Skyline Drive Corvette Club

Monday, August 30^th  2010
This trip was special - no I was not leading a Corvette caravan but was on my own. From past experiences, it is always a thrill to celebrate an NCM anniversary. We have attended quite a few since our first in 1999, but this one was special in two aspects. It was my first as the SDC Ambassador to the NCM and I was participating in an NCM X-Perience that means that our 2008 Jet Stream Blue Coupe would go through the Museum Delivery R8C program just as if it were a new car being delivered.

The first day on the road day went well, the weather was clear and sunny but warm, 94 degrees F. One can travel much faster alone, short rest stops - no one to talk to and there was little traffic. I arrived at the motel just after 2:00 pm in Charleston, WV, walked for over an hour, showered and had a “couple” at the Lazy Dog Saloon. Then it was off to a light dinner at TGI Friday’s and an early night. Tomorrow I’m off early to the Museum.

Tuesday, August 31^st 2010
I awoke early, even before the alarm went off, and got a bit of breakfast and was on the road by 6:15 am. Getting to the Museum early was important to me, as there are many people that I wanted to see. With just one stop for gas, the miles passed away quickly and I arrived by mid-morning. Of course, there is a time change, the clock goes back an hour, my tummy said it was lunch so Wendy’s was in order followed by as photo shoot of our 2008 in front of the Corvette Assembly Plant. This photo-shoot has become a ritual with me as I do it on every trip. I noted that the American flag few at half-staff – that indicates a person from Kentucky died in the service of our country this week. Let’s pray that the sacrifice was not in vain.

I immediately went to see Betty Hardison in the library to determine if the original build sheet for my 2008 was in existence - yes it was so I purchased it - another piece of documentation for the 2008.This is the actual build sheet that was on our 2008 as it came down the assembly line in August of 2007.

I visited with Roc Linkov and Karen Renfrow of Events, Katie Frassinelli Marketing and Communications Manager, Stephanie Morrill of Membership and Connie Russell Development Coordinator amongst others. Since tomorrow was the X-Perience day for the 2008, it was time by late afternoon to head to the Hampton Inn, check in and wash the car. It was not that dirty after the 800-mile trip, but it has to look good for the Museum Delivery X-Perience scheduled for 7:30 am on Wednesday. I then headed off for a good power walk, shower and then dinner at the Olive Garden. I sat at the bar next to a neat Harley Davidson guy and we chatted the entire time - why not Harleys and Corvettes - nothing more American than that!

Wednesday, September 1^st 2010
Today was the big day, our 2008 Corvette was going to participate in the X-Perience. When you purchase a new Corvette, there is the R8C option for Museum delivery, but what about those who did not check that option or who have purchased formerly owned vehicles. The Museum has thought of that and has a relatively new program whereby you can take your older Corvette through the delivery program just like it was new, actually cars as old as 1958 have gone through the X-Perience.

I arrived at the Museum early, 7:00 am, so that there was time for one last “speed shine” - wanted it looking good next to those brand new R8C Corvettes awaiting their owners. The 2008 was driven to the detailing area - they did not have much to do - and then put on display in the Museum Main Boulevard. Funny, I was told later that our three-year-old Jet Stream Blue was drawing more attention than the new cars. Could it be that the chromed original wheels add that much to the “look”? I think so!

I met my guide for the day, Ron Barton, promptly at 7:45 am and we were off. First thing, there was my name up on the overhead display for all to see – hey this is neat – and Ron and I were off for a factory tour. I’ve done many of these tours including two previous R8C tours, but this one was special because Ron had spent his entire working career with GM. Many of those years were in Corvette assembly both at St. Louis and Bowling Green, seventeen years at Bowling Green, if I remember correctly. Ron and I are about the same age and we immediately enjoyed each other’s company and insights. Ron knew the car inside and out, but even better he knew everyone and we chatted with the workers from the receptionist to final start-up at the end of the production line. I ended up getting more hugs and hand shakes in one day than a good old teddy bear. Wow, if this how a VIP feels – if so, it is good! I am enjoying this immensely this VIP stuff!

