To be a Corvette enthusiast in South Australia means we are on the end of the queue when it comes to actually seeing new models and even then it is usually at a National event interstate.
For the C8 it has even been a further up hill battle and delays due to the demise of motoring manufacture in Australia, the U.S. G.M. plant disputes early in production as well as covid worldwide.
Twelve months on from the commencement of production of the C8 General Motors Specialty Vehicles, GMSV, were due to launch their new range of SUV's and Corvettes announced in national motoring magazines which only increased the appetite of local perspective buyers to see their products.
There is a Father Christmas! The chance came at round 4 of the Supercars Championship held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia on May 7th to 9th when GMSV advised the Corvette Club of South Australia Inc. they would have their promotion of these vehicles track side.
It just so happened that the club's monthly General Meeting was the Wednesday prior to that weekend and the GMSV representatives of, Jodie (Manager of Marketing and Communications) and Rob (Sales Manager Vic, WA, SA, and NTGMSV) were invited to attend to advise members of the track promotion.
Several members took advantage of this on the Saturday and were treated to not only view the GMSV display, have a tour of the Red Bull pit workshop but also see the C8 Corvette in the flesh.
The C8, driven by Joanne (GM of GMSV), led a procession of some 50 Holdens from the Holden Club of South Australia around the track to the lead up of the Supercars race which was in the rain and resulted in an action packed race.
Following the track display the C8, still left hand drive with the release of the factory right later this year, drove around to the GMSV display and parked to allow the public to view this amazing new mid-engine Corvette. Photos attached.
Additional to this Craig Lowndes drove the C8 around The Bend for three laps during the course of the weekend and the video of his experience can be viewed by typing in "C8 Corvette at The Bend" in your search engine.
A big thank you to the GMSV team for including the Corvette Club of South Australia Inc. to be part of this event and on behalf of all Corvette clubs nationally we look forward to their ongoing participation to promote the intense interest in the C8 and Corvettes throughout Australia.
To all Corvette enthusiasts it is hoped you get to experience the C8 soon.
Story and photos by J Randell.
Member. Corvette Club of South Australia Inc.
