National Corvette Museum's Anniversary Celebration to Showcase Corvette Racing's Past and Future

Display Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Le Mans Participation

This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans marked the 50th anniversary of Corvette's first participation in the world's most celebrated sports car race. And this year’s NCM Anniversary Celebration will re-unite Briggs Cunningham’s No. 3 Corvette with the 2011 Special Z06 created as a modern version of the 1960 racer.

"When you look at the Corvettes that raced at Le Mans 50 years ago, it's impossible not to be impressed by the passion, the immense courage, and the physical stamina that was required to race for 24 hours in those vehicles," said Corvette Racing program Doug Fehan. "It was an astounding feat, and the men who drove them have my respect. Regardless of what Corvette Racing may have accomplished in the past or what we may accomplish in the future, we will always work in the shadow of these racers."

Briggs Cunningham's No. 3 Corvette was purchased by the late Chip Miller who went through great lengths to restore the car. His son, Lance, has carried on the passion by shipping the car to this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans race… a race where it finished first in the large displacement GT category and eighth overall at Le Mans in 1960.

Driver Johnny O'Connell enjoyed the rare opportunity to drive the No. 3 1960 Corvette during a photo shoot at Le Mans. "The race cars and technology have changed greatly over the years, but Chevrolet's approach to racing has been consistent," O'Connell said. "The Corvettes that raced at Le Mans in 1960 were very nearly stock vehicles, and to this day, Corvette Racing is still a tool to improve the breed. The relationship that the race team has with the production engineers definitely benefits Chevrolet customers.”

Lance will travel to Bowling Green, Kentucky September 2-4 with the Cunningham Corvette, and conduct a seminar as part of the National Corvette Museum’s weekend activities. His Corvette will be displayed side-by-side with the 2011 Special Z06.

The 2011 Special Z06 was created by Chevrolet as a one-off production Corvette Z06, the first 2011 Corvette manufactured with VIN 001. GM Design Center created a modern version of the famous white and blue stripe 1960 Le Mans winner, adding many special features. Event attendees will get the chance to photograph both cars together at the Museum.

Lance Miller of Corvettes at Carlisle to Give Seminar at the National Corvette Museum's C5/C6 Bash

Seminar celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the first Corvette Le Mans win

Attendees to the National Corvette Museum’s C5/C6 Bash will get a special treat on May 1 as Lance Miller of Corvettes at Carlisle shares the story of the discovery and restoration of the first Corvette to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, 50 years ago.

The 1960 Briggs Cunningham Corvette was driven to that first victory by the legendary duo of John Fitch and Bob Grossman, but despite its historical win, the Corvette was later converted into a street car and driven off into obscurity sometime in the 1960s. The car resurfaced just a few years ago, and when Chip Miller, founder of Corvettes at Carlisle, heard about it he acquired the car and began the process of restoring it. His dream was to bring it back to Le Mans, France in 2010 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its historic win there.

Sadly, Chip passed away before his dream could be realized, but his son Lance took on the project where his dad left off. “The plan is to have the 1960 Cunningham Corvette and one of the drivers, Mr. John Fitch, attend the 2010 Le Mans race in June,” said Lance. “My father wanted to make sure the car would be at the race for its 50th Reunion. Needless to say I'm going to make sure it happens with the help of a lot of great friends!”

General Motors is also honoring that win with the new Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition which will be at the National Corvette Museum’s C5/C6 Bash. A tribute to the anniversary of this great race, each car comes with race number graphics that reference the famous victory.

For Lance though, taking part in the 50th anniversary of the win is just one more thing he can do to honor his father and to bring attention to the Chip Miller Charitable Foundation. The foundation was formed to help spread awareness of amyloidosis and raise money for education and research.

There will be several other exciting and informative seminars at this year’s Bash event, including one featuring members of the Corvette Racing team. Program Manager Doug Fehan and championship driver Johnny O’Connell will be on hand to talk about the triumphs and challenges of GT racing during a special lunch for a limited number of participants.

For registered event attendees, GM will also be conducting “Ride and Drives” from Thursday through Saturday, (4/49-5/1) giving visitors a chance to get behind the wheel of a new Corvette, Camaro, Traverse, Equinox, Malibu and other vehicles from their product line. This will be a fun chance to get to know more about these cars from the people who make them.

In addition, scenic road tours are offered to see some of Kentucky and Tennessee’s other wonderful attractions, as well as digital scavenger hunts, autograph sessions, a Celebrity Car Show, silent auction, autocross, drag racing, dyno pulls, vendors and clinics that cover just about every aspect of the Corvette experience.

Attendees can find up-to-date event agendas and register online at: http://www.corvettemuseum.com/registration/c5_bash/info.shtml.