After the plant tour, we walker thru the entire Museum, but actually spent more time gathering Ron’s insight and tidbits of knowledge that only an insider would know. We had lunch in the Corvette café, chatted with Gary Cockreil, R8C Delivery Manager and Lori Bieschke Assistant Delivery Manager who is sometimes referred to as the “snake’ well that is another funny insider story- and then it was time to remove the 2008 from the Boulevard as room was needed for the 16^th Anniversary celebration. But first, the special X-Perience tag was placed on the inside door jam and photographs of the car and me were taken in front of the Museum.

A car, but especially a Corvette, grows on you as your experiences together form a bond and common history. Our, Dor and I’s 2008 was three yeas old this week and here it was back at its birthplace going through the X-Perience just two days shy of its’ anniversary delivery date in 2007. Another chapter another adventure, our bond is growing.

Since it was late in the afternoon, I stayed at the Museum because the Lifetime VIP members reception was scheduled for 5:15 pm. No need to go to the motel and return. The reception was enjoyable as it gives the opportunity to mingle with other NCM members with similar commitments to the Museum. I sat with a good friend from the Emerald Coast Corvette Club, Jerry Pelton who was on the Lime Rock Tour in July, and Adam Boca of NCM Insurance and his family. I made this trip on my own, but was seldom alone.

Thursday, September 2^nd 2010
I was able to sleep in a bit as there was no reason to be the Museum before 9:00 am. Roc Linkov, Museum Director of Activities, had invited me to attend a meeting with two representatives of the Kentucky State Police regarding the “Lap of Kentucky” scheduled for October 2010. The two policemen were “real” car guys and each day of the trip was carefully scrutinized for requirements of police escort especially in and out of the populated areas. I am leading a small caravan to this event and it was helpful to see the planning that goes on to made an event come to life.

After the meeting, I spotted Jerry Pelton from the Emerald City Corvette Club. We were both “bachelors” for the 16^th Anniversary so we hung together for most of the day.

Chevrolet had brought six cars available for test rides so I took the opportunity to test drive a new Equinox SUV and a Jet Stream Blue six-speed Grand Sport. I also spent time at the Corvette racing and new model display and had the opportunity to talk with Harlen Charles, Corvette Brand Marketing Manager, when he was not surrounded by hoards of interested enthusiasts.

Friday, September 3^rd 2010
First item on the agenda was the NCM Ambassador breakfast and, of course, as Ambassador from the SDCC, I was there. The breakfast provides an opportunity for all the Club Ambassadors to get acquainted, to hear from the Museum staff on key subjects, and to provide feedback to the Museum. Also, for those who have earned it, Ambassadors may be recognized as “Master Ambassadors”, and I was given that honor and a Certificate of Recognition. I am proud of that accomplishment in just my second year as club ambassador.

Other events that occurred on Friday was the chance to ride in the Cunningham 1960 Corvette the winner of its’ class at the 24 Hours of Lemans. This historic racecar is owned by Lance Miller the son of Chip Miller a high school classmate of mine, Jenkintown class of 1960. Additionally, there were seminars on the Hall of Fame inductees, an autograph session and a review of the proposed NCM Motor Sports Park. The evening wrapped up with the Hall of Fame Induction Banquet honoring Grady Davis, Fred Gallasch and Jim Ingle. Fred and Jim are icons known in Corvette circles for their marketing and engineering expertise during the timeframe from the 1970s into the 1990s. While VP of Gulf Oil, Grady sponsored and directed the Gulf Oil Corvette Race Teams in conjunction with Chevrolet that set a racing record that is admired to this day. Grady Davis has passed away, but his family was present to accept the honor as a Hall of Fame inductee.

Saturday, September 4^th

There was a special reception for 10, 15 and 20 year members of the Museum, and Dor and I were recognized for our 20-year commitment to the National Corvette Museum. Who would have thought that that dream way back in 1990 would come to this, the car, the Museum and all those friends and experiences over the past 20 years.

Harlan Charles, Corvette Marketing Brand Manager, gave a seminar on the 2011 Corvette, followed by a walk-around of the new models. The Z-06 Carbon edition in Supersonic Blue sure looked appealing! We will see.

