50 th ANNIVERSARY EDITION MAY 5, 2007
From your friends at ACI,PO Boxcongratulations 81691; Cleveland, OH 44181 to www.corvettecleveland.org Corvette Cleveland
9 on your 50th Anniversary!
2 PO Box 81691; Cleveland, OH 44181 www.corvettecleveland.org
Welcome Letter 4 That was then – 1957 6 That was then – 25 th Ann Party 7 Newsletters 9 The Road to Today 1957 10 1967 15 1977 21 1987 27 1997 31 Charity 38 CC in Blue Bars 39 CC Art 44 Club Officer Listing 46 Competition 59 Nelson Ledges & Corvette Cleveland 62 Events 64 Track Records 68 National Corvette Museum 77 50yrs of Corvette Ads 79 Members 83 In the Blood 100
Editor’s Note: If you have any corrections to this book or further information, we want to know! Please send corrections via email ( [email protected] ) or to the PO Box. In addition, if you have any club photos or memorabilia that you do not see this evening and would like to share, please let us know. We will copy/scan your photos and photograph any memorabilia. Thank you!
© 2007 Corvette Cleveland, Inc.
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From the 50 th Anniversary Committee: Welcome to the 50 th Anniversary of Corvette Cleveland. We hope that the celebration weekend and this booklet bring back many fond memories. The committee had many projects, including finding former members, compiling LOTS of information, collecting and organizing club history, organizing, and labeling and dating club photos and albums. Thanks to the photo albums of: Phyllis Baumgardner, Bob Ruth, Ernie Papp, Brock Landers, Gene Stenger, Roy Triska, Virg Tussey, Dave & Virg Ulmer, Ken Kavalchek, and Don Veselenak. Thanks to former and current members:Roy Babiak, John Bodner, Nancy Ciganko, Heather Daina, Jim Egan, Al & Carol Etzel, Rich Hoover, Bob Kirsch, Fred Kubiak & Betty Ward, Pat Mitchell, Don Obert, Tim & Cherri Obert, Warren & Elaine Obert, and Tom & JoAnn Prusnek for their efforts toward this celebration.
From the President: Welcome Corvette Cleveland members, former members and associates. We are celebrating 50 years of organized Corvette Cleveland activities and friendships. Who could have guessed in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s that we and our marque could have survived until 2007 and beyond? For each of us, Corvette Cleveland and its members have created some incredible personal memories. I encourage you to re-introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Go through the photo albums. You are sure to find yourself there, along with many of your old friends. Looking back at our history, I cannot imagine the founding members could have guessed the impact they and this car would have on so many. In fact this flame of interest, that was kindled back then, continues to survive today, locally as well as nationally. We remain active as one of the 5 original founding member clubs in the National Council of Corvette Clubs. Over the years, our club has evolved from when we were all in our early 20’s. Speed, parties and Corvettes consumed us. Corvettes could be purchased for $3000. Obviously none of this describes us today. We have become a family- oriented group. We have second generation members with young families of their own. Some of us still enjoy speed events and competition. We still enjoy the parties and other activities that are available locally, regionally and nationally. We must have had over 600 members pass through our club. My only regret is that we did not keep better records on all of them. About four years ago, I asked Elaine Obert to become our Historian. She along with her family and friends have put together this commemorative weekend. Because of this effort you are here to celebrate with us. We remember those who have passed way. They all made an indelible impression, as have all of you. You are all part of who we are today. Welcome Home! Al Etzel
“Andy would be thrilled and shocked to see how our little Club has grown!” Phyllis Baumgardner
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CORVETTE CLEVELAND A club for those with a strong interest in a fine motor car, a desire to socialize and/or compete with others who have like interests and for those who not mind a little work with their fun.
Memento to Corvette Cleveland – Virg Tussey
C – is for the “Cruise” enjoyed in warm or chilly weather. O – means group that’s “Organized”, much fun keeps us together. R – for all these “Ralleys”, with different clubs we bind. V – for all our “Vivacious” gals, they’re such a special kind. E – stand for “Events” galore, each month right through December. T – is for the “Team” we have, we’re proud of each new member. T – also for the “Times” we had, and they are great, “you bet”. E – is fan an “Economy-run”, we haven’t planned one yet!
C – could be “Competition” for trophys, points and fun. L – is for the “Level-headed” planning that’s been done. E – incidentally, is for “Evil”, of course, this club has none! V – stand for the “Vigor” and the plans that have been laid. E – is “Endless, Elegant” zeal, that each one has displayed. L – means that we “Love” this sport, with cars and folks so rare. A – might mean “Another” club, which never could compare. N – would be a “Night” event or “Nelson” course, that’s true. D – is for “Dandy Club”, all told; but worthless without you .
Reprint from Fuel Injector, Feb. 1964
5 That was then-1957
US President Dwight Eisenhower New House $12,225 Miss America Marian McKnight (SC) Average Income $4,594/yr Indy 500 Winner Sam Hanks New Car $2157 Daytona 500 Cotton Owens (on beach course) Average Rent $90/mo World Series Milwaukee Braves Movie Ticket $1 US Open Dick Meyer Postage Stamp $.03 Football Detroit Lions Sugar $.89/10 pds Stanley Cup Montreal Canadiens Milk $1/g NCCA Basketball North Carolina Eggs $.28/doz College Football Auburn & Ohio State Ground Hamburger $.56/pd
Other notables: o Virginia International Raceway opens o The Wham-O Company produced its first FRISBEES, patterned after a pie pan from the Frisbee Baking Company of Connecticut. o Russians launch Sputnik o The first US nuclear power plant begins operation in Shippingport, PA o In Detroit, MI, Berry Gordy founds Motown Records o Dr. Suess publishes “The Cat in the Hat”
Music: o Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley o April Love – Pat Boone o Butterfly – Andy Williams o Wake Up Little Susie – The Everly Brothers o Chances Are – Johnny Mathis o Diana – Paul Anka o Round and Round – Perry Como o Honeycomb – Jimmie Rogers o (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear – Elvis Presley o That’ll Be the Day – Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Movies: o The Bridge on the River Kwai o 12 Angry Men o An Affair to Remember o Witness for the Prosecution o Sweet Smell of Success o Paths of Glory
6 That was then-25 th Ann. Party
As printed in the August 1982 Mako Ray :
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF CORVETTE CLEVELAND
W O W!! July 10, 1982 will go down in history as one of the most memorable events in Corvette Cleveland’s 25 years. Over 120 past, present and future members gathered together to renew friendships and acquaintances and learn of the birth of our club.
The evening proved to be an exciting trip down memory lane.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by our welcoming committee – Elaine Obert & Norma Stenger. They were given our Corvette Cleveland Anniversary edition of the Mako-Ray and also received an anniversary dash plaque. Diane Stachowiak sold our anniversary patches and Roy Babiak took care of the T-shirts. Many guests spent a good part of the evening at the memorabilia table where Corvette Cleveland trophies and many pictures & newspapers were displayed.
A beautiful cake displaying our emblem set the scene for a memorable picture of our first President, Andy Baumgardner shaking hands with our current President, Warren Obert. (25years between them)!
A buffet was served enhanced by all the homemade salads brought by our members.
An event such as this cannot be successful without the many hours put in by its members.
Our sincere thanks go to all who contributed their time and especially Joe & Dolores Bobo for the fine job done on the printing of the invitations; to Doug & Sandy Metcalf, Don & Ginny Veselenak, Virg Tussey, and Ray Spirek for working on the invitation committee; to Elaine Obert, Norma Stenger, and JoAnn Papp for their hours of research in locating our past members; to Mike Danzey for lending us his refrigerated truck, to Wayne & Joanne Holmok for affording us the opportunity to rent such a perfect party room; and to all our members for bringing the delicious side dishes; to Roy Babiak & Elaine Obert for the anniversary edition of the paper, and last but not least, we thank all of you members—past & present—for attending. Your attendance is what made our Corvette Cleveland Reunion Party a SUPER SUCCESS!!!
May I say, Ginny & I enjoyed being a part of this memorable event and look forward to seeing you at our Golden Anniversary!
Chris Prusnek & Ginny Veselenak
7 That was then-25 th Ann. Party
The following awards were presented at our 25 th Anniversary Party: First President & Founder Andy Baumgardner Special Recognition Bob Ruth Longest Continuing Membership Virg Tussey Longest Original Corvette Owner Gene Stenger Longest most-active members Tom & Chris Prusnek SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS: Most Offices Held Tom Prusnek – 12 Doug Metcalf – 12 Warren Obert – 10 Fred Kubiak - 10 Members Attending Dennis Litchenstine 1957 Ken Kavalchek 1958 Dave Masek 1961 Ed Hilkowski 1961 Eileen Timko 1962 Al & Carol Etzel 1962 Bernie Abrams 1962 Dave & Virg Ulmer 1962 Steve Johnston 1963 Editors – 25th Ann.Edition of Mako-Ray Elaine Obert & Roy Babiak
8 Newsletters
1957-1965 1966-March 1968 April 1968-May 1977 June 1977-Dec 1978
Jan 1979-Dec 1983 Jan 1984-Dec 1987 Jan 1988-April 1995 May 1995-Dec 1995
April 1999-Dec 2004 Jan 2005-Dec 2005 Jan 2006-present
* 1997 – 7 th NCCC Newsletter Contest * 2003 – 3 rd NCCC Newsletter Contest
9 The Road to Today…
The exact date of club formation is a matter of a little speculation. In 50 years of newsletter articles, various timetables of the club’s beginning exist. For example, based on two articles, it is said that the club formed in 1958 (June 1965 & Feb 1971) or 1962 (May 1971 article). The February 1971 article says there are membership records for 1958, with 6 applications and 40 approximate members. Also stated is that the belief is that the club was started prior to that time. So where does the year 1957 come from? It is the best scenario of formation based on a number of items: 1) Corvette-Cleveland is listed in the first directory of Corvette clubs in Corvette News (Vol1#4), which was published in 1957 2) A 1959 newsletter is dated as Vol 3, meaning there would be Volume 2 (1958) and Volume 1 (1957) 3) the 25 th Anniversary was celebrated in 1982, which Andy attended and did not dispute the celebration as being a year early!
So as we celebrate our 50 th Anniversary in 2007, we provide the following reviews of each year, as best described by newsletter information. While not a comprehensive review, we hope that they will jar fond memories of days gone by. If you have anything to add or correct, please let us know!
1955- Andy Baumgardner buys a new 1955 Corvette. Starts to look for others with Corvettes to join together. 1957- Andy comes across more Corvette owners and they join together to form Corvette-Cleveland. A group of about 5-7 guys (Andy, Bob Ruth, Hal Schlemmer, Dennis Litchenstine, Ken Kavalchek and Dick Shea among them) got together and met at various Chevy dealers, mostly on the East Side. After meetings members would cruise and go to local drive-ins and wait for Corvettes to go by and all would hop in their Vettes and follow them in an attempt to get more members. They would also visit Chevy dealers and get the names of people who purchased Corvettes. Corvette Cleveland was listed in the first club directory in Corvette News , Vol 1, #4. 1958- “THE CLEVELAND NEWS (CORVETTE) is published March 25, 1958, Circulation this issue: 26. “ One way to gauge the success of any assemblage is by measuring how much enthusiasm is generated thereby. In prior meetings, CORVETTE-CLEVELAND has been able to count of three types of afficionados, each dedicated in its own way. In reverse order of importance to the nation's economy, are (1) the great unwashed public,
drawn as moths to a flame; (2) the Corvette owners, God's gift to women;
and (3) our anonymous followers (in more ways than one) behind the municipal wheel. The first day of Spring, 1958, inspired eight afficionados and their guests to gather in our initial meeting held at MG Motor Sales as guests of the Cleveland Sport Car Group (CSCG).” Souvenir badges, plaques, coffee and donuts were distributed, and two movies were shown: “The Experimental Chevrolet Corvette” and “Run for the River”, dealing with the Super Sports Corvette and the 1953 Mexican Road Race respectively. The alphabetical firing order of the eight is as follows: Leonard Bade, Andrew Baumgardner, John Clarke, Robert Ference, Dennis Litchenstine, Roger Neff, Jim Raymond, George Stoika, Frank Zigman.”
