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Celebrating our 64th Anniversary Year September 2020 WE ARE BACK! On September 13th the CCA held its first Double Autocross for 2020. This is CCA Competition Director, Bill Sandusky, entering the course stop box marking the end of a long pandemic related dry spell for our Autocross program. Check for details of Oct. 4th and Oct. 25th events in this edition.

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Page 1: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The World’s First Corvette Club 

Celebrating our 64th Anniversary Year

September 2020

WE ARE BACK! On September 13th the CCA held its first Double Autocross for 2020. This is CCA Competition Director, Bill Sandusky, entering the course stop box marking the end of a long pandemic related dry spell for our Autocross program. Check for details of Oct. 4th and Oct. 25th events in this edition.

Page 2: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 ToC

Table of Contents

President’s Perspective 1

Upcoming Events & Reminders 2

Corvette Ramblings 4

Competition Report 6

High Performance Driving Events 8 NCM at NCM MSP - Aug. 29-30, 2020 8 Chin at Watkins Glen - Sept. 7-8, 2020 14 FATT at the Summit Point Circuit - Aug. 28, 2020 17 Chin Track Days at Summit Point Circuit - Aug. 29-30, 2020 18 Art Bell at Monticello - September 11, 2020 22 Tracking Schedule 23 Want to try your car out on the track? 23

Membership Update 24

National Corvette Museum Report 25

Cruise-in to Jimmie Cone in Mt. Airy 29

Robert M. Rosenthal, (1928 – 2019) 36

For Sale 42 Free “For Sale” Items 42

About the Corvette Club of America 43 Board of Directors 43 Non-Board Positions 43 Newsletter Mailing Address 43 History (1956-2020) 44 Charities 44 Sponsors 45

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 3: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 1

President’s Perspective 

Jim Streight - President [email protected] - 240-839-1935

Hello all!

People that join and participate in a Corvette club have more fun with their Corvette(s). I guess I am stating the obvious. In previous years, CCA had almost weekly events ranging from racing to cruises to social. Something for everyone to enjoy.

Life is short. I recently read a post in an online forum from a Viper owner who was selling his prized car due to chronic illness. It is not how he imagined his 50s going. No matter your age, you and I are not here forever. If you bought your Corvette to collect, share your collection. Don't keep it a secret. If you bought it to drive, then drive it. They are a lot of fun!

For those with a spouse, share your lives and each other's passions. This should not be, "oh that's just his/her thing." Driving is a great place for two people to talk and reconnect. A Corvette is more than a car, it is a lifestyle. Share it together.

Those with young kids. Strap them in and bring them to an event. We need more kids in the car culture. Let them be the reason you go for drives versus sitting in the garage. They will appreciate the one-on-one time decades from now. Otherwise, the Corvette is bound to be sold. Seen it happen too many times to count. I receive messages each month from people who have inherited their parent’s prized Corvette. They always admit to knowing little or nothing about it which is sad as it obviously meant so much to their parents.

I have been a member of this Corvette club for 40 years. Many things have changed both within the club and in the Corvette world as well. One thing that hasn’t changed is the enjoyment of sharing a common interest with such a great group of people.

Just some thoughts, not a sermon. Just some observations, not scientific.

Hope to see you soon.

Jim

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 4: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 2

Upcoming Events & Reminders 

Devin Streight - Events Coordination Director [email protected] - 240-468-8190

www.vette-club.org/events

It is crazy to think that 2020 is already winding down, but I am happy to see that CCA was able to fit in a few events for the year (not counting those pre-COVID). Our cruise to Jimmy Cone went off without a hitch, and we have received nothing but positive reviews of the event. It was quite exciting to see the club get back together, and I bet the citizens of Clarksburg/Damascus/Mt. Airy enjoyed seeing our Caravan of around 20 Corvettes go by! Be sure to read the full article on this event later in the newsletter for pictures and insider information. Although I couldn't make the September Autocross, I heard that we had an excellent turnout! In fact, rumors have it that we just about peaked out at the number of people we are allowed to have! Be sure to keep a look out for future events.

A quick recommendation - the Potomac Cars & Coffee on Sunday mornings is an excellent cruise-in. We have been going the past month or so, and every time they fill up the parking lot with all sorts of cars. Plus, you can get free coffee from the coffee shop if you are there for the cruise-in! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, and I hope to see you there!

Devin Tentative - October Shop Night (Tuesday, October 27, 2020) **Please stay-tuned to your e-mails. We are currently coordinating with Sport Chevrolet to see if we can hold this event.** Bring your Corvette in to Sport Chevrolet for a do-it-yourself shop night. Sport Chevrolet allows us to use their vehicle lifts; however, you must bring your own tools, fluids, etc. But you don't have to work on your Corvette - come and hang out with other CCA members or just be a spectator. www.vette-club.org/events/371/

October Business Meeting (Tuesday, October 13, 2020, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM) This will be an online meeting and will be open to all club members. An e-mail with the link to join the meeting will be sent to members a week in advance. www.vette-club.org/events/359/

Double Autocross (Sunday, October 4, 2020, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) BWI Lot - 7210 Ridge Road, Hanover, MD 21076 Open to Corvette and non-Corvette participants of all experience levels and ages 18 and over. There

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 5: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 3

is a morning session of two heats with a minimum of 4 runs each and an afternoon session of two heats with a minimum of 4 runs each. Volunteers needed. More information & registration: www.vette-club.org/events/385/

Double Autocross (Sunday, October 25, 2020, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) BWI Lot - 7210 Ridge Road, Hanover, MD 21076 Open to Corvette and non-Corvette participants of all experience levels and ages 18 and over. There is a morning session of two heats with a minimum of 4 runs each and an afternoon session of two heats with a minimum of 4 runs each. Volunteers needed. More information & registration: www.vette-club.org/events/386/

Event Planning If you have suggestions for other events or are interested in planning your own event, see: www.vette-club.org/event-planning

   

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 6: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 4

Corvette Ramblings 

Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor [email protected] - 301-963-4864

At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held at the beginning of September it was announced that the Corvette Club of America won 1st Place in the Club Website Contest and we also won 2nd Place in the Club Newsletter Contest. Winning two Club Awards in the same year is quite an honor for us considering that there are hundreds of member clubs in the NCM. The next time you see Webmaster April be sure to give her a CCA pat-on-the-back for all of her efforts on the website. And as Editor of the Newsletter, I would like to thank everyone who contributes to publishing our three-time NCM award winning newsletter. We are in a multi-year effort to preserve the history of the World’s First Corvette Club and the website and newsletter are a big part of it.