The last item for me on the agenda was an open Board of Director’s meeting with all the NCM Directors. Museum financial status, of course, is a major topic - it is satisfactory, discussion of future plans, all followed by a Q & A session. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was time to roll. It is 270 miles to Ashland, KY, at the WV border, for the night. That cuts a big chunk off the 800-mile trip home and gets me in at a reasonable time on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday, September 5^th
It was an easy ride, good weather and little traffic to 2325 Huntingdon Road. The Vette rolled the miles away and we were home by early afternoon. Another Corvette adventure under the belt.

CORVETTE PERFORMANCE: 2008 Coupe, Z-51, Michelin Pilot PS-2 Pneumatic Tires

Start Mileage: 24, 333 (figurers by hand calculator, not DIC which is optimistic)
Finish Mileage: 25, 966
Total Fuel Consumed: 62.0435 Gallons Overall trip Average: 26. 34 MPG
Best average one tank: 28.4 MPG (running at a consistent 75 miles per hour)

Trip Home Records from Garmin GPS:
Overall average speed: 67.2 MPH
Moving Average: 70.8 MPH
Moving Total Time: 11 hours 3 minutes
Total driving time: 11 hours 39 minutes
Recorded distance: 785.2 miles.

Jack DeLong, September 8, 2010
File: Trip 16^th Anniversary NCM

Many of us know that when you order a new Corvette that you can check-off option R8C which means Museum delivery in Bowling Green, Kentucky. But what if you have an older Vette or did not check option R8C upon a more recent delivery, and you would like the same treatment and thrill of a Museum delivery. Yes, you can do it and it is called the NCM X-Perience.

I recently went thru the X-Perience at the NCM with my 2008 Jet Stream Blue coupe and it was a real treat. My X-Perience was scheduled just before the Museum’s 16^th Anniversary Celebration so that I could do both on one trip. The car had to be at the Museum by 7:30am where Ron Barton, my host and guide for the day, welcomed me. We took the car to the detailing shop and left it. But on the way I noticed my name and car description in lights above the area of the Museum called the Boulevard where Museum Delivery Corvettes are displayed for the public. By 8am we boarded a mini-van for the short trip to the Corvette Assembly Plant and a special X-Perience plant tour under the watchful eye of Ron. I have done many of these plant tours including two R8C tours with other new owners but none was like this; you see Ron had been a GM employee for 37 years, had worked at the St.Louis Corvette assembly facility and had spent 17 years at the Bowling Green plant. Ron and I are about the same age and immediately enjoyed each others company especially his detailed knowledge of the car and its assembly. But even better, Ron knew everyone from the receptionist to the final startup called the birthing where I got to start for the first time a new 6-speed coupe. This tour was all about the people and we chatted with many and I got more handshakes and hugs (from the ladies) in one day than a good old teddy bear. Wow, if this is how a VIP feels- it is good! I am enjoying this immensely- this VIP stuff.

After the plant tour, we returned to the Museum where I saw my 2008 roped-off on display on the Boulevard just like a celebrity car or a Museum delivery. That is a thrill, my Vette under the lights with a sign with my name, car description and also denoting the ‘08 as an X-Perience Corvette. We then toured the rest of the Museum, but actually spent more time discussing Ron’s tidbits of knowledge that only an insider would know. After lunch in the Corvette cafeteria, I spoke with Gary Cockreil and Lori “the snake” Bieschke, delivery and assistant delivery managers about my day. The ‘snake’ inside story, you have to go and discover it yourself!

Then it was time to remove the 2008 from the boulevard, you see Lance Miller’s 1960 Lemans winning Corvette was about to take its’ spot on the boulevard-not a bad exchange in my opinion, however the 1960 racecar was definitely louder. But there were two more details to take care of. The first was to place the unique tag that goes on the door jam denoting this Corvette as an X-Perience participant, and the final photographs at the entrance to the Museum.

I was treated like royalty, like a celebrity, the 2008 looked great three years almost to the day that I took initial delivery. Thanks to Lori, Gary, and Ron for making my experience so rewarding. The X-Perience adds another chapter to the history and bonding with this Corvette. If you have never done it, go for it, it is worth doing.

How old is the oldest X-Perienced Corvette?   1958 so far!

