Why Corvette is the official Vehicule at the Belle Isle Race ?!

[Schulmann]

Read this please: Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix - Partnership

I was unable to find any formal link to Chrysler or VCA regarding the Belle Isle Race.



2008 Official Vehicle

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Corvette
The iconic American sports car is the Official Vehicle of the 2008 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. A special Corvette Car Corral featuring hundreds of Corvettes will be on display on the island throughout the weekend. A customized 2008 Corvette Z06 E-85 concept that runs on E-85 ethanol fuel will also pace Saturday’s American Le Mans Series race – the Detroit Sports Car Challenge – and it will lead the parade laps prior to the start of Sunday’s Detroit Indy Grand Prix.

 

[Rick530]

Read this please: Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix - Partnership

I was unable to find any formal link to Chrysler or VCA regarding the Belle Isle Race.



2008 Official Vehicle

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Corvette
The iconic American sports car is the Official Vehicle of the 2008 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. A special Corvette Car Corral featuring hundreds of Corvettes will be on display on the island throughout the weekend. A customized 2008 Corvette Z06 E-85 concept that runs on E-85 ethanol fuel will also pace Saturday’s American Le Mans Series race – the Detroit Sports Car Challenge – and it will lead the parade laps prior to the start of Sunday’s Detroit Indy Grand Prix.

Talk about a slap in the face. What a crock of $hit.

 

[Paul Hawker]

I believe that Penske, who is putting on the race, has a long term relationship with Chevrolet.

 

[kcobean]

Kinda funny that they're boasting an E85 outfitted Viper as the pace car for a race where the cars get about 2 MPG.

 

[Viper Wizard]

Hmmm, time to warm up my pitching arm. You think a dozen eggs sitting in the Sun for weeks, will be enough?

 

[bluequadcab]

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Probably because GM is a contributing partner and Chrysler is not.

 

[SylvanSRT]

All about who was going to cough up the BIG $'s, it always is.

 

[Rick530]

Hmmm, time to warm up my pitching arm. You think a dozen eggs sitting in the Sun for weeks, will be enough?

I like the way you think Chuck!!

 

[Schulmann]

What is really funny that 4 years ago some Chrysler Executives were making fun of Corvette and GM at VOI 8 in Dallas. I do rember that the Belle Isle Race was supposed to be a BIG marketing event for Chrysler back in December 2007. Obviously GM executies slapped in face Chrysler ... There isn't even a signle world about Viper at the Belle Isle race at all.


Let's bet how many bad jokes will we have on Corvettes on VOI 10 ? I bet zero
4 years ago these executives had time to think about how to run the company, instead they were playing golf and drinking heavily.


It is time to think about how we can revive this falling angel Chrysler ...
The financial rating of Chrysler IDR just dropped to B- .... The suppliers are angry like hell ...

 

[SylvanSRT]

VCA/JRT makes an agreement with Grand Prix promoters for parking and parade laps and hospitality. thats not the same as being a race sponsor or pace car provider.

 

[GR8_ASP]

Why the surprise? The schedule was posted a long time ago and has been available to all. Here it is: Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix - Event Information

2008 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
Detailed Schedule of Events
Saturday: American Le Mans Series Race
Sunday: IndyCar Series Race
Sunday: SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship Race
Thursday, August 28, 20086:00 am - 8:00 pmPaddock open to all participants (NO parking permitted on the island – Participant parking in 6000 East Jefferson Lot)7:00 amIndyCar Series Transporters Load-in7:00 am - 11:00 amConcession, Vendor and Display Units Load-in8:00 amIndyCar Series Paddock opens to all teams8:00 am - 5:00 pmIMSA Registration (In Paddock – American Le Mans Series Business Trailer)9:00 am - 5:00 pmDBIGP Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)9:00 am - 4:00 pmIndyCar Series Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory Building, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)8:00 am - 6:00 pmTechnical inspection by appointment for American Le Mans Series competitors at the IMSA Technical Trailer9:00 am - 6:00 pmIndyCar Series Technical Inspection Open10:00 am - 6:00 pmSCCA SPEED World Challenge Transporter Parking/Paddock Set-up10:00 am - 6:00 pmSCCA Credentials Open (SCCA Trailer in SCCA Paddock – Dossin Museum Parking Lot outside Turn 7)10:00 am - 11:00 amIndyCar Series 2-seater Experience11:30 am - 1:00 pmDBIGP VIP/Media Luncheon (Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle)11:30 am - 2:30 pmIndyCar Series 2-seater Experience3:00 pmMANDATORY BRIEFING for ALL American Le Mans Series Team Managers/Crew Chiefs (Meeting Room – Media Center, 2nd floor)2:30 pm - 3:30 pmBosch “Diesel Systems” Driving Experience3:30 pm - 4:00 pmAmerican Le Mans Series “Vitesse Program” Media Rides4:00 pm - 4:30 pmTrack Orientation for Race Participants (NO CARS)6:00 pm - 10:00 pmCharity Gala (The Henry Ford, Dearborn, MI)

