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NHTSA Investigating Corvettes

The New York Times is reporting today that the National Highway Traffic Safety Admistration has stepped us safety investigations related to three specific models, one of them being the Chevrolet Corvette.

Specific to the Corvette investigation, they are looking at about 48,000 Vettes from 2005 and 2006 model years.  Some owners had claimed that the stability control system malfunctioned causing a sudden and inappropriate braking action without illumination of the brake lights, causing the vehicle to swerve left or right.

Currently there is no announcement from GM on any specific recall related to this problem.  Right now it seems like the NHTSA is checking everything out and we should hear more soon.  Any Corvette-specific recall information can ALWAYS be found on CorvetteBlog.  Stay tuned.

[ New York Times ]

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Jake: A Brief History

2004 proved to be a very good year for Corvette Racing after having dominated competition within 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and at multiple ALMS championships. That same year, the racing team began using a skull logo and the motto, “Take No Prisoners”, to clearly emphasize their power within the racing world.

This representation was taken to the next level a year later when the Corvette Racing team and BadBoyVettes, a group of dedicated fans, came together to promote and enhance the themed skull (Jake) and tagline. Jake’s creation, straight off Eddie Jabbour’s cocktail napkin, came at the perfect time as the powerful Corvette C6-R was introduced that very same year.

And so, Jake, a dark skull outline with Corvette flags for eyes, was born. He became Corvette’s official racing logo, having had his first appearance on the C6-R at the 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans. To this very day, he continues to represent Corvette Racing.

Thanks Jake!

[ Corvette Racing ]

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Corvette Dominates Le Mans 24 GT1 Class… Again

382 laps.
3,247 miles.
24 hours.
Corvette C6.R.
Compuware #63.

Put these together and you get a recipe for SUCCESS at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Man’s GT1 class race. Not only was this a proud win for Corvette, but it also marked history for driver Johnny O’Connell, who is now the first American driver to ever win four GT1 class titles at Le Mans.

"When you look at the Americans who have won here multiple times, they’re all important figures in motorsports history," O’Connell said. "To achieve my fourth win with Corvette Racing, driving a sports car that’s an American icon, it’s hard to put that into words. There is nothing more difficult and more rewarding than winning here, and sharing it with two awesome drivers like Jan and Antonio."

In second place was the white #73 Corvette. And, third place went to an Aston Martin DBR9. Had the black #64 Corvette not pulled out three hours prior to the end due to transmission trouble, the race would have marked a Corvette Racing sweep… But hey, there’s always next year!

Still, these GT1 class wins mark the 16th year of podium finishes for Corvette Racing at Le Mans since 2000.

Keep it up guys! Congratulations!

[ Vette ]