Here's a Jalopnik.com post from a BBV [professional] friend AND [clearly] a friend of Corvette that poses a question for racing Corvette.
Their storyline of putting more Corvette racecars [more production-based Corvette racecars] onto the professional race tracks / events has a number of nuances to it -
* Build / sell more Corvette racecars [See Aston Martin / Porsche for the biz case / formula]? Or....
* Rebuild a Corvette spec series, like Porsche Cup [and all other 1-make series around the globe]?
We recognize that the [production-evolved] ALMS GT C6R will be back to fight the defending BMW [and others]. The Grand-Am Daytona Prototype body IS a Chevy move to put more Corvettes out there [But, spend the $ on this or a GT4-spec C6 or C7?]. World Challenge Corvette teams will be back in 2012.
AND grass-roots Corvettes are 'everywhere', thanks to so many Corvette owner / racers.
* But, maybe they all should be unified under a 'Team Jake' Grassroots Identity and Benefits-Support Program? Yes, we have an idea to pitch to GM!
All considered, what do you think about the Jalopnik.com ideas to race / market Corvette?
PS - While Porsche, Lotus, et al are busy announcing "Performance / Driving Experience Centers / Tracks" across the US / globe, is not Bowling Green and the Corvette Museum on a path to do the same? Timeline, anyone?
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.29.2011 at 12:07PM
I would love to see a spec series for the Corvette or an equivalent series as mentioned like the Porsche Cup, but I just don't see GM/Chevrolet going out and producing a race ready stret legal Corvette for a select buyer. They figure that if someone wants a to race a new Corvette, then can purchase a new GS or Z06 and prep it them selves. Remember the Corvette Challenge cars were built only because the SCCA banned the Corvette from the Street Stock class.
--- TR6speed from Florida on 11.29.2011 at 3:30PM
Why GM never offered these Z06 X track specials is beyond me…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfFHk0866QA
…would have been the perfect car for a Cup type series.
As far as anything FIA GT, 1, 3, or 4 you can pretty much guarantee that the FIA will performance balance the car so harshly it will not be competitive, just ask Callaway. The FIA screwed the GT3 car with so much ballast and a tiny restrictor it’s wasn’t worth running. That’s why you didn’t see Callaway in the GT3 Championship this year and another Corvette team switched to the SLS.
--- jackflash from Pensacola Beach, FL on 11.30.2011 at 1:16AM
BBV said, "PS - While Porsche, Lotus, et al are busy announcing "Performance / Driving Experience Centers / Tracks" across the US / globe, is not Bowling Green and the Corvette Museum on a path to do the same? Timeline, anyone?"
Can't believe I missed this. Isn't GM already mandating ZR1 buyers to attend a driving school (e.g. Bob Bondurant in AZ and Spring Valley Motorsports in NV) to learn how to drive 638 horses? Porsche does that for Carrera GT and 911 Turbo buyers.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.30.2011 at 2:30PM
I did not think it was mandated, but recommended.
--- TR6speed from Florida on 11.30.2011 at 6:47PM
For the ZR1 classes - they are offered 'free' with purchase of a new ZR1, but they are not mandated.
For the 'Corvette Challenge'/GTC C6/C7 idea - I like it! I'm not a Porsche fan, but the GTC & Cup races that run along with the ALMS events are pretty interesting and highly competitive. But $$ is tight at GM, and I agree they probably aren't ready to venture out into that arena. I would never expect another Corvette-only series, but it would be nice to see Corvette vs Porsche in the GTC/GT3 races. I'm all in for 'Team Jake'!
