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Texas is a big state, and when they say everything is bigger in Texas, they definitely include their enthusiasm for a car show. This past weekend (July 20-22nd), the fine folks of Texas hosted the state’s largest Corvette event, the 6th Annual Corvette Invasion 2018 at the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in Austin Texas.
Standing as the one and only F1 track in America, it goes without saying that this facility is stellar in both appearance and size. COTA is a grade 1 FIA-spec, 3.427-mile motor racing facility and makes for the perfect venue when enjoying a performance car such as Corvettes. The spacious facility provides plenty of space to hold the one-day car show while others enjoy some seat time on the track.
COTA is a great facility to have events such as the Corvette Invasion- plenty of open spaces for car shows, the paddock area and of course, the track!
Corvette Invasion started out when two enthusiasts organized a lunch for various local Corvette clubs to have lunch together. The event was such a success that it grew exponentially each year, and in only six years, it has grown to a size that is best accommodated by the COTA facilities. With the ample grounds available, there is plenty of acreage to house show cars, vendors and those wanting track time.
Everything from C1 through C7s are welcome at Corvette Invasion events. Images thanks to Chris Chessnoe and Corvette Invasion's Facebook page.
As such, attendees are able to see the pinnacle of show-n-shine Corvettes from all generations, as well as some of the highest performing go-fast cars from Bowling Green. Corvettes from all generations are welcomed and encouraged to participate, whether showing or going. Everything from solid-axles to the latest ZR-1s were found on-grounds and participating in their favorite sport.
Attendees spent the morning enjoying the Show & Shine. Cars were cleaned up early, which was good because as the day wore on, the heat increased, thanks to a heat wave that covered a large portion of the southern U.S.
Festivities actually began on Friday, July 20th, when Corvettes started rolling into the host hotels for a meet and greet session to kick off the weekend. Saturday morning welcomed the adventurous attendees with opportunity to drive their Corvettes on various excursions throughout the Texas countryside. Then, the cars migrated over to the nearby track on Saturday afternoon and began queuing for the Show & Shine and shopping from the various vendors that attended this year’s event.
The track opened up in the afternoon and enthusiasts could participate in the thrill of driving an honest-to-God F1 track in THEIR Corvettes. The layout is exhilarating and challenging and gives owners the opportunity to wring out their cars in a safe environment. Paced laps led well into the evening and our friend Chris Chessnoe from Callaway Cars was honored to be the Official Pace Car driver in the company’s SC757 AeroWagen.
The Callaway AeroWagen was the Official Pace Car for the paced laps around the COTA track.
The Corvette lifestyle has something for everyone, and it’s great to see venues such as the Corvette Invasion that allow Corvette enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy their cars, whether it be for show or go. If you’re looking for an event that is dynamic, impressive and allows you to enjoy a couple of tank-fulls of gas through your Corvette on a given weekend, then the Corvette Invasion should be on your calendar for next year. The event is as accommodating as the great state of Texas itself and welcomes ALL Corvettes and Corvette enthusiasts. Check out this video of last year’s festivities and be sure to set your calendars for the next Corvette Invasion!
