The General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant was packed full of community and state leaders, GM officials, media and supporters of Corvette today in hopes of good news with regards to the future of Corvette and Bowling Green. It was good news indeed as GM North America President Mark Reuss took to the podium and announced their plans to invest $131 million in the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, "This facility is particularly thrilling for me to be at because I've had Corvettes, in fact, Corvette is one of the reasons why I went to work for the company a long time ago," said Reuss.

Reuss announced that the next generation Corvette, the C7, would be produced in Bowling Green and that 250 jobs would be created.

He added that the current generation will continue for about two more years while work happens behind the scenes to update the facility and ensure the Corvette will continue to be the true American sports car built here for many years to come. The C7 model is predicted to be debuted Spring of 2013 for a 2014 model year Corvette.

"As you know Bowling Green is a special place and not just to me and to GM but to Corvette lovers around the world. This place is THE mecca for those who appreciate true affordable sports car performance and they come from the four corners of the globe to see what you do here," said Reuss. "It is amazing and it is inspiring and it is very American."

Read more about the press conference on our blog here, and watch Reuss's complete speech on our You Tube channel here.

Next weekend we welcome and celebrate the Fourth Generation of Corvettes with our C4 Gathering May 12-14.

This year's event marks the 15th anniversary of the LT4 Grand Sport. In addition to Gordon Killebrew's School, the event offers a Jingles Road Tour, 2012 Corvette Walk Around, plus new seminars on transmission swaps, modifying C4s, upgrading brakes and swapping fuel injectors. There is also an opportunity to visit a Corvette "graveyard" - so if you are in need of parts this will be a great time to get them!

On-site registration will be available. Check out the complete agenda online here. We hope to see you next week!

The 2011 Winner's Circle banquet brought special guests, members of the Corvette Racing team including Program Manager Doug Fehan, Car #3 Crew Chief Dan Binks, and Driver Tommy Milner. Doug inspired the group with a moving speech on how important dedicated enthusiasts are to both the Museum and the brand, saying that the Motorsports Park is the “final jewel in the crown of Corvette.” He added “nobody has a museum funded by the people who buy the car, love the car, have a passion for the car.” Nobody except Corvette of course! Doug reminded supporters that they have the power to make the Motorsports Park a reality and they have the power to influence others to join with them.

After presentations were made to the nearly 100 donors and supporters in attendance, Larry and Peggy Martin of Louisville, KY made a surprise visit to the stage. Larry spoke of how Doug’s words inspired them, and how they wanted to come forward and commit to joining the “One Acre Club” with a contribution of $15,000. Larry welcomed others who felt as strongly about Doug’s speech to also come forward and share the stage… and joining Larry and Peggy were Jack and Doris DeLong of Huntingdon Valley, PA; Andy Guinn of Douglassville, TX and Wendell (and Jan) Strode of Bowling Green, KY . Also making a commitment of purchasing an acre that weekend were Steve and Debbie Uhrig of Arcanum, OH and Wayne and P.J. Ray, of Roswell, GA. Other members and clubs also expressed interest in supporting the project in the near future.

Strode also announced at Bash that the Motorsports Park project would now be completed in Phases, with Phase 1 to include a two-mile road course and autocross/skid pad area. Read the complete blog posting here.