December 17, 2001
Save the Old Corvettes and other enthusiast cars!
U.S. Senate Bill Would Fund Scrappage Programs Nationwide
A bill (S. 1766), authored by Senators Daschle (D-SD) and Bingaman (D-NM), has been introduced in the U.S. Senate containing a provision (Section 803) that would federally fund state scrappage programs for vehicles over 15 years old. Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a “minimal” payment and a future credit toward purchasing a newer vehicle, all in a misguided attempt to improve the overall fuel economy of the country’s vehicle fleet. This bill represents the most formidable Federal legislative threat to specialty aftermarket businesses in years and to car collectors everywhere. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

To receive your 10% Registry member discount, see ZIP Products on our Corporate Members Page www.c5registry.com/Links/corpmembers.htm for all the details!

December 4, 2001
Chevrolet Announces Teresa and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 
To Carry Olympic Flame In Charlotte, North Carolina 
on December 5

What:
Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will carry the Olympic Flame in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday, December 5. Michael Waltrip, Steve Park, Mark Garrow, and Dr. Jerry Punch were also nominated by Olympic Torch Relay presenting sponsor Chevrolet. All were selected for their inspiration to hundreds of thousands of motorsports fans worldwide.

Mrs. Earnhardt, Earnhardt Jr., Garrow, Park and Waltrip join the 11,500 other inspirational individuals who have been selected to carry the Olympic Flame. Chevrolet and its 4,300 dealers across the country selected a total of 3,505 Torchbearers based on four key criteria: individuals who have inspired others; who serve their community in an exemplary manner; who embody the Olympic Spirit of achievement through sport and friendship; and who have inspired others by encountering and overcoming adversity.

Where:
Charlotte, North Carolina

When:
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001.

Background:
The Olympic Flame is scheduled to arrive in Charlotte on December 5, 2001. The Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Torch Relay begins in Atlanta on December 4, 2001 and will travel for more than 13,500 miles in 65 days through 46 states.

A total of 3,505 torchbearers from across the county have been selected to through the Chevrolet nomination program to help carry the Flame to the Opening Ceremonies on February 8, 2002 in Salt Lake City.

December 3, 2001
The 29th annual Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, presented by Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge will take place on Aug. 16 - 18, 2002  and will continue the honored marque tradition by featuring one of America's sports car icons — the Chevrolet Corvette.
Click Here for Press Release

December 1, 2001
The C5 Registry Returns to Europe
 and the "24-Heures du Mans" in 2002!!!!

Thanks to the many of you who called after the article in the last newsletter and expressed a desire to GO BACK TO LEMANS!! We have decided to put a trip together for next year. We will be arriving in Europe on Saturday June 8th and heading home on Wednesday June 19th. These days may vary slightly as we get more details, but they are accurate to within one day.

The trip will be very much like last year. We will not only go to the 24-Hours of LeMans race, but we will also visit the battlefields of Normandy, the city of Paris, and the French countryside in the south of France. Our trip will begin with your arrival in Brussels. You will be bussed to Antwerp, Belgium where you will spend the night in the beautiful downtown Antwerp. The next morning we will pick up our Corvettes in Antwerp and head to Paris. We will spend two days in Paris where we will have a bus tour of the city and a scenic evening dinner cruise down the Seine to see the lights of Paris. From Paris, we will head to the beautiful French countryside where we will spend the next three nights. While at staying at our exclusive castle we are planning a Corvette excursion to the Hennessey Cognac Factories, which would include a tour of the factories and lunch. We will also have a guided bus tour of the castles of the Loure Valley. Included will be a fabulous lunch in a 17th century restaurant. We will also have a C5 Registry dinner and Barbeque on the Castle grounds. We will leave the beautiful French countryside on Friday for the famed LeMans circuit. Some of us may be chosen to lead the “Parade de Pilots” Friday evening through the streets of LeMans, while the rest of us watch and cheer for our favorite Corvette drivers. Saturday morning, we will take a parade lap around the famous LeMans 8.45 mile circuit in front of the cheering crowd before the start of the famous 24-Hours of LeMans. (Personally, the highlight of my trip!) We will then take our seats high above the pits to watch the start of the race. We will also have hospitality available throughout Saturday and Sunday at the track. Last but not least, we will have one of our famous Registry dinners Friday night before the race with many of the European Corvette clubs in attendance. Traditionally, Saturday night is the European Barbeque for all Corvette owners sponsored by the Corvette Club of France. While in LeMans, we will be staying with host families, living in their homes and learning of the French culture. Come Monday morning, we will head up to the Normandy Battlefields. We will have a tour of the Normandy Battlefields by bus along with an English-speaking guide. Lunch will be included on our tour, but this night’s dinner is at your discretion. Come Tuesday, we will head back to Antwerp to drop our Corvettes for shipment to the US, and we will take a bus on Tuesday evening back to the Brussels airport where we will spend the night in preparation for the flight home Wednesday morning. The cost for the trip is $5900.00 per Corvette and it includes all of the above. Not included in this cost is airline transportation to and from Europe, shipping of your Corvette to and from Europe, shipping insurance, taxes, fees, and European driving insurance. We will arrange for a shipping company and European driving insurance for you if you request, but the cost of these would be your responsibility. This is shaping up to be a fabulous trip, first-class in EVERY WAY; just ask anyone who has attended one of the previous trips!