Changing topics, we have our second autocross event of the year coming up this weekend. Our first event (delayed until September) turned out very well. The weather forecasts for this coming weekend are looking nice. We do have a limit on the number of entrants we can support so I suggest looking through the information in our Competition Director’s article to understand our Covid-19 restrictions. Links are provided at the end of his article to get all the information on our two remaining events this year. Once registration is filled we cannot take anymore so register quickly. We can always use volunteer help too! Volunteering at an event is a great way to learn about what goes on at an autocross. It is even a fantastic way to learn a little bit about our club. You do not have to be a CCA member to participate but we are always looking for new members.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 7: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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Our CCA member, Kim Lewis, from Down Under in Queensland Australia has a request to make this month. If you have been following the Corvette Courier for any length of time you’ll know he and Donna are involved in a loving restoration of a 1958 Corvette. It is likely the only right-hand drive model currently in the club but Corvette Courier articles from “the old days” indicate that there have been others in our history.

Kim has run into a potential problem and is looking for help. Here is a piece of his message to me this past week.

On another note, what would be the last minute I could ask you (if I am allowed that is) to insert a request in this article if any member knows where I could purchase a front bumper bar set for the ’58 vette. We are struggling with the original set to bring them back to life that the restoration deserves. We have a few calls to the US and we may get lucky although I think not. The attached photo is where we are at as of yesterday, getting close now, next weekend marks 4 years since we started, phew, a project and a half to try to stay as true to the original as possible in every way except (the added) right hand drive. We are now into doing all the internal trims, seats & dash pads.

If you have a suggestion or a lead on finding a ‘58 front bumper bar set, please contact him at: [email protected] . Save the Wave! Jon Thorn, Corvette Courier Editor

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 8: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 6

Competition Report 

Bill Sandusky - Competition Director [email protected]

www.vette-club.org/autocross

Yes we are back and it was almost perfect. We had a more than expected turnout in participants and volunteers. Three of the volunteers were not even club members! I said it was almost perfect, we had to make some adjustments since the karting tennant next to us overextended their track course onto a large area of the lot we use for parking, registration and tech inspection. Having a great bunch of volunteers helped get us through. VOLUNTEERS I NEED YOU FOR THE LAST TWO EVENTS. We don’t expect to have any problems with our karting neighbors. Everyone who volunteered for the event, you deserve a big thank you.

Okay, now about the event. We had a great turnout with over 40 drivers in both the AM and PM sessions. It made for a long day, but everyone seemed to enjoy it as I didn’t get any complaints. Fastest time of the day (FTD) found four Corvettes in the top six. Yours truly was number six and the best time for club members. This was the first time there was real competition in the C7 class where I finished second less than a tenth of second out of first. Even though I did not win the class, it was a challenge to finish second. Results for all classes are on the website.

Even with the adjustments to the lot I believe we will get another good turnout for the event on October 4, 2020. Hope to see lots of drivers and volunteers there !!

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 9: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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Complete information and registration for October 4th autocross:

www.vette-club.org/events/385/ Complete information and registration for October 25th autocross:

www.vette-club.org/events/386/ Results (by heat and by class) of September 13th autocross including course layout and photos:

www.vette-club.org/autocross/2020-09-13/

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 10: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 8

High Performance Driving Events 

Pat Roney - HPDE Instructor [email protected]

www.vette-club.org/hpde-track

Check out our CCA HPDE webpage for the latest drivers videos.

NCM at NCM MSP - Aug. 29-30, 2020 

Thanks to Art Bell for covering this event and for the following report and thanks to Pat Sullivan for helping get the crew together for the picture.

The essentials for a good track day are a Corvette and a group of your friends. The designer of the C8 Kirk Bennion is in this picture.

L-R: Mike Newlander (CCA, Chairman of the Board, NCM MSP), Matt Busby (NCM MSP Operations Mgr), Art Bell (CCA, NCM MSP Board Member), Ted Devit (CCA, NCM Events Grid Marshall, NCM MSP Director), Myra Devit (CCA, NCM event staff, driver), John Heinricy (pro driver, NCM MSP director & part of the NCM track staff), Jim Painter (CCA, race car driver champion), Kirk Bennion (GM, Corvette C8 Exterior Design Manager, driver), Alan Johnson (represents Matick Chevrolet which is the dealer that supplies NCM MSP with new Corvettes), Dan (Art’s buddy and pit crew), Evelyn Sullivan (CCA, HPDE driver and motocross champion), Pat Sullivan (CCA, NCM HPDE events Co-Chief Instructor), Ray Davis (CCA, on track instructor for NCM, Chin Trackdays and many more organizations)

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 11: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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Due to coronavirus the morning drivers’ meeting was held outside with appropriate social distance.

Thanks to Ted Devit for all the great photos.

Ladies are welcome at the track as we see Myra and Evelyn are regular attendees.

Must have a garage to hang out and stay dry during rain.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 12: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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It is essential the car has a place to rest and recover between sessions, especially if it runs in red and black!

Food is essential at the track.

Hydration and these facilities are essential during track day.

Thanks for your contributions Art.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 13: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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And some more pictures from Ted Devit and Mike Newlander and comments from Mike. In a time where COVID19 seems to dictate our behaviour, the NCM MSP staff for this event managed to put on a very successful track event. One could argue that it was one of their best events ever. For the more advanced drivers it was pretty close to what could be expected for these times. But for the novice students, it was a whole new program focused on keeping them safe from COVID19. There were no instructors in the cars with the novices as this utilized the Lead-Follow technique. Beyond that, the program was different as Andy Pilgrim, NCM’s own very accomplished pro driver with a career full of wins and podiums including the 24 hours of LeMans, was teaching techniques to help novices get up to speed quickly. Mike Newlander said that he was very impressed with what Andy was teaching in a way that he had not heard it before. I wished I had been there to benefit from Andy’s presentation.

Morning instructor meeting with masks and social distancing. Chuck Hawks passing on his wisdom to drivers. This event put Chuck through his paces as he had to come up with new classroom material every day for what was being done on track. Great job Chuck. Andy Pilgrim, pro driver, talking to novices about the basics before practicing some basic skills. These novices were treated to something that few of us have had the opportunity to experience.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 14: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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Drivers linking up waiting to go on track. Evelyn S. & Jim P. with their ZR1’s. There is Myra, but where is her beautiful C7 ZR1? Jim P. was Evelyn’s coach for this event which they accomplished with the lead-follow technique. Myra and Kirk Bennion talking with Chuck Fast, who sponsored the Kimberly Fast Pavillion to honor his daughter Kimberly, and has done so much for the MSP.