Friday, August 29, 20086:00 am - 8:00 pmPaddock Open to Registered Participants (NO parking permitted on the island – Participant parking in 6000 East Jefferson Lot)7:00 am - 3:00 pmDBIGP and SCCA Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)7:00 am - 4:00 pmIMSA Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)7:00 amTrack Safety Meeting (Meeting Room - Media Center, 2nd floor)7:30 am - 8:30 amTechnical Inspection by appointment for American Le Mans Series competitors at the IMSA Technical Trailer8:00 am - 3:00 pmIndyCar Series Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)8:00 am - 5:00 pmIndyCar Series Technical Inspection Open8:00 amGates open to public8:15 amAmerican Le Mans Series Chapel Service (Media Center - 2nd Floor)8:58American Le Mans Series Vitesse Program (by invitation only)9:00 am - 10:30 amPractice - American Le Mans Series (All Classes)9:00 am - 9:30 amIndyCar Series Drivers’ Meeting9:30 am - 10:00 amIndyCar Series PR Reps Meeting10:50 am - 12:20 pmPractice - IndyCar (All Cars)11:00 am - 5:00 pmMeijer Family Fun Zone activities are operational12:40 pm - 1:10 pmAmerican Le Mans Series Vitesse Program (by invitation only)12:45 pm - 1:15 pmMANDATORY - SCCA SPEED World Challenge Driver and Crew Chief Meeting (SCCA Series Transporter)1:20 pm - 1:50 pmIndyCar Series “Safety Car” Rides (by invitation only)2:00 pm - 3:00 pmPractice - IndyCar (all cars)2:20 pm - 4:20 pmMandatory Tire Marking for ALL American Le Mans Series competitors at the IMSA Technical Trailer3:18 pmAmerican Le Mans Series Vitesse Program (by invitation only)3:20 pm - 4:20 pmPractice - American Le Mans Series (all classes)4:20 pm - 4:35 pmALMS Helicopter Aerial filming4:30 pm - 7:00 pmDBIGP Happy Hour – Paddock access free to spectators4:33 pmAmerican Le Mans Series Vitesse Program (by invitation only)4:35 pm - 4:55 pmQualifying American Le Mans Series (GT1 / GT2)5:03 pmAmerican Le Mans Series Vitesse Program (by invitation only)5:05 pm - 5:25 pmQualifying - American Le Mans Series (“LM” P1 / “LM” P2)5:30 pm - 7:00 pmVIP/Sponsor Cocktail Reception (MGM Grand Hotel and Casino)5:25 pm - 6:05 pmPractice - SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship6:30 pm - 7:45 pmCar Corral Parade Laps (manufacturers and number of cars TBD)