The FUEL INJECTOR of CORVETTE-CLEVELAND – May 23, 1958 10 The Road to Today…
1958 con’t. Our entire May 14 th operation at Mosher-Lally Chevrolet and Andrus’ Drive-In afterwards was closely observed by the combined law enforcement agencies of both Bedford and Maple Heights, not to mention two Civil Defense units and the C.A.P. But their vigilance was to no avail, for our behavior was, as ever, beyond reproach.
CORVETTE-CLEVELAND’s FUEL INJECTOR – Friday, June 20th , 1958 Last Sunday, June 15 th , on WJW-TV @ noon, the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce organized a debate on PRO and CON (SCCA vs. AAA) about the desirability of establishing a municipal drag strip and closed course for sports car racing in this area. If enough favorable interest is shown, the Chamber of Commerce will adopt this project, and all of us will thereby benefit.” [followed by a petition to sign and send in].
A meeting is held in June at Jim Connell Chevrolet on the East Side. Twelve Corvettes attend. The meetings eventually were held the 2 nd Wednesday of every month and were held at the GM Training Center. The club toured the Molded Fiber Glass plant in Ashtabula and was the 1st organization allowed to do so. 1959- The club held its 3 rd (?) Annual Spring Rally April 5, 1959. Started at Southland Shopping Center. Entry was $2 for members, $3 non, limited to 60 Corvettes. The car of Rechnitzer/Tassi won. Income from the rally was $27, expenses $23, profit $4! In newsletter: “WANTED: Open field, parking lot, etc, paved or not; for use as a gymkhana site. Preferably on a Sunday. Also: Hill climb site, speed trial site. Bob Ruth.” [ed: some things never change!] Many Corvette Cleveland members were active participants in SCCA road races (Aug-Andy & Bob Ruth are off to Harewood Acres Sports Car Races). For Sale: 1958 Corvette-charcoal in color with red interior-$2750. Awards: GM began distributing the “GM Trophy”. The award was sent to clubs to give to a member of their choosing. 1960- An invitation to the 3rd Annual Molded Fiberglass Plant Tour appears in Corvette News (Vol4, No2). Awards: GM Trophy: Bob Ruth 1961- There were many Corvette clubs forming across the US, about 100 were established at this point. The Pure Oil Economy Run for Corvettes was held in Columbus-CC’s Owen Blakslee won the Grand Prize Trophy (41.1mpg). Held our “First Annual Rodeo on Wheels”. Final event in ’61 was a Lucky Time Rally – held December 10-won by Fred Krajewski. Andy was Vice Pres. of NCCC and dues were $3.00. “The National Council is comprised of 18 member clubs from Baltimore to Los Angeles, with members at large in Canada and Hawaii, a total membership of 412.” 15 of 70 CC members were NCCC at this time. Corvette Cleveland was a charter member of National Council – that’s why our number is EO (East Ohio) 005 - 5th club in council. 91 people in 50 cars turned out for the MFG plant tour. Bob Whalen & George Bell participated in Akron Sports Car Club’s night rally-starting time-10pm! Rally covered over 200 miles as far south 11 The Road to Today…
1961 con’t. as Coshocton, ending for breakfast at 6am at the Akron Airport. Nov 4- 50 cars (91 people) turned out for the Molded Fiberglass Plant in Ashtabula, cars from Akron, Canton, Columbus, and Cleve. Awards: Competition: M: Owen Blakslee; W: Jeannie Neitzel (19 th );. (M&W ranked together) GM Trophy: Owen Blakslee 1962- CC held a gymkhana January 14 at the GM Training Center in Parma. $2.50 members-$3 non. 10 CC members took part in a March 18 event at Barberton Speedway. March NCCC meeting - Andy remains VP, 6 listed “Official” NCCC events for ’62-1 being CC’s Rodeo on Wheels-June 24; Also discussed was a plan to award the Steuben Glass Trophy-for the club with the highest points (points earned by # members, # club activities, attend. at activities, sponsoring a national event, attend. at national event, memb. renewals and % increase in annual memb-use of weights so that small clubs can compete with larger clubs. CC held “The Ides of May” rally May 27-starting at Cloverleaf Speedway Park-15 cars entered, J Ulmer and M Salane won. The Rodeo On Wheels was a success, Tiretown won many awards, Overall Winner was Dick Starts (Drv) and Dick Stoker (Nav). The course was set up so that 5 cars could run at a time. The club became incorporated this year. A Swim/Picnic social was August 26 in Granville (near Columbus)-other clubs were invited to attend the caravan south- 30 attended. Club holds a Gymkhana Nov 25 at the Parma Chevy Plant. Nelson Ledges : Noted in the Sept(?) 62 Newsletter : Nelson Course Progress Report-40miles East of Public Square is a partially completed 1.8mile road course on 162 acres of land near Nelson Ledges. Plans are being laid for it completion early in 1963. CORVETTE-CLEVELAND is very interested, with several officers working closely with the owner. This course would benefit us in many ways, although few of us are licensed drivers. Noted in the June 1965 newsletter: Started racing at Nelson Ledges Road Course - Summer of ’62 – “The track was a pocked marked, well oiled pasture and cornfield." 1963- Nelson Ledges was paved. September was busy as members participated in many area events: Great Lakes Mall Gymkhana (2), TTCC Trials at Barberton (2), Parmatown Gymkhana (1 st through 4 th places!), Eastgate Shopping Center Gymkhana (8 of Top 10!). October’s social was a Hayride organized by Bob Whalen ($3.50/couple)-18 attended. Oct 27 event at Nelson Ledges, used Bernie Abrams clocks for events. Three members helped with the Brecksville Football Homecoming Parade. Thursday night social at the Euclid Rollerdrome organized by Joe Bergoc-$1.00/person-9 attended. November 10 th event at Barberton Speedway saw Bob Whalen winning. December 1 Tiretown held a rally with Ron Gumm, Dave & Virg Ulmer and Joe Bergoc & Virg Tussey participating, Joe & Virg got lost. Six members raced Dec 15 at Barberton. The club organized a Christmas project to take orphaned children from Parmadale to see the Christmas lights downtown. New Year’s Party was attended by 15. For Sale: 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Convertible, red with white top, 4spd 308 positraction-$4400, Roy Triska. Awards: 12 The Road to Today…
1963 con’t. Competition: M: George Bell; W: Eileen Timko (6 th ) (M&W ranked together) Associate Member Award: Virgie Piatowski GM Trophy: George Bell 1964- Socials: Ice Skating in Oberlin, Bowling at Euclid Lanes, Picnic at Moss Point Beach (near Parkman), Cruise to Mid Ohio for Championship Road Racing- watched club’s own Bob Bienerth compete-Sat beer party by NCCC, Halloween Party, Movie & Eats cruise for the under privileged kids of Lakeview Terrace. *The club made its 6th Annual Tour of the Ashtabula Fiberglass plant; Roger Penske was the guest speaker and gave a talk about his racing career as well as his opinion on how Corvettes compare to other sports cars.” The tour was featured in Corvette News . Events: Nelson Ledges Feb 15, March 22 (2 accurately timed runs” Entry Fee $4.00 FTD was Bob Bienerth with a 62.02) and Oct 18, Buffet Fun Rally (27 cars-won by Dave Ulmer & Virg Piatowski), August 16-CC Auto Golf at Parmatown, Nov 15 Fun Rally-Scavenger Hunt Type Rally (26 entrants-won by Jack & Jane Nabowski), Dec 13-CC Christmas “Gift” Rally (at the end of the rally, exchange gifts). CC again works with Lyons Club of Midd. Hts. for a Christmas party for underprivileged children. Joe Bergoc won Class champion trophy at Thompson Drag Raceway. August 1964 – Virg Tussey and Ray Spirek attended the Lucas Hill Climb, Oct 16-7 members attended an Akron Sports Car Club event at Barberton. Oct saw CC member Bob Bienerth winning his class in SCCA competition, Andy was 3 rd . In newsletter, “Speaking of Nelson Ledges, they will definitely add stock car road racing to its schedule for next summer. That’s the word from Marv Drucker and Bill Glover, promoter.” Christmas Fun Rally won by Ray and Edith Spirek. Awards: Competition: M: Virg Tussey Associate Member Award: Edith Spirek Services to the Club Award: Assoc. Member Rich Hoover. Mr. & Mrs. Bernie Abrams for years of “Service and Membership” GM Trophy: Virg Tussey
1965- Discussion in newsletter about “club image” and making sure that a good public image is kept up. Prediction in August newsletter: “We will lose our Sunday events at Nelson.” Membership: Dues - $10 new members, $6 renewal, $3 Associate; NCCC Dues $7.00. Socials: Aug Picnic at Brecksville Metropolitan Park, Social activities picked up enough during the year the club elected a Social Chair for 1966. Events: January Fun Rally and Free Buffet Dinner (47 entries); Jan 17 Seven CC members headed to a speed event at Barberton Speedway; Feb 28 – 1 st Nelson event: “Snow plow available if needed.” May 2 at Nelson, The first set of clocks was purchased. March 28: 84 cars at Nelson “unfortunately the pit area was a sea of mud.” June 13 Nelson event proceeds donated to the “Sunshine Bus”, Sue Luetkemeyer interviewed on Martin & Howard program; Nelson track 13 The Road to Today…
1965 con’t. record held by Bob Gray was 59.48. CC member Bob Bienerth wins the Homer Daisy Memorial Trophy, awarded to the winner of the greatest number first places by a Corvette, previous year’s winner was Don Yenko.