 

Kirk Bennion, with his son-in-law James, in his C6 Corvette Carbon edition track car heading out for some fun.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 15: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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And my favorite picture of all. Pat Sullivan checking out his wife Evelyn’s driving after her first time ever in a car on track. Evelyn is a champion motocrosser and we all were wondering if anybody would be able to hold her back on track in a car. Jim P. undertook this task and did a great job. Looks like Evelyn found the right man for the job. And judging from the smile on Evelyn’s face, she had a great time. I can see it now, the next event with Evelyn and Myra going at it on track with their ZR1s yelling for all the advanced drivers to get out of their way.

And here is Pat and Evelyn’s proud puppy Lou, saying “Yeah, that’s my mom ruling the track”.

Art Bell heading out for some fun on the track.

Check out the new windshield shade for the Corvette on Mike Newlander’s car.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 16: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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Chin at Watkins Glen - Sept. 7-8, 2020

Vic O. and I caravanned to Watkins Glen International Raceway together and upon arriving ran into Greg Frey, Vintage car racing winning driver. Greg has been in a couple of our CCA newsletter HPDE reports.

Austin Self and Jim Pomroy calling the drivers meeting to order with their horns. Many of the participants choose to attend in person while others attend through social media.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 17: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 15

A couple of my first day check ride drivers were coached by pro drivers. Here Stevan McAleer, on the left, is coaching Judit L. in her pink, green and white Porsche Cayman. Judit, in the middle, did a good job on track and passed her intermediate check ride. Judit’s husband is on the right and drives the blue Porsche GT3 Cup car. Stevan is the IMSA Prototype Challenge 2019 runner up and the 2019 Pirelli GT4 America East Pro-Am Champion. Stevan is also running in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Pro Class. On the right is Steven W., on the left, with his Phoenix Performance prepared Camaro did a good job on track and passed his Intermediate check ride. Steven was coached by pro driver Andrew Aquilante. Andrew managed a 2019 SCCA victory and his fourth GT-2 National Championship, setting a new GT-2 lap record along the way.

CCA members on track.

Vic O. in his Corvette C7 GS. Gobel N. in his modified Corvette C6 Z06.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 18: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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Porsche has lent a new GT4 to Chin Track Days to give rides to potential buyers and Chin has been busy. I talked to at least one potential buyer that is seriously considering it.

Pictured above from left to right is Alfred C., Maria Hicks and Harry C. Alfred and Harry are brothers and Chin Track Days instructors. The above picture was after a ride on track where Alfred, in his Corvette C6 Z06, was playing with Maria in the Porsche GT4. Alfred, a very skilled driver, had a tough time catching Maria on track. I was riding with Alfred and can attest to his driving skills. Harry was riding with Maria and I am sure he was impressed with Maria’s driving ability, as was I.

I got a picture of Gary Atkins, Watkins Glen Pit Marshall, as CCA member Vic O. in his Corvette C7 GS with me behind him heading out on track. I always check with Gary for a new story for the newsletter and he had none, but did say that he has been working at Watkins Glen International Raceway for 40 years with over 40 different clubs and that Chin Track Days is the most organized and best managed. Gary commented that Chin treats everybody like family.

Here is a picture of the sunrise from the turn 2 grandstands that I got on the way into the track before the Tuesday trackday began.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 19: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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FATT at the Summit Point Circuit - Aug. 28, 2020 

Sneaking in a little early I was able to get a few pictures of our CCA instructors, Bill S. and Marko B. debriefing their students.

CCA member and BSR instructor Marko B. with his C7 Corvette.

And who did I run into as soon as I got there?

Karl B. who had been instructing there for the FATT event along with instructor Wendy M. who you might recognize from our CCA autocrosses.

 

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 20: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 18

Chin Track Days at Summit Point Circuit - Aug. 29-30, 2020 

This is always one of CCA’s favorite events as it is local and club members get to come up and see what we do. As you saw in the Art B. article, most of our HPDE members were at the National Corvette Museum HPDE at their Motorsports Park, which with the COVID19 distraction this year, fell on the same weekend. Sean F. was kind enough to come up and hang out with us and to give me a ride in his new Corvette C8.

L to R: Paul V., Bill S., Neal A., Frank F., Bob C., Michael M., Sean F., Thomas B., Karl B., Kerry M., and myself. Missing is Southey M. who I got a picture of later.

The morning drivers meeting with Chin Event Manager Jack Beachem preparing us for the day’s fun.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 21: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

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With so many of our CCA instructors at the NCM event, SCCA stepped up to fill in with instructors. L to R: Kerry M., Karl B., Brian W., Joe O. (SCCA Chief Instructor), Baron M. (SCCA Asst CI). David M. (SCCA classroom instructor), Dave M., myself and Myhar A. Thanks to Joe O. and his great team.

Bob C. taking CCA VP Neal A. on track. Sean F. showing me what a C8 can do. Very

Impressive, both the car and Sean. It is amazing that a car right off the showroom floor could handle this well and be this fast. Bill S. with his student in a Porsche GT3 getting ready to go on track.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 22: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 20

Michael M. with his dad and his C7. Southey M. with his Katech Corvette

Paul V. in his sporty roadster visiting us. Thomas B. with his son heading for the track.

Shannon T. giving Neal A. a ride in his Hellcat. This seems to be an annual ride as Neal got a ride with Shannon last year also. Shannon was a student of mine at Barber Motorsports Park a few years ago and has come up to Summit Point from Tennessee for this event a couple of times. It looks like it might be on Shannon’s annual list of tracks to visit.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

Page 23: 7KH:RUOG·V)LUVW&RUYHWWH&OXE¬ · Jon Thorn - Corvette Courier Editor newsletter@vette-club.org - 301-963-4864 At the National Corvette Museum’s 26th Anniversary Celebration held

The Corvette Courier September 2020 Page 21

CCA members on track.