Bowling Green & Corvette (through the National Corvette Museum) are on a defined timeline towards the construction of the NCM Motorsports Park on the museum's grounds. My wife and I supported the construction this year, and godug himself has asked for simple $10 donations from the Corvette faithful to help build this tremendous (and expensive) addition. Several donors have already purchased acres and will have special privileges and acknowledgements. This is NOT some track that a few good old boys designed - it incorporates elements of several key track for Corvette Racing including Le Mans, Road Atlanta, and Sebring to name a few. Pratt & Miller have even stepped in to assist with the designing of this motorsports park. In speaking with Doug Fehan at Road Atlanta he admitted that he has truly gotten behind this idea and pitched it 1) because it will be great for Corvette owners/building the brand and 2) because the Corvette Racing team can use it as a TEST FACILITY - which will in turn save GM some $$ on renting tracks like Sebring and Road Atlanta for testing. This is a HUGE development and project and I really urge everyone reading this post as a BBV fan/Corvette owner/Corvette Racing fan to check it out and give, even if it's the $10.
www.motorsportspark.org
--- DarkKnightC6 from Aiken, SC on 12.01.2011 at 10:52PM
@DarkKnight and @TR6speed:
Thanks, gents.
Also, that's great information on the Motorsports park at the NCM and if Godug's behind it, wouldn't the GM Milford Proving Grounds be as sufficient for Corvette events similar to what they're planning?
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 12.01.2011 at 11:28PM
Nothing to do with this post, but check out the soundtrack for the Daytona 24, and Sebring 50th - The Spectors, Chevy Thunder! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zeBtxhpveU
--- imac from UK on 12.02.2011 at 6:09PM
Keep an out for ORECA Courage FLM09 prototype in the LMPC class of ALMS. They use the 6.2L LS3 Corvette engine and the chassis is built by KaTech.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 12.14.2011 at 3:55AM
Last comment: Keep an out for ORECA Courage FLM09 prototype in the LMPC class of ALMS. They use the 6.2L LS3 Corvette engine and the chassis is built by KaTech. --- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 12.14.2011 at 3:55AM
November 15 2011 04:33:42 PM EST
GM Media
That was the storyline / rationale behind the announcement of this car - That Corvette has a storied history of speed at Daytona and the Daytona24 - including the famous 2001 C5R overall D24 win.
And that racing Corvette is always about 'Image, Customer Connection, and Technology Transfer'. Hence, to Chevy Racing, building a Corvette body for the DPG3 chassis [Riley, Coyote, Dallara] and evolving Chevy V8 power via Grand-Am accomplishes all that AT Daytona.
Well I am not a big fan of the Grand Am - DP cars, but I will admit, they did a great job on this and it does carry the Corvette look for proto type. I may actually watch some of the DP races this year.
--- TR6speed from Florida on 11.15.2011 at 4:50PM
Loving this! Daytona Prototype to Le Mans Prototype???? Has Corvette accents and looks just fantastic.
--- vetteheadracer from Illinois on 11.15.2011 at 5:38PM
Looks way better then I was imagining from the first story a while back. Fantastic job from the designers, and its great to see Grand Am finally allow some changes to those ugly DP cars. This car reminds me of Le Mans GTP, and everyone loves GTP!
--- ride250s from Iowa on 11.15.2011 at 7:47PM
OK, so I was wrong...Corvette is going to try prototype racing again...at least the car looks like a Vette and not some NASCAR cookie cutter effort. It occurred to me after reading this BBV article that this car is probably a R&D car for the long hinted at mid engine Corvette. This I can get behind!
--- screx0472 from unknown on 11.15.2011 at 8:20PM
...as for wishes and desires. Corvette needs to find a way to get the power down. I would love to see a real "option" dual clutch paddle shift, and it might finally be time to engineer a truly modern suspension setup (I don't have a problem with the performance of their high tech leaf spring design, but maybe time to move on!)
--- screx0472 from unknown on 11.15.2011 at 8:29PM
Oops, ignore last off topic post. Wrong place! Sorry!
--- screx0472 from unknown on 11.15.2011 at 8:31PM
I commented on youtube that it looks a bit like the Mosler MT900S.
I'll honestly say I'm a purist about the Corvette being a FE, RWD configured race car. I much prefer that but I'm willing to give this a try.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.16.2011 at 1:50PM
Youtube user GrandAmVids put up a short video of the Vette Prototype.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FyXE7SpMAE
Watch it all the way through. The last minute or so is glorious.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.18.2011 at 2:27AM
Pratt & Miller did an INCREDIBLE job with this new Corvette DP. Does make you wonder about a mid-engine Corvette which I'm good with. Fantastic looking race car - considering a trip to Daytona in January to cheer on the Corvette teams. Now we wait to see if Jake shows up on any of the teams' cars....