Saturday, August 30, 20086:00 am - 8:00 pmPaddock Open to Registered Participants (NO parking permitted on the island – Participant parking in 6000 East Jefferson Lot)6:30 am - 1:00 pmIndyCar Series Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)7:00 am - 3:00 pmDBIGP and SCCA Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)7:00 am - 3:00 pmIndyCar Series Technical Inspection Open7:30 amTrack Safety Meeting7:30 am - 2:30 pmIMSA Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)8:00 amGates Open to the Public8:30 am - 9:00 amPractice – IndyCar Series (Group 1)9:00 am - 9:30 amPractice - IndyCar Series (Group 2)9:00 amMANDATORY briefing for ALL American Le Mans Series drivers (one crew member optional) (Meeting Room - Media Center, 2nd floor)9:40 amAmerican Le Mans Series refueling installation shall be ready for inspection9:48 amAmerican Le Mans Series Vitesse Program9:50 am - 10:15 amWarm-up - American Le Mans Series (all classes)10:30 am - 10:50 amBosch “Diesel Systems” Driving Experience10:50 am - 11:10 amAmerican Le Mans Series Vitesse Program (by invitation only)11:00 am - 11:45 amMANDATORY American Le Mans Series ALL Drivers Autograph Session (Meijer Family Fun Zone – in front of XM Radio Stage)11:00 am - 5:00 pmMeijer Family Fun Zone activities are operational11:30 am - 1:00 pmQualifying - IndyCar Series – All Cars + Firestone Fast 612:00 pm - 1:00 pmSCCA SPEED World Challenge Drivers Autograph Session (Meijer Family Fun Zone - adjacent to XM Radio stage)1:30 pm - 2:30 pmIndyCar Series All Driver Autograph Session (Meijer Family Fun Zone – in front of XM Radio stage)1:45 pm - 2:35 pmAmerican Le Mans Series Recon/Pre-Race Activities/American Le Mans Series Vitesse Program (by invitation only)2:35 pm - 5:20 pmDetroit Sports Car Challenge presented by Bosch (American Le Mans Series - Round 9) – 2:45 Hours5:30 pm - 6:00 pmAmerican Le Mans Series Victory Ceremonies (at Victory Podium area adjacent to the Media Center)5:40 pm - 6:00 pmPractice – SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship6:00 pm - 7:15 pmSugar Ray Concert presented by XM Radio (XM Stage in Meijer Family Fun Zone)6:20 pm - 8:00 pmCar Corral Parade Laps (manufacturers and number of cars TBD)

Sunday, August 31, 20087:00 amPaddock Open to Registered Participants (NO parking permitted on the island – Participant parking in 6000 East Jefferson Lot)7:30 amTrack Safety Meeting8:00 am - 3:00 pmDBIGP and IndyCar Series Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory Building, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)8:00 am - 11:00 amSCCA SPEED World Challenge Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory Building, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)8:00 amGates open to the public8:15 amIndyCar Ministries’ Non-denominational Chapel Service (Media Center – 2nd floor)8:30 am - 9:00 amQualifying – SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship9:15 amIndyCar Ministries’ Non-denominational Chapel Service (Media Center – 2nd floor)9:25 am - 10:00 amViper Corral Parade Laps10:15 am - 10:45 amWarm-up – IndyCar Series11:00 am - 5:00 pmMeijer Family Fun Zone activities are operational11:00 am - 12:00 noonIndyCar Series “Hot Lap” Rides (by invitation only)11:00 am - 12:00 noonDBIGP Fan Forum (featuring IndyCar Series and DBIGP personalities)11:00 amIndyCar Ministries’ Catholic Mass (Media Center – 2nd Floor)11:30 amIndyCar Series Drivers’ Meeting12:30 pmSCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Series Pre-Race Activities12:45 pm - 1:35 pmSCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship Race1:35 pm - 2:45 pmEverclear Concert presented by XM Radio (XM Stage in Meijer Family Fun Zone)1:40 pm - 2:00 pmSCCA SPEED World Challenge Victory Ceremonies (at Victory Podium area adjacent to Media Center)2:00 pm - 2:30 pmCorvette Corral Parade Laps2:45 pm - 3:45 pmIndyCar Series Pre-race Activities3:45 pm - 6:00 pmDetroit Indy Grand Prix presented by Firestone (IndyCar Series – Round 15 – 90 Laps)

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

I think this may end up being just fine for the Viper crowd at Belle Isle. Just imagine the looks on all the Chevy fans faces as Tommy wins the race in the #13 Viper! Believe me no one will care about what the pace car was, Dodge flags for everyone!!!!!!

 

[Schulmann]

At least we are somewhere on the schedule. Good to see. We will be able to plan our schedule according.

Anyhow seems that Corvette and GM will get full coverage on Speed Channel ...

 

[BS99GTS]

Re: Why Corvette is the official car at the Belle Isle Race ?!

Well, I just read that the Corvettes are limited to a maximum of 100 cars.

Is there a limit on how many Vipers, I didn't see one!

We may have them out numbered?

 

[alpine7822]

I believe that Penske, who is putting on the race, has a long term relationship with Chevrolet.

