Chronology of Chevrolet Corvettes

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References are numbered in [brackets], which are listed here. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2023 December 20.


2004

July 2
  • At the Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, Ohio, the Trans-Am on the Tarmac race is held, round four of the Motorock Trans-Am Series.
    • Finishing 4th is the Derhaag Motorsports #49 Corvette, driven by Randy Ruhlman.
    • Finishing 5th is the #06 Corvette, driven by Joey Scarallo.
    • In 12th place, but not finishing the race, is the Ruman Racing #23 Corvette, driven by Bob Ruman.
    • In 13th place, but not finishing the race, is the Simms Motorsports #24 Corvette, driven by Philip Simms.
    [246]
July 5
  • At the Lime Rock Park raceway in Lakeville, Connecticut, the New England Grand Prix race is held, round three of the American Le Mans Series.
    • Finishing 1st in GTS class and 4th overall is the Corvette Racing #4 Corvette C5-R, driven by Olivier Beretta and Oliver Gavin.
    • Finishing 2nd in GTS class and 5th overall is the Corvette Racing #3 Corvette C5-R, driven by Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell.
    [245]
July 10
  • At Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Trans-Am in T.O. race is held, round five of the Motorock Trans-Am Series.
    • Finishing 2nd is the Derhaag Motorsports #49 Corvette, driven by Randy Ruhlman.
    • Finishing 3rd is the Derhaag Motorsports #40 Corvette, driven by Ron Fellows.
    • Finishing 7th is the #06 Corvette, driven by Joey Scarallo.
    [246]
July 16
  • At the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, round four of the American Le Mans Series is held. During a 30-minute pre-race practice session, Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the Corvette Racing #8 Corvette C5-R spins off-track, hits a wall, and the car ignites. Earnhardt suffers minor burns in the face and legs, and the car is withdrawn from the race.
    • Finishing 1st in GTS class and 4th overall is the Corvette Racing #3 Corvette C5-R, driven by Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell.
    • Finishing 3rd in GTS class and 18th overall is the Corvette Racing #4 Corvette C5-R, driven by Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta.
    [245] [563.6]
July 18
  • At the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, the Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma race is held, round four of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed GT Championship series.
    • Finishing 2nd is the 3R-Racing #73 Corvette Z06, driven by Phil McClure.
    • Finishing 5th is the Banner Engineering #6 Corvette Z06, driven by Leighton Reese.
    • Finishing 6th is the Black Dog Racing #34 Corvette Z06, driven by Tony Gaples.
    • Finishing 16th is the #47 Corvette Z06, driven by Bob Taylor.
    • Finishing 17th is the #67 Corvette Z06, driven by Kevin Chambers.
    • Finishing 20th is the #28 Corvette Z06, driven by Lou Gigliotti.
    • In 23rd place, but not finishing the race, is the Tiger Racing #99 Corvette, driven by Thomas Oates.
    • In 24th place, but not finishing the race, is the #31 Corvette, driven by Keith Videtto.
    [247]
July 22
  • Production of the 2004 model Corvette ends, also ending production of the C5 model Corvette. Nearly 250,000 were built since the 1997. A ceremony is held at the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. [563.6]
July 25
  • At the Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon, the Portland Grand Prix race is held, round five of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed GT Championship series.
    • Finishing 3rd is the 3R-Racing #73 Corvette Z06, driven by Phil McClure.
    • Finishing 7th is the Banner Engineering #6 Corvette Z06, driven by Leighton Reese.
    • Finishing 12th is the #31 Corvette Z06, driven by Keith Videtto.
    • Finishing 13th is the NayKid Racing #97 Corvette Z06, driven by Scotty White.
    • Finishing 14th is the #28 Corvette Z06, driven by Lou Gigliotti.
    • Finishing 15th is the #67 Corvette Z06, driven by Kevin Chambers.
    • In 21st place, but not finishing the race, is the Tiger Racing #99 Corvette, driven by Thomas Oates.
    • In 22nd place, but not finishing the race, is the Black Dog Racing #34 Corvette, driven by Tony Gaples.
    [247]
  • At the Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon, round five of the American Le Mans Series is held.
    • Finishing 1st in GTS class and 3rd overall is the Corvette Racing #3 Corvette C5-R, driven by Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell.