--- DarkKnightC6 from Aiken, SC on 11.18.2011 at 10:12PM
Bob Stallings Racing will have drivers Alex Gurney and John Fogarty.
Wayne Taylor Driving will have drivers Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor (who looks a bit like Tommy Milner's younger brother).
Spirit of Daytona Racing team will have current CR drivers Antonio Garcia, Oliver Gavin, and Jan Magnussen.
Action Express Racing will the biggest team with two of the prototypes and seven drivers including David Donahue, Jose Barbosa, Christian Fittipaldi, JC France, former CR driver Max Papis, Terry Borcheller, and Darren Law.
Should be an exciting season for R/GA.
Go Corvette Prototypes!!!
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.19.2011 at 2:34AM
If you guys are interested in following R/GA this year in addition to ALMS:
Jeebus, the season starts less than two months away.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.25.2011 at 5:12PM
Spirit of Daytona will be fielding the "A" Team of Corvette drivers i.e. Garcia, Gavin and Westbrook so assuming the car works for 24 hours which is going to be a big ask they certainly have the drivers to deliver the race pace for an overall win.
--- vetteheadracer from Chicagoland on 01.03.2012 at 7:58PM
Last comment: Spirit of Daytona will be fielding the "A" Team of Corvette drivers i.e. Garcia, Gavin and Westbrook so assuming the car works for 24 hours which is going to be a big ask they certainly have the drivers to deliver the race pace for an overall win. --- vetteheadracer from Chicagoland on 01.03.2012 at 7:58PM
Only a few hours to guess if we will be IMpressed. Or DEpressed.
Will the younger flair fly? Or just look like a next-gen RX7? Will the styling move Corvette design forward and just be a visual nudge of the C6? Will C7 tech be advanced or evo, as the most recent rumors conservatively suggested?
One last chance to voice your C7 hopes, wishes, desires. Go!
Obviously, it's just a rendering. They need to do a clay mockup to refine the shape. I sure as hell do NOT like the Camaro-esque rear lamps. Rear lamps are round...de facto.
Other than that, given what was shown on Jalopnik through various other links, I'm absolutely excited for it. It looks badass. I can't wait for it.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.14.2011 at 12:47PM
Well all I have seen from them are renderings, not pictures. I simply do not believe that Chevrolet would be that careless and have a new C7 ready and just sitting out there for the world to see. That is not GM especially when comes to the next Corvette Generation.
--- TR6speed from Florida on 11.14.2011 at 2:31PM
Ya, I'm a bit skeptical...
However, note the similarity to a Ferrari 599...
--- Shifter from Tucson, AZ on 11.14.2011 at 8:17PM
Looks a little pointy, hope the final product looks a little more refined.
--- ride250s from Iowa on 11.14.2011 at 9:02PM
As for similarities to a Ferrari 599...refer to many articles where Ferrari aficionado whined that it looked too much like a C6 Corvette. I also agree that there will likely never be a Corvette with square tail lights. The fat Camaro line up can keep those.
--- screx0472 from unknown on 11.15.2011 at 8:26PM
...as for wishes and desires. Corvette needs to find a way to get the power down. I would love to see a real "option" dual clutch paddle shift, and it might finally be time to engineer a truly modern suspension setup (I don't have a problem with the performance of their high tech leaf spring design, but maybe time to move on!)
--- screx0472 from unknown on 11.15.2011 at 8:30PM
I don't think that is a perfect rendition, but it sure must be close. GM policy is not to comment on speculation, and they sure issued an interesting rebuttal of these pics. Something must have hit a nerve, somewhere. I can't wait to see the real deal. I'm with Screx - I WANT a TRUE paddle shifting transmission on my C7 GM! That and an upgraded interior. I'm in for a C7 - there's just no way they can mess this up.
--- DarkKnightC6 from Aiken, SC on 11.18.2011 at 10:16PM
You know if you go back and look at the 'Grand Sport C7' pics of the chassis under a GS mule body - those exhaust tips are the exact size & spacing. Clever inclusion on the 'renderings' or real design? Interesting...