Thanks to Grid Marshall Lee L. for getting us out on track safely and then straightening us out if we got out of line. Also thanks to Kathleen L. for her support in getting the classroom equipment to work.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

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Art Bell at Monticello - September 11, 2020 

Last week I was at Monticello, NY, members only with exceptions, race track. The only person I knew there was Mike L., a great guy and skilled driver in his modified ZR 1! There are only two categories of drivers, Advanced and Touring. As I had never been on track and the very large number of McLarens, Ferrari’s, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Radicals and race teams made my choice Touring! I have never been on track with as many exotics. The grounds and facilities were first class as you would expect from a private club with $100,000 membership fee plus dues. The track is challenging, fast, technical with lots of run off areas. Blind turns require track familiarity and confidence. Only on my last run did I have a basic mental map. Individually the turns were similar to a turn on one of the other tracks I have been on except one blind corner where a quick left turn in all the way on the ‘gator is immediately followed an opposite side ‘gator right turn, at speed! I missed an alternate short course pit in and did another lap with no black flag, it’s easy for a person unfamiliar with the pit in point to miss it so I guess I was given pity. Monticello is an excellent track, challenging, very good surface traction and I give it 5 grins on a 5 grin scale. I give a slight ding to flag stations that seemed calm and lacked exuberance. True, the only flags I saw were first session full course yellow and checkered but no motion, checkered was limp with no exuberance from flagger. But maybe that’s the reserved elegant tempo of Monticello! Clubhouse was excellent with preordered chef prepared lunch. Bravo to the personnel at Monticello!

Thanks Art.

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Tracking Schedule  

Tracking events are different this year with the Coronavirus throwing us curve balls. The rules change daily and keep us on our toes. It is not unusual for state directives to change the day before the event, sending the HPDE organizations scrambling. Hang in there and I look forward to seeing you at the track soon. Keep an eye on this schedule as it will be updated regularly: www.vette-club.org/hpde-track/schedule/

Sept. 7-8, 2020 Chin at Watkins Glen Karl B., Pat R., Gobel N., Vic O. Sept. 9, 2020 Summit Point Seat Time Steve W. Sept. 12-13, 2020 SCCA at SP Shen Karl B., Pat R. Sept. 19-20, 2020 Chin at NCM MSP Pat R. Sept. 25, 2020 Summit Point FATT SPC Karl B., Bill S., Southey M., Steve W., John H. Oct. 10, 2020 Summit Point FATT Shen. Karl B., John H., Bill S. Oct. 18-19, 2020 Chin at VIR Pat R. Oct. 24-25, 2020 Chin at Road Atlanta Bob C., Pat R. Oct. 30-Nov. 1 Chin at Daytona Bob C., Pat R., Karl B. Nov. 13, 2020 Summit Point FATT SPC Karl B., John H., Bill S.

I look forward to seeing you at the track soon. Right now is the time to start planning for the Chin Track Days at Daytona International Speedway October 30 through November 1.

Public link to the “CCA HPDE Schedule” Google Calendar: calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=sunkp1fmge1pejnpmpcvgbn0rc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York

April has come up with a much better way to keep our HPDE schedule updated which will allow me to be able to make small changes to the schedule with very little effort. I am working on the info. that I have been sent by members so far and ready for any of you that have any dates set.

Want to try your car out on the track? 

Please remember to keep it to the speed limit and stay alert on the street as, in my opinion, and experience, it is much more dangerous at the speed limit on the street than on the track at speed. If you would like to hear more about the tracking experience, please feel free to ask myself, or any one of our tracking groups about how easy it is to give it a shot.

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Membership Update 

Paul Donohue - Membership Director [email protected] - 240-720-7816

www.vette-club.org/membership

Membership Numbers

● 163 current memberships (106 local, 54 long-distance, 3 honorary) ● 8 renewals from August 20 to September 20, 2020 ● 5 new memberships from August 20 to September 20, 2020

New Memberships Name Location Corvette Referrer Join Date

Bruce G. Yountville, CA 2008 Red Coupe CCA Website 08/29/2020

Ken & Channa P. Leesburg, VA 2020 Gray Z51 CCA Website 09/01/2020

Teddy & Candy M. La Plata, MD 2019 Black Convertible Facebook 09/05/2020

Adam & Heather S. Coatesville, PA 1994 White Coupe CCA Website 09/07/2020

Mike D. Springfield, VA 2019 Grand Sport CCA Website 09/14/2020

Membership & Renewal Information

The annual membership fee is $50 which covers the applicant and an optional second person. Memberships expire on January 1 for those who joined before October 1, 2018 or on the anniversary of the join date for those who joined on or after October 1, 2018. Automated renewal reminders are sent to the e-mail address* of the first applicant listed on the membership application beginning 4 weeks before the membership expiration date. Payment by PayPal, credit/debit card, cash, or check is accepted, but the renewal must be submitted online and payment must be received before the expiration date. Automated renewal reminders will continue to be sent until payment is received or your membership expires, at which point you will receive an automated expiration notice.

If you were or are in your renewal period and unsure whether to renew at this time given the circumstances, that’s not a problem. Just hang on to your final e-mail notice and you can return at any time by clicking on the renewal link and your dues will still be $50 a year starting on the date you rejoin. * To have your username or e-mail address changed, e-mail [email protected] More information about becoming a CCA member can be found at www.vette-club.org/membership/ If you have suggestions for me or the club, please send them to [email protected]

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National Corvette Museum Report 

Terry Popkin - NCM Ambassador [email protected]

MUSEUM OFFERINGS

Episodes of Vettecademy and Fully Vetted We have all the episodes available for viewing online! FULLY VETTED - www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/about-corvette/fully-vetted/ VETTECADEMY - www.corvettemuseum.org/explore/educational-programs/vettecademy/

MUSEUM NEWS

Museum acquires George Jones’ Corvette

The National Corvette Museum unveiled a newly acquired Corvette that will be the first celebrity-owned car to join the collection. The 1978 two-tone Corvette was special ordered by Country music singer George Jones and features a one-off paint scheme of Corvette Dark Brown and Corvette Light Beige. Jones special ordered car in the two-tone scheme because he liked the Pace Car look. The car was acquired thanks to the generosity of Lifetime Members Lon and Anne Helton of Nashville, TN and Time and Donna Vincent of Broussard, Louisiana. Read more.

1954 Corvette Donated

David Duggar of Knoxville, Tennessee fondly remembers receiving a model ’54, also in white, from his aunt when he was a boy and is looking forward to sharing this life size version with the many visitors to the Museum. Thank you to David, and to Reeder Chevrolet who planted the seed for David to donate his Corvette to us!

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MUSEUM EVENTS

One Lap of Kentucky Registration Open

Registration is open for the popular fall Museum in Motion series - Kentucky One Lap. This trip is in conjunction with the Kentucky State Police with proceeds benefiting both the Museum and the KSP’s Trooper Island Camp for under privileged kids.