The NCCC convention was in Cleveland, with headquarters at the Charter House Hotel. Paul Wilcox from Channel 5 covered the event. Corvette News (Vol. 9, No.1) covered the event. CC’s Eileen Timko and Don Criss (Corvettes, Inc. [Toledo]) were co-chairmen for convention. Wednesday afternoon was a Poolside Party w/”people-khana” Many beverage cups were set up to form a miniature road course and “driver’s” – people, naturally – were blindfolded. Spouses, or friends, told the blindfolded how to negotiate the twisty circuit (which at one point took a sharp left turn at the pool’s edge!). Thursday was Time Trials at Nelson Ledges Road Course hosted by Corvettes, Inc., there were 75 entrants. Friday was a busy day, with the Molded Fiber Glass tour, Concours hosted by CC Corvette Cleveland and a Gymkhana hosted by Tiretown. Saturday was the Business Meeting, Rally, Banquet & Awards. "One of the more impressive awards was the Steuben Glass Trophy presented to the club deemed outstanding in the Council's eyes. This trophy is given to a club that makes an impressive overall contribution to the Council during the year. The award went to Corvette Cleveland for their extra duty and performance in the skillful executing of the many details for the 1965 convention, their special-interest club tours (their Ashtabula tour in October, 1964, was written up in Corvette News this year) and general event excellence. The award was greeted by a standing ovation." Awards: Competition: M: Virg Tussey; W: Rita Kocian M&W were ranked together, top 4 members & top 3 assoc members received awards. Associate Member Award: Rich Hoover NCCC: Club-2nd (Tiretown was 5 th !), Bob Gray was 4 th ; Ohio Section of NCCC: 1 st -Bob Gray, 3 rd -Virg Tussey & Dennis Spacone, 4th -Ray Spirek, also took 5 th , 6 th and 8 th in Top 10. GM Trophy: Al Etzel For Sale: 1963 Sting Ray Corvette, 340 HP, 4 speed, two tops, black - $2995.00 Gary Achdeacon 1964 Corvette Convertible, 250 HP, 3spd, White soft top, 24,000mi, $3,400 Bill Jory 1966- The club paper changed from the “Fuel Injector” to the “Mako Ray”. President Stan Kronen seriously injured in parachuting accident. Membership: Dues - $10 new members, $6 renewal, $3 Associate; December total was 106 members. From newsletter: It seems we are losing some of our members to “Tiretown Corvette Club.” This we cannot blame anyone for wanting to do, as they are a wonderful group of people, with much travel, and lots of activities. Socials: Brock Landers hosted a house party for all sports car groups; Jan 30
14 The Road to Today…
1966 con’t. saw a group of CC members head to Dearborn, MI to view the Mako Shark; Toboggan Party at Virginia Kendall Park; Sunday evening socials at Etzel’s; August Picnic, Christmas Banquet, Whalen’s hosted a New Year’s Party. Events: Jan 16-CC headed to Akron Sports Car Club’s event at Barberton Speedway; Jan 23 hosted Scavenger Hunt Rally (4hrs long) followed by a 4 ½ social (19 cars entered); Feb 27 at Nelson, March- Strip Rally (30 entrants), April Newsletter: “The extra mile to be added to the Nelson Course should pretty well be prepared by June 1 st , 1966. April 17 at Nelson, “There were 103 cars signed up to run at the Corv. Cleve. Speed Trials. 3 were forced to cancel out, leaving a field of 100 cars, the largest entry so far for this club.”; Speed event at Sandusky Speedway (27 entries) followed by a social with “Tire-Town group. This club has one of the highest percentage of trophy winners for the size of its membership of any nearby club.” May 21 at Nelson Ledges; June 11 at Nelson, July 16 at Nelson, Sept 25 at Nelson; Nov 13 at Nelson. Awards : 106 members-49 competed-26 winners brought home 204 trophies (14 FTD, 89 1 st ’s, 53 2 nd ’s, 48 3 rd or less-not including rallies). Competition: Virg Tussey GM Trophy: Virg Tussey For Sale: 1964 Sting Ray Full Competition SCCA - $1700 less engine & transmission & Cobra 289 Ex-Factory car, all Shelby options - $3900 – Bob Bienerth 1967- McClintock Chevy donates a trophy to the Points Winner. Mako Ray postage - 5¢. Doug Metcalf designed a new club emblem, which is still used. The office of Safety Chairman was added to the officer list. Stan Kronen and Gary Speta went to offer help/advise to Bob Cronquist, who was starting the Ashtabula Corvette Club. Nelson Ledges is renamed Steel Cities International Raceway. Membership: Social: 14 members caravanned to the Henry Ford Museum, meeting up with Corvettes, Inc (Toledo) and Corvette Club of Michigan for dinner; Theatre party at the Allen Theatre to see “Grand Prix” (26 attend); April hayride; Mem Day Picnic at Smith Quarries; Club takes James Home Orphans for a rally and picnic; Get- Acquainted Social at the Spud-Im Club; Club Picnic at Smith Quarry; Dinner and dancing at the Charter House, Clam Bake at Smith Quarry, Christmas Banquet at Spud-Ims club ($5/person); Events: In Feb newsletter “On our recent sojourn to the motor city of Detroit for the auto show, our club was approached to handle the NCCC Time Trial Championships at Mid-Ohio.” January Fun Rally (22 entered) with social afterward; Feb 19 at Nelson ($5 entry fee-44 entries), March 18-Easter Smarts Rally (20 entries-won by Ken Piecuch & Jean Allen; March 26 at Nelson “The duel between Sandy Metcalf and Carol Etzel had a big change. Sandy got her first racing trophy and set a new track record for Ladies class at 63.54”, April 23, 30 at Nelson; Stan Kronen, Brock Landers and Dennis Spacone display at Auto Rama; May 21 at Nelson; May 27 Rally, June 4 at Nelson, June 10, July 8 & 9 at Nelson, Sept 9 & 10 at Nelson; Sept 30 at Nelson-cancelled rain; Oct 15 at Nelson; Oct 21-Fun rally Nov 5-TSD Rally, Nov 12 at Nelson; Awards:
15 The Road to Today…
1967 con’t. Competition: M: Ray Spirek (McClintock Trophy); W: Sandy Metcalf (9 th ) M&W members ranked together Social Award: Ginny Gunn GM Trophy: Ginny Gunn For Sale: Vette Grand Sports roadster , 2100lbs, with Traco blueprinted 427 (490HP), 8 American Mags with Firestones. $ 5,500 with engine , $4,500 without. Wintersteen Racing, Inc. Newtown Square, PA. [ed. yes-THAT Grand Sport-#002] 1968- Kalamazoo club arranges parade lap at Indy in May-“Anyone that does not follow the pace car at pace car speeds will be expelled from National Council.” New Mako Ray newsletter design used (Doug Metcalf). NCCC votes to add another day (4 total) to convention for 1969. Through NCCC a letter was sent to GM protesting the use of a Camaro on the cover of Corvette News. Nov Membership: 75; NCCC Dues are New Member-$8, New Member with car badge-$11.50, Renewal-$5. Social: Honky Tonk social at Smith Quarries – “men wear your derby hats and armbands, ladies wear your garters!”, D.O.M Akron Mardi Gras party, Scavenger Hunt rally through the MetroParks, Hayride at Siedel’s Farm (19 couples attend), Decoration Day picnic (25+ attend), Chippewa Lake (16+ attend), Lawn Party at Etzel’s, Oglebay Park weekend, Clam Bake at Smith Quarries, Halloween party at Tom & Chris Prusnek’s new house (30+ attend –FAB “Fastest Apple Bobber” & “and my personal thanks to Bob Whalen for running over my septic tank cover and dragging it over my lawn” (Tom Prusnek), Christmas party at Pacino’s Restaurant. Events: Competition points are now only awarded for CC, NCCC or Corvette club events; Nelson Ledges shall be referred to as Nelson Ledges, the new name of SCIR is confusing to many. January 20 rally (43 entries, won by Bob Yappel & Ginny Gunn), Feb 11 at Nelson, March 10 at Nelson, Entered a group of cars in Auto Rama and won “Best Club Display”, April Rally (20 cars), 13 members attend Lake Erie Communications class, July 20 & 21 at Nelson-$7 for both days, Sept 29 at Nelson, Nov 17 at Nelson, Christmas Fun rally (51 entries), Awards: Competition: M: Jim Flanik Top 3 awarded trophies Social Award: Ida Sihto (Hilkowski) GM Trophy: Tom & Chris Prusnek 1969- Newsletter postage: $.12 Newsletter funnies: If Carol Etzel married Cap Wetzell and lived in Lancaster’s house, she’d be Carol Etzel Wetzell on Hetzel. If Ginny Gunn married Ron Gumm, she’d be Ginny Gunn Gumm. Membership: Socials: Tobogganing at Virginia Kendall Park (14 attend), caravan to Dearborn, MI for “Sports Cars in Review” (16 attend), Valentine’s Party at Bob & Joan Kerber’s (22 attend); March caravan to Ashtabula’s Molded Fiberglass Plant (40+ attend); Memorial Day picnic at Smith Quarries (55 attend), Caravan to Mid Ohio for the Can-Am races, 11 Vettes caravan to Cedar Point for 1 st All-Ohio 16 The Road to Today…
