On Saturday evening, June 22, a very special Center Conversation was hosted by the Research Center. The program focused on the amazing history of the Camoradi #4 Corvette that finished 10th in the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The panel consisted of Richard Prince, author and official photographer for the GM Corvette Race Team; Dominic Testa, owner of the car; Chuck Schroedel, who was a member of the Camoradi team at Le Mans in 1960; and a special guest appearance by Laura Klauser, the GM Sports Car Racing Program Manager.
A GM-produced 30-minute promotional film from the Le Mans event in 1960 was shown, and each member of the panel gave their insight into the history of the car. Chuck’s commentary from actually “being there” in ’60 was especially memorable. Ms. Klauser ended the presentation by taking us from Corvette racing in 1960 to the 2024 Corvette Racing programs competing not only in the United States, but in race series around the world.
A great, enthusiastic crowd of race fans and ’Vette lovers were on hand, and we extend our thanks to the Rochester Corvette Club, which had multiple, beautiful ’Vettes parked outside the Center adding to the fun. After the presentation, many came back to the Center for more rapport with the speakers.
The Camoradi USA Racing’s 1960 Corvette was built for international competition under the auspices of Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole and Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Duntov and went on to race successfully in Havana, Daytona, Sebring, Nürburgring, Sweden, and Le Mans. The only thing more amazing than this car’s creation and race record is its survival. On the way to Britain’s famed Goodwood circuit in August 1960 it was crashed hard and left for dead but miraculously, the shattered remains were preserved and discovered some thirty years later by Loren Lundberg, an unbelievably tenacious Corvette enthusiast from Glendale, Arizona. Learn how Loren found and rescued the car, and how he and current caretaker Dominick Testa went to great lengths to restore it and make sure its incredible story would not be forgotten.
Learn more about the Camoradi Corvette from famed Historian, Author and Photorgrapher: Richard Prince
The historic Camoradi Corvette will be on display at the IMRRC thru our June 22, Center Conversation: “The Greatest Corvette Story Ever Told”
Brought to you by our friends at the Motoring Podcast Network, through sponsorship from the ACO USA. Enjoy this podcast episode featuring Corvette Racing’s, Ben Keating.
Evening With A Legend is a series of presentations exclusive to Legends of the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans giving us an opportunity to bring a piece of Le Mans to you. By sharing stories and highlights of the big event, you get a chance to become part of the Legend of Le Mans with guests from different eras of over 100 years of racing.
Photos courtesy of Gran Touring Motorsports. 2023, Monterey Historics, Laguna Seca.
To learn more about or to become a member of the ACO USA, look no further than www.lemans.org, Click on English in the upper right corner and then click on the ACO members tab for Club Offers. Once you become a Member you can follow all the action on the Facebook group ACOUSAMembersClub; and become part of the Legend with future Evening With A Legend meet ups.
Enter code MARNEWS50 for 50% more chances!
Please join us for a very special presentation about the amazing history of Camoradi USA Racing’s 1960 Corvette and the colorful cast of characters surrounding it. The car was built for international competition under the auspices of Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole and Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Duntov and went on to race successfully in Havana, Daytona, Sebring, Nürburgring, Sweden, and Le Mans. The only thing more amazing than this car’s creation and race record is its survival. On the way to Britain’s famed Goodwood circuit in August 1960 it was crashed hard and left for dead but miraculously, the shattered remains were preserved and discovered some thirty years later by Loren Lundberg, an unbelievably tenacious Corvette enthusiast from Glendale, Arizona. Learn how Loren found and rescued the car, and how he and current caretaker Dominick Testa went to great lengths to restore it and make sure its incredible story would not be forgotten.
Chuck Schroedel: Chuck was part of the Camoradi Corvette’s crew at Le Mans in 1960
Dominick Testa: Dominick is the Camoradi Corvette’s current caretaker
Richard Prince: Richard is a Corvette historian
Corvette Festival at Clute Park in Watkins Glen – Come celebrate Corvette’s 70th anniversary! Visit senecalakeevents.org for additional information.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (March 30, 2023) –The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) will have the exciting new 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ Convertible for its 25th Anniversary sweepstakes fundraiser.
“The E-Ray embodies cutting-edge evolution, securing the future of America’s sports car,” says IMRRC Executive Director Mark Steigerwald. The Corvette’s first-ever hybrid powertrain consists of a 6.2-liter V-8 that powers the back wheels and a 160- horsepower electric motor that powers the front wheels, creating an all-wheel drive setup with a combined 655 horsepower. As a result, the E-Ray is the fastest Corvette ever made reaching 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds. The electric motor has allowed for the option to use the all-new Stealth Mode, during which owners can travel quietly up to 45 miles per hour for short distances. Developed to be the Corvette that owners can drive anywhere, no matter the season, a combination of carbon-ceramic brakes and 20- and 21-inch all-season tires give the E-Ray the unique distinction of being the first production car to come standard with these features.
