Well, we just wrapped up opening day at the 2016 Corvettes at Carlisle event and a good time was had by all!
Hot and humid, with temperatures were in the low 90’s, but that didn’t stop us from getting the lay of the land and oogling over a myriad of flawless examples of Americas only sports car.
If you aren’t familiar with Corvettes at Carlisle, know that it’s the biggest Corvette party in the world and features more than 5,000 Corvettes of every style, color and generation.
British Racing green Grand Sport clone looking brutal on the grass.
This is the first year the show’s started on a Thursday and it was by all measures a success. It looks like attendance this year will easily beat last year’s estimated 50,000 show goers.
There’s so much to see it’s mind boggling. Corvette Racing and Chevrolet have a big presence here along with feature sponsor, Corvette America. Merchandise, vendors and funky local food round out the list of attractions.
Yes, it really is a metal coffin...with mags. Check out the hidden hitch that pokes out from license plate recess. Very cool.
Aside from the Corvettes, there’ll be a huge swap meet and an Corvette car corral where you purchase a vehicle and transfer and license the your dream car right there.
Experienced drivers can test Corvettes, compete in the autocross event or even torture a poor set of tires at the burnout showcase.
If you’re not into car shows, Corvettes at Carlisle has other events like a kids’ section and “The Woman’s Oasis” which offers massages, makeovers and all sorts of girly fun.
Chevrolet was there in full force with brand spanking new Z06's and Grand Sports.
There’s more folks, check out this list of attractions via The Corvettes At Carlisle website.
• Vendors: Visit the world’s largest Corvette swap and talk with all the people who know anything and everything Corvette. They are the lifeline to our hobby and we’re thankful for their support.
• Manufacturers Midway: See some of the latest and greatest trends and check out the exhaust and performance upgrade installations.
• Team Chevrolet: Talk directly with the people who build the car! Visit their tent on the Midway.
• Chip’s Choice: See Dick Guldstrand and John Greenwood Corvettes.
• NCRS Gallery: See the best of the best under a tent on the Fun Field.
• NCCC Concours: Intense judged competition. Stop by and learn more.
• 1966 Reunion: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary
Yep, its a C2 with an LT5 ZR1 motor. A treat to behold. Fantastic.
The peak of the 4 day event is the Corvette Parade on Saturday night, through Downtown Carlisle, leading to a street party with music, food and up to 500 participating Corvettes. Corvette Online Facebook will be there with a live video feed.
Also, don’t forget to enter a raffle for the chance to win a 2016 Stingray Coupe. Just 1,000 tickets will be sold at $100 with proceeds benefitting the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation and Clare House. Tickets will be drawn Saturday at 7 p.m and the winner will be announced both on the grounds and in Downtown Carlisle synced with the parade and street party.
TOMORROW’S COVERAGE via Corvettes At Carlisle Event Guide
Highlight–If you like Corvette VIPs, stayed tuned for the following autograph event attended by:
Jerry Palmer – C4 Designer and former GM Design Guru
Wil Cooksey – Former Bowling Green Plant Manager
Tadge Juechter – Chief Engineer, Chevrolet Corvette
Ken Lingenfelter – Tuner and Engine Builder
Be sure and keep your eye on CorvetteOnline and Corvette Online Facebook for the latest updates from the show.