1969 con’t. Corvette Weekend hosted by Lakeshore Corvettes- $4.50 to get in the park (26 attend); Canoe Trip in Perrysville (4 couples), Dancing at Columbia Ballroom, Canoe Trip #2 (13 attend), Halloween party at Prusnek’s (31 attend), Christmas party at Pacino’s (62 attend). Events: May 18 practice at Nelson, June 15 at Nelson, Aug 3 at Nelson, Sept 28 at Nelson, Christmas Rally (42 cars attend) Awards: Competition: M: Jim Flanik Social Award: Joan Kerber GM Trophy: Chuck & Betty Holmok For Sale: ’66 Corvette, Immaculate, 22,000mi, 2 tops, 4speed-$2850 ’67 Fastback, Green with factory white stripe, black interior, 427-435 HP with 4spd, side mounted exhaust, 18,000 mi, $3,700 – Ed Hilkowski 1970- Membership: (Jan-4 in NCCC-new numbering system starts-get a number, keep it as long as your NCCC) Socials: Caravan to Dearborn, MI for Sports Car Show (16 attend), Competition Meeting, Valentine party at Chuck & Betty Holmok’s, Memorial Day Picnic at Brecksville Reservation (46+ attend), Party at George Daina’s, Caravan to Cedar Point (11 attend), Caravan to Mid Ohio for Trans-Am race, Canoe Trip (16+ attend), 18 members in 9 Vettes assist the Soap Box Derby parade in Akron, Party at Doug Sokol’s (40 attend), Halloween Party at Prusnek’s, Christmas Party at Pacino’s, Nov 15 at Nelson, Party at Doug Sokol’s (21 attend) Events: Three members enter Auto Rama, March 22 at Nelson was cancelled due to a blizzard, but 18 still made the trip out there, April Fun Rally (36 entered), April 26 at Nelson was cancelled because SCCA decided they wanted the date, May 24 at Nelson, June 21 at Nelson, August 23 at Nelson, Sept 20 at Nelson, Oct 18 at Nelson, Christmas Fun Rally (36 entered), Awards: Competition: M: Jerry Lancaster Social: Most Active Old Member-Steve Roth, M.A. New Member-Doug Sokol, Most Active Couple-Judy & Paul Sutton GM Trophy: Jerry & Linda Lancaster For Sale: 1968 Orange Corvette, 427CI-390HP, Convertible with vinyl top, 9,200mi-$3,800 Cap Wetzel. 1966 Corvette-427, Factory Air, Mag wheels, Never raced-$2,750 John Weyls. 36 cars in “April Fool” rally, Dave Ulmer rally master. June 21, 1970 FTD at Nelson Jerry Lancaster 58.29. Nelson entry fee $5.00. Club information flyer was made up this year. We remember: Member Tom Lutar passes in October. 1971- Chevrolet dropped GM trophy. The club had antenna flags (made from “defective funeral flags”) that blew off at high speeds. January Membership: 81 Socials: “Snowflake Frolic” at Leon Graham’s , Sled Party (cancelled due to warm weather!), Caravan to Dearborn (21 attend), MI for Cavalcade of Cars, Wine tasting at Balants (37 attend), Memorial Day Picnic at Paul Schaffer’s house (55+ attend), Caravan to Cedar Point (38 attend), Viewing of movie “ LeMans” at 17 The Road to Today…
1971 con’t. Parmatown Cinema (33 attend), Canoe Trip in Perrysville (17 Corvettes caravan- 30+ attend) Clambake at Wakeman (29 attend), Halloween Party at Prusnek’s (32 attend), Turkey Shoot (15 attend), Kid’s Christmas Party at Gumm’s (11 Kids attend), Christmas Party at The Glenn Restaurant (57 attend). Events: April 25 at Nelson with Mah. Valley Sports Car Club “Dump Truck Trials II” (to buy fire extinguishers and other equipment for the track), May 2 at Nelson ($5 CC members, $6 non-90 entrants), August 21 & 22 at Nelson, Joined with Parma Heights Jaycees to host “Chevy Showdown” at Dragway 42, had a booth at the Cuy Cty Fair to promote-428 Chevy-powered cars enter, 2000+ spectators; Oct 10 at Nelson, Strip Rally (put on by Tom Prusnek- the directions were cut up into strips of paper, and since then all rallyists bring tape to a rally!- 41 entered-won by Bob Balant and Warren Obert) Awards: Competition: M: Jerry Lancaster (1 st ) Rookie of the Year: Warren Obert Social Awards: Most Active Old Couple-Bob & Bonnie Balant, Most Active New Couple-Al & Nadine Ulher, Most Active Old Member-Gary Diesing, Most Active New Member-Larry Dotson Outstanding Members: Warren & Elaine Obert. For Sale: 1954 Corvette Concours original 39,000mi – Dave Germ (no price listed) 1969 Corvette Coupe, white exterior, green leather interior, side exhaust, 17,000mi, $3,600. Dale Gibbons. 1959 Corvette Coupe, car has been completely restored and is in perfect condition-best offer over $2,500 Denny Gutowski. 1972- The wood plaque used at meetings was made in ’72 by Steve Roth and Bob Ellis. Jerry Lancaster begins preparations to host 1974 NCCC Convention. Membership: 95 in September; Feb NCCC Gov report-any NCCC member that joined in 59/60/61 and have maintained membership can qualify to Charter Membership. Socials: Tobogganing in Strongsville (29 attend), “Stag” party at Dave Ulmer’s (24 CC Men attend), Scavenger Hunt at Chuck & Betty Holmok’s (41 attend), Bowling (36 attend), Interclub Poker Rally (38 attend), Memorial Wknd Picnic at Wakeman, Caravan to Cedar Point, Canoe Trip (14mi-which was said to go quicker as more wine was consumed), Swim party at Ledgewood, Hay Ride at Siedel’s Farm (24+ attend), Halloween Party (including a Nelson course using a creeper), Christmas Fun Rally, and Christmas Banquet at the Glenn Rest. Events: Nelson Ambluance-$75/day. 18 members and friends attend work party at Nelson, putting up guardrail (which now is almost around whole track); Another work party at Nelson featured a commercial being shot of the B Prod. Corvette of Bob Johnson, recent Daytona 24hr winner. Mem Day at Nelson, June 4 at Nelson-first time gave an award for Vettes on “street” tires, July 9 at Nelson, July 22 (the rain date)-2nd Chevy Showdown at Dragway 42 (600 entered, 1,500 spectators), 11 Club racers went to Watkins Glen to race at the Sectional; Sept 30 & Oct 1 at Nelson, Awards:
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1972 con’t. Competition: ? Outstanding Members: Wayne & Joanne Holmok For Sale: Nelson Ledges “Bonds” - $100-many members purchased 1961 Corvette, convertible, new paint “Laguna Grey”-under $1,800 Bob Yasch 1973- Did not receive 1974 convention (Atlanta won), bid for 1975 convention. Team uniforms were discussed but never agreed upon! Newsletter archives are started. Proposal for all full dues paying members to join NCCC was defeated. Jan Membership: 99 members (39 NCCC); NCCC Dues: New $11, Renewal $8 Socials: Dinner at Dover Chalet in Westlake (48 attend), Bowling at Yorktown Lanes (51 attend), Buzzard Day at Hinckley, Fun Rally to Bober’s Tavern (9 cars), Stag Party at Fiscus’ (18 CC Men attend), House Party (42 attend), Picnic at Broadview Lake Park, Caravan to Cedar Point (25 Vettes, 54 members), Thistledown (30 attend), Swim Party at Ledgewood, Rally & Clambake at Roesler’s home, Flats Wine Festival at Pickle Bill’s continued to Daina’s then to Perkins for breakfast! (22 attend), Christmas Rally, Christmas Party. Events: April 15 at Nelson ($5.50 CC Members, $6.50 non), May 28 at Nelson; June 9 at Nelson, July 4 at Nelson cancelled due to a sand base in some area of the track, Aug 10 (practice) &11 (event) 12(work party) at Nelson, Sept 23 at Nelson, 14 head to Indy Convention, October 6 at Nelson, Nov 3 & 4 at Nelson (w/TTCC), Dec 9 Concours at Ed Stinn ($3/car), Awards: Competition: M: George Daina & W: Pat Mitchell East Ohio Region: Club-4th NCCC - Pat Mitchell-9th For Sale: 1966 Corvette Roadster, 2 tops, 327/350, Nassau Blue, blue int- $2,800-Jerry We remember: Member Nancy Roth passes in November. 1974- Committees are formed for the 1975 Convention, led by Jerry Lancaster. Membership: 51 CC Members are NCCC in October, (February-NCCC has 3,702 members) Socials: Winter Wiener Roast in Brecksville Metro Park (36 attend-had football toss and kick contests), Valentine Party at Elmwood Hall in Independence (36 attend), Bowling Party (~50 attend), Kid’s Easter Egg Hunt at Pesta’s (22 CC kids attend), Caravan to Chardon Maple Festival, Wine tasting at Pesta’s, Caravan to Cedar Point (27 families attend), Great Canoe Trip, Picnic at Lancaster’s, Pool party at Ledgewood, Prove It party at Pesta’s, Mini-Nelson for CC Kids at Chuck & Betty Holmok’s, Halloween party at Balant’s, Kid’s Christmas Party, Christmas party at Wagners in Westlake. Events: Fred Kubiak creates the “Elite 50’s” club for Nelson events for members who drive around the short course in under 55.000 seconds. April 27 (practice) & 28 at Nelson; May 27 at Nelson (with Streakers!), June 16 at Nelson, July 14 at Nelson, August Economy Run, Labor Day Wknd at Nelson (North Sectional- $21 driver-$18 spouse), Sept 22 at Nelson, Nov 10 Concours at Ed Stinn, Awards: Competition: M: Tom Fiscus; W: Pat Mitchell Rookie “Driver” of the Year – Dave Mielke 19 The Road to Today…
1974 con’t. East Ohio Region: Club-3rd For Sale: 1959 Corvette $1,775 Rick Kelly; 1963 Corvette coupe, 4spd, 340HP, CA car, very clean-$3,700 Ross Shull; 1963 Race-Prepared roadster $2,500-Joe Scheckel 1975- “Come Alive in ‘75” – Club hosts NCCC convention ($41.50/person). Sunday- Crawford Auto Museum tour Monday- Rally (170 entered), Concours (103 entered), Battle of the Bands Lawn Party Tuesday-Speed- (NLRC-639 cars registered for speed-“Homefield Advantage?” 4 of top 5 in RP were CC members (28 total in class)! FTD Men-Jerry Lancaster; SFTD Men-Tom Fiscus; SFTD Women-Pat Fiscus (Mitchell), Fun Night & Club Competition Wednesday-Speed- (NLRC), Thursday-Speed (NLRC), BF Goodrich night Friday-Drags (Dragway 42-313 entered), Chevy Night (semi-formal) Saturday-Economy Run (108 entered), Sea World CC given “Club Award” by NCCC; CC wins most trophies (27), TTCC 2 nd (23), Corv Club of MI/Corvette Troy 3 rd (20). January Membership: 53 (December-107!) Socials: Skating Party at Brook Park Skateland, Bowling Party at Ambassador Lanes in Northfield (55 attend), Kid’s Easter Party at Mielke’s (23 CC kids attend), Franklin Castle tour, Caravan to Cedar Point (35 Corvettes), Canoe Trip (30 attend), Family Picnic (70+ attend), Clam Bake at Wakeman (37 attend), Trip to Niagara Falls (15 attend), 2 nd Annual Mini-Nelson at Mielke’s (10 CC kids attend), Progressive Dinner (36 attend), “Dirty” Car Show at Sorenson’s, Kid’s Christmas Party, Christmas Party at Michaud’s, New Year’s Party at Quality Catering Party Center in Strongsville. Events: Club entered a display in Auto Rama, won 1 st in Club Display, Tom Prusnek, Jack Rollin and Doug Roderick won Engine tear down/re-assemble contest; April 13 Concours at Bigelow Chevrolet, April 27 at Nelson, May 26 at Nelson, June 21 & 22 at Nelson, July-NCCC Convention, August 10 Funkhana at Gordon Park, August 31 & Sept 1 at Nelson (rain whole weekend), Oct 18 & 19 at Nelson (Corvette/Porsche Challenge-by the end of the first round, all Porsches were eliminated), Nov 2 Concours at Ed Stinn (22 cars), Christmas Rally. Awards: 26 Corvette Cleveland members won a trophy 1 or more times this year, for a total of 204 trophies. There were 14FTD’s, 89 1sts, 53 2nds, and 48 3rd ’s or lower. Competition: M: Don Veselenak; W: Pat Mitchell Rookie of the Year-John Carpenter; Social Awards: Fred & Chris Kubiak, Tom & Chris Prusnek, Norm & Ginny Borchert East Ohio Region: Club-2nd NCCC: Club-7th For Sale: 1967 Corvette Coupe (runs RP class) $6,500-Joe Scheckel. December Newsletter: Convention Mugs-$.75ea, 6 for $4.00, 24 (Case) $15.00, Convention t-shirts-$3.00.
