Corvette Racing 2008 - The Race Forums - A Social Network for Fans of the American Le Mans

cor123 · 12-12-2007, 12:23 PM

FROM GM RACING:

Corvette Racing to Compete in 12-Race American Le Mans Series in 2008 Chevrolet Factory Team to Run Entire ALMS Schedule and 24 Hours of Le Mans DETROIT - Corvette Racing, the most successful team in the history of the American Le Mans Series, will compete in the GT1 class in all 12 events on the ALMS schedule in 2008. Chevrolet's two-car factory road racing team will also return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in pursuit of a sixth GT1 title in the world's most famous sports car race.

"Corvette Racing was conceived as a long-term program to showcase the performance, technology, and value of Chevrolet's world-class sports car," said Mark Kent, director of GM Racing. "Since the team's competition debut in 1999, Corvette Racing's success in top-tier road racing has produced a strong return on our investment, paying dividends in marketing, engineering, technology transfer, personnel development and other areas of our business. Corvette is now a performance icon that's recognized around the world, and Corvette Racing's continued participation in the ALMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be an important element in the global celebration of GM's 100th anniversary in 2008."

Corvette Racing has won seven consecutive GT1 manufacturers and team championships and six straight drivers championships in ALMS competition. The team holds the series' records for class victories (57) and 1-2 finishes (40).

"Our decision to compete in all 12 rounds of the ALMS schedule in 2008 reflects our commitment to our sponsors, our suppliers, and to Corvette enthusiasts worldwide," said Steve Wesoloski, GM Racing Road Racing Group manager. "There is a reason why thousands of Corvette owners attend Corvette Corrals at ALMS events and why the autograph line at Corvette Racing is the longest in the ALMS paddock: Racing is an integral part of Corvette's history and heritage, and we are continuing that tradition.

"Experience teaches us that motorsports is cyclical, and the GT1 category is currently in transition," Wesoloski observed. "Would we like to see more competition in GT1 in the ALMS? Absolutely! But in the absence of season-long competition, we are absolutely committed to controlling our own destiny. We are pushing hard to develop our chassis and powertrain, to refine our race strategy, and to continuously improve every element of the program. We know that the competition at Le Mans will be intense, and we will use the ALMS series to hone the race cars, the drivers, and the team to prepare for it."

Corvette Racing will test two new Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars in February in preparation for the season-opening round of the ALMS series, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, on March 15, 2008.

HORNDAWG · 12-12-2007, 01:07 PM

That is good news. Wonder how long till we get the rest of it(?), drivers and any future tidbits (Proto-Vette).

ZRated · 12-12-2007, 01:15 PM

Good to hear they'll be back with full season effort. Now just gotta pray that some competition comes along.

mayk · 12-13-2007, 10:59 AM

I am surprised to 'not see' much noise about this announcement....Here is some really GREAT news for the Series, and nada...zippo....seems like people like to talk about gloom and doom and the ills of the class vs. a strong committment from a GM to race in the only series with 'relevance'.

Oh, I am sure there will be those that say this is bad news and it will be a sad year again to watch a two car parade (except those that work for the team and the team photographer!).....

Come on Aston, get over here and play and stop crying!

WMUCarGuy · 12-13-2007, 12:40 PM

Just a thought,

With the talk of the Ollies helping out more on the European Corvette front, maybe they could put Pilgrim and Aschenbach in a car together since they're not racing Caddies anymore. Or maybe Papis will finally get a full seat ride with Pilgrim, or maybe nothing will change at all.

As much as I love the lineup Corvette's had for the past several years, I'd really love to see some fresh blood in the cars!

HORNDAWG · 12-13-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WMUCarGuy

Just a thought,

With the talk of the Ollies helping out more on the European Corvette front, maybe they could put Pilgrim and Aschenbach in a car together since they're not racing Caddies anymore. Or maybe Papis will finally get a full seat ride with Pilgrim, or maybe nothing will change at all.

As much as I love the lineup Corvette's had for the past several years, I'd really love to see some fresh blood in the cars!

Well as the rumors go; It would be a prudent thing IMO to put Pilgrim and Aschenbach into a Vette in some manner to gain experience for when Cadillac takes over in GT.

Reddwarf · 12-13-2007, 01:10 PM

This is great news. Maybe it didn’t get the fanfare expected because it was pretty much a given some time ago, when Doug Fehan confirmed that Corvettes would do the full series.

Just listened to an interview with David Brabham today and he was asked about Aston’s involvement. He said that they are still pretty “tight lipped” about their plans, but of course are working a GT2 car…. Its unfortunate that their non appearance in ALMS did in fact help them at le Mans, as it may influence their thinking again in 2008. Being almost their “home race”, and the most important (ooops, sorry ALMS) the 24 Hours is their main goal of course.

But it would be great to see someone running against the Corvettes, and I know the drivers would prefer it.

The ALMS and LMS dates don't coincide, so if Luc Alphand doea think he'd like the two Ollies in one of his cars they would still be free. If I'm honest, I dodn't see Pilgrim in a Vette... I just don't think he has the speed in the Corvette anymore for some reason..

HORNDAWG · 12-13-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reddwarf

This is great news. Maybe it didn’t get the fanfare expected because it was pretty much a given some time ago, when Doug Fehan confirmed that Corvettes would do the full series.

Just listened to an interview with David Brabham today and he was asked about Aston’s involvement. He said that they are still pretty “tight lipped” about their plans, but of course are working a GT2 car…. Its unfortunate that their non appearance in ALMS did in fact help them at le Mans, as it may influence their thinking again in 2008. Being almost their “home race”, and the most important (ooops, sorry ALMS) the 24 Hours is their main goal of course.

But it would be great to see someone running against the Corvettes, and I know the drivers would prefer it.

The ALMS and LMS dates don't coincide, so if Luc Alphand doea think he'd like the two Ollies in one of his cars they would still be free. If I'm honest, I dodn't see Pilgrim in a Vette... I just don't think he has the speed in the Corvette anymore for some reason..

Andy seemed to be able to pedal the Vette pretty well at Mosport this year!

cor123 · 12-13-2007, 01:51 PM

It was announed this April that Andy Pilgrim would replace Ron Fellows in the #3 car. But, with recent rumors of Johnny going over to the another series & the Ollies doing more racing with Luc Alphand I asked about the Corvette driver lined up. I was told: "Stay Tuned"

WMUCarGuy · 12-13-2007, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cor123

It was announed this April that Andy Pilgrim would replace Ron Fellows in the #3 car. But, with recent rumors of Johnny going over to the another series & the Ollies doing more racing with Luc Alphand I asked about the Corvette driver lined up. I was told: "Stay Tuned"

You've stated that it was "announced" that Andy would replace Ron now twice now, but as far as I know, there still has not been any announcement of this.