If you are interested in accompanying us on this “trip of a lifetime” please contact us at the C5 Registry office at 321-452-2743 or by e-mail at c5dan@c5registry.com We will place your name in our LeMans 2002 Hot File and keep you informed of developments as they happen.

November 26, 2001
There have been a lot of stories, and rumors going around about the 50th Anniversary CORVETTE! We thought it might be both fun and educational to keep track of these rumors in a timeline format. If your a member of the C5 Registry, we've added a section in the MEMBERS ONLY area to track these rumors. Members, give us your input and read the input of others by CLICKING HERE.

November 21, 2001
Really Big News…. Really BIG!!
The C5-R Race Team is rumored to be placing some very special auction items on the National Corvette Museum website. They hope to have this in place by January 2, 2002 (don’t call the Museum now, mums the word!). Word has it, from reliable sources, that one of the items may be a "once in a lifetime" experience that will allow you and a friend to enjoy the C5-R’s inaugural race for 2002 at the 12 Hours of Sebring (Saturday, March 16, 2002) in a way you would never be able to enjoy on your own. Trust us, you’re going to bid BIG on this item!!!!
Details to follow…. Stay tuned….

November 15, 2001
Detroit - Chevrolet returns to open-wheel racing in 2002 with a new Chevy Indy V8. The spiritual heir to nearly 50 years of Chevrolet performance tradition, the new Chevy Indy V8 is also the latest evolution of GM's highly successful Premium V racing engine family. [Click Here For Press Release]

November 13, 2001
DETROIT - General Motors Corp. today announced that Bob Lutz, vice chairman of GM Product Development, will take on additional duties as chairman of GM North America. Gary Cowger, group vice president of GM Manufacturing and Labor Relations, has been named president of GM North America. Both changes are effective immediately. [Click Here For Press Release]

Ron Zarrella, GM executive vice president and president of GM North America, has resigned to become chairman and chief executive officer of Bausch & Lomb Inc. in Rochester, N.Y.

November 12, 2001
General Motors today announced the extension and modification of its highly successful 'Keep America Rolling' interest-free automotive finance program, which will become effective November 19 and will run through January 2, 2002. The program will be available on most 2001 & 2002 Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, GMC, Chevrolet and Saturn models. Corvette is excluded in the new plan, so you only have six more days to take advantage of the 0% on Corvette.. CLICK HERE FOR PRESS RELEASE.

November 7, 2001
Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing Manager, has announced a special "sealed bid auction" on the #001 C5-R chassis.

Special auction information:
Mail all bids to Doug Fehan, 833 Hazel Street, Birmingham, MI 48009. Address all inquiries via email: mailto:Godug@aol.com. $500,000 minimum bid. Must be received by November 22, 2001, 12:00 p.m. (EST). Highest bid will be notified and payment due by cashier check or bank transfer no later than November 27, 2001.