--- DarkKnightC6 from Aiken, SC on 11.18.2011 at 10:20PM
Last comment: You know if you go back and look at the 'Grand Sport C7' pics of the chassis under a GS mule body - those exhaust tips are the exact size & spacing. Clever inclusion on the 'renderings' or real design? Interesting... --- DarkKnightC6 from Aiken, SC on 11.18.2011 at 10:20PM
October 26 2011 08:19:56 AM EST
Someone better check the record for most comments on a BBV post. Because this one might reset the count.
FYI - It likely will NOT be painted like Jake. A few GM'ers still struggle with such an overt Jake identity for Corvette, even as a race car.
* Chevy never let Pratt + Miller take this Corvette LMP beyond a wind tunnel model. So much for competing for overall wins at Le Mans.
* And now, if true, the ALMS Corvette will have to fight headlines with a 'Silhouette Vette'. So much for all that 'From Track to Street' / 'Racing improves the real Corvette' integrity speak.
What do you think? Is it WTF time? Or time to wait and see what the true Corvette Racing story will be for 2012?
The DPG3 car will be used to test a new engine is my bet. If you have watched the rolex series then you will have seen some of the closest racing and at a lower more controlled cost. I think that GT racing is where they should be but with gainsco (aka the red dragon) finishing behind the BMW this year I think chevy wants to take the fight back to BMW. And by branding the DP car corvette then it's only to drive marketing so when they win corvette wins. The ALMS vette team will still take no prisoners and prove that Chevrolet and Corvette are the kings of the GT racing world.
--- Scott from Toledo,Ohio on 10.26.2011 at 8:44AM
NOT a true Corvette. I want to watch a race car that looks like the car I drive and can identify with. I hope this doesn't signify the end of Team Corvette in the AlMS series.
--- cor123 from Florida on 10.26.2011 at 9:16AM
This isn't a rumor and has been known for months.
--- Anonymous from unknown on 10.26.2011 at 9:42AM
I really dont think that GM and CR would gain any thing from running a DP or a LMP1. right now they have the GT class down and it just need a little fine tuning to smoke some BMWs next year. if they were to put the effort into LMP or a DP they would start from the ground again. and we as fans would be very dissapointed with a losing season against the likes of audi or even getting r tail kicked by a DP BMW! But we shall see!
--- colin from defiance oh on 10.26.2011 at 10:31AM
Not a big fan of the DP racing series and I think with the economy the way it is I hate to GM investing money in this series. As already stated, I like race cars that look like what you can drive on the street and the DP cars are not getting it. I believe I read that NASCAR is starting to realize that and may be going back to true factory cars and not this one car fits all template. But then again NASCAR travel to its on drum beat that is why I no long follow it.
--- TR6speed from Florida on 10.26.2011 at 11:58AM
As said previously, this has been known as fact for months now. This will not be ran by Corvette Racing. Corvette Racing will still be in the ALMS and will still be preaching the transfer of technology. This new DP is no different then Nascar. It will have stickers for headlights. Don't expect this to take away anything from the true Corvette team.
--- Chris from unknown on 10.26.2011 at 7:16PM
I have a special edition 2009 ZO6 corvette GT1 LE MANS . I just got I have 1,280 miles on it. Just wanted to find out as much info. As I can about this vette. Corvette LYN. P.S. I have owned 25 corvettes as of now....since I was 17 yrs. Old I have owned a vette. 6 in magazines and 3 in two different calanders. Vette magazine and vette vies Corvettes are a life style,
--- Corvette LYN from Az. on 10.26.2011 at 9:55PM
Oh p.s. It's a Jake racing version 2009 vette.
--- Corvette LYN from Az. on 10.26.2011 at 9:57PM
why not compete on a gobal scale in LMP instead DP
--- Anonymous from unknown on 10.27.2011 at 4:01PM
Nope...such a car, if it comes to be, will never ring home with buyers. The car that you see race, and then can go purchase, will be the standard bearer. I vote for fiction, not fact.
--- screx0472 from unknown on 10.27.2011 at 7:55PM
Just can't see it being a "Corvette" especially after Chevy/GM refused to enter the Camaro in Nationwide because there was no brand identity. We won't lose the true factory CR team, but it will be strange watching Grand-Am with Camaros and pseudo-Vettes. Maybe C6 styled headlights and other cues, but naming it a Corvette? Come on....
