AMERICA
the Beautiful NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM AND SPORTS PARK
Although some years ago, I covered the National Corvette Museum in this publication, things change and I feel an update is appropriate. People visit this venue from all over the world, including groups of and individual bikers. Across the street for the Bowling Green Corvette plant, this museum displays the history of America’s Sports Car. While many automobile brands have come and gone, with the mid-engine C8, and the upcoming Z06, demand far exceeds supply, insuring its place in the world market. (Disclaimer: I am the lucky owner of a beautiful Rapid Blue 2022 Z51) Since its inception in 1953 (a weakly powered, but neat looking Vette), the machine has undergone many updates. The original model was cobbled together from modified Chevy passenger car parts. In 1994, the notfor-profit organization opened this 115,000 foot museum, where visitors can see the past, present, and future of this incredible sports car. On display are many iconic models. The 1965 prototype XP-819 (Ugly Duckling), with a rear engine, the 1975 XP-987GT, with a 2 rotary engine, and the 1974, only Corvette ever owned by Zora (hence the Z, in Z06, Z51, etc.) Arkus-Duntov, “Father of the Corvette”, are but a few. Many racing ‘Vettes are on display including a 2015 C7-R. At the finish of the 2016 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, Corvettes finished 1-2, with a .084 sec. difference.
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The Program Manager and GM execs decided to have a race-off to determine the winner. The C7-R, on display, won the race-off. You can also see a Malibu Corvette boat as produced from 1997-2000, a “production line” from the old St Louis plant and, heartbreakingly, the remains of the 6 priceless cars destroyed in the sink hole disaster. The wrecks include the 1.5 Millionth Corvette, produced in 2009. Two others were able to be restored. Need speed? Try out the simulated racer in the lobby. Or better still, head to the Motorplex and get behind the wheel in the Corvette Experience. Lessons are also available. For the motorcycle racers out there, there are special events, for you too. Check out the museum web site for info and dates. www.corvettemuseum.org National Corvette Museum 350 Corvette Dr. Bowling Green, KY 42101 Ride Safe and Have Fun!! Cooper
ThunderRoadsTennessee.com
JUNE 2022