The 2020 schedule will take participants to Eastern Kentucky with a stay in the beautiful Paintsville. Attractions include Kentucky Coal Mining Museum, Bluegrass Heritage Museum, Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum, Kingdom Come State Park, Natural Bridge State Park, J. Spanky Bunch Art Gallery, Pauley Hollow Distillery tasting, and loads of awesome restaurants. Register early! Four trips are available - 9/28, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26. Read more here.

CORVETTE NEWS

GM Bowling Green Assembly Debuts Samples of New 2021 Paint Colors

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As part of the National Corvette Museum’s 26 Anniversary Celebration GM Bowling Green Assembly debuted for the first time actual painted panels of the two new colors for 2021 - Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat and Silver Flare Metallic. Harlan Charles described the Silver Flare as having a ‘lot of travel’ and looking very different as you walk around the car. The Red Mist was described as a ‘firey red, brighter than some of the ones we’ve previously done.’ More information and photos here.

Corvette Plant Presented with Senate Resolution Award.

During the plant update as part of our 26th Anniversary Celebration, Kentucky Senator Mike Wilson presented GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant Manager Kai Spande with a Senate Resolution - an award for their successful launch of the next generation Corvette, and celebrates the Corvette being named North American Car of the Year.

SPECIAL MUSEUM RAFFLE

2020 Arctic White Stingray - 1.75 Millionth Corvette Drawn Friday September 4, 2020.

All 1,500 available tickets sold. Congrats to Don Creekmore of Wichita, KS with ticket #1167.

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● Not an NCM Member? Become one: https://www.corvettemuseum.org/support/membership/

● The 2020 NCM Spring Giving Campaign is on! https://www.corvettemuseum.org/support/give-now/

● NCM Events Calendar and Registration: https://www.corvettemuseum.org/explore/events/

● NCM Motorsports Park: https://www.corvettemuseum.org/visit/motorsports-park/

● Check out the NCM Corvette Store: https://corvettestore.com/

● Shop Amazon Smile & Support the NCM: Amazon will donate 0.5% of the cost of eligible purchases to the NCM. Click this link and sign into your Amazon account to get started: smile.amazon.com/ch/74-2519972/

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Cruise-in to Jimmie Cone in Mt. Airy 

Paul Vale, CCA Secretary

The summer of 2020 will be remembered as the summer of the Pandemic. CCA will remember it as the great social gathering drought. Due to Covid-19, all planned events were cancelled from April to the end of August. When Devin Streight announced we would have a pandemic-responsible cruise-in to Jimmie Cone, it was well received by members eager to get out of the house, fire up their Corvettes and put some mileage on them in the company of other Corvette owners. The event took place on September 5th, a sunny Saturday. Devin’s plan was for the club to gather at Sally Ride Elementary School in Germantown, and cruise from there up local roads to Mt. Airy. The weather was ideal for top-down driving, and those of us with convertibles arrived at the appointed

We nearly filled the teachers lot at Sally Ride Elementary School!

time with nothing but the sky above us. I even convinced my bride to accompany me on the cruise, and when we arrived at the meeting point, it was clear that many spouses were also interested in relieving their cabin fever by joining in the cruise. One of the fun things about the CCA is the variety of Corvettes that will show up for an event. As expected, there were fairly new ones, C5, C6 and C7 in the majority, but there were some gorgeous C2s, C3s and C4s. I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived to see so many Corvettes responding to Devin’s invitation (was that because the event was free, or because they were desperate to get out of

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the house?). There must have been 15 Corvettes in the lot when I pulled in. After I parked the car and got out, I saw more CCA members showing up! We had enough Corvettes to have an impromptu Corvette Show! It was clear that many members had taken the ‘Stay-at-Home’ order to be a ‘Stay-home-and-polish-your-Corvette’ order. Wearing masks we got out and milled around with fellow Corvette lovers exchanging pleasantries and asking about their activities during the pandemic. I found out that I wasn’t the only one who had gone through a long list of projects while I was confined at home. Some members had cleaned and polished the backs of their wheels, while others had detailed their wheel wells and mufflers! But soon the time came to ‘saddle up’ and head up the road to Mt Airy. We knew we would not be the only car lovers to descend upon Jimmie Cone that night. Every other Saturday in the summer, Jimmie Cone becomes a destination for car lovers of every stripe to show off their prize possessions and circle through the parking lot, looking for the perfect parking space to show off their pride and joy. Pulling into the lot, it was clear we were not the first to arrive, and we were greeted by the sight of other CCA members who skipped the cruise from Sally Ride ES had already gotten their ‘prime’

Standing in line at Jimmie Cone, this is the vista that would greet you as you looked at the parking lot.

parking spots and waved to us as we circled the lot looking for a parking place of our own. It should be noted that the parking lot serves other stores (such as Food Lion) as well as Jimmie Cone, and shoppers were treated to a car show as they hauled the week’s groceries to their SUVs. Debbie and I saw a spot opening up as an Escalade loaded with frozen pizza and beer (preppers? hoarders?) pulled out of a space and enabled us to back in and shut the engine down. We then joined the other

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Several Corvettes in a row representing 50 years of engineering innovation!

Jean Wade’s immaculate red C5 stands out in a crowd!

car lovers milling around the lot admiring the diversity of automotive excellence represented at this cruise-in. Since Corvette represents the ‘ne plus ultra’ of American automotive achievement, Corvette owners who have not yet joined CCA represented a significant contingent. Combined with the arrival of the CCA caravan, it made the cruise-in look like a well attended Corvette show! But lest we forget, Jimmie Cone is an outdoor ice cream parlor, and a fine one, at that! Before we got serious about looking at all the cars, we got in line (6 feet apart) and joined other ice cream aficionados in sampling the treats produced by the staff at Jimmie Cone. A Super Sundae with ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry on top seemed like an appropriate treat for Debbi and me.

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The 36 gallon gas tank that makes this C2 rare is barely noticeable to the casual observer.