--- DarkKnightC6 from Aiken, SC on 10.28.2011 at 11:55PM
This a total waste of time and money. DP is a joke.This "Nascar" road racing just needs to go away.
--- Tim from Anamosa, IA on 10.30.2011 at 8:48PM
If people stop watching it, it will go away.
--- Anonymous from unknown on 10.31.2011 at 9:59AM
two words - "brand identifer" - i say keep it going...
--- tom s. from northern ky on 11.01.2011 at 8:33PM
"Brand Identifier"??? In no way shape or form does that look like a Corvette...I guess if I try to look at it from your perspective, then I concede that the paint job looks like a C6R...but we already have those. I know another series where brand is identified with a paint job. NASCAR? Not for me and hopefully not for Corvette.
--- screx0472 from unknown on 11.01.2011 at 10:42PM
Don't see how that could be called a Corvette! They better re-think this one.
--- RB from USA on 11.02.2011 at 7:55PM
I'm an avid NASCAR hater myself, and I know NASCAR runs GrandAm, but there is still some really good racing in that series, as well as some very talented drivers. I think there's a 0% chance Corvette Racing would switch series, but I think it could be interesting if they ran in both series. I think if GM (or Ford) really got into the series they would smoke the Ganassi boys BMW's, the reason they win is not because they have the fastest car (they don't) but because they don't make mistakes and spend less time on pit lane than the rest do. Recall in the GTP days the Corvette GTP, google it, a very impressive race car, but looked nothing like a Vette. In my opinion if GM hadn't dropped the project they could have been very competitive with Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, and the rest on an International scale. Same thing applies here, I'd like to see GM back these guys in the Rolex series, just to see where it goes. FYI, for those that think they're like the NASCAR taxicabs, the DP cars DO NOT have decals for headlights, they run a race called the Rolex 24 at Daytona, maybe you've heard of it. It runs for 24 hours, and the darkness does require actual headlights.
--- GS10tk from Syracuse, NY on 11.10.2011 at 12:31AM
Back in 2002 just as the Cadillac LMP1 car was just getting competitive GM pulled the plug on the race program. The Audi LMP cars have never looked like their regular production cars but I don't see a bunch of Le Mans overall victories hurting their sales.
--- vetteheadracer from Illinois on 11.10.2011 at 2:56PM
Apples and Oranges. GM has dabbled in Prototype racing. Audi has success in Prototype racing. Here is a very simple fact. GM is not Audi. GM is not able to race multiple series and they are not able to develop high dollar prototype race cars given their current fiscal position. They are, as they always have been, racing on Sunday to sell on Monday. In tough times you focus on what you do well, and you do it BETTER! Racing in a NASCAR owned series that the rest of the world cares little about, does not sell more Corvettes in Europe and it does not provide the direct trickle down of tech that ALMS racing does. Its seems kind of obvious to me that racing in the lesser prestigious sports car series does nothing for Corvette.
--- screx0472 from unknown on 11.10.2011 at 6:54PM
I'm VERY interested to see what this Tuesday (11/15) brings. Oliver Gavin has mentioned on Twitter that he flew back to P&M for seat fitting for a 'very cool' race car, and that "all would be revealed this Tuesday". I doubt it's a Chevy 'Corvette' DP but I'm curious as to whether it's a very early intro of the new 2012 C6.R or a 'new' Grand-Am Camaro (ZL1). Or perhaps it's a Grand-Am Corvette specifically for the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. We shall see...
--- DarkKnightC6 from Aiken, SC on 11.13.2011 at 9:52PM
You can watch live streaming coverage of the event here right now: http://www.grand-am.com/
--- gtb75 from unknown on 11.15.2011 at 2:06PM
Please tell me that CR isn't leaving ALMS...
--- Shifter from Tucson, AZ on 11.15.2011 at 3:55PM
I doubt CR is leaving ALMS, Shifter. R/GA rules bans direct involvement by the manufacturers. Or at least, that's what I was told.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.27.2011 at 8:05PM
Last comment: I doubt CR is leaving ALMS, Shifter. R/GA rules bans direct involvement by the manufacturers. Or at least, that's what I was told. --- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.27.2011 at 8:05PM
The video says it all.