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1976- A club shirt was adopted (1 st of many) this was Jan Pesta’s favorite, the “Bowling Shirt”; white with red collar. January Membership: 109 (85 NCCC) Socials: Weiner Rap at Albion Woods picnic shelter, Pajama Party at Pesta’s, Bowling Party (53 attend), Hay Ride (22 attend), Kid’s Pet Social Pesta’s (11 CC Kids), Fun rally & Polish Buffet (men had to wear white socks, women babuskas- 16entries), Caravan to Cedar Point (30 Vettes, 50+ members), Cruise on the Goodtime II (20 attend), NASA Tour, Club Picnic in Munson Twp, Clam Bake at Wakeman, Fall Color Caravan, Canoe Trip (8 attend), Kid’s Christmas Party t DeFlorville’s cabin, Christmas Party, New Year’s Party at the DeFlorville Cabin (32 attend). Events: 6 members enter Auto Rama, April 4 Concours at Bigelow Chevrolet, April 24 (work) & 25 at Nelson, June 20 Funkhana at Ledgewood Shopping Center (proceeds to Muscular Dystrophy), Concours at Ed Stinn, August 28 & 29 at Nelson, October 16 & 17 at Nelson, Nov 7 at Nelson, Nov 14 Economy Run, Awards: Competition: M: (tie) Larry Sorenson and Fred Kubiak Competition Points will have winners for category’s overall and teams.. Categories: Speed-Fred Kubiak & ?; Rally-Fred Kubiak & ?; Funkhana- Fred Kubiak & ? East Ohio Region: Club-4th For Sale: 1964 Corvette Roadster, 327-4spd, Silver, black top, $3,000 or best offer-Greg Jackson. 1977- March 15, 1977-500,000 th Corvette is produced (white coupe, red interior-came off the line at 2.01pm). In March newsletter bio - predicted that one day, Fred Kubiak will win “Best of Show” [who knew it would take 30 years?]; Advertisements appear in Mako Ray . Safety director Jim DeFlorville offered this advice: “You can tell the wife racer from the husband racer because she’s the one with the bumps in front.” We had 17 Corvettes in the Middleburg Hts. parade. February Membership: 106 (89 NCCC) December Membership: 130 Socials: Post-Holiday Get Together at DeFlorville’s (50 attend-ended ~3am), “Roast” of Jerry Lancaster (60 attend), Roller Skating Party (which had to be moved to a 2 nd location because of an “all night” skate!), Bowling Party (the April social being held in May according to Pres. Jan Pesta, Club Pres), Club Picnic at Asper’s Picnic Grove (40+ attend), Caravan to Cedar Point (49 attend), “Dirty” Car show at Sorenson’s (34 attend), Clam Bake at Wakeman (58 attend), Rally & Halloween Party, Hay Ride, Kid’s Christmas Party (16 CC Kids attend), Christmas Party, New Year’s party at DeFlorville’s (33 attend). Events: Nelson schedule still in limbo in February, McGill still waiting on SCCA to set their dates, Feb 20 rally (19 entrants); March 13 “Helen Keller” Funkhana, April Fool Rally (27 entries), April 23 Nelson Work Day, May 1 at Nelson, “Almost Heaven” Concours on the top level of the Diamond Shamrock building downtown, July 2 & 3 Porsche/Vette/Tiger Challenge at Nelson, 19 members attend Canadian Corvette Convention, July 22/23 Car Show at Great Northern
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1977 con’t. Mall benefiting Muscular Dystrophy ($2300), August Alley Rally, August 21 at Nelson, August 27 Concours at Southland, Sept 5 co-host Drv Sch at Nelson with Porsche club, Sept drags at Dragway 42, Oct 15 (Practice) & 16 at Nelson, Turkey Trot Fun Rally, Awards: Competition: M: Warren Obert; W: Elaine Obert Competition Points again have winners for category’s overall and teams. Rally-Jim Youngs & Elaine Obert, Concours-John Palinkas & Ryki Woods; Speed-Fred Kubiak and Doug Henderson (tie) & Elaine Obert; Drags-Jim Youngs & Elaine Obert; Team-Warren Obert & Fred Kubiak. Social Awards-Most Active Old Members-Warren & Elaine Obert; Most Active New Members-Bob & Clarise Schuenaman; Appreciation- Nancy & Jim DeFlorville For Sale: 1964 Corvette Coupe, 250HP, 4sp, $4,200 or best offer Ed HIlkowski 1978- February Membership: 111 members (79-NCCC; NCCC dues $15 new, $12 renew, $8 spouse) Socials: Competition Mtg & Social at DeFlorville’s (46 attend); Valentine Wine & Cheese Party at Ledgewood (50 attend); “Roast” of Fred Kubiak (64 attend); Racers vs. Concoursers Bowling Party; Scavenger Hunt Rally (22 members attend-Drv & Nav were switched), Caravan to Cedar Point (29 Corvettes, 58+ members), Christmas in July Swim Party at W/E Obert’s (28 attend), August 6 Braille Rally (27 CC Vettes attend, plus 13 others), Family Picnic at Chicken Manor in North Ridgeville (64 adults, 22 kids attend), Clam Bake at Wakeman (51 attend), Amish Tour (35 attend), T-shirt party at DeFlorville’s (29 attend), Kid’s Christmas Party at W/E Obert’s (17 CC Kids attend), Christmas Party at Michaud’s (80 attend), New Year’s Party at DeFlorville’s (28 attend). Events: 9 CC Vettes are entered in Auto Rama, March 5 Fun Rally (28 entered), April work party to move Grandstands at Nelson, April 23 Funkhana, memorial Day at Nelson, June 10 at Nelson, June 25 Concours at Great Northern Mall (28 entries), July 1 & 2 at Painesville, July 8 & 9 at Nelson, July 16 Concours at Ben Lupe Chevrolet in Avon Lake (40 entrants-at one point 150+ Vettes were on the property); August 19 Southland Concours and show (38 entrants), Penn-Ohio Sports Car Club hosts “Old Smokey” at Nelson, CC enters 27 of the 142 entries and wins Club Attendance Award; October 15 at Nelson, Halloween Rally (22 entries), Awards: Competition: M: Warren Obert; W: & Elaine Obert Social: Fun Category: Susan Farr; Most Active Couple: Cal & Ryki Woods; Appreciation Award: Jim & Nancy DeFlorville; Most Active New Members-Dave & Ann Wlodarczyk; Most Active Single Member- Larry Sorenson. East Ohio Region: Club-3rd NCCC: 2 nd in NCCC for Spina Bifida donations 1979- February meeting hosts a guest speaker from NASA to talk about the “Space Shuttle Craft.” PM Magazine came to Nelson on Memorial Day (it rained) filmed 22 The Road to Today…
1979 con’t. all day, never showed it on TV. Club members help work the SCCA event at Nelson-Fred Kubiak gets to check Paul Newman’s credential! April Membership: 109 (71 NCCC); Dues are raised to $15 primary (from $10), $1 spouse (same). Socials: Competition Meeting and Social at DeFlorville’s (49 attend), Bowling (56 attend), “Roast” of Elaine Obert (38 attend), Fabulous 50’s party at Ledgewood (32 attend), Caravan to Cedar Point (~50 Corvettes caravan), Family Picnic at Chicken Manor, Caravan for Ice Cream (22 Vettes/43 members), 29 attend Go- Karting on Brook Park Road after a meeting, Clam Bake at Wakeman (33 attend), Pizza Night (30 attend), Halloween party at DeFlorville’s (29 attend), NASA Tour (44+ attend), Kid’s Christmas Party at Ernie & JoAnn Papp’s; Events: April 8 Fun Rally (26 entered), April 21 & 22 work party at Nelson, April 29 at Nelson, Mem Day at Nelson, June 9 at Nelson, July 7 & 8 at Nelson, July 21 Concours at Ed Stinn, Aug 18 Concours and Car Show at Southland (40 cars and Channel 5’s Don Webster attend), Aug 25 & 26 at Nelson, Sept 8 & 9 at Nelson, Oct 7 at Nelson, Nov 4 Rally (23 entries). Awards: Competition: M: Fred Kubiak; W: Elaine Obert Rookie of the Year: Dan Sikorski Worker of the Year: Kevin Kittrick Social Awards: Cal & Ryki Woods / Fred & Chris Kubiak – Tie-Most Active Couple; Kevin & Terry Kittrick-Most Active New Couple East Ohio Region: Club-5th NCCC: Club-32 nd For Sale: 1958 Corvette-two tops, very clean, new chrome-mostly original - $7,500 Hank Barth. 1980- Pesta’s Cycle Theory of Club Participation developed – best described as many X’s and O’s, with X and Y axis and curves. Donated $4400 to Spina Bifida. Socials: Competition Meeting & Social at DeFlorville’s Cabin (34 attend), Bowling (31 attend) followed by going to the “disco” until 2.30am, Wine & Cheese Party at Schuenaman’s (32 attend), Hay Ride at Siedel’s Farm in Strongsville-included surprises: Submarine and maze (14 attend), Held a picnic followed by a funkhana, including one for the kids (20 families attend), 30 Corvettes cruised to Cedar Point, 26 Vettes cruised for ice cream then returned to W/E Obert’s for a Good-Bye party for Schuenamans, Cruise for Mini-Golf at George’s in Amherst (39 attend), Clam bake at Wakeman (55 attend), Cruise to Berea Jaycee’s Haunted House (30 attend), “Pour it in the Pail” at DeFlorville’s Cabin, Christmas Banquet (72 attend). Events: Four members participated in Auto Rama, bringing home 2 1 st ’s & 3 2nd ‘s. Was a “Poster Party” at W/E Obert’s to create posters and flyers for the year’s events, April 19 was a work-practice day at Nelson (we worked on patching the crossover), the day after, drew 67 drivers, entry fee $12. Speed event at Sandusky (38 entered), 2 nd Annual Ed Stinn Concours (41 entered-Best of Concours-Robert Cutler, Best of Car Show-Ginny Veselenak, People’s Choice- Viola Karnis), Mem Day @ Nelson (94 entered), Flashes in the Night Fun Rally (18 entrants-won by Dan Sikorski & Ernie Papp), Rally for the Blind (32 cars
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1980 con’t. rallied, 42 kids got to participate), Funkhana @ Firestone (24 attend in the rain); The Southland “Magic Kingdom of Corvettes” show drew 93 cars; guest was WGAR’s Fig Newton (Merchant’s Choice-Bob Kirsch, People’s Choice-Viola Karnis), Labor Day @ Nelson (103 entrants), Tom Prusnek & Jerry Kubiak’s year end rally drew 39 cars (won by George & Cheryl Kirk from Competition). Awards- Competition: M: Dan Sikorski; W: Ginny Veselenak Endurance Award: Warren & Elaine Obert. Social: Ernie & JoAnn Papp & Mike & Pauline Danzey-Most Active Couple, Most Active Single Member – Tom Gruhn & Rick Supina, Most Active New Couple-Ed & Diane Stachowiak, Most Helpful-Darrell & Rosemary Cornell, East Ohio Region: Club-5th For Sale: 1966 Convertible, 427 4 spd, all original except manifold & valve covers - $8000 Mr. Gailitis 1981- Membership: Started the year with 85 members. Socials: Competition Meeting & Social at DeFlorville’s (37 attend), Bowling (48 attend), Wine & Cheese Party at Dover Chalet in Westlake (42attend), Paint Party at Wakeman, Caravan to Cedar Point (62 attend), Cruise to Georges for Ice Cream (36 attend), Family Picnic at Ledge Lake in Hinckley, Cruised for Putt-Putt (26 attend), Clam Bake at Wakeman (53 attend), Cruise to Smithville Inn for their famous chicken dinner (33 attend), Famous Person Party at DeFlorville’s (26 attend), Christmas banquet at Michaud’s (76 attended, the head table had 22 people!). Events: Poker Rally (31 cars in the rain-ended at Stancatos where Ed Stachowiak’s Vette was damaged in the lot-there was an apology in the following newsletter for “language used”), Worker Party at Nelson preceded a day of Racing (where Bonnie Sikorski “flipped” in turn 1), Mem Day at Nelson ( 79 cars), Panic at the Pumps Economy Run (13 entered – won by Fred Kubiak & Elaine Obert-50.19mpg), a number of members headed to the Mohawk Hill Climb; Southland Car Show (38 cars) Ken Morgan from WZZP was the guest, Ed Stinn (54 entries & 17 vendors), Labor Day at Nelson (using the long course), Speed Event and MTT at Sandusky Speedway, Final Nelson event saw Fred Kubiak battling Chuck Hammerschmidt for FTD, eventually loosing out by .065 sec; Sandusky Sprints speed event (20 entrants); “We Wrote It, You Run It” rally (33 entrants-won by Bob & Jeanne Kuty – Mahoning Valley; was said that registration had enough money to buy rope for rally masters Fred Kubiak and Ernie Papp). Awards: Competition: M: Fred Kubiak; W: Elaine Obert Rookies of the Year: Tom Gruhn & Diane Stachowiak East Ohio Region: Club-6th For Sale: 1969 T-Top, 350, Auto, fender flares - $6600 Paul 1982- Celebrated 25th Anniversary of Club, the 25 th party was organized by Ginny Veselenak & Chris Prusnek. Past and present members totaled 130. Elaine Obert and Roy Babiak compiled Mako Ray Anniversary Edition. 24 The Road to Today…
1982 con’t. Socials: Competition Meeting & Western Party at DeFlorville’s (32 attend, Virg Tussey came as Howdy Doody), Bowling Party (42 attend), St. Patrick’s Party at Hafbrau House (36 attend), Crawford Auto Museum (32 attend), Post Nelson BBQ, Cruise to Cedar Point (52 attend), Cruise to Sky Way Drive-In in Akron (42 attend), Clam Bake at Wakeman (54 attend), Halloween Party at Veselenak’s (50 attend), 22 CC men gathered at Veselenak’s for a night of “racing” films. Christmas Banquet at Rhinelander Restaurant at Great Northern (80 attend). Events: Mem Day at Nelson Ledges (90 entrants), 10 th Annual Ed Stinn Show (67 entries, Snoopy’s Mystery Tour Rally (20 cars-won by Tom & Chris Prusnek), Speed and MTT at Sandusky Speedway (40 entrants), 15 CC members headed to Tiretown’s 2day event at Mid Ohio, Great Northern Mall Show (29 entrants), worked with Tiretown to co-host a Labor Day weekend of racing at Nelson (98 entrants-also was start of club challenge-won by Tiretown), “Octoberfast” speed event at Sandusky (29 entrants), Witches Wace-last event of year at Nelson. “Great Expectations” rally (37 entrants-won by Warren & Elaine Obert).