    • Finishing 2nd in GTS class and 4th overall is the Corvette Racing #4 Corvette C5-R, driven by Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta.
    [245]
August 1
  • At the Trois-Rivieres Street Circuit in Trois Rivieres, Quebec, Canada, the 35th Le Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres race is held, round six of the Motorock Trans-Am Series.
    • Finishing 4th is the Derhaag Motorsports #49 Corvette, driven by Randy Ruhlman.
    • Finishing 5th is the Ruman Racing #23 Corvette, driven by Bob Ruman.
    • Finishing 6th is the Derhaag Motorsports #40 Corvette, driven by Ron Fellows.
    • Finishing 7th is the Simms Motorsports #24 Corvette, driven by Philip Simms.
    • Finishing 9th is the CJWebster Motorsports #95 Corvette, driven by Charles Webster.
    • In 11th place, but not finishing the race, is the #06 Corvette, driven by Joey Scarallo.
    [246]
August 6
  • At the Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, round six of the American Le Mans Series is held.
    • Finishing 1st in GTS class is the Corvette Racing #4 Corvette C5-R, driven by Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta.
    • Finishing 2nd in GTS class is the Corvette Racing #3 Corvette C5-R, driven by Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell.
    [245]
August 7
  • At the Road America Raceway in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, the 36th Annual Trans-Am Rumble at the Road race is held, round seven of the Motorock Trans-Am Series.
    • Finishing 2nd is the Derhaag Motorsports #49 Corvette, driven by Randy Ruhlman.
    • Finishing 5th is the Derhaag Motorsports #64 Corvette, driven by Johnny Miller.
    • Finishing 7th is the Lamers Motor Racing #36 Corvette, driven by Cliff Ebben.
    • Finishing 8th is the Simms Motorsports #24 Corvette, driven by Philip Simms.
    • Finishing 9th is the Ruman Racing #23 Corvette, driven by Bob Ruman.
    • In 20th place, but not finishing the race, is the #06 Corvette, driven by Joey Scarallo.
    • In 21st place, but not finishing the race, is the Hypermax Engineering #83 Corvette, driven by Max Lagod.
    [246]
  • At the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, the EMCO Gears Mid-Ohio Road Racing Classic race is held, round seven of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series.
    • Finishing 10th in SGS class and 34th overall is the Michael Baughman Racing #46 Corvette, driven by Ray Mason and Mike Yeakle.
    • Finishing 10th in GT class and 35th overall is the Specter Werks #24 Corvette, driven by Tom Bambard and Jeff Nowicki.
    • Finishing 11th in GT class and 36th overall is the SL Motorsports #06 Corvette, driven by Steve Lisa, Davy Jones, and Chuck Hemmingson.
    [244]
  • At the Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, the Mosport Grand Prix race is held, round six of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed GT Championship series.
    • Finishing 6th is the Banner Engineering #6 Corvette Z06, driven by Leighton Reese.
    • Finishing 8th is the 3R-Racing #73 Corvette Z06, driven by Phil McClure.
    • Finishing 10th is the #28 Corvette Z06, driven by Lou Gigliotti.
    • Finishing 14th is the Black Dog Racing #34 Corvette Z06, driven by Tony Gaples.
    • Finishing 20th is the Tiger Racing #99 Corvette Z06, driven by Thomas Oates.
    • In 23rd place, but not finishing the race, is the Doug Rippie Motorsport #9 Corvette, driven by Adam Malmquist.
    [247]
August 8
  • At the Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, the Mosport Grand Prix race is held, round seven of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed GT Championship series.
    • Finishing 2nd is the Banner Engineering #6 Corvette Z06, driven by Leighton Reese.
    • Finishing 3rd is the #28 Corvette Z06, driven by Lou Gigliotti.
    • Finishing 12th is the Tiger Racing #99 Corvette Z06, driven by Chip Herr.
    • Finishing 13th is the Black Dog Racing #34 Corvette Z06, driven by Tony Gaples.
    • Finishing 16th is the Dour Rippie Motorsport #9 Corvette Z06, driven by Adam Malmquist.
    • In 19th place, but not finishing the race, is the 3R-Racing #73 Corvette Z06, driven by Phil McClure.