The IMRRC’s annual sweepstakes is a main pillar of its yearly fundraising efforts. Proceeds are used to support the Center’s mission of collecting, preserving and sharing the history of motorsports worldwide. Entries for the sweepstakes are currently being accepted, and the drawing will take place on April 13, 2024. Full Sweepstakes details can be found at winac8vette.com
About the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC): Celebrating 25 years!
Located in one of the premier racing towns in America, the IMRRC’s collection spans continents, eras and race series, embodying the speed, drama and camaraderie of amateur and professional motor racing throughout the world. The Center welcomes serious researchers and casual fans alike to share stories of race drivers, race series and race cars captured on its shelves and walls and brought to life through exhibitions and special events. The IMRRC is free and open to the public, no appointment necessary, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More at racingarchives.org
Download the Full Press Release.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WETM) – The next big car giveaway is here for the International Motor Racing Research Center.
Right before Christmas, the IMRRC picked a winner for the 2021 Corvette Spider Convertible car. Over $450,000 dollars in ticket sales were racked up around the world for the vehicle. Now, it’s time to reveal the 2022 edition in their sweepstakes.
In conjunction with the Harbor Hotel and the Fire and Ice event, IMRRC President Mark Steigerwald and their team revealed this year’s special car. You can enter to win the 2022 Corvette IMSA Edition model by entering the contest, which officially went live on Thursday.
Proceeds will benefit the IMRRC and its goal of helping preserve racing and its lineage of success. IMRRC is a non-profit chartered 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of motorsports. It’s primary facility is located in the heart of Watkins Glen, just miles away from the world’s most famous road course, Watkins Glen International.
To learn more about the contest, visit the IMRRC on the web at https://www.tapkat.org/international-motor-racing-research-center/NkX41k/
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – It was a day to remember for one Watkins Glen racing fan.
On Tuesday, one lucky fan received the phone call of a lifetime. The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), based in Watkins Glen, held its annual car giveaway sweepstakes. The winning ticket was Robert Hughes from Long Beach, New York. With the victory, Hughes can either take the car or a cash prize.
The car is more than just a car. The 2021 Corvette Stingray Convertible Z51, valued for over $50,000. 18 Sports was there for the winning call with IMRRC Executive Director, Mark Steigerwald. Check out the full story and video from Tuesday.
Over 375,000 tickets were sold while generating $450,000 for the research center. The IMRRC is a non-profit chartered 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of motorsports. It’s primary facility is located in the heart of Watkins Glen, just miles away from the world’s most famous road course, Watkins Glen International.
The International Motor Racing Research Center is offering a chance to win a 2021 Corvette Convertible with a minimum $25 donation to the motorsports-focused archival and research library.
The car in question is a 2021 Corvette Convertible in the 2LT trim level finished in the new-for-2021 Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat exterior color. This C8 Vette also has the available Carbon Flash Metallic Full Length Dual Racing Stripe Package, a Jet Black Napa leather interior and the must-have Z51 Performance Package.
The grand prize winner of this draw will also receive a complimentary stay at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel when they come to pick up their new 2021 Corvette Convertible.
As an added bonus, the IMRRC will enter the winner of this draw into two separate draws as well: one for a pair of 2022 memberships to the Jack Daniels Club at Watkins Glen International in New York (for NASCAR, IMSA and SVRA events) and another for a two-day performance driving school at the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club in Las Vegas, Nevada with a provided C8 Corvette Stingray.
A $25 donation will grant the entrant 12 tickets for the prize draw. A minimum of $200,000 worth of donations must be made in order for the prize to be awarded and as of this writing, just $22,750 worth of donations had been made in this contest.
The IMRRC, which is less than a 10-minute drive away from the Watkins Glen International circuit, says it has a collection of more than 4000 books and 250 different motorsports magazines, along with newspapers, club and sanctioning body records, race results, programs and posters. The organization’s research and archives staff also assist various scholars, journalists, authors, documentary filmmakers, drivers and race car owners with various inquiries they may have regarding racing history. Those who wish to visit the facility and delve into its vast archives can do so free of charge, although they must first make an appointment by phone due to COVID-19 guidelines.
Make donations by clicking this link.
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