* 4th @ Petit Le Mans / 1st in Michelin Green X Challenge. * 2nd in ALMS 2011 GT Championships - Team and Drivers. * AND the never-ending story of Corvette Racing spirit, fight, and tenacity.
--- Shifter from Tucson, AZ on 10.22.2011 at 9:40AM
I would call it determined more so than "bitter". I was able to make that last race and it indeed was a long day for CR. They should be proud of their season, they did well despite all the BS we know happened , and have talked about throught the entire season. They will return stronger and ready!
--- CRFAN! from Savannah GA. on 10.22.2011 at 10:12AM
"Corvette racing, we take no prisoners."
That attitude needs to be amplified for next year, and I look forward to it.
--- ChevyCobb from Georgia on 10.22.2011 at 3:01PM
Well, my opinion is that Corvette Racing doesn't need to amplify their attitude for next season...I know they give 100 percent every race and I don't think pushing harder is going to do it. They need a faster car...period. Sorry Corvette fans, but this is the balls...the ACO has decided that it wants European makes winning the races, and the rules favor these cars...it is not whining, bitching, moaning, complaining, etc...it just is. Corvette needs to be faster. I am, by the way, very proud of the fight they put up considering they were hamstrung all year long and their competition were allowed to run lighter, wider, faster, and more GT1-er (made that one up!) Looking forward to 2012.
--- screx0472 from unknown on 10.22.2011 at 8:19PM
Since the 2012 cars will be 2 inches wider than the 2011 car it'll make them wider than the old GT1 C6.R which should mean they'll be a beast in the corners. Oh, and why hasn't BBV announced the livery change for next year yet?....
--- Mitch from Aus on 10.23.2011 at 2:50AM
Mitch - We won't see the 2011 livery until the Sebring winter test.
--- Anonymous from unknown on 10.25.2011 at 3:56PM
I see good things next year! Wider car, yet another year of learning abou the still-somewhat-new GT2 car under the belt, the weight/restrictor penalties applied to Porsche and BMW near the end of the season. I know we will all support them just the same, and next year could be the year. Heck, even the ACO is forcing the diesel cars to be slower, so surely there is a true commitment toward a bit of equality within each class. I'm counting down the days to Sebring- you must be too!
--- Brad from NY on 10.25.2011 at 11:04PM
This pretty much sums it up - from racer site: VIDEO: Bobby Rahal reviews title-winning ALMS campaign Q: What do you say to critics who suggest that the rules enabled BMW to have an advantage over its competition? Rahal: I think that each team can point to the rules and what one car is allowed to do that you are not and say, “Wow, I wish the rules let us do what Team X does.” The ALMS puts a lot of effort into making the cars as equal as they can, which isn't easy considering the number of quality manufacturers and the professionalism of the teams running them. I think they did a nice job, and we just tried to maximize everything we could.
I mean, really, nobody is going to put up an M3 against a ZR-1, are they?...
--- Mike G from St College, pa on 10.28.2011 at 4:46PM
@ Mike G from St College, pa on 10.28.11 at 4:46pm
Bobby frackin' Rahal actually said that? Jeebus...
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.14.2011 at 12:53PM
Last comment: @ Mike G from St College, pa on 10.28.11 at 4:46pm
Bobby frackin' Rahal actually said that? Jeebus... --- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 11.14.2011 at 12:53PM
October 16 2011 11:36:20 PM EST
IndyCar
Dan Wheldon 1978 - 2011.
Was to be joining Chevrolet Racing via Andretti Autosport / Chevy V6 Indy power in 2012. Corvette Racing, BadBoyVettes, and all fans were ready to welcome Dan to the Chevy family.
Now, all we can do is respect a great, hard-edged, racer by praying for peace for HIS true family and for all those that loved / respected Dan Wheldon. Prayers.
Keep an out for ORECA Courage FLM09 prototype in the LMPC class of ALMS. They use the 6.2L LS3 Corvette engine and the chassis is built by KaTech.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 12.14.2011 at 3:55AM