Penske has a long relationship with FORD, however, his NASCAR teams are now driving DODGEs, so that doesn't make sense. I think it's all about $$$, and Chevy came up with more of it.

 

[ViperVon]

I believe that Penske, who is putting on the race, has a long term relationship with Chevrolet.

You're right, Paul. Many years ago there was a Penske Chevrolet dealership located in Southfield Michigan just north of Detroit. I'm sure there's still some connections there.....

 

[SylvanSRT]

lots of connections to most auto companies and some trucks also used to own Detroit Deisel, and is now the distributor for Smart cars for USA and lets not forget Penske truck leasing

 

[Dimitrios]

Re: Why Corvette is the official car at the Belle Isle Race ?!

Well, I just read that the Corvettes are limited to a maximum of 100 cars.

Is there a limit on how many Vipers, I didn't see one!

We may have them out numbered?

jimmy did a count and came up with 18X vettes and 22x vipers!!

 

[SylvanSRT]

T shirt at VOI banquet

 

[kcobean]

Re: Why Corvette is the official car at the Belle Isle Race ?!

jimmy did a count and came up with 18X vettes and 22x vipers!!

Hey D....it was fun cruising up with you guys. I have to ask, what's the deal with "Jimmy". Those of us not "in the know" were wondering about this.....

And yes, there were WAY more Vipers than Vettes there. They got no spirit!

 

[SylvanSRT]

jiiimmmmmeeeeee !

 

[Dimitrios]

Re: Why Corvette is the official car at the Belle Isle Race ?!

Hey D....it was fun cruising up with you guys. I have to ask, what's the deal with "Jimmy". Those of us not "in the know" were wondering about this.....

And yes, there were WAY more Vipers than Vettes there. They got no spirit!

Jimmmy! you had to be on the LOST bus to CAAP to really experience the Jimmmmy! soon after most caught on and yelled out Jimmy!

 

[Dimitrios]

Hahahahaha thats the BEST!!!! you Viper guys are freaking Evil

T shirt at VOI banquet

 

[Schulmann]

The worst one was the 30 min ride back from the boat to the hotel on Thursday.
How can you get lost in down town Detroit ?!
The lost buses had Corvette Drivers

 

[Bugeater]

Yeah, Corvette racing *****. Anyone care to elaborate where the GT2 Viper ended up in the race? How bout the 2 GT1 Vettes? Lol. I have a hard time dissing the team that pretty much owned the track on Saturday.

 

[kcobean]

Yeah, Corvette racing *****. Anyone care to elaborate where the GT2 Viper ended up in the race? How bout the 2 GT1 Vettes? Lol. I have a hard time dissing the team that pretty much owned the track on Saturday.

Hard to argue that....gotta give respect where respect is due, the Vette's did great at the track.

I didn't catch the end of the race on Sunday...how did the Vipers do in the WC race?

 

[Paul Hawker]

Corvette paid all the big bucks for signage, but it was the Viper owners that ruled by getting parade laps on the track, both days!

 

[JonB]

We met a photog on the plane back to Portland, who stated that "a corvette on their pace laps stuffed it into the wall" He knew nothing else, but assured us a vette-boy ate it. This local photog had been to a Dyno Day here in his 1990 ZR1, so he IS a vette boy who had nothing to gain by the story.....

 

[kcobean]

We met a photog on the plane back to Portland, who stated that "a corvette on their pace laps stuffed it into the wall" He knew nothing else, but assured us a vette-boy ate it. This local photog had been to a Dyno Day here in his 1990 ZR1, so he IS a vette boy who had nothing to gain by the story.....

I hate to laugh at someone else's misfortune, but that's mildly funny, unless their parade lap was a WHOLE LOT faster than ours.

BTW, it was really nice to finally meet you in person...and, thanks for the 'business card'.

 

[2001-V10 Power Nut]

I ran the Viper parade lap, 30mph my a****, within the first 100 yards we were doing 80+, and sevaral times saw triple digits. In addition we had 2 laps, not just the 1 they stated. I happened to be in the Dodge Corral when the corvettes did they're parade lap. Was nice & quiet everyone kept to they're posted 30mph speed limit. Loudest corvette that came by was a 1966, bunch of light foot'd old ladies must have been driving the vette's.

As far as the corvette leading the parade, a bunch of us were'nt happy about it, but forgot real quick when we were blowing around the track & doing burnouts!!