Corvette Night at Infineon a Success! (7/16/08)
Corvette's took center stage and was the featured class at last night’s Wednesday night drags at Infineon Raceway.  A total of 52 entries made up the field but in the end it was a pair Northern California Corvette Association (NCCA) club members, Hayward's Mike Emerson going up against Antioch's David Northrop and his C-6 07 edition for the big trophy.  Emerson, a 2 time Infineon runner-up in the Street class found himself a bit tardy with a .399 reaction time to Norhtrop's better .163 which ended with Northrop getting the win light with a 13.293 ET (13.10 dial-in) at 105.07 mph forcing Emerson to break out with a 12.777 (12.80) at 110.82.  Semi trophies were handed out to Robert Bussey of Pittsburg and his 02 Corvette and Keith Mendia of San Jose with his classic 1960 Vette who represented the Santa Clara Corvettes group.  Napa's Scott Swafford and his 99 Corvette had the best reaction time in round 1 with a great .004 light in his win over Tim Crane of Los Altos and his 2005 Corvette and received the best reaction award certificate from announcer Dave Hoover.
 

Price reduced for Bisset 2002 Corvette (7/13/08)
Steve and Penny Bisset have reduced the sale price of their beautiful 2002 Corvette Convertible to $25,000.  For more information click here.
 

Vette Magic 33 Results Published (7/9/08)
Vette Magic 33 results for both the Car Show and Drags have been published in the July edition of the Kaleidoscope (“K”).   To view these results click on either VM33 Car Show Results or VM33 Drag Results.
 

NCCA Member in Qualcomm Challenge (6/30/08)
On October 18 through October 24, 2008, 100 cyclists, including NCCA Member Frank Cuenca, will ride 600 miles down the California coastline, from San Francisco to San Diego. The goal is to raise over $1 million for the Challenged Athletes Foundation - a unique organization that enables people with physical challenges to participate and compete in the sports the rest of us take for granted.

Each day of the ride the participants will cycle 56 to 114 miles across (and over!) some of the most scenic – and demanding – terrain in California. During the Million Dollar Challenge, participants will ride alongside athletes who may be missing an arm or leg … who are paralyzed and utilizing a handcycle to cover the miles … or who are vision-impaired and are riding tandem with a guide who serves as their “eyes.” Together, they will deliver a message that will reverberate across California – and across our nation: people with physical challenges can be athletes, too and all that’s standing in the way of their dreams is a chronic and pervasive lack of funding.

Entry is limited to 100 cyclists who each raise $10,000 for CAF and in return will enjoy a fully supported ride.  For more information about these Challenged Athletics, click here.  To see the Challenged Athletics Foundation video, click here.  If you wish to donate in Frank Cuenca’s name to help him reach his $10,000 goal, click here for the donation form.
 

NCCA Members Drag Race at Infineon (6/25/08)
Several NCCA Members attended Infineon Raceway to drag race on June 25, 2008.  To see photos of that event click here.  Click here to see a video.
 

NCCA Members attend Vette-O-Rama (6/14/08)
Several NCCA Members attended the Diablo Valley Corvettes Vette-O-Rama car show on June 14, 2008 in Concord.  Those in attendance reported having fun and enjoyed the great venue.

Old car Emission Exemption Threatened (3/17/08)
Old Car Emissions Exemption Threatened in 8 California Counties; Hearing Scheduled for April 1 Legislation (S.B. 1549) has been introduced in the California State Senate by Senator Dean Florez (senator.florez@sen.ca.gov) to repeal the state’s current emissions test exemption for pre-1976 vehicles registered by new owners in the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.  The District includes eight counties in California’s Central Valley:  San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the valley portion of Kern.  Under the bill, after Jan. 1, 2009, new owners seeking to register a pre-1976 vehicle in these eight counties would be subject to emissions tests for the life of the vehicle.  S.B. 1549 is scheduled to be considered by the California Senate Transportation and Housing Committee on April 1, 2008. For additional information, click here.
 