Awards: Competition: M: Dan Sikorski; W: Elaine Obert Rookies of the Year: Tom Zeef & Elaine Gruhn East Ohio Region: Club-5th EO Champ Series: 5 th Overall, 3 rd rallies, 4 th speed. For Sale : One slightly damaged bench, could possibly be repaired or if not, could be used for firewood. Call Tom Gruhn Wanted: One wood bench – should be sturdy, to be used for socials, call Jim DeFlorville. We remember: Active club member Les Winemiller passes away from a heart attack. 1983- Socials : Oldies Party (at DeFlorville's), Bowling (39 attend-best way to get everyone’s attention? Yell “DRIVER’S MEETING!”), Wine & Cheese party, Cedar Point Corvette Weekend, Family Picnic at Ledge Lake in Hinckley (60 attend), Prove It Party at Gruhn’s (38 attend), Clam Bake at Wakeman (53 attend), Halloween Party, Big Tom Roast (48 attend) and Christmas Banquet (76 attend). Events : April-Econ Run (15 cars-won by Jim & Kathy Townsend Corv Chardon- 50mpg), May-MTT & Low Speed at Sandusky Speedway (rain forecasted-only 16 entrants), Nelson Ledges, car show at Fairchild Chevy (30 cars-People’s Choice- Gary Pisarsky, Dealer’s Choice-ML Pittman, Entrant’s Choice- Roy Babiak & Warren Obert), 5 th Annual Car Show at Ed Stinn (46 cars-People’s Choice-John Olah, Dealer’s Choice-Bob Space, Entrant’s Choice-Stan Moses), CC wins interclub trophy at Nelson event, Sweetest Day Rally (28 cars-won by Warren Obert & JoAnn Papp), CC led regional points going into the last month of competition but lost to NEOVC. 18 members attend Convention at Indy, members Cammy & Bill Daugherty won the NCCC Raffle Vette – 1984 #00001 (they are offered $100,000 from Champion Chevrolet in CA for the car); Meetings moved from GM Training Center to Fairchild Chevy. Awards: Competition: M: Don Veselenak; W: Ginny Veselenak
25 The Road to Today…
1983 con’t. Rookie of the Year: Tom Meyer East Ohio Region: Club-2nd NCCC: Club-12 th For Sale: IMSA Style Corvette - $5000 Doug Metcalf; ’67 Vette Coupe-yellow 327-$9750 Frank Gulitz. 1984- Newsletter changed from the "Mako Ray" to "Cross-Fire". In October, Business Meeting location changed to Mama Mia’s Restaurant. Socials: “Combo” (Competition Mtg & Social), East Ohio Banquet (27 attend), Roller Skating (21+ attend), Bear Creek Steak House (13 attend), W/E Obert’s Good-Bye party, Party on the Patio Cantonese Style Dinner (27 attend), Picnic in the Pines @ Brunswick Lakes (25+ attend), Clam Bake at Wakeman (24 attend), Train Ride to Hale Farm, Christmas Banquet. Events: Easter Rally (28 cars-won by Don & Janice Obert), 12th Ann. Ed Stinn Show (40 cars-Dealer’s Choice-Darryl McKee, Sr.), Mid Summer Fun Low Speed at Sandusky Speedway (31 entrants), 2 nd Annual Concours at Fairchild Chevy, Nelson Ledges, Looney Rally (25cars-won by Ed & Diane Stachowiak), - Awards: Competition: M: Dan Sikorski; W: Bonnie Sikorski East Ohio Region: Club-2nd EO Champ Series: Won Overall East Ohio Region Championship Series Overall by 6pts after a fierce battle with Tiretown– 1st Rally, 2 nd Speed, 3 rd Concourse NCCC: Club-8th For Sale: 1959 Corvette White & Grey, needs interior, paint - $8000 Tom Rodis; 1966 Big Block $6500 – Bob Balant. 1985- In March, Business Meeting location changed to GM Plant in Parma. Fundraisers: Candy sales, Elaine Gruhn puts together CC “Cook Book”. Socials: Competition Mtg & Swim Party at Amy Podojil’s (24 attend), Bowling (27 attend), Adult Bingo (30+ attend), EO Region night at the Force (soccer) game (60+ EO members attend), Cleveland Zoo (24+ attend), Cruise to Vermillion, Family Picnic at Bob & Sally Thomsen’s (20+ attend), Night Pool Party at Thomsen’s, Clam Bake at Wakeman, CC/TTCC Night at the Cleve. Force, Halloween Party at Veselenak’s, Nov Swim party at Amy Podojil’s (27 attend), Christmas Banquet (52 attend). Events: Mikey & Jim’s Spring Tune Up Special Rally (16 cars-won by Tom & Elaine Gruhn), Nelson Ledges, Looney II Rally (using the MQPM method – most questions per mile), Drags at Thompson (33 cars), Concours at Blaushild Chevy in Shaker Hts, Low Speed at Lorain County (25 entrants). Awards: Competition: M: Don Veselenek; W: Ginny Veselenek Rookie of the Year: Jennifer Fried East Ohio Region: Club-2nd (Ginny 1 st , Don 2 nd ) EO Champ Series: NCCC: Club-11 th
26 The Road to Today…
1985 con’t. In a Mid Ohio Event Review by Charlie Johnson (TTCC): Gene “The Pack Rat” Stenger – Gene is known to carry enough spare parts with him to build a complete car. However, Gene doesn’t feel his day is complete unless he uses most of the parts on his own car. Gene’s motto is “It ain’t used until it’s abused” One of the last surviving, original owners of a 54 Corvette, Gene and his foxy wife Norma spent their honeymoon in the Corvette, and still have the assorted bumps, bruises and scrapes to prove it. Of course, at that time there was little else to do except go to silent movies or listen to Amos and Andy on the Wonderbar radio. Fred “Kahuna” Kubiak – Known for his blazing starts and smoking finishes, Fred wears the name and shirt of the Hawaiian god of Weak Kidneys and Chastity. Fred was one of the pioneers of the Corvette Air Force, and his NASA designed wing has struck fear, awe, and/or repulsion in the hearts of his competitors for many years. Fast but mortal at Mid-Ohio, Fred remains invincible at Nelson Ledges. 1986- Jan. Membership: 69 (51 NCCC) Socials: Bunko at D/MA Obert’s (36 attend), Host EO Banquet (33 attend), Competition Meeting @ Josefick’s, Bowling Party, Cruise & Picnic at DeBonis’s (on Mem Day-33 attend), Cruise in the Goodtime II (30 attend), Swim Party at Thomsen’s (13 attend), Northfield Park Harness Night (25 attend), Clam Bake at Honey-Do-Campground in Spencer (21 attend), Open House at Veselenak’s (23 attend), EO Region Night at the Cleveland Force, Christmas Party at Geppetto’s, Events: Super Chevy Show at Bigelow (98 entries-25 were Vettes!), Drags at Norwalk, Speed at Lorain County Speedway, Labor Day at Nelson (77 entrants), Speed at Canton Motor Speedway, Looney III & Poker Rally (28 cars, won by Don & Janice Obert), Awards: Competition: M: Gene Stenger; W: Ginny Veselenak Rookies of the Year: Jim Stenger & Janice Obert Club Achievement Award: Bob Thomsen East Ohio Region: Club-2nd (Gene 3 rd , Ginny 3 rd ) NCCC: Club-16 th For Sale: 1953 Corvette, Serial #125, needs engine and transmission, $14,000 negotiable. Call Jack Krawczyk. 1987- Jan. Membership: 63 (41 NCCC) Socials: Competition Meeting & Social (25 attend), Fish Fry & Pierogie Dinner & Bingo (39 attend), Caravan to Bear Creek Steak House in Canton (20 attend), Cruise to SkyWay & Putt-Putt (11 attend), Picnic at Tina DeBonis’ parents in Sharpsville, PA (12 attend), Clam Bake at Honey-Do-Campground, Halloween Party at Redwing Cabin, Pot Luck & Adult Game Night at D/MA Obert’s (18 attend), Christmas Banquet at Glenn Restaurant (37 attend), Events: Economy Run, Mem Day at Nelson (63 entered), 2 nd Super Chevy Show at Bigelow (118 entries), Lab Day at Nelson, Looney IV Rally, Awards: Competition: M: Gene Stenger; W: Ginny Veselenak East Ohio Region: Club-2nd East Ohio MVP-Ginny Veselenak NCCC: Club-14 th . We remember: Member Janice Ellis passes away 27 The Road to Today…
1988- Jan Membership: 59 (44 NCCC) Club Raffles a mini-86 Indy Pace Car Corvette to benefit Spina Bifida. Summer meetings to be held at Albion Woods in Metroparks. Socials: Get-a-Way at Aurora Woodlan ds Inn (26 attend, 1 ‘86 Vette Purchased), Competition Meeting and Bunko Party at Veselenak’s (29 attend), Whirly Ball (32 attend), Fish Fry & Pierogi Dinner & Bingo at Falling Oaks Clubhouse in Medina, Cruise to Bear Creek Steak House in Canton (34 attend-13 Vettes caravan), Goodtime II Cruise (34 attend), Pool Party at Prusnek’s (27 attend), Clam Bake at Danzey’s (32 attend), Halloween Party at BIA Building in Independence, Whirly Ball II (31 attend), Christmas Banquet at Glenn Restaurant (41 attend), Events: Mem Day at Nelson, 3 rd Super Chevy Show at Bigelow Chevy (130 entrants), “Rally Haters Easy Nite Rally” (17 entered-won by Dave & Ginger Nagy from Competition), Labor Day at Nelson (Entry Fee-$30.00), August 15-a 14 pt lead over Tiretown for EO Region, Sept 15 – 9pts behind Tiretown, Looney V Rally (19 entrants-won by Denny & Deb Murphy-TTCC), Oct 15-32 pts ahead of Tiretown, Final Points – CC-2813, TTCC-2702! Awards: Competition: M: Don Veselenak; W: Ginny Veselenak Rookie of the Year: John Bodnar East Ohio Region: Won first NCCC East Ohio Region Competition Championship For Sale: 1962 Corvette, very good condition, motor, trans & suspension all newly rebuilt - $13,900; 1980 White Vette, red interior, 33,000mi - $10,000 Joe Kubica 1989- 5 babies were born in 1989 to club members. Jan Membership – 70 Socials: Russian New Year’s at St. Michael Woodside Hall in Broadview Hts. (20 attend), Bowling, 3 rd Annual Fish Fry and Pierogi dinner and Bunko at Falling Oaks (19 attend), Competition Meeting & Social at John Bodnar’s house, Lolly the Trolley tour (16 attend), Clam Bake at Danzey’s (27 attend), Dankarona Winery in Aurora tour and dinner, Pot Luck & Fun Night at Gruhn’s (16 attend), Christmas Banquet (32 attend), Events: Mem Day at Nelson ($40 entry fee), Indy 500 Rally (13 cars-won by Don & Janice Obert), Buckeye Corvettes host a Tom Gruhn Benefit Speed Event at Canton Speedway (22 club member there to work, race, support), Lab Day at Nelson, Looney Rally-Final Chapter (21 entries-won by Don & Janice Obert), Awards: Competition: W: Janice Obert; M: Don Obert (2 nd ) M&W grouped together East Ohio Region: Club-4th We remember: Active member Tom Gruhn passes away from leukemia. Radio traffic reports make mention of the long line of Corvettes backing up Rocky River Drive.