Specifics and Details

• Corvette C5.R
• Chassis Number: C5R-001
• Constructed: October 1998
• Racing debut: Daytona 24 Hour, February 1999
• Last race: Le Mans 24 Hour, June 2000

Corvette C5.R, chassis #001 is the first factory designed, built and financed Corvette ever raced in the vehicle's 49-year history. It has been maintained in the exact condition and configuration as it last raced at Le Mans in 2000. The engine and engine management system are part of the same serial numbered group raced at the Le Mans event. All graphics are accurate representations of its final race appearance. Pratt & Miller Engineering, utilizing the same personnel who originally built the car, has performed all maintenance work. This vehicle is arguably the most significant example of Corvette racing history in existence. All factory records including entry forms, practice and race set-up data sheets, historic construction photos, and 1000 copies of the original Le Mans hero cards are included in this package. Each person who helped design and build this vehicle is still in the employ of General Motors and Pratt & Miller. This is an opportunity for a serious Corvette enthusiast to own and learn about this great American racing icon.

November 6, 2001
The GM Corvette Assembly Plant has announced that V.I.P Museum delivery tours of the plant will resume Monday, December 3. The V.I.P tours available to Museum delivery participants are the only tours that will be resumed at this time. All other Plant tours are closed indefinitely.

For the safety of both plant employees and all guests, visitors and museum personnel must adhere to the following plant tour regulations:

• Group size must be limited to no more than four people (excluding the tour guide).

• No children are allowed on tour seven years of age and under.

• All visitors must wear closed toe shoes.

• Tour guides and all guests must report to the Corvette Assembly Plant security desk, sign in and wear a red visitor identification badge at all times while in the plant.

• Picture identification must be presented at sign-in. (The National Corvette Museum will also get a copy of each visitor's picture identification that will be provided to plant security).

• No backpacks, purses, packages, fanny packs or other containers may be brought into the facility except by special request (for medical reasons, etc.). Any exceptions are subject to search.

• Museum delivery tour guides must stay on the designated V.I.P. tour route.

• Tours are allowed Monday through Friday during regular production only and at the already established 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. times.
  
  October 22, 2001
  GM Corvette Assembly Plant Announcement
  For security reasons, the Plant will be closing plant tours as of Thursday, November 1. This will include all tours at the usual 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. times, as well as all privately booked tours, including the Museum delivery tours. The Plant will not be rescheduling any tours at this time. The Corvette Plant hopes to be able to reopen tours to the public in the near future. The plant will be in production, and will only be closing tours to the public.

October 19, 2001
"Keep America Rolling" Campaign Continues….
Thanks to all the Registry Dealers who informed us that the current GM "Keep America Rolling" APR program has been EXTENDED until November 18, 2001. So, don’t miss out on purchasing a new 2001 Corvette (including the fabulous Z06) for up to 60 months at 0.0%. Or step on up to a 2002 C5 (also including the award winning Z06) at 0.0% for 36 months, 0.9% for 48 months or 2.9% for 60 months. A quick telephone survey of our Registry Dealers (check them out at http://www.c5registry.com/Dealers/index.html ) told us that they still have C5s available. Support our Dealers, and give them a call or send them an e-mail to get started with your "miles of smiles" in your next C5! Remember, with this 18-day extension, more factory fresh C5s are arriving every day!

When November 19^th rolls around, things will be changing!! From this point on until January 15, 2002, the interest rates on 2001 and 2002 C5s will go up to 3.9% for 36 months, 4.9% for 48 months and 5.9% for 60 months. And, for those of you who might be interested in purchasing a new GM Truck instead of driving your Corvette through the treacherous winter, the rates will be 4.9% for 36 months, 5.9% for 48 months and 6.9% for 60 months. So, DON’T WAIT MEMBERS!!!! Let’s do our part! BUY EVERY C5 YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON!!!

October 17, 2001
Word has come down that the C6 will come out in late 2004 as a 2005 model…
So says Autoweek in their latest issue, October 15, 2001. In an article (pg. 5), referring to Bob Lutz’s memo ("Strongly-Held Beliefs") circulated throughout GM, it seems Bob has already amended the look of the next Corvette and signed off on it, but with CHANGES. Hmmm…I wonder, does that mean there will be a 2004 C5? Traditionally, in the last model-year of a generation, Corvette produces a COLLECTOR’S EDITION. They did it in 1982 and in 1996 as well as in Grand Style!!
A copy of Lutz’s memo, entitled "Strongly Held Beliefs" may be read by clicking here. This gives you in depth insight into the mind of the real "car guys" in the auto industry.  