Jack Delong
NCM Lifetime Member

Monday, August 30^th  2010
This trip was special - no I was not leading a Corvette caravan but was on my own. From past experiences, it is always a thrill to celebrate an NCM anniversary. We have attended quite a few since our first in 1999, but this one was special in two aspects. It was my first as the SDC Ambassador to the NCM and I was participating in an NCM X-Perience that means that our 2008 Jet Stream Blue Coupe would go through the Museum Delivery R8C program just as if it were a new car being delivered.

The first day on the road day went well, the weather was clear and sunny but warm, 94 degrees F. One can travel much faster alone, short rest stops - no one to talk to and there was little traffic. I arrived at the motel just after 2:00 pm in Charleston, WV, walked for over an hour, showered and had a “couple” at the Lazy Dog Saloon. Then it was off to a light dinner at TGI Friday’s and an early night. Tomorrow I’m off early to the Museum.

Tuesday, August 31^st 2010
I awoke early, even before the alarm went off, and got a bit of breakfast and was on the road by 6:15 am. Getting to the Museum early was important to me, as there are many people that I wanted to see. With just one stop for gas, the miles passed away quickly and I arrived by mid-morning. Of course, there is a time change, the clock goes back an hour, my tummy said it was lunch so Wendy’s was in order followed by as photo shoot of our 2008 in front of the Corvette Assembly Plant. This photo-shoot has become a ritual with me as I do it on every trip. I noted that the American flag few at half-staff – that indicates a person from Kentucky died in the service of our country this week. Let’s pray that the sacrifice was not in vain.

I immediately went to see Betty Hardison in the library to determine if the original build sheet for my 2008 was in existence - yes it was so I purchased it - another piece of documentation for the 2008.This is the actual build sheet that was on our 2008 as it came down the assembly line in August of 2007.

I visited with Roc Linkov and Karen Renfrow of Events, Katie Frassinelli Marketing and Communications Manager, Stephanie Morrill of Membership and Connie Russell Development Coordinator amongst others. Since tomorrow was the X-Perience day for the 2008, it was time by late afternoon to head to the Hampton Inn, check in and wash the car. It was not that dirty after the 800-mile trip, but it has to look good for the Museum Delivery X-Perience scheduled for 7:30 am on Wednesday. I then headed off for a good power walk, shower and then dinner at the Olive Garden. I sat at the bar next to a neat Harley Davidson guy and we chatted the entire time - why not Harleys and Corvettes - nothing more American than that!

Wednesday, September 1^st 2010
Today was the big day, our 2008 Corvette was going to participate in the X-Perience. When you purchase a new Corvette, there is the R8C option for Museum delivery, but what about those who did not check that option or who have purchased formerly owned vehicles. The Museum has thought of that and has a relatively new program whereby you can take your older Corvette through the delivery program just like it was new, actually cars as old as 1958 have gone through the X-Perience.

I arrived at the Museum early, 7:00 am, so that there was time for one last “speed shine” - wanted it looking good next to those brand new R8C Corvettes awaiting their owners. The 2008 was driven to the detailing area - they did not have much to do - and then put on display in the Museum Main Boulevard. Funny, I was told later that our three-year-old Jet Stream Blue was drawing more attention than the new cars. Could it be that the chromed original wheels add that much to the “look”? I think so!

I met my guide for the day, Ron Barton, promptly at 7:45 am and we were off. First thing, there was my name up on the overhead display for all to see – hey this is neat – and Ron and I were off for a factory tour. I’ve done many of these tours including two previous R8C tours, but this one was special because Ron had spent his entire working career with GM. Many of those years were in Corvette assembly both at St. Louis and Bowling Green, seventeen years at Bowling Green, if I remember correctly. Ron and I are about the same age and we immediately enjoyed each other’s company and insights. Ron knew the car inside and out, but even better he knew everyone and we chatted with the workers from the receptionist to final start-up at the end of the production line. I ended up getting more hugs and hand shakes in one day than a good old teddy bear. Wow, if this how a VIP feels – if so, it is good! I am enjoying this immensely this VIP stuff!