1990- Jan Membership: 53. Club starts campaign to generate new members, including 28 The Road to Today…
article in Plain Dealer and info in Trading Times. Socials: Russian New Year’s (11 attend), Surprise Party for Virg Tussey (38 attend, plus special guest “Tina”), Northfield Park (15 attend), BBQ at Elaine Gruhn’s, Indians Game (21 attend), Cruise to Cedar Point (21 attend), Cruise to Carney’s in Brunswick (10 cars), Surprise Party for Tom & Chris Prusnek for 25yrs of club membership, Caravan to Swings-n-Things, Clam Bake at Danzey’s (42 entries), Tailgate Party at Stachowiak’s (13 attend), Christmas Banquet (34 attend), Events: Mem Day at Nelson (79 entries), June 3 Rallies (17 entrants), “ A Mid- Summer Nite Dream” Rally (18 entrants-won by Dick & Mickey Downs- Competition), Labor Day at Nelson (45 entrants), Awards: Competition: M: Gene Stenger; W: Janice Obert (2 nd ) M&W grouped together (top10 awarded) Social Awards: Don & Ginny Veselenak, John Bodnar, Ed & Diane Stackowiak East Ohio Region: Club-6th For Sale: 1974 Corvette, red, mint (formerly Dan Sikorski’s)- $11,000 Ed Cazimir 1991- Jan Membership: 52 (Dec - 65) Invitation to join the “National Corvette Museum”, to be built in Bowling Green in newsletter - $30/year or lifetime for $1000. Socials: Russian New Year’s @ UAW Hall in Brook Park (15 attend), Competition Meeting and Bunko social at Janice Obert’s (15 attend), It’s Comedy comedy club (17 attend), Cruise to Cedar Point, Cruise to Quaker Steak and Lube in Sharon, PA (23 attend), Goodtime III (29+ attend, Janice Obert gets engaged!), Clam Bake at Danzey’s (40 attend), Tiretown Rally (9 attend), Northfield Park (12+ attend), Christmas Banquet at Geppetto’s ($15/person-30 attend). Events: Super Chevy Show at Bass Chevrolet (34 entries), Mem Day at Nelson (42 entries & rain), Nite Rally (13 entries), Fun & Poker Rallies (won by Geoff Gott & Elaine Gruhn), Awards: Competition: M: Gene Stenger; W: Norma Stenger (2 nd ) M&W grouped together (top7 awarded) East Ohio Region: Club-4th NCCC: Gene Stenger awarded Don Hoskins Award for Outstanding Service to NCCC For Sale: 1980 Corvette, 1 owner, 18,000mi, red w/red interior, auto., $13,500 – Bill 1974 coupe, L82, auto, 58.000mi, $8,500 Tom Zeef 1992- Jan Membership: 47 Nelson tire wall catches on fire when workers try to burn brush. Summer meetings at Elmwood Park in Independence. Socials: Russian New Year’s, EO Banquet, Playhouse Square Tour, w/Buckeye Corvettes toured the Crawford Auto Museum, Tour of ACI in Toledo and Pro 1992 con’t. Team Corvettes (7 attend), Derby Party at Elaine Gruhn’s (16 attend), Road Tour 29 The Road to Today…
down Erie Canal (21 attend), Goodtime III (19 + 8 from Buckeye Corvettes attended), Indians Game, 35 th Anniversary Party and Clam Bake at Danzey’s, Events: Mem Day at Nelson ($50 entry), Labor Day at Nelson, Fun & Poker Rally (13 entrants in the snow), Awards: Competition: M: Gene Stenger; W: Norma Stenger M&W grouped together (top6 awarded) East Ohio Region: Club-5th EO Hall of Fame Inductions- Andy Baumgardner NCCC: Janice & Mike Sudia win the “be present to win” raffle car (a ‘92 looking ’85) at Convention 1993- Jan Membership: 54 Socials: Russian New Year’s, EO Banquet, NASA Tour (24+ attend), Derby Day Party at Elaine Gruhn’s (11 attend), Indians Game (29 attend), Cruise for Putt- Putt and Ice Cream, Hay Ride, Clam Bake at Danzey’s (39 attend), Cruise for brunch in Middlefield (10 attend), Fall Pot Luck at Nanasy’s (12 attend), Christmas Banquet at the Glenn Restaurant (29 attend), Events: K&K bans passengers under 18 on parade laps, Mem Day at Nelson, Fun and Poker rally (25 entered-Ed & Diana Stachowiak won), Lab Day at Nelson, Awards: Competition: M: Gene Stenger; W: Sue Musarra (4 th ) M&W grouped together (over 50pts received award-8) 1994- Jan Membership: 53 Socials: Russian New Year’s (20+), EO Banquet, Competition Meeting at Fred & Betty’s (35 attend), Crawford Auto Museum (24+ attend), Northfield Park, 3 rd Annual Derby Day Party (20 attend), Mem Day at Nelson, Regional Social on the Goodtime III (16 from CC attend), Family Picnic at Nanasy’s (31 attend), Clam Bake, Halloween Party at Nanasy’s, Pie Tasting at Elaine Gruhn’s, Christmas Banquet (28 attend) Events: Mem Day at Nelson, Lab Day at Nelson, Rallies (15 entered-won by Ed and Diane Stachowiak), Driver School at Parma GM Plant, Awards: Competition: ? Most Active New Member: Dave Sheppa East Ohio Region: Club-4th EO Hall of Fame Inductions- Don Veselenak For Sale: 1978 Silver Anniversary Coupe, 39,000mi, $13,500 1995- Plans start to take shape for the EO Region to host the 1997 NCCC Convention- Buckeye’s Chuck Heretta heading things up. Ohio Automotive Interclub Council is formed. Newsletter changed to “For Vettes Only”. October Newsletter re: Nelsons: “paving plans for 96 and cosmetic improvements scheduled to start in ’96 and continue into 97.” Jan Membership: 51 Socials: Russian New Year’s (20+ attend), Metroparks Sleighride, EO Banquet (21 attend), Boot Scootin’ Saloon, 4 th Derby Day Party (19 attend), Cruise to 1995 con’t. Huron for dinner and Dairy Queen (14 attend), Cruise to Georges in Amherst for 30 The Road to Today…
ice cream and putt-putt (21 attend), Prove-It Party (25 attend), Clam Bake (38 attend), Social after rallies, Christmas Banquet at Glenn Restaurant (33 attend), Events: General increase in club participation in EO NCCC events; Driver’s School, Mem Day at Nelson ($60 entry), Labor Day at Nelson, Concours at Royal Chevrolet (23 Vettes and 16 metal cars), Rallies. Awards: Competition: W: Janice Sudia (1 st ); M: Rich Etzel (2 nd ) M&W grouped together (over 50pts received award) Most Active New Member: Tom Stallings East Ohio Region: Club-4th For Sale: 1990 Corvette Convertible, Polo Green, 51,500mi - $17500-George 1996- 1997 Convention plans continue. Article on CC appears in Vette Views , “S” class added to Group 1 in NCCC competition for pure street tires, Jan Membership: 48 Socials: Russian New Year’s (18+ attend), Host EO Banquet at Holiday Inn Elyria (31 CC, 100+ region attend), Slot Car Race Night (23 attend), Lumberjacks (hockey-29 attend) game, 5 th Derby Party; Cruise for Ice Cream and putt-putt (31+ attend), Cruise to SE Harley (21 attend), Clam Bake, Bunko Party, Christmas Banquet (46 attend). Events: Driver’s School at GM Parma (35 entered), Mem Day at Nelson Ledges ($65 entry), Econ Run & Poker Rally, Labor Day at Nelson, Concours at Royal Chevy in Aurora, Super Vettes holds a “Peoples Choice” car show-no judging. Awards: Competition: W: Elaine Gruhn (1 st ); M: Rich Etzel (2 nd ) For Sale: 1979 Corvette, auto, t-top, red w/white int, 64,000mi - $10,300. 1962 Corvette Conv., Red, black interior, orig except engine - $19,900-Don Voigt We remember: Zora Arkus Duntov passes. CC Founder Andy Baumgardner passes from a heart attack. 1997- Jan Membership: 77 Socials: Russian New Year’s (25+ attend), Shear Madness Play (39 attend), Bowling (34 attend), Derby Day at Nanasy’s, Cruise to Amherst for Ice Cream & Go-karts (27 attend), Host 40 th Ann. Party night at Convention, Featured Club at Streetsboro Walmart Cruise Night (13 cars, 30 members), Clam Bake at Danzey’s (38 attend), Roman Affair at Bob & Madelyn Wilson’s, Hay Ride, scheduled Cruise to Sharon, PA (canceled due to snowstorm!), Christmas Banquet. Events: Club helps EO Region put on 1997 NCCC Convention (639 registrants)– we host the High Speed, held at Nelson Ledges. Four members display at Auto Rama, Mem Day at Nelson ($75 entry-$65pre), Low Speed School at GM Parma, Lab Day at Nelson, Concours at Royal Chevrolet, Awards: Competition: M: Tom Prusnek Jr.; W: Iris Peron M&W grouped together (top 10) Most Active New Member: Nathan Reader 1997 con’t. East Ohio Region: Club-3rd 31 The Road to Today…
EO Champ Series: Club Overall-1st ; 1 st Rally; 1 st Concourse EO MVP Award: Elaine Gruhn NCCC: Club-16 th , 7 th in NCCC Newsletter Contest For Sale: 1966 Vette, 1980 style body, ex-SCCA GT1, $7,700.00 Steve 1998- Noted in April 1998 newsletter re Janice & Mike Sudia- “the 85 is not fixed yet.” Jan Membership: 71 (52 NCCC) Socials: Russian New Year’s (22+ attend), Valentine’s Mystery Evening (18 attend), Walleyball (27 attend), Cruise to Eggshell Land, Derby Party at Nanasy’s (38 attend), Featured Club at Streetsboro Walmart Cruise Night (24+ attend), Cruise to Quaker Steak (22+ attend), Clam Bake at Danzey’s (66 attend), Cruise to Dankorona Winery in Aurora, Christmas Banquet at Astorhurst Country Place (58 attend). Events: Driver’s School (40 cars), Mem Day at Nelson, Poker Rally, Labor day at Nelson, Awards: Competition: ? East Ohio Region: Club-2nd EO Champ Series: Club Overall-3rd EO Hall of Fame Inductions: Al Etzel NCCC: Club-17 th Member Jim Gnatowski wins the Crawford Auto Museum raffle car – 1981 Orange Corvette. For Sale: 1984 Corvette, 59,000mi-rarely used - $11,000 Dick 1959 Corvette, Red/Red White Coves, 76,000mim $26,000-Joe Sefcik 1999- Jan Business Meeting cancelled due to snow. Club website launched in March- (allowed one update per month). Newsletter names are voted on (16 choices)- The Corvette Cleveland News launches in April. Jan Membership: 88 (72 NCCC) Socials: Russian New Year’s (16+ attend), EO Banquet, T-shirt party (46 attend), Bowling (34+ attend), Derby Party at Chuck & Elaine Heretta’s, Rib Roast, Goodtime III, Cruise & Pool Party at Thomsen’s, Featured Club at Streetsboro Walmart Cruise Night, Clam Bake at Danzey’s (59+ attend), Wallyball (31 attend), Hayride (22 attend), Christmas party at Stancato’s (60 attend). Events: Low Speed Driver’s School, Mem Day at Nelson, July 4 Show & Rally at Aurora Outlets, Lab Day at Nelson Awards: Competition: W: Elaine Heretta (1 st ); M: Rich Etzel (2 nd ) M&W grouped together Rookie of the Year: Larry Snyderburn East Ohio Region: Club-2nd EO Champ Series: Club rally-1st East Ohio MVP Award: Elaine Heretta NCCC: Club-24 th We remember: Member Jane Toth passes from a heart attack. 2000- January Membership: 90 (73 NCCC) 32 The Road to Today…