Now for the fun part- communing with other Corvette devotees! Jean Wade had managed to get a parking spot near Jimmie Cone, and we spent a few minutes admiring her ‘Red Hot’ flame red C5 Corvette. In the row just behind her, Tony Avedisian had his ’64 ‘tanker’ coupe parked with the hood up showing off an immaculate fuel injected engine. As you might expect, it looked like it had just been plucked off the showroom floor. Frank Ferrell had parked nearby and he had his camera loaded with electrons, ready to record the most interesting cars. Just a few feet away was a bright red 2020 C8 Corvette. The owner was being peppered with questions which he good-naturedly responded to. C8s really stand out in a crowd. Debbi was intrigued by a slammed ‘50s VW that sat about 2” off the ground. The owner was showing off the air-ride suspension that allowed him to raise and lower the car at will, enabling him to navigate speed bumps without having to portage the car around them. Other car lovers were showing off the absurd outsized engines they were able to stuff in their compact classics or the dazzling chrome that they found ways to apply to every aspect of their engine compartments. If you missed this cruise, remind yourself to keep your eyes peeled for the next CCA event. We were able to enjoy ourselves while wearing masks and keeping a safe distance from the hoi polloi. But, so you don’t feel too left out, I’ve included some pictures of the more interesting vehicles sighted at the cruise in!

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Robert M. Rosenthal, (1928 – 2019) 

Jon Thorn, Corvette Courier Editor

This year we have had a couple of articles on CCA members that had a major impact on the club during the earliest days of its existence. These articles have been in addition to a couple over the years on the many contributions of possibly the most famous member, Dick Thompson. This year will certainly be known for the Covid-19 pandemic and the sharp limits it has placed on club activity. However, with fewer events to cover, it has also allowed an opportunity for the Corvette Courier to take a look back toward the beginning of our club’s 64 year history and refresh our memories of key contributions from early members. The most recent Corvette Courier article on Dick Thompson appeared in the October 2014 edition. In June of this year, we had an article on Fred Windridge who was Dick Thompson’s co-driver at the 1960 24 Hours of LeMans. That was followed up in August with an article on Bark Henry who had a brief but very active race history along the East Coast with the SCCA. If you would like to check these articles again they are available on our website here: https://www.vette-club.org/newsletters-articles/ .

This month I would like to remind us about Robert M. Rosenthal. Without his support the club may not even have gotten off the ground. Beginning his story at the end, here is an edited version of his obituary by Bart Barnes that appeared in the Washington Post on May 31, 2019.

Robert Rosenthal, who built automobile dealership into local behemoth, dies at 91 Robert M. Rosenthal, an automobile dealer who joined his father in an Arlington, Va., Chevrolet

dealership in 1954 and over the next 60 years built the business into a $1-billion-a-year

operation, died May 26 at his home in Washington. He was 91.

The cause was congestive heart failure, said a daughter, Jane Cafritz.

Mr. Rosenthal retired two years ago as president and chairman of

Rosenthal Automotive, consisting of 14 auto dealerships in the

metropolitan area. Over the years, the dealerships have sold vehicles

manufactured by BMW, Porsche, Land Rover, Jaguar, Acura, Hyundai,

Fiat, Chrysler, Volvo, Mazda, Dodge, Datsun and Pontiac. Nicholas

Cafritz, Mr. Rosenthal’s grandson, said the gross income of the

Rosenthal operations is $1 billion.

Robert Michael Rosenthal was born in Washington on Jan. 6, 1928. His

father, Harry, had been working since 1919 as a salesman for General Motors’ Chevrolet division.

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In 1954, the father and son opened a Chevrolet dealership in Arlington. By the late 1950s, Robert Rosenthal had become the president of the business, expanding it to include more than a dozen dealerships and opening its sales inventory to include Japanese and European automobiles. Harry Rosenthal died in 1986. To Mr. Rosenthal, automobiles were not only a vocation, but also an avocation. He collected and restored antique cars and had a special fondness for station wagons of the 1940s and 1950s featuring wood or wood-like paneling on their bodies.

The first mention of Robert Rosenthal in the club archives appears in the minutes of the very first meeting of the club. That meeting occurred at Rosenthal Chevrolet in Arlington, VA on July 17, 1956. Volunteers were requested to fill club officer positions until an election could be held and Bob Rosenthal agreed to lead the By-Laws Committee along with Jack Davis and Bill Welch. This brings up the observation that Robert and Bob seemed to be used equally for his first name throughout the material in the CCA archives. I am not sure if he had a real preference. Over a period of more than ten years he heavily participated in the club. The balance of this article will be a series of anecdotes about him because the full story will require much more research of our archives and there is simply not enough room in this one article. The most visible result today of his many contributions to the club is probably a silver bowl that has his name engraved on the back. Robert Rosenthal donated the bowl that was won by Dick Thompson in July 1957 at the first National competition held at Marlboro Raceway by the Washington DC Region of the Sports Car Club of America. Dick and Eve donated this trophy to the CCA as a centerpiece for the Dick Thompson Perpetual Award. The bowl is inscribed “Sports Car Club of America, Washington Region, Pot Hunter’s Trophy Race, Overall Winner, 1957” Besides being an annual award recognizing the CCA member best reflecting the spirit of Dick Thompson, the bowl is a reminder of Robert’s marketing and promotion skills for the club. This event was covered by Sports Illustrated and there is a copy of the article on the web here: vault.si.com/vault/1957/07/29/the-lavender-mob September 11th, 1957 was a significant date for the club as shown by the meeting minutes. At this meeting it was decided to change the club name from Capital Corvette Club to Corvette Club of America. It was also decided at this meeting that the club would not bear a regional name. The wheels were in motion at this point to consider becoming a national organization. A “Mr. Mayo of Chevrolet spoke to the members on the prospects of getting a charter for the club.” This was the beginning of discussions with officials in Detroit about being the first Corvette club with a national charter from Chevrolet. The Publicity Committee reported that John Ralph, the club’s founder and first President, had been interviewed by Gene Archer on WRC radio and discussed the club and its functions. It was also announced that Gene Archer and Al Ross would be available to announce club activities on the air. In addition, NBC-TV agreed to carry an interview with the club. Clearly, Robert

