Heartland Adopt-A-BackPacker Program

Have you ever had to go a day without food? Two days? Many school children in Kentucky do just that. Feeding America: Kentucky's Heartland, based in Elizabethtown, has what's known as 'Adopt a BackPacker'... a program where the organization prepare bags of food each week, with at least eight kid-friendly food items, that are discreetly placed in the child’s backpack each Friday by their teacher while the kids are at recess or lunch.

The mission of Kentucky’s Heartland is “to meet the needs of hungry children by providing them with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to take home on weekends and school vacations when other resources are not available.”

The foods are all easy to prepare and nutritious, like pop-top soups, peanut butter crackers, cereal bars, pudding cups, juice boxes and other nutritious foods. Children who don’t get enough food do not perform well academically, display unacceptable behavior and have poor attendance due to illness or other reasons that are unexcused.

The National Corvette Museum and Historic Railpark and Train Museum in Bowling Green are helping to create awareness and support of this program by accepting donations of these items October 1 - 11. Visitors donating a food item will receive free child admission (or $2 off adult admission) to that museum.

The National Corvette Museum is located at I-65, exit 28 and is open daily, 8am to 5pm. Learn more at http://www.corvettemuseum.org/ or call 270-781-7973. The Historic Railpark and Train Museum is located at I-65, exit 26 and is open Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 1-4pm. Visit their website at http://www.historicrailpark.com/ or call 270-745-7317. Both the National Corvette Museum and Historic Railpark and Train Museum are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

You can also learn more about the Adopt-a-BackPacker program at http://www.feedingamericaky.org/. The program services 30 Kentucky counties.

National Corvette Museum Offers Free Admission on Smithsonian Magazine's 6th Annual Museum Day

12 Museums in Kentucky Signed Up to Participate

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, the National Corvette Museum will participate in the sixth annual Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. The Corvette Museum will join participating museums and cultural institutions nationwide to open their doors free of charge to all visitors who download the Museum Day Ticket from Smithsonian.com. A journey to celebrate our world’s dynamic heritage and cultural life, participating Museum Day venues emulate the free admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities.

Museum Day 2010 is poised to be the largest to date, outdoing last year’s record-breaking event. Over 300,000 museum-goers and 1,300 venues in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico participated in Museum Day 2009. Last year, two million visitors logged on to www.smithsonian.com/museumday to learn more about the program.

“This year’s Museum day we are also the host facility for the final BiG Cruise of the year, so visitors will get to see not only over 80 unique Corvettes – but also some hot rods,” said Katie Frassinelli, Museum Marketing Manager.

Visitors will also enjoy new hands-on, interactive exhibits, the Corvette Café, Corvette Store, Conference Center, plus the chance to sit in a Corvette and even register to drive one home.

Other participating Kentucky museums include: Frazier International History Museum (Louisville), Headley-Whitney Museum (Lexington), Kentucky Gateway Museum Center (Maysville), Kentucky Historical Society (Frankfort), Liberty Hall Historic Site (Frankfort), Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (Louisville), McCreary County Museum (Stearns), McDowell House Museum and Apothecary (Danville), Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site Museum (Perryville), The Speed Art Museum (Louisville) and Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site (Wickliffe).

The Museum Day Ticket is available to download at www.smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present the official pass will gain free admission for two people to participating museums and cultural venues. One ticket is permitted per household, per email address. Listings and links to participating museums’ and sponsors’ sites can be found at www.smithsonian.com/museumday.