    [247]
August 13
  • At the Watkins Glen International raceway in Watkins Glen, New York, the Sahlen's 200 at The Glen race is held, round eight of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. Finishing 10th in SGS class and 31st overall is the Michael Baughman Racing #46 Corvette, driven by Michael Baughman and Mike Yeakle. [244]
August 14
  • At the Pepsi Center Street Circuit in Denver, Colorado, the Cytomax Sport Drink 100 - Denver race is held, round eight of the Motorock Trans-Am Series.
    • Finishing 2nd is the Derhaag Motorsports #64 Corvette, driven by Johnny Miller.
    • Finishing 5th is the Derhaag Motorsports #49 Corvette, driven by Randy Ruhlman.
    • Finishing 8th is the #06 Corvette, driven by Joey Scarallo.
    • Finishing 11th is the Simms Motorsports #24 Corvette, driven by Philip Simms.
    [246]

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August 15
  • In Pebble Beach, California, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance show is held. Five cars are revealed as subjects of five new US Postal Service 37-cent stamps celebrating 1950s American sports cars, including the 1953 Corvette. [535.151] [583.10] [624.8]
August 21
  • At the Road America raceway in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, the Road America 500 race is held, round eight of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed GT Championship series.
    • Finishing 3rd is the 3R-Racing #73 Corvette Z06, driven by Phil McClure.
    • Finishing 19th is the #28 Corvette Z06, driven by Lou Gigliotti.
    • In 21st place, but not finishing the race, is the Black Dog Racing #34 Corvette, driven by Tony Gaples.
    • In 24th place, but not finishing the race, is the Tiger Racing #99 Corvette, driven by Chip Herr.
    • In 25th place, but not finishing the race, is the Doug Rippie Motorsport #9 Corvette, driven by Adam Malmquist.
    [247]
August 22
  • At the Road America raceway in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, round seven of the American Le Mans Series is held.
    • Finishing 1st in GTS class and 3rd overall is the Corvette Racing #4 Corvette C5-R, driven by Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta.
    • Finishing 2nd in GTS class is the Corvette Racing #3 Corvette C5-R, driven by Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell.
    [245]
August 27
  • The Corvettes at Carlisle event is held, over three days. There are over 56,000 visitors, 2499 Corvettes in the infield, and 1267 vendors. Special features include 1954 Corvette reunion, Corvette race car reunion, and special display of Greenwood Corvettes. Dana Mecum conducts the auction of 224 Corvettes. Some highlights:
    • Chip Miller-donated 1957 Aztec Copper 283ci/230hp 4-speed with hardtop 13,317 miles: US$134,000.
    • 1954 Sportsman Red: US$59,250.
    • 1957 Aztec Copper fuel-injected 283ci/250hp 4-speed: US$77,000.
    • 1958 Silver Blue dual carburetors 283ci/270hp: US$71,500.
    • 1967 Ermine White roadster 427ci/435hp: US$102,500.
    • 1967 roadster 427ci/390hp air-conditioning US$90,000.
    • 1967 Ermine White roadster 327ci/300hp 4-speed power steering power brakes side exhaust 37,000 miles: US$70,000.
    [523.47] [581.8] [583.10]
September 3
  • The National Corvette Museum Hall of Fame Induction Banquet is held. Inductees are Dan Gale, Ray Battaglini, Darrel Bowlin, Jon Brookmyer, and Terry McManmon. They were instrumental in the establishment of the National Corvette Museum. [581.12]
September 11
  • At the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, the Trans-Am 100 race is held, round nine (final) of the Motorock Trans-Am Series.
    • Finishing 3rd is the Derhaag Motorsports #40 Corvette, driven by Ron Fellows.
    • Finishing 5th is the Derhaag Motorsports #49 Corvette, driven by Randy Ruhlman.
    • Finishing 9th is the Simms Motorsports #24 Corvette, driven by Philip Simms.
    • In 14th place, but not finishing the race, is the #06 Corvette, driven by Joey Scarallo.
