Welcome to "NCM Central", the electronic news report from the National Corvette Museum. Here you will find news on NCM events and happenings, Corvette Store specials, GM Corvette Assembly Plant updates, Corvette Racing reports and more.


C5/C6 Birthday Bash Registration

Approximately 700 guests have registered for the upcoming C5/C6 Birthday Bash – April 22-24! With the added activities, personalized commemorative event badges and the unveiling of the C6 Corvette, this year’s bash will definitely be an event to remember! Pre registration ends April 7 and everyone who registers by April 7 is automatically entered in the drawing for the “C6 ride with” opportunities and will receive a personalized commemorative event badge. While registering, be sure to reserve your spot in the autocross activities at Beech Bend Raceway. Only 10 slots are left – and you must register through the NCM to participate. Find out more about this year’s bash and register at: http://www.corvettemuseum.com/registration/c5_bash/info.shtml or call (800) 53-VETTE.


2004 Corvette Announced as Official Pace Car At Indy 500

The 88th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 2004, will bring together two powerful symbols that stir the imaginations of enthusiasts around the world - Chevrolet and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as a 2004 Corvette Convertible will serve as the Official Pace Car of this year’s Indianapolis 500. Corvette will perform Indy 500 pace car duties for a record sixth time. This also marks the third consecutive year and 15th time overall that a Chevrolet product has served as the official pace vehicle. A white and blue two-tone paint treatment incorporates Americana-themed graphics, tying into Chevrolet’s new “An American Revolution” marketing theme. View a photo of the Pace Car by visiting our website at:
http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2004/rel_2004_indy.shtml


Own a Piece Corvette C5R Racing History

The actual nose section from the #3 Corvette C5R that won the GTS Class at the 2002 12 Hours of Sebring will be auctioned at Sebring International Raceway on March 20th. This historic piece of Corvette C5R Racing memorabilia will be in the ALMS Event Merchandise Tent in the Paddock Area near the tower beginning Tuesday, March 16. “As Corvette Racing enthusiasm continues to build, we feel that this is a way we let our fans share in the rapidly developing history of the Corvette C5R”, says Program Manager Doug Fehan. “Our plans are to auction additional historic pieces at future ALMS races this season", added Mr. Fehan. The #3 Corvette driven by Ron Fellows, Johnny O’Connell and Oliver Gavin finished first in the GTS Class with 317 laps completed, finished 9th overall, and was first in GTS qualifying with a speed of 111.279mph. This was the Corvette C5R’s first victory at Sebring, thus making this piece a special part of Corvette Racing History. The silent auction will begin Thursday March 18, and will close Saturday March 20 at 6PM during the 2004 Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring. The minimum starting bid is $3000. Proceeds will go to support the Corvette C5R Racing Program.


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Submitted by Bobbie Jo Lee, National Corvette Museum Communications, who can be reached at bobbiejo@corvettemuseum.com, or visited on the web at http://www.corvettemuseum.com.