After the plant tour, we walker thru the entire Museum, but actually spent more time gathering Ron’s insight and tidbits of knowledge that only an insider would know. We had lunch in the Corvette café, chatted with Gary Cockreil, R8C Delivery Manager and Lori Bieschke Assistant Delivery Manager who is sometimes referred to as the “snake’ well that is another funny insider story- and then it was time to remove the 2008 from the Boulevard as room was needed for the 16^th Anniversary celebration. But first, the special X-Perience tag was placed on the inside door jam and photographs of the car and me were taken in front of the Museum.

A car, but especially a Corvette, grows on you as your experiences together form a bond and common history. Our, Dor and I’s 2008 was three yeas old this week and here it was back at its birthplace going through the X-Perience just two days shy of its’ anniversary delivery date in 2007. Another chapter another adventure, our bond is growing.

Since it was late in the afternoon, I stayed at the Museum because the Lifetime VIP members reception was scheduled for 5:15 pm. No need to go to the motel and return. The reception was enjoyable as it gives the opportunity to mingle with other NCM members with similar commitments to the Museum. I sat with a good friend from the Emerald Coast Corvette Club, Jerry Pelton who was on the Lime Rock Tour in July, and Adam Boca of NCM Insurance and his family. I made this trip on my own, but was seldom alone.

Thursday, September 2^nd 2010
I was able to sleep in a bit as there was no reason to be the Museum before 9:00 am. Roc Linkov, Museum Director of Activities, had invited me to attend a meeting with two representatives of the Kentucky State Police regarding the “Lap of Kentucky” scheduled for October 2010. The two policemen were “real” car guys and each day of the trip was carefully scrutinized for requirements of police escort especially in and out of the populated areas. I am leading a small caravan to this event and it was helpful to see the planning that goes on to made an event come to life.

After the meeting, I spotted Jerry Pelton from the Emerald City Corvette Club. We were both “bachelors” for the 16^th Anniversary so we hung together for most of the day.

Chevrolet had brought six cars available for test rides so I took the opportunity to test drive a new Equinox SUV and a Jet Stream Blue six-speed Grand Sport. I also spent time at the Corvette racing and new model display and had the opportunity to talk with Harlen Charles, Corvette Brand Marketing Manager, when he was not surrounded by hoards of interested enthusiasts.

Friday, September 3^rd 2010
First item on the agenda was the NCM Ambassador breakfast and, of course, as Ambassador from the SDCC, I was there. The breakfast provides an opportunity for all the Club Ambassadors to get acquainted, to hear from the Museum staff on key subjects, and to provide feedback to the Museum. Also, for those who have earned it, Ambassadors may be recognized as “Master Ambassadors”, and I was given that honor and a Certificate of Recognition. I am proud of that accomplishment in just my second year as club ambassador.

Other events that occurred on Friday was the chance to ride in the Cunningham 1960 Corvette the winner of its’ class at the 24 Hours of Lemans. This historic racecar is owned by Lance Miller the son of Chip Miller a high school classmate of mine, Jenkintown class of 1960. Additionally, there were seminars on the Hall of Fame inductees, an autograph session and a review of the proposed NCM Motor Sports Park. The evening wrapped up with the Hall of Fame Induction Banquet honoring Grady Davis, Fred Gallasch and Jim Ingle. Fred and Jim are icons known in Corvette circles for their marketing and engineering expertise during the timeframe from the 1970s into the 1990s. While VP of Gulf Oil, Grady sponsored and directed the Gulf Oil Corvette Race Teams in conjunction with Chevrolet that set a racing record that is admired to this day. Grady Davis has passed away, but his family was present to accept the honor as a Hall of Fame inductee.

Saturday, September 4^th

There was a special reception for 10, 15 and 20 year members of the Museum, and Dor and I were recognized for our 20-year commitment to the National Corvette Museum. Who would have thought that that dream way back in 1990 would come to this, the car, the Museum and all those friends and experiences over the past 20 years.

Harlan Charles, Corvette Marketing Brand Manager, gave a seminar on the 2011 Corvette, followed by a walk-around of the new models. The Z-06 Carbon edition in Supersonic Blue sure looked appealing! We will see.