October 16, 2001
Members, for a limited time, artist Lee Bivens, is offering a very spe cial Dale Earnhardt Print, "The Greatest Warrior" to C5 Registry members. This print will soon be available to the public,
But for now, it's for C5 Registry members only with a free gift from the artist. Click Here to view and order.

October 15, 2001
Corvette’s popular tourist attraction continues to break records…
 Of course, it’s easy for Registry members to understand why… According to the September 28^th Issue of Vette Gazette, plant tours exceeded the 40,000-visitor mark this month with 1,617 visitors so far in September. It’s a great tourist year at the Plant as 40,811 excited Corvette enthusiasts have toured the Bowling Green, KY Corvette plant. Records are made to be broken and with 2.5 production months to go it’s practically a done deal! (Editor’s Note: Move over Mickey Mouse!! There’s a tourist attraction with HORESPOWER not MOUSE power, that’s taking over!!)
 
October 10, 2001
Surprise! Surprise!
CORVETTE’s own Gary Claudio is the Recipient of the American LeMans Series "From the Fans" Award!
"General Motors executive Gary Claudio was the surprised recipient of the American Le Mans Series "From the Fans" award, presented by Panoz. The award was voted to Claudio by fans of the series for his contribution to sports car racing through the development of the Corvette Racing program in the American LeMans Series. In accepting, Claudio asked Corvette project manager Doug Fehan to join him onstage and share the award." As many of you know, Gary Claudio is our friend at Chevrolet who pushes for car corrals, tents, and parade laps for ALL Corvette enthusiasts who come to the various American LeMans Series races.[ Click here: ALM Press Release ]

He has also worked very hard with us at the Registry in our recent fundraiser for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in which the Registry and its members raised $1500 from the sale of C5-R Racing apparel. A check was presented to Gary on Saturday morning, October 6, in the name of ALL C5 Registry members.  Click here to see our BIG SMILES.

October 08, 2001
CORVETTE’s C5-R Race Team Wins its Class at Road Atlanta’s Petit LeMans…
Andy Pilgrim (Z5202), Kelly Collins(Z5206) and Franck Freon (Z5205) won the GTS class "CLICK FOR PHOTO"  in a Chevrolet Corvette C5-R, but Terry Borcheller won the class championship with a second-place finish. Ron Fellows (Z5201), who had led the points all season in the GTS class, failed to score any points after a mechanical problem sidelined his C5-R # 3 after only two laps. This was a bittersweet victory for Corvette, as many of our members have been pulling for Ron to win the driver’s championship. All he had to do was finish the race, but due to an electrical short, the # 3 C-R stopped in the back of the course on the second lap. The Corvette was then disqualified because it could not get back to the pits without the help of the team’s technicians. This is a very tough break for Ron Fellows and Johnny O’Connell (Z5207) who drive their hearts out in every race for a shot at the championship. This is especially bitter for Ron because now he will NOT be able to drive in the IROC (International Race of Champions), which begins its new season during Speedweeks at Daytona. On a brighter note, Andy, Kelly, and Franck put on a stunning performance as their # 4 Corvette took the pole and won in the face of some very tough competition from Saleen and Ferrari. They did a fabulous job pushing the Corvette to its limit, but never exceeding it. We all know that we have some of the best drivers in the world and I know all of our Registry members are doggoned proud of it.

October 8, 2001
The checkered flag fell on the final race of the 2001 American Le Mans Series - October 6, at Road Atlanta with a GM Goodwrench Corvette C5-R in Victory Circle for the sixth time in the eighth race series.  The victory put Chevrolet and Corvette Racing in possession of championship titles for top team and top manufacturer in the GTS category. CLICK HERE for More and Photos!

October 5, 2001
Last Day Approaches!! October 6th is the day the voting closes for the ALM's "From the Fans" award. If you haven't done so, cast your vote for Gary Claudio by sending an e-mail to: webmaster@americanlemans.com
Tell them:
"I vote for Gary Claudio of Corvette Racing for the From the Fans Award"

October 1, 2001
Remember the "Mako Shark" in the sixties? CORVETTE engineering rolled it out to show us a vision of things to come in the CORVETTE world. The much of the Mako was used in the 63-67 CORVETTE. Now, at a recent press introduction to the lineup for the '02 model year in Ypsilanti, MI, CORVETTE did it again! They showed the press the "Tiger Shark". More info.. See  MOHN