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Rosenthal was using his contacts to promote the club locally and with Chevrolet Detroit. Also at this meeting he donated a kiddie Corvette to the club member with the best score in an upcoming rallye. Helping to drive this path for club growth is the fact that in 1955 the Porsche Club of America was formed here in Washington, DC. and the area was a major hot spot of sports car activity. The December 1957 meeting minutes has another clear indication of Robert Rosenthal’s influence and promotion of the club. “The President (John Ralph) reported that the Chevrolet Dealers Association is interested in our club and that Phil Lustine, the President, has requested that the club prepare a brief on the club’s functions, purposes and the manner in which the Dealers Association can assist the club in it’s activities.” By the beginning of 1958 things were happening quickly. The February meeting minutes show that “Jack Davis (VP) reported that the Speed Gymkhana held at Manassas on January 26th attracted 81 entrants and took in $162 in revenue. Jack further stated that Bob Rosenthal would contribute $20 toward the trophies, in addition to having furnished coffee and doughnuts free of charge for all participants.” Also at this same meeting Jack reported that he had attended the Greater Metropolitan Area Sports Car Council meeting and that the calendar of events for the first six months of the year had been set up. Under the calendar the CCA will hold a rally on March 9 and a gymkhana on June 29. The GMASCC is composed of members from the SCCA, PCA, MG Car Club, QSCC (Quantico Sports Car Club), Triumph Association, and the CCA. The council will work toward standard rules and will assign specific projects. The CCA has been assigned to work on rally computers and gimmicks for rallies.” Just one more example of Robert Rosenthal’s generosity toward the CCA occurred in May of 1959. The CCA organized a nationwide meeting of clubs interested in forming an umbrella organization for Corvette Clubs. While some in the club still wanted the CCA to be that organization, through lots of discussion and debate in the club it had been decided that it would not be the role of the CCA. This meeting was held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC and was attended by approximately 35 people from clubs in Baltimore, Cleveland, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Michigan, and Upstate New York as well as the CCA. That meeting led to the formation of the National Council of Corvette Clubs. Club minutes indicate that Bob Rosenthal offered to pay for the bar bill at the Mayflower Hotel for the weekend-long meeting and, while no amount was mentioned, I feel certain that it was one hefty bar tab!

If you happened to read the August Corvette Courier article on Bark Henry, you may recall that there was an excerpt from Vette Vues on a display of the car he raced at the 2007 Bloomington Gold Corvette Show. The display mentioned that the car was the earliest known RPO 684 produced at St. Louis and perhaps the most successful 1957 Corvette in SCCA Racing during 1957. It also included the statement that sponsor Robert “Bob” Rosenthal of Rosenthal Chevrolet in Arlington, VA, was the most successful dealer race team in 1957. Through Robert’s connections with GM he had acquired

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the first stock “big brake” Corvettes available outside of GM. That not only showed the strength of his association with the factory but their faith in “his” team of CCA drivers, Thompson, Windridge, and Henry. The RPO 684 heavy duty brake and suspension option was designed to address what was viewed as a major weakness of the Corvette at that time. The car was also equipped with fuel injection, 4-speed transmission, positraction, wide wheels, and a removable hardtop. At the same time Fred Windridge placed his own order for an identical car through Robert Rosenthal. Left is a photo of Fred Windridge leading Bark Henry, likely at Marlboro in 1957.

These cars were campaigned in the East by the Rosenthal “Team” at a time when the racing and performance cars were under tremendous federal pressure. In 1955, during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a catastrophic accident occurred where a Mercedes 300SLR exploded and careened into the crowd killing 83 spectators and injuring dozens more. By 1957 pressure had risen to the point that the Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA), made up of members representing all American auto manufacturers, formed a gentleman’s agreement to back out of organized auto racing and motorsports of any kind. Many articles and books have been written on this period. Some say it was primarily a ploy to keep the U.S. Government from getting directly involved. Obviously GM was in a difficult position since they wanted to promote the Corvette and insure its future at a time when factory involvement in racing was prohibited. During this period the CCA with Bob Rosenthal and the club’s exceptional drivers for the time (Thompson, Windridge, and Henry) played a small but important part in helping to improve the safety and performance of the Corvette and promote the brand in a way that GM could not.

I have recommended several times that anyone interested in another view of the club in the earliest days should read The Corvette Guide by Dick Thompson and Donn Munson. Published in 1958 by the Sports Car Press, and long out of print, this book is a treasure for anyone interested in early Corvette history from the perspective of someone outside GM. CCA Past President Don Haller obtained a used hardback copy on ebay quite a few years ago and donated it to the club archives. (Now that I have reminded him he will probably want it back!) It has been a couple of years since I have seen a copy available on ebay but the amazing thing is that it is available today from Amazon in

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a Kindle edition for $3.99 which I am certain is a fraction of what Don paid. www.amazon.com/s?k=CORVETTE-Guide-History-Automobile-ebook I am bringing this up because my last anecdote for this article on Robert Rosenthal came straight from this book.

Corvette Racing has a nice explanation of the story behind “Jake” on their website. I have been fortunate to meet some of the people involved. At the core of the symbol of Jake is a never give up attitude, a take no prisoners point of view, and a give it your absolute best effort as the key to winning. The “Jake” logo is known worldwide by race fans as is the dedication of Corvette Fans. Lots of good teams have this kind of spirit but some of what makes Corvette Racing unique is the marketing effort that went into promotion of the Corvette image. I could make a claim, and probably support it, that part of Dick Thompson’s contribution was supporting the marketing image of Corvette at a time when they really needed it and long before the “Jake” logo existed. I also believe that It was the marketing skill of Robert Rosenthal that urged him down that path. If you have any doubts I suggest reading The Corvette Guide while looking at it strictly as a marketing tool.

Moving on to this last story… The year is 1958 and Dick had won the Sports Car Club of America National Class B Championship with Corvette at that point. It was February and he did not have a race car. In less than a month would be the Sebring race. To quote him, “As the leading Corvette driver, it was almost mandatory that I drive at Sebring.” Remember again, no (obvious) factory support, no sponsors to cover expenses, and most importantly, no car. In his book he said he spent enough on long distance phone calls trying to beg or borrow a new Corvette to have been able to almost buy one. As an amateur he could not even compete for the $3000 prize at Sebring.

To use his terms, “Operation Shoestring” was born. It started during what he called a bull session that I suspect included a bunch of people in a DC bar. Windridge contributed his battered 1957 veteran of the Caracas race and the very heavy wear and tear of the 1957 season. (The race in Venezuela could have been a book by itself but it was also covered in The Corvette Guide.) Attorney Bob Mc-Kinsey of Washington, former regional director of the SCCA and an ex-driver, formed a corporation and assumed the position of team manager. Public appeals were made for donation. Bob Rosenthal contributed space at his dealership and round the clock help. Ev Gardiner of the Washington Daily News told the story and donations started rolling in from fans. “Mechanics Alvin Chandler and Paul Whitestine, two topflight Corvette men, began to strip the Windridge car. The Corvette Club of America sent a healthy check and their blessings.” Race fans dropped in at night to watch a new engine installed and ended up passing wrenches. He went on to say that “wives and girlfriends waited in the gloom of the icy cold garage while their men slaved over a year-old car that looked like it couldn’t get around the block under its own power, let alone run in the toughest race in the country.” Spare parts were begged and bought. Less than 48 hours before the starting flag the car was hitched behind Windridge’s station wagon and headed for Sebring. (As a side note remember that there was no interstate highway system.)

