The Corvette is fifty six years old, one of the longest running models in automotive history and one of the few cars to survive even the most frugal economies with its performance intact. While most of these cars are relegated to suburban patrol or weekend warrior status, there is a team of dedicated professionals who for the past decade have become one of the most winningest teams in racing history. Called Corvette Racing, they have run out any would-be competitors in the GT1 class and have put away 76 wins in the ALMS league.
Autoblog put together a nice homage to Corvette Racing, and our own Mark Gearhart has some greats shot from the past two years at the Long Beach Grand Prix.
Picture: Autoblog
The C5-R at its last factory backed ALMS race in 2004 at Laguna Seca.
The Corvette started off strong, with a second-place finish at its first race at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999. In 2000, the C5-R got its first win at the Texas Motor Speedway and then captured the win at the 2001 24 Hours of Daytona. By 2004, Corvette Racing went on to have a perfect season, winning every race and never suffering a mechanical malfunction - the perfect time to retire.
Photo by: (Staff) Mark Gearhart
Picture from this years Long Beach Grand Prix
Thus began the reign of the C6-R in 2005, which went on to win eight team and manufacturer championships, seven straight titles, five class wins in the 24 hours of Le Mans and seven at Sebring. The Corvette Racing team has become so dominant that there is no one left to race against in the GT1 class. So they are stepping up to GT2 where they will battle BMWs and Porches and hopefully see continued success until a successor is announced for the C6.
Photo by: (Staff) Mark Gearhart
Picture from this years Long Beach Grand Prix
But before moving on to GT2, Corvette Racing needs to reclaim its crown from Aston Martin at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Aston has won the class the past two years and Corvette Racing wants to leave with its head held high, leaving no competitor with anything left to say except “Thank God that’s over.”
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