    [246]
  • At the end of the Trans-Am series racing season, the Derhaag Motorsports #49 Corvette driven by Randy Ruhlman is 3rd in points, the highest ranking Corvette. [246]
September 12
  • At the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida, the Miami 250 race is held, round nine of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. Finishing 6th in SGS class and 23rd overall is the Michael Baughman Racing #46 Corvette, driven by Michael Baughman and Mike Yeakle. [244]
September 18
  • In Effingham, Illinois, the Corvette Funfest is held at Mid-America Motorworks, over three days. About 45,000 people attend, with 10,700 Corvettes. [520.50] [583.10]
September 24
  • At the Road Atlanta raceway in Braselton, Georgia, the Petit Le Mans race is held, round nine of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed GT Championship series.
    • Finishing 3rd is the #28 Corvette Z06, driven by Lou Gigliotti.
    • Finishing 4th is the 3R-Racing #73 Corvette Z06, driven by Phil McClure.
    • Finishing 7th is the Banner Engineering #6 Corvette Z06, driven by Leighton Reese.
    • Finishing 22nd is the Tiger Racing #99 Corvette Z06, driven by Tom Oates.
    • Finishing 23rd is the Doug Rippie Motorsport #9 Corvette Z06, driven by Adam Malmquist.
    • Finishing 26th is the #94 Corvette Z06, driven by Phillip DiPippo.
    [247]
September 25
  • At the Road Atlanta raceway in Braselton, Georgia, the Petit Le Mans race is held, round eight of the American Le Mans Series.
    • Finishing 1st in GTS class and 4th overall is the Corvette Racing #4 Corvette C5-R, driven by Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta, and Jan Magnussen.
    • Finishing 2nd in GTS class and 5th overall is the Corvette Racing #3 Corvette C5-R, driven by Ron Fellows, Johnny O'Connell, and Max Papis. This win gives Chevrolet its fourth straight manufacturer's title.
    Top GTS drivers for the series are Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell. Ron Fellows becomes the first driver in American Le Mans Series history to win three championships in any class. [245] [583.6,81]
October 3
  • At the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia, the VIR 400 race is held, round ten of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series.
    • Finishing 7th in GT class and 25th overall is the SL Motorsports #06 Corvette, driven by Steve Lisa, David Rosenblum, and Chuck Hemmingson.
    • Finishing 11th in SGS class and 38th overall is the Michael Baughman Racing #46 Corvette, driven by Joe Toussaint and Mike Yeakle.
    [244]
October 8
  • Universal Pictures releases the film Friday Night Lights to theaters in the USA. A 1988 Corvette coupe appears briefly. [781]
October 10
  • At the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, the Porsche 250 Presented by Bradley Arant race is held, round eleven of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. Finishing 9th in GT class and 25th overall is the SL Motorsports #06 Corvette, driven by Steve Lisa, David Rosenblum, and Chuck Hemmingson. [244]
October
  • The November issue of Car and Driver magazine presents the results of its Supercar Challenge. Finishing 2nd in Open Class is the 2004 Lingenfelter 427 Twin Turbo Corvette. Finishing 4th in Open Class is the 2002 MTI Z07 Corvette. [559.47]
October 16
  • At the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, round nine (final) of the American Le Mans Series is held.
    • Finishing 1st in GTS class and 4th overall is the Corvette Racing #3 Corvette C5-R, driven by Ron Fellows, Johnny O'Connell, and Max Papis.
    • Finishing 2nd in GTS class and 5th overall is the Corvette Racing #4 Corvette C5-R, driven by Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta, and Jan Magnussen.
    The Corvette team won every GTS class race of the 2004 American Le Mans Series. [245]
October 17
  • At the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, the Audio Sports Car Championship race is held, round ten (final) of the SCCA Pro Racing Speed GT Championship series.
    • Finishing 12th is the 3R-Racing #73 Corvette Z06, driven by Phil McClure.
    • Finishing 13th is the WIT Racing #67 Corvette Z06, driven by Kevin Chambers.
    • In 23rd place, but not finishing the race, is the #47 Corvette Z06, driven by Bob Taylor.
    • In 24th place, but not finishing the race, is the Black Dog Racing #34 Corvette, driven by Tony Gaples.
    • In 27th place, but not finishing the race, is the #28 Corvette, driven by Lou Gigliotti.
    • In 28th place, but not finishing the race, is the Banner Engineering #6 Corvette, driven by Leighton Reese.
    • In 31st place, but not finishing the race, is the WIT Racing #31 Corvette, driven by Keith Videtto.