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

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Race day, the car with the #2 on a new paint job was ready. Everything that the FIA allowed to be removed was gone. “The car was lean and fast. It was the ugliest looking car in the big field of 60 that began the race. But it had a heart as stout as a lion’s, terrifying acceleration and fantastic brakes.” During practice they were only seconds behind the Ferraris and Sterling Moss’s Aston Martin.

I’ll encourage you to get the Kindle book rather than give the details of the race. Just to be a spoiler, they did not win but it was an amazing race. I will quote the last couple of paragraphs to give you some of the flavor.

The minute the race was over the crowd descended upon us, those loyal fans who didn’t dash to congratulate the Ferrari team. Their pats on the back, their words of praise, the open approval of a year-old stock Corvette that had challenged and stayed with the best sports cars in the world were worth every minute of it… the long hours of preparation, the long trip South, the heartbreak of a simple mishap that spelled defeat in the end.

Defeat?

I don’t really think it was. I think the day Chevrolet created a production car that is now available at a third of the price of a comparable European car, the United States began to capture the honors it deserves in the field of fast motoring.

The record doesn’t stop at Sebring. It will go on and on as long as Corvettes are manufactured and there are Americans with speed in their hearts to drive them.

Even though it would be more than 40 years before the Jake logo and a factory team were created I think you can see some of the same spirit in this story. Maybe there really is something to that marketing slogan, “Chevy Runs Deep.”

The CCA has a long history and a large number of members that have made major contributions to that history. Robert M. Rosenthal certainly belongs on that list.

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

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For Sale 

Free “For Sale” Items 

NEW condition: all leather seat back for ’92 and ’93 Corvettes (and possibly earlier). It’s part of a set that I bought for my ’92 coupe, but I sold the coupe after installing the seat bottom (but before installing the backrest/side bolster part). It is black and fits both driver and passenger sides. It is FREE to a good home if you will arrange to pick it up. I also have a seat track available for parts or repair. Same price as the seat cover. It is currently non-functional, but it has many parts that could contribute to making your C4 power seats more powerful. Contact Paul Vale ( [email protected] or [email protected])

 

 

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

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About the Corvette Club of America 

Board of Directors 

President Jim Streight [email protected] 240-839-1935

Vice President Neal Atwell [email protected] 301-605-4110

Secretary Paul Vale [email protected] 301-570-9348

Treasurer Nita Armstrong [email protected] 443-852-1922

Membership Director Paul Donohue [email protected] 240-720-7816

Events Coordination Director Devin Streight [email protected] 240-468-8190

NCM Ambassador Terry Popkin [email protected] 301-949-2464

Competition Director Bill Sandusky [email protected] 301-801-7519

Parliamentarian Jon Thorn [email protected] 301-963-4864

Vendor & Club Relations Director Van Vander Haar [email protected] 410-489-5002

Webmaster April Hussey [email protected] 240-720-7816

Past President W. Kelly Ryan [email protected] 240-601-6045

Non-Board Positions 

Courier Editor Jon Thorn [email protected] 301-963-4864

Sale Ad Editor Jon Thorn [email protected] 301-963-4864

HPDE Instructor Pat Roney [email protected]

Maryland License Plates

Wayne Hatcher [email protected] 240-382-4476

Newsletter Mailing Address 

Corvette Club of America, Inc. 19920 Mastenbrook Place Gaithersburg, MD 20886-1352

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

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History (1956-2020) 

The Corvette Club of America was founded by John Ralph and Charles Eyre who organized the first club meeting on July 17, 1956 at a Chevrolet dealership in Arlington, Virginia. By the end of 1957 the club changed its name from the Capital Corvette Club to the Corvette Club of America, since it was the intent of the members to make the club a national organization. Before the end of the following year, the club had over one hundred members.

In 1959, the Corvette Club of America held an organizational meeting of Corvette clubs at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. The result was the formation of the National Council of Corvette Clubs which today has about 19,000 members and is the largest non-profit association of Corvette Clubs in the United States. For a variety of reasons, the CCA did not join the NCCC until July of 1966 and was awarded club #1 for its efforts in establishing the organization.

In July 2016, the CCA notified the NCCC that it would terminate its 50 year membership at the end of the year. There were a number of factors but the CCA felt that focusing our limited resources on the National Corvette Museum would provide more benefit for the Corvette Community as a whole.

The Corvette Club of America is a very active club today with a strong mix of competitive, social, and charitable activities.

Through the years the CCA has seen many fine members come and go; however, one thing remains unchanged. The membership is composed of individuals both male and female, young and old, that share a common interest, America’s Sports Car - the Corvette!

Read more about CCA’s history on the website: www.vette-club.org/history

Charities 

The CCA has a long history of philanthropic and charitable support. From the earliest days of the club, there has always been a strong desire to give back to the community. The present day CCA continues that heritage through a combination of direct donations to worthy charities and volunteering of members’ time and effort. Currently our principle efforts are focused toward these nine organizations and activities. While the CCA occasionally provides support for other organizations, many of these nine have been on our principal list for a decade or more. You can find more detailed information on the CCA website: www.vette-club.org/charities

   

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020

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Sponsors 

The Corvette Club of America is indebted to our sponsors. Without their help and support the club simply would not exist. We maintain an area on our website to recognize the help they provide to us and we encourage you to review this information. If your needs for products or services align with their offerings, please be sure to check them out and let them know that you heard about them from the CCA. Each one has our unconditional recommendation. Click on a logo for more information or visit the sponsors page on the website: www.vette-club.org/sponsors

The Corvette Club of America is proud to be exclusively associated with

Sport Chevrolet.

... Be a Sport fan too!

3101 Automobile Blvd. Silver Spring, MD 20904

www.sportchevrolet.com

Contact Kyle Bacon, General Sales Manager for a new or used car - 240-560-5540

The Corvette Courier is published monthly by the Corvette Club of America, Inc. - ⓒ 2020 Corvette Club of America, Inc. Second Place Winner of the National Corvette Museum Newsletter Contest: 2015, 2018, 2020