Fall 2006
Fall Is A Great
Time To Own A Corvette!
I love this time of the year, but I regret that Fall brings up
the end of the Corvette show season where we visit with fellow Corvette
enthusiasts and enjoy great time; but more importantly, it’s the end of the ALMS
race season and what a C6-R race season its been.
Our
Corvette race team had a very successful year, even though the rules seem to be
stacked against them every turn of the way. But overcoming obstacles is an every
day business for our C6-R team. All of us Corvette owners should smile with
pride and have a little swagger in our step regarding the accomplishments of the
Corvette race team this year. Personally I enjoy pulling up next to an Aston
Martin and looking over and giving him that prideful smile! But what I
really want to say is “na na na…we’re faster than you, even if you make us
race with the kitchen sink in our trunk!” All kidding aside, this Pratt &
Miller team has overcome many, many rule set backs to dominate the GT1 series
thus far. We love you guys on the team, so keep up the good work!
The big
question hanging in the air right now is what will 2007 bring? We are assuming
that GM will again race the Corvette in the GT1 class and that the Le Mans
Series will get their act together on their rule making so that just because
you’re competing and winning doesn’t mean you need to be penalized. I realize
the Le Mans Series is in a tough position. They want to have competitive racing
for the fans without letting one manufacturer dominate. But somewhere in that
mix there has to be room to allow those who achieve the right to enjoy
their success and achievements. I do have a hard time with the concept that just
because you achieve and you win you should be brought to the back of the pack!
So, hey Le Mans, how about letting us enjoy our achievements a little and stop
picking on us!
This issue
is full of great articles about different ALMS Races around the country in case
you weren’t able to go to Utah, Mosport, or Road Atlanta. You can catch up on
all the action in these great articles. For you internet junkies out there, our
own web master Frank Smith wrote about the inaugural Utah race and took some
great photos! Frank, you did a great job, but don’t think I’m going to let
you give up the internet business for the romantic life of an author!
Many of you
have heard me say this before and I’m not getting off my soap box yet.
Share the love, give a kid a ride…complete
the dream!
We have to
keep this fabulous hobby of ours ongoing so that future generations can have the
thrills we’ve enjoyed in our life time with Corvettes. The only way to do this
is to instill the love of Corvettes and the Corvette hobby in the next
generation. I’ve always believed that the best way to do this is to inspire
them while they’re young. So if you know a young lad or gal in your
neighborhood, who every time you drive by just stares at your Corvette, you may
want to stop and let them check it out and even sit in the seat so that they can
begin to feel the Corvette fever. I’m sure all of you can remember when the
fever first got you! You were probably young like I was when you first heard the
rumble and saw your first Corvette drive down your street, and you said to
yourself, some day I’m going to have one of those. Chances are those kids in
your neighborhood who drool when you drive by are thinking the same thing. We
need to encourage this and foster it. So when a young person comes by and wants
to look in your vette, don’t shoo them away because you think they might scratch
it, just lift up the hood, open the doors and invite them to take the wheel.
It’s the only way we’re going to ensure our hobby for generations to come.
Members, I
know you won’t believe this, but this starts the beginning of our 10th
year as the Official C5/C6 Registry. We are busy making preparations for an
exciting and different Birthday Bash and are working hand in hand with the NCM
to make this event a special one for all of us! In our next issue we will wet
your appetite with the details. But for now, MAKE SURE YOU SAVE THE DATES OF
APRIL 26-29, 2007 FOR THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!!!
With this
year end newsletter I want to give a BIG C5/C6 THANK YOU to our countrywide
reporters: Our Canadian reporter Gary Bishop who always has an in depth
article about what’s happening in Canada, and especially this issue with his
report on the Mosport ALMS Race. Janet Curran continues her tradition of
great Way Out West reports. What can I say, Bob Hardt, issue after
issue, is the NCM Man!
Over the
years I have found that some things, like me, don’t get much better with
age. But some things do! This is surely the case with Russ Caron and
his Maine2006 Event. From all accounts, this is one of the best trips they have
ever had. I sure wish I was sitting there eating those huge Maine lobsters with
them! What many of you don’t know is that Russ and our very giving Registry
Members have raised a ton of money for the American Cancer Society through this
Maine event each year. If you have never made the trip, you need to talk to
Russ and make plans for next year. All the information you need for next year’s
event is in his article, so be sure to read it. Kudos to Russ and his gang, not
only for all that they do for Corvette, but for all they do for charity!
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend one of my most favorite races of the
year. However, a good friend of mine and Registry Member Steve Robertson
was able to attend Road Atlanta. Steve is a great photographer. I’m always in
awe of his photographic eye. Don’t miss this great article along with his
fantastic photos.
2006-07
automatic Corvette owners, don’t miss reading the Mr. Y2000
article about a potential concern with the 6-speed automatic shifter lever.
This issue can easily be solved with just a few tips from Mr. Y2000.
As we
approach the Holiday Season, I know everyone is looking for the perfect gift for
their Corvette. So check out Ho Ho Ho Eye Candy in this issue on
what to buy for your Corvette. I’ve already started my wish list and I’m leaving
it where everyone can see it, and hopefully something might end up under my tree
this year instead of the usual lump of road tar I usually get!
The
holidays are always a great time of year for spending time with family and
friends. I feel like my family is 8,000 strong and that you’re all part of it.
So I wish all of you and your loved ones a very merry, blessed and safe holiday
season.
C5Ya! Dan