    [247]
  • In Monterey, California, the American Le Mans Series holds its awards dinner.
    • Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell receive their awards for GTS class drivers championships.
    • Corvette Racing team owner Gary Pratt wins the award for GTS team championships, the fourth consecutive title.
    • Chevrolet receives the GTS class Manufacturer's title for the fourth consecutive year as well.
    • Ron Fellows is recipient of the Most Popular Driver award, as voted by fans of the series.
    • Corvette Racing Program Manager Doug Fehan receives the "From the Fans" award, as the individual or group making the greatest contribution to sports car racing in the past year.
    [245]
October 31
  • At the California Speedway in Fontana, California, the Lexus Grand American 400k race is held, round twelve (final) of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. Finishing 9th in SGS class and 32nd overall is the Michael Baughman Racing #46 Corvette, driven by Todd Hanson and Mike Yeakle. [244]
(month unknown)
  • The Mecum Premier Collector Car Auction is held in St. Charles, Illinois. Of the 500+ cars for sale, 88 are Corvettes. Some highlights:
    • 1953 VIN #100 US$97,000.
    • 1961 283 ci 270 hp dual-carburetor 4-speed US$70,000.
    • 1963 Z06 raced by Mickey Thompson US$215,000.
    • 1965 Rally Red convertible red interior, 327 ci 375 hp fuel injection, both tops, knock-off wheels, teak steering wheel, F-40 front/rear suspension US$70,000.
    • 1967 Marlboro Maroon coupe 327 ci 390 hp, automatic, air-condition, side exhaust, power steering and brakes, 48,612 miles, US$79,000.
    [603.10]
November 9
  • Chevrolet unveils the 2006 Corvette Z06 with 427 ci LS7 small block engine to the automotive press. The Z06 has 500 hp, 475 pound-feet torque, fixed roof, wide rear fenders, rear spoiler, and 19x12-inch rear wheels. Production is to begin in July. [603.14]
November
  • The December issue of Car and Driver magazine compares a 2005 Corvette Z51 to a 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera. The Corvette is rated higher, 226 to 225 points. [560.52]
  • The December issue of Road & Track magazine compares a 2005 Corvette to a 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera S. Overall, Corvette is rated higher, 582.7 to 573.7 points. The Porsche is rated higher in the categories Performance and Subjective Ratings. [562.96]
  • At the Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show, American Supercars and Prototypes shows its ASAP Corvette C5 prototype. Based on a 1998 convertible, it has cantilever doors, paddle shifter on steering wheel, touch-screen Windows computer, and completely custom body. [586.40]
December
  • The January 2005 issue of Car and Driver magazine chooses the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette as Best Performance Car. [596.59]
  • The January 2005 issue of Motor Trend magazine compares a 2005 Corvette Z51 to a 2005 Porsche Carrera S. The Porsche is considered a better sports car overall. [597.71]
(month unknown)
  • Dana Mecum conducts an auction of Corvettes. Some highlights: 1967 Sunfire Yellow roadster 427ci/435hp both tops 41,361 miles: US$120,500. [582.10]
  • At an auction, a 1956 Corvette with 265ci/225hp engine and dual carburetors sells for US$70,000. [582.10]
  • In Kissimmee, Florida, a Mecum Auction of cars is held. Some Corvette highlights:
    • 1954 Pennant Blue US$59,250.
    • 1958 Signet Red fuel-injected US$71,000.
    • 1963 convertible US$75,000.
    • 1963 Riverside Red Z06 coupe with big gas tank US$220,000.
    • 1965 convertible US$91,000.
    • 1966 coupe US$60,000.
    • 1966 roadster US$69,500.
    • 1967 convertible 427 ci 435 hp US$162,000.
    • 1967 convertible 427 ci 400 hp, air conditioning, US$133,750.
    • 1967 coupe 427 ci 435 hp, 14,000 miles, US$113,500.
    • 1968 convertible 427 ci 435 hp US$64,500.
    [604.9]

End of 2004. Next: 2005.

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Last updated: 2023 December 20.
Copyright © 1995-2024 Ken Polsson (email: ken@kpolsson.com).
URL: http://kpolsson.com/vettehis/
Link to Ken P's home page.

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