April 9th, 2008

The PCR does it again for our Membership! A BIG thank you to our friends at Chevrolet and IMS for allowing us to attend this years edition of the Festival Driveaway Event! This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the first time Corvette Paced the Indy 500 (1978), and the tenth time that Corvette has had the honors!

Last year we were present to assist with the actual parking of the 2007 Pace Cars. This year we took a step up (literally) when we were invited to attend the 500 Festival Breakfast prior to the Driveaway.

The morning started out with a great Continental Breakfast in the IMS Media Center. As Master of Ceremonies, Bob Jenkins was responsible for getting the morning festivities rolling. We were treated to brief talks by Kirk Hendrix (500 Festival President and CEO), Joie Chitwood (IMS President and COO), and Harlan Charles (Corvette Program Manager) and Gary Claudio (Corvette Marketing Manager) from Chevrolet. This year's Pace Car Driver, Emerson Fittipaldi was also on hand for the event and was introduced.

MC, Bob Jenkins	Emerson Fittipaldi
Kirk Hendrix	Joie Chitwood
Gary Claudio	Harlan Charles

After the formal festivities, the group then headed outside for the traditional group photos, after which they took their Corvettes on the formation Pace Lap before leaving the track to begin spreading the word around Indianapolis that Corvette is back in town!

This year the weather was much better than last, with only light rain passing thru the area the prior night. With daybreak came the clearing of the clouds, and the cars were dried off one final time to be readied for the annual delivery of the Pace cars to their caretakers from now thru the end of the 2008 Indianapolis 500.

These are some lucky folks and they consist of Speedway and local community officials and dignitaries, as well as members of the Indy 500 Festival committee. Over the past 50 years, the 500 Festival, a not-for-profit organization, has grown to become one of the nation’s largest festivals. The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce events and programs that celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests.

Annually, the 500 Festival presents nearly 50 events and programs, touching over 500,000 lives. Produced largely by volunteers, these events and programs enhance the image of Indianapolis and Indiana by showcasing their cultural, educational and social benefits to the world. Whether they are athletes running the Mini, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state’s largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation’s premier parades, they are there, celebrating the legacy of 50 years of community spirit.

This is the second year that the drivers were given special log books and disposable cameras to use while they have posession of the cars to document just where these cars have been during race month! The photos and log book will be passed on to the first titled owner of the vehicle to remain a part of the history of the car. This year there are 60 Corvettes in use at the Speedway. Of those, 17 are Coupes, and 43 are Convertibles (a first for Corvette Pace Car Replicas to be offered in both body styles!).

One interesting thing to note is the assignment of the Indy track numbers to the cars. This year, the numbers match the build sequence number that is actually part of Emerson Fittipaldi's autograph on the Glove Box door! So, for example, track car #1 is a Coupe, and also carries build sequence / autograph #001. Another interesting item to note is that there were 61 cars built in the initial run of cars the first week of March. But build sequence #3 was pulled by the owner who ordered the early car and never went to the Speedway for duty at his request, instead it went to be delivered to him in Florida.

As is tradition, this year's documentation on the car looks just as great as years gone by. Special "Flag lot" parking decals, window sequence numbers, and limited-use license plates (valid thru 6/30/2008) make up the total package.

And one other item to note, as was the case last year, the Replica Pace Cars ordered and sold thru dealers will NOT have the Silver CHEVROLET window band. This was installed at the Speedway and will be unique to the Track cars only!

With the final photos taken, it's time to drop those tops (if you can) and take that lap.............

So now the fun begins for these Ambassadors from Chevrolet. If you have the chance to drive thru the Indianapolis area, keep your eyes peeled. You just might see one. Also, I'm sure they will be popping up at local events thruout the area.

There is once again a large fleet of Chevrolet support vehicles for the race already on station "fully dressed" for this years event. These include Silverados, Suburbans, and several other Chevrolet models.

But wait, of course there is always something special lurking around in one of those garages at the Speedway.... Yes, there is a 61st Corvette ..... a VERY special one ..... and we will provide more information in the days to come, so stay tuned!

P.S., thanks again to Tom Wallace, Gary Claudio, Harlan Charles, Jan Thomas, and those at the Speedway who approved our visit today!

Bob Kirsch