George Robinson attends Spring Mountain Motorsports Advanced Driving School (3/2/08)
George Robinson recently attended the Spring Mountain Motorsports Advanced Driving School and has put together a story of that trip.  Click here to George’s notes on the driving school.
 

Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06 News (2/21/08)
The 427 Limited Edition Z06 appears destined to be a true Corvette collectible — and the price tag is not likely to deter aficionados. "It is aimed, as always with our special editions, at Corvette enthusiasts who like to have something different," said Bob Tripolsky, Chevrolet spokesman.

The 427 Limited Edition Z06 stands out from the Corvette pack in a number of ways, starting with the paint job. It features a Crystal Red tint coat exterior, which Chevy says makes it the first Z06 ever offered with a red metallic tint coat paint. Cosmetic touches include hood and fascia graphics that hark back to the style of the "stinger" hood design and graphics that were offered with 1967 models equipped with the 427 engine. Each car is numbered and signed by Wil Cooksey, the Corvette assembly plant manager. Read more at: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=124791
 

NCM E-member Level Now Available (2/21/08)
Many enthusiasts who live far away from the National Corvette Museum (NCM) will now have a way to take part in their membership benefits and support the Museum as they continue building the Corvette family!

If you are not already a member of the Museum, they recommend you consider joining at their new e-member level. E-members will receive a 5% discount in the Corvette Store, email membership card, discounts on bricks and flint bricks, along with the ability to list your Corvette photo online. They hope the benefits of this new membership will be a rewarding way for others to join as a member of the Museum. The E-membership is now available for a $25 annual fee and can be purchased online at: http://services.corvettemuseum.com/PortalTools/NCMF/membership.cfm  or by calling (800) 53-VETTE.
 

NCCA welcomes new members! (2/5/08)
Three new members have joined NCCA.  New members include Mike Gann, Steve & Debbie Hernandez, and David & Myra Northrup.  Welcome to the club!
 

Chevy Unveils Two Unique Corvette Pace Cars (12/28/2007)
History will be made at the 2008 Indianapolis 500 when a pair of distinctive yet highly differentiated Corvette models will serve as the official pace cars - one highlighting Chevrolet's commitment to fuel solutions and the other marking 30 years of Corvette's pace car heritage. Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials gathered at the Indianapolis Auto Show to make the historic announcement.

One of the pace cars is a customized Corvette Z06 E85 concept that runs on E85 ethanol fuel, a domestically produced alternative fuel similar to the E100 fuel that powers all of the racecars in the IndyCar Series. It will be driven during the race's pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi. The other official pace car is a black-and-silver commemorative edition that marks the 30th anniversary of the celebrated 1978 pace car - the first Corvette to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet will produce a total of 500 pace car replicas in both coupe and convertible form, each signed personally by Fittipaldi at Corvette's Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant. The 92nd Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2008. It will be Corvette's 10th appearance as the official pace car - a record unmatched by any other vehicle.

Chevrolet announces the 2009 Corvette ZR1 (12/20/2007)
DETROIT – Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

“Chevrolet's goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with exceptional driveability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Performance estimates will be announced closer to vehicle's summer 2008 launch.

“Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed,” said Peper. “It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1's is exceptional – better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph.”

For more information go to the National Corvette Museum web site at http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2009zr1/index.shtml
 

Steve Bisset’s 2002 Corvette Convertible up for sale (12/5/2007)
Steve Bisset is selling his beautiful 2002 Corvette Convertible for $26,500.  For additional information, click here to view flyer.
 

WSCC Hosts Driving School (12/3/2007)
Two Level I Spring Mountain schools are being offered thru Motorsport West and WSCC.  Dates are: February 4th, 5th and 6th, 2008 (they are trying to fill this as a Ladies class) or April 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2008 (mixed). Classes are at Spring Mountain Advanced Driving School in Pahrump, NV.  This is where you drive their all Corvette fleet in the course & receive professional instruction.  School was donated to WSCC by Spring Mountain Advanced Driving School; benefits go to the 2009 Northern California NCM Caravan.  For additional information go to www.westerncorvettes.com or Contact Buzz Marston at 408.353.3500 or click here to view flyer.
 

