Pit Road Exclusive Feature
2002 Z06 Fest Reflections
Contributing Author: Jared Cuneo - 9/29/2002
Tuesday morning, September 24th, under sunny skies and temperatures in the 70's, I pulled
onto I-65 headed north on what will become an annual pilgrimage to the birthplace of the
Corvette, and more specifically, the Z06 Corvette, for the inaugural Z06Fest at the National
Corvette Museum. With the relatively cool September air and 4 days of Corvette brotherhood
beckoning, I eased the pedal down a bit further in anticipation of what was to come.
As I exited the interstate and pulled into the Baymont parking lot, a close inspection revealed very few Corvettes. As a new event for the NCM and no history to look back upon, I began to get a little nervous about the expected turnout, but this would soon change. A few more drives around the parking lot and I spied a Z06Vette.com banner in a window which seemed to function as a lighthouse to a lonely ship. Pulling into the space, I noticed 2 more Z06's entering the parking lot, a welcome sight for sure.
A couple of hours later familiar faces began to appear and the even more familiar act of
standing under the arch at the Hampton enjoying good times and good friends was soon upon
us. By Tuesday night, over 50 Z06's had been sighted near the hotels and my apprehension
began to fade. The Fest was beginning to take shape and 12 hours later the first day of the
event would unfold.
Wednesday morning saw almost 20 students signed up for Justin Bell's autocross class which
was a sight to behold. The first few runs were predictably a little sloppy, but once Justin
began to whip the ragtag group into shape a noticeable change began to occur and times began
to drop. Everyone agreed that the class was a great introduction to autocross and with more
speed events on tap for next year, you guys better be ready!
While the second class was equally prepared, the same could not be said for the participants in regards to the weather. Reports had said that scattered light rain could be expected, I don't think anyone was prepared for the 36 hours of drizzles, winds, and deluges that would soon follow.
With a full day of drag racing and autocross on tap for Thursday and the Z06 Fest being a
performance oriented event, the relentless downpour looked ready to dampen more than a few
spirits. A night out with the boys (and girls) helped quell the thought of a ruined day, but
after waking up to an even heavier wall of water, some began to worry that this might he the
one and only Z06 event hosted at the NCM.
Thursday morning while I stood just outside of the NCM contemplating the weather's impact on
attendance at the fest (and the dwindling possibility of another Fest due to this), the
familiar sight of the large Breathless Performance rig came into view. Traveling 1500
miles, half of them through torential rain, to make it to an inaugural event at great
expense with no guarantees takes some serious resolve and a lot of faith. Ernie and his crew
worked diligently in the pouring rain setting up tents and providing fest goers with shelter
and a place to gather and talk. I'm sure many a friendship was kindled under that roof and I
know it was a welcome break for me personally as were the other vendors that had the courage
to show up, Cerra Racing with their single turbo car and Upfront Technologies, makers of the
Blackwing and other Donaldson products. I've always liked and enjoyed the company of the
Breathless team, but their spirit at this event was unparalleled and we owe a great debt of
gratitude to these fine individuals, and indeed all vendors that took the time to
participate.
Thursday night saw even heavier rain but with so many Z06'ers in one place, happiness was only as far away as the next car. With a great meal at the Montana Grill behind us and a night on the town with new friends ahead of us, things were looking up.
Friday morning was a welcome relief and we began to see the clouds break and some drying
occurring. With the dyno humming, Z06's as far as the eye could see, and a full day of
seminars and activities planned, it only got better.
Friday night was one to remember, when 50 or so Z06'ers invaded the local go-kart track and commenced what would seem like a Winston cup championship. Spirits were high (and some digested) as we raced and enjoyed the company late into the night.
Saturday was sunny and mild for the laying of the Z06Vette.com brick which members purchased
and a somber moment was shared as we dedicated a brick to our member lost in the World Trade
Center Attacks, Elvin Romero. With this and a group photo behind us we all headed in for
dinner and a rousing lecture given by Wil Cooksey and auction to benefit the NCM hosted by
Larry Hayes.
We closed the night with the Z06Vette.com site awards and adjourned outside of the NCM to
say our goodbyes and farewells. Fittingly, I watched as the last car (Les/Fubu) rolled from
the now empty NCM parking lot and reflected on the past week. What as first had seemed
doomed for disaster turned out to be the single best event that I have ever attended. I
turned the last turn and recalled a saying by Mark Dickie that was never more true, "It just
doesn't get any Vetter.....".
Until next year,
JC
Copyright 2002 - Z06Vette.com - Photo Credits: General Motors Inc.
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