Socials: Russian New Year’s (18 attend), Daytona 500 party at Mike & Debbie Desh’s (39 attend), East Ohio Regional Banquet (31 attend), Roller Skating at Starlight in LaGrange (25+ attend), Northfield Park (25 attend & 19 from Buckeye), Kentucky Derby Party at Heretta’s (21 attend), Rib Roast at Desh’s (34 attend), Ice Cream Cruise (28 attend), Cruise to Skyway then to Berea Cruise-In, Featured club at Streetsboro Walmart Cruise Night (16 Corvettes/33 attend), Akron Aero’s Baseball game (16 attend), Participate in Olmsted Falls Heritage Days Parade (7 Corvettes), Clam Bake at Bob & Madelyn Wilson’s (61 attend), Dinner at Sterle’s Restaurant, Events: April 2 Rally, May 7 Driver’s School at Parma GM Plant, Mem Day at Nelson, July 4 Car Show at Aurora Outlets (100+ cars entered), Labor Day at Nelson, Awards: Competition: W: Elaine Heretta (1 st ); M: Bob Thomsen (2 nd ) M&W grouped together Rookie of the Year: Gene Szucs East Ohio Region: Won NCCC East Ohio Region Competition Championship (2 nd ) EO Champ Series: Club Overall-1st ; Rally 1 st For Sale: 1985 Corvette Coupe, auto, red on red, loaded, 79,000mi, $8,500 Jim We remember: Long-time member Chris Prusnek passes in September from breast cancer. 2001- CorvetteCleveland.org approved to move forward, Dave Graham to set up. Joseph Badger from Western Reserve Management Group attends August meeting to talk about their proposed purchase and renovation of Nelson (last time heard from him). January Membership: 90 (71 NCCC) Socials : Russian New Year’s (20+ attend); Fun in February Hat Party at Country Lakes Rec. Center (36 attend), East Ohio Banquet (34 attend), Bowling Party at Mahall’s in Lakewood (48 attend), Kentucky Derby party at Anne & Dave Graham’s (25 attend), Mr. Divots Sports Park (44 attend), Family Picnic at Brooklyn Heights Park (38 attend), Corvette Road Tour (21 attend), participate in Olmsted Falls Heritage Days parade, Wagon Trails Animal Park (4 attend), Clam Bake at Danzey’s (58 attend), Tony & Tina’s Wedding (16 attend), Christmas Party at Stancato’s. Events: Trial Drags at Thompsen (15 attend), Driver’s School May 6 at the Parma GM Plant (39 attend), Mem Day at Nelson, July 14 Low Speed at GM Plant, July 4 shows at Aurora Outlets, Labor Day at Nelson. Awards: Competition: M: Bob Thomsen; W: Elaine Heretta Rookie of the Year: Scott Bestor & Shari Bestor East Ohio Region: Club-1st NCCC: Club-8th ; 8 th in NCCC Newsletter contest. Outstanding Member: (tie) Dave Graham and Gene Szucs For Sale: 1993 Corvette Convertible, Artic White, Black top, 80,000mi $18,500. 2002- Club holds “Pick 3” fundraiser; Melanie Gruhn awarded 1 of 8 NCCC 33 The Road to Today…
Scholarships; January Membership: 86 (69 NCCC) Socials: Russian New Year’s (23+ attend), Tobogganing in Strongsville (22 attend), Host East Ohio Banquet in Elyria, “What’s for Dinner?” at Al & Carol Etzel’s (25 attend), Pylon Pursuit Rally (24 attend), Brunch at East Harbor State Park in Marblehead (27 attend), Goodtimes in Avon, Christmas in July at W/E Obert’s (31 attend), Mystery Cruise (27 attend), participated in Olmsted Falls (15 Vettes) and Parma Heights (5 Vettes) parades, Clambake at Danzey’s, Halloween Party and Hay Ride at Strongsville Chalet (31 attend), “I Spy a Corvette”, Christmas party at Stancato’s. Events: Low Speed at Firestone, Memorial Day at Nelson, July 4 Shows at Aurora Outlets (123 cars), 22 members attend NCCC convention in Indy, Labor Day at Nelson, Awards: Competition: W: Elaine Heretta; M: Warren Obert Rookies of the Year: Melanie Gruhn (20yrs after her mom received the award) and Dick Hoover East Ohio Region: Club-1st EO Regional Executive Award: Larry Snyderburn NCCC: Club-10 th ; 3 rd in NCCC Newsletter Contest Outstanding Member: Warren Obert For Sale: 1990 Corvette, 60,000mi, $16,500 Ted. We remember: Member Jeff Burkitt passes in March. Member Jon Baer passes in April. 2003- Pick 3 fundraiser is continued; Article on club appears in America’s Sports Car, the national publication of the National Corvette Museum. February Membership: 91 (75 NCCC); Total NCCC Membership is 17,317. Socials: Russian New Year’s, Prove It Party at A&C Etzel’s (18 attend), Dave & Buster’s (20+ attend), East Ohio Banquet (~50 attend), Bunko Party (22 attend), Mystery in the Library 915 attend), Goodtimes Go-Karting, Family Picnic at Black River Reservation in Elyria (13+ attend), Amish Dinner Cruise (13 attend), 14 Corvettes participate in Olmsted Falls parade, Steak Roast/Clam Bake held at Sept Meeting, Covered Bridge Tour with Competition & NEOVC (38 total attend), Chili Cook-off, Christmas Party at Williams on the Lake in Medina (60 attend). Events: Mem Day at Nelson, June & October unsanctioned Low Speeds at Euclid Square Mall, Low Speed at Firestone, In partnership with Buckeye Corvettes (Canton, OH), hold first Corvettes at CORSA show in Berea – 85 entered; July 4 at Aurora Outlets, Labor Day at Nelson, Awards: Competition: M: Phil Dobransky; W: Elaine Heretta Rookie of the Year: East Ohio Region: Club-2nd EO MVP Award: Scott Bestor Outstanding Member: Megan Etzel 2003 con’t. We remember: Former members Leonard Kubiak and Norm Borchert pass.
34 The Road to Today…
2004- Chevrolet invites club members to attend the North American debut of the 2005 Corvette Convertible at the Cleveland Auto Show, 24 members attend; Pick 3 fundraiser is continued; February Membership: 89 (76 NCCC) Socials: Un-Birthday Party at A&C Etzel’s (21 attend), Mystery Cruise (10 attend), East Ohio Banquet, Travel the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to Peninsula (37 attend), Brunch at East Harbor State Park in Marblehead (23 attend), Christmas in July at W&E Obert’s (39 attend), weekday Caravan to Elm Farm in Medina for Ice Cream, Caravan to MAPS museum in Canton (just follow Rich Hoover!), 15 Corvettes participate in Olmsted Falls Parade, Clam Bake at Danzey’s (51 attend), Chili Cook-Off, Kid’s Christmas Party at A&C Etzel’s, Christmas Party at Williams on the Lake. Events: Hosted 2-day Driver’s School (31 drivers) and events Mem Day weekend at Nelson Ledges; unsanctioned low speed at Euclid Sq. Mall; June 13 Hosted 2 nd Corvettes at CORSA – benefited Fairview General Hospital’s Pediatrics Ward-111 cars entered. “Game Time” Rallies, July 4 car show at Aurora Outlets (79 entries), Labor Day at Nelson Ledges and an unsanctioned Low Speed at Meadowbrook Market Square in Bedford (46 entries). Awards: Competition: W: Elaine Heretta; M: Phil Dobransky All over 200pts receive award Rookies of the Year: Tim & Cherri Obert, Lori Arthur, Ted Majewski East Ohio Region: Club-1st EO Champ Series: Club Rally-1st EO Regional Executive Award: Rich Hoover & Al Etzel EO Hall of Fame Induction: Elaine Heretta EO MVP Award: Elaine Heretta NCCC: Club-7th President’s Award – Rich Hoover Outstanding Member – Pat Mitchell 2005- Committee formed to review/revise club constitution. Continue “Pick 3” fundraiser; 3 rd Generation CC Families are featured in Blue Bars, 50 th Anniversary plans begin; January Membership: 121 (101 NCCC); NCCC: 285 clubs-18, 251 members Socials: Russian New Year’s (10 attend), NASCAR Party at Good Ole Daze (30 attend), East Ohio Banquet, Kid’s Easter Party at A&C Etzel’s, Cruise to Warther Carving & Garden (28 attend), Cinco de Mayo dinner (20 attend), 13 members caravan to Mid Ohio for American LeMans race, Cook-out at Scott & Shari Bestor’s (36+ attend), Cruise & Swim Party at Bob & Sally Thomsen’s (19 attend), Crawford Auto Museum warehouse cook-out, participate in Olmsted Falls parade; Post-Nelson cook-out at Gary & Tricia Krause’s, Clam Bake at Danzey’s (52 attend), Halloween party at Dennis & Lory Arthur’s; Casino Trip, Kid’s Christmas Party at A&C Etzel’s, Christmas Party. Events: Unsanctioned Low Speeds at Geauga Lake (49 entries); Mem Day at Nelson Ledges (45 entries); Concours at Norris Chevrolet in Lodi (49 entries); 2005 con’t. Corvettes @ CORSA III – July 24 – benefited Berea Children’s home - 109
35 The Road to Today…
Vettes entered despite rain and storms throughout the day. Entries included a 1953 & 1954. Highest Club attendance – Buckeye Corvettes, Inc. (Canton, OH); Rallies (21 entries) and Labor Day at Nelson (54 entries). Nelson Ledges events were included in “Great Lakes High Speed Series”, organized by Rene Cardenas (RCD-MI), included high speed events at Autobahn (IL), Gingerman (MI), Grattan (MI), Putnam (IN) and Waterford Hills (MI). Awards: “Performance Team” was created, sponsored by Egan Landscaping. Awarded members who reached 50 East Ohio Region competition points with a decal, 75 points with a patch. “Team” members also received a small plaque recognizing their achievement. Competition: M: Warren Obert; W: Elaine Heretta Rookie of the Year: Brian Wlodarczyk, Cassie Dobransky East Ohio Region: Cllub-1st EO Champ Series: Won all 3 East Ