By
Dan Adovasio Email:c5dan@c5registry.com
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