The last item for me on the agenda was an open Board of Director’s meeting with all the NCM Directors. Museum financial status, of course, is a major topic - it is satisfactory, discussion of future plans, all followed by a Q & A session. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was time to roll. It is 270 miles to Ashland, KY, at the WV border, for the night. That cuts a big chunk off the 800-mile trip home and gets me in at a reasonable time on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday, September 5^th
It was an easy ride, good weather and little traffic to 2325 Huntingdon Road. The Vette rolled the miles away and we were home by early afternoon. Another Corvette adventure under the belt.

CORVETTE PERFORMANCE: 2008 Coupe, Z-51, Michelin Pilot PS-2 Pneumatic Tires

Start Mileage: 24, 333 (figurers by hand calculator, not DIC which is optimistic)
Finish Mileage: 25, 966
Total Fuel Consumed: 62.0435 Gallons Overall trip Average: 26. 34 MPG
Best average one tank: 28.4 MPG (running at a consistent 75 miles per hour)

Trip Home Records from Garmin GPS:
Overall average speed: 67.2 MPH
Moving Average: 70.8 MPH
Moving Total Time: 11 hours 3 minutes
Total driving time: 11 hours 39 minutes
Recorded distance: 785.2 miles.

Jack DeLong, September 8, 2010
File: Trip 16^th Anniversary NCM

Many of us know that when you order a new Corvette that you can check-off option R8C which means Museum delivery in Bowling Green, Kentucky. But what if you have an older Vette or did not check option R8C upon a more recent delivery, and you would like the same treatment and thrill of a Museum delivery. Yes, you can do it and it is called the NCM X-Perience.

I recently went thru the X-Perience at the NCM with my 2008 Jet Stream Blue coupe and it was a real treat. My X-Perience was scheduled just before the Museum’s 16^th Anniversary Celebration so that I could do both on one trip. The car had to be at the Museum by 7:30am where Ron Barton, my host and guide for the day, welcomed me. We took the car to the detailing shop and left it. But on the way I noticed my name and car description in lights above the area of the Museum called the Boulevard where Museum Delivery Corvettes are displayed for the public. By 8am we boarded a mini-van for the short trip to the Corvette Assembly Plant and a special X-Perience plant tour under the watchful eye of Ron. I have done many of these plant tours including two R8C tours with other new owners but none was like this; you see Ron had been a GM employee for 37 years, had worked at the St.Louis Corvette assembly facility and had spent 17 years at the Bowling Green plant. Ron and I are about the same age and immediately enjoyed each others company especially his detailed knowledge of the car and its assembly. But even better, Ron knew everyone from the receptionist to the final startup called the birthing where I got to start for the first time a new 6-speed coupe. This tour was all about the people and we chatted with many and I got more handshakes and hugs (from the ladies) in one day than a good old teddy bear. Wow, if this is how a VIP feels- it is good! I am enjoying this immensely- this VIP stuff.

After the plant tour, we returned to the Museum where I saw my 2008 roped-off on display on the Boulevard just like a celebrity car or a Museum delivery. That is a thrill, my Vette under the lights with a sign with my name, car description and also denoting the ‘08 as an X-Perience Corvette. We then toured the rest of the Museum, but actually spent more time discussing Ron’s tidbits of knowledge that only an insider would know. After lunch in the Corvette cafeteria, I spoke with Gary Cockreil and Lori “the snake” Bieschke, delivery and assistant delivery managers about my day. The ‘snake’ inside story, you have to go and discover it yourself!

Then it was time to remove the 2008 from the boulevard, you see Lance Miller’s 1960 Lemans winning Corvette was about to take its’ spot on the boulevard-not a bad exchange in my opinion, however the 1960 racecar was definitely louder. But there were two more details to take care of. The first was to place the unique tag that goes on the door jam denoting this Corvette as an X-Perience participant, and the final photographs at the entrance to the Museum.

I was treated like royalty, like a celebrity, the 2008 looked great three years almost to the day that I took initial delivery. Thanks to Lori, Gary, and Ron for making my experience so rewarding. The X-Perience adds another chapter to the history and bonding with this Corvette. If you have never done it, go for it, it is worth doing.

How old is the oldest X-Perienced Corvette?   1958 so far!

Jack Delong
NCM Lifetime Member