Lunch bags and bottle coolers added to NCCA store (11/22/2007)
Some 50th Anniversary lunch bags and wine coolers are still available and have been added to the NCCA store.  Contact Lloyd Peoples at 510-278-7763 for further information.
 

Two new members join NCCA (11/10/2007)
During November 2007, two new members joined NCCA.  New members include Ron & Mollie Hall and Joe Baldhosky & Connie Troisi.  Welcome to the club!
 

George Robinson attends ALMS (10/20/2007)
NCCA member George Robinson attended the recent American LeMans Series (ALMS) races at Laguna Seca.  George said that it was a “hoot.”  There were about 250 Corvettes there in the corral.  The Corvette Plant Manager was there and three top engineers including Tom Wallace of the race team.  Also there was serial number 1 of the 2008’s and Ron Fellows personal car.  Courtesy Chevrolet also had a 560hp Callaway Corvette there.  Click here to see George’s pictures of the event.
 

John and Tawnia Felato join NCCA (10/2/2007)
At the general business meeting on October 2, 2007, Ron and Tawnia Felato were inducted as new members into the NCCA.  Welcome to the club!
 

NCCA wins Club Par at Corvette Spectacular (9/9/2007)
NCCA  took "club par" at Corvette Spectacular in Los Altos on September 9.  NCCA had 15 cars there.  There were 235 corvettes entered in the show.  NCCA took 6 awards.  Five second place awards and Jeff Grounds took best engine with his car. 
 

Steve and Beth Magidson join NCCA (9/4/2007)
At the general business meeting on September 4, 2007, Steve and Beth Magidson were inducted as new members into the NCCA.  Welcome to the club!
 

NCCA banner at NCM (9/3/2007)
A banner with our NCCA logo is now hanging in the parking lot of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green Kentucky.  It will fly there for 18 months and then be mailed to our club for safe keeping.  Only eighteen clubs out of all the clubs in the world were selected for this honor.

New NCCA brick at NCM (7/16/2007)
On July 16, 2007, the new NCCA 50th Anniversary brick was unveiled at the National Corvette Museum (NCM).  Numerous NCCA members, including our club President Lloyd Peoples attended the unveiling.  Click here to view pictures of club members, their cars, and our new brick.

Jack Stowe (1930-2007) passes away (7/5/2007)
It is with great sadness that we announce that Jack Stowe, long time member of NCCA, passed away on July 5, 2007.  Jack was such a warm and wonderful person and he will be truly missed.  Our condolences go out to all his family and friends.

Five new members join NCCA (7/3/2007)
At the General Business Meeting on July 3, 2007, Terry and Barb Bang, Jay Sharpe, Peter Smith, John Kauppinen, and TL and Angelica Hembly were inducted as new members into the NCCA.  Welcome to the club!
 

Bob Garcia and Don & Julene Henning join NCCA (6/5/2007)
At the General Business Meeting on June 5, 2007, Bob Garcia and Don & Julene Henning were inducted as new members into the NCCA.  Welcome to the club!
 

NCCA Takes Club Par at Altamont Auto-X! (5/13/2007)
NCCA has a great turnout on May 13th at the Altamont Speedway Challenge Auto-X.  We had more club members attend this event than any other club, and NCCA took Club Par!  This was the first WSCC Auto-X at Altamont Speedway.  Portions of the banked curves of the racetrack were incorporated into the Auto-X course, making for a fast and exciting event.

Several NCCA’ers received trophies, most notably, Jan Knudsen took first in her class as well as ladies top time of the day!  Speedy Knudsen won his class, Doug Knudson and Mike Emerson were second in their classes, and Lori and Eric Brant were first in class.  We also had a few first-timers out there and everyone had a blast!
 

