A dozen pre-1982 Le Mans Corvette at Carlisle
The 2023 showcase of all things Corvette will honnor 100 years of Le Mans with a display that includes upwards of a dozen cars that competed in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans before 1982. It’ll take place August 24-26 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. Source: Carlisle Events
📷 © Courtesy of Carlisle Events: #3 Cunningham Corvette that was driven by John Fitch and Bob Grossman at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1960.
Two of the three Le Mans 1960 Corvette
The first year Corvette competed at the 24-hour endurance race was in 1960 when Briggs Cunningham campaigned three Corvette .
Briggs Cunningham and Jim Kimberly drove the #1 1960 Cunningham Corvette but the latter rolled the car.
📷 © Courtesy of Carlisle Events: #1 Cunningham Corvette that was driven by Briggs Cunningham and Jim Kimberly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1960.
Dick Thompson and Fred Windridge drove the #2 which struck a sandbank and underwent repairs to its right-front fender that put it well back of the pack. It lasted to nearly the end of the race when the engine finally gave up.
John Fitch and Bob Grossman drove the #3 car which suffered chronic overheating in the latter part of the race, still winning its class, the first win for Corvette at Le Mans. Ending eighth overall.
More about the 1960 Corvette at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1960 here.
Both #1 and 3 will be presented at the August 24-26 show.
“The largest, most prestigious race in the world is the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” noted Lance Miller of Carlisle Events. “With the 100-year anniversary upon us, we felt it was appropriate to feature various Corvettes of all generations that raced at Le Mans. We are looking forward to celebrating the 100th in true Corvette fashion; with a special display at Corvettes at Carlisle.” Source: Carlisle Events
Three Callaway Corvette
On honor of the sudden passing of Reeves Callaway on July 11, THREE Callaway Corvettes (two Corvettes, one “Callaway C7R”) that raced (two raced, the C7R did not race but ran during 1996 LeMans pre-qualifying).
📷 © Courtesy of Carlisle Events.
The C7 was built specifically to run GT1 at Le Mans at the famed track will come together for the first-time EVER to be displayed as a tribute to the man and mind who designed them. These cars include a silver 1994 Callaway LM #001 (left), a silver 1997 Callaway C7R (center), a red, white, and blue 2001 Callaway C12R (right).
In 2022, a new Fun Field record was established and between the showcars and those who simply parked on grounds, the event welcomed over 5,000 Corvettes. Source: Carlisle Events
A dozen Corvette that competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans before 1982
📷 © Courtesy of Carlisle Events: #1 Corvette that participated at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1962
📷 © Courtesy of Carlisle Events: In 1973, NART’s 1968 Corvette with a L88 engine driven by Dave Heinz and Bob Johnson started 53rd and finished 15th overall and 7th in class.