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe and Convertible (4/30/2007)
If Vette = Powerful, then Better Vette = More Powerful, right? Yup.
BY ERIK JOHNSON, April 2007

Chevy’s mad scientists have been hard at work tweaking the C6 Corvette for its fourth model year, and the results are finally in. The most important figures: 6.2 liters of displacement, 430 hp, and 424 lb-ft of torque from its V-8 engine, which now carries the LS3 moniker. (For those without Corvette statistics tattooed to their brains, the C6’s previous LS2 V-8 displaced 6.0 liters and pumped out 400 ponies and 400 lb-ft of twist.)

Besides the bump in displacement—achieved through increasing the bore from 101.62mm to 103.25mm—the aluminum-block LS3 gets better-flowing, LS7-style heads; new cam and camshaft timing; and an easier-breathing intake. Updates to the valvetrain (bigger cylinders mean bigger valves), fuel injectors swiped directly from the 505-hp LS7 V-8, and revisions to the block for more strength round out the changes between the Vette’s shapely front fenders.
 

O'Connell and Magnussen Break Through with First Win for Corvette Racing (4/21/2007)
HOUSTON - Jan Magnussen and Johnny O'Connell teamed up to win their first race together since 1999 as the pair drove their No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R to their first victory of the season tonight in the Lone Star Grand Prix. Racing on the rough and rugged 1.7-mile JAGFlo Speedway at Reliant Park temporary street circuit was like riding a mechanical bull, but Magnussen and O'Connell held on throughout the two-hour and 45-minute race to stake their claim to the GT1 winner's circle.

With both speed and good fortune on their side, Magnussen and O'Connell completed 138 laps and finished 50 seconds ahead of Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta in the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R. O'Connell notched his 26th career ALMS victory, putting him third on the series' all-time winners list. Magnussen tallied his 12th ALMS win, becoming only the second driver to score at least one victory in every year since the series' inception in 1999.
 

Z07? The ultimate Corvette is due in 2009 (4/17/2007)
The C6 Corvette is a phenomenon. Despite a substandard interior, its power, dynamics, and styling have given it international credibility the C5 struggled to achieve and the gold-chain-inspiring C3 and C4 could only dream of. Now it's talked of as a competitor for Porsche 911, Aston Martin V-8 Vantage, various BMW Ms, and Mercedes AMGs. That 505-horsepower Z06 hasn't hurt.

But just before it's replaced by the all-new C7, the C6 will get one last shot at automotive immortality: around 700 horsepower and a new name. Word in Detroit is the long-awaited ber-Corvette, codenamed the Blue Devil after Rick Wagoner's alma mater's NCAA team, will now likely be called Z07. Purists at GM have balked at naming it the Corvette SS, after Zora Arkus-Duntov's definitive Chevy sport racer. Corvette Super Sport had been the expected name for the last year or so.

It's not coming as soon as you'd hoped: It'll be a 2009 model. And it'll essentially be a "build out" of C6 bits, combined with some powertrain parts that'll appear on the C7. As Jim Queen revealed in Motor Trend last month, General Motors is talking in the 700 horsepower neighborhood for its Top Gun C7, which jibes with the output predicted from the supercharged 7.0-liter V-8. Bet on the 505-horsepower Z06 becoming the standard C7 Corvette.

The C7 will launch in the 2010 calendar year. Just six model years for the C6? The C5 ran seven, but its predecessor was built for 13 model years, and the C3 dates back to the signing of the Magna Carta. This is a good sign: Corvette was considered for the chopping block during its 13-year C4 run.

[Motor Trend]
 

NCCA approves new logo (3/6/2007)
At the general business meeting on March 6, 2007, a motion was ade to approve a new club logo.
 

Chris Hicken and Joe & Gerry Kotlar join NCCA (3/6/2007)
At the general business meeting on March 6, 2007, Chris Hicken and Joe & Gerry Kotlar were inducted as new members into the NCCA.  Welcome to the club!
 

NCCA has a new web site (3/2/2007)
Welcome to the new NCCA web site. We hope you like what you see and will keep coming back as the site continues to evolve.  If you have suggestions for improvements please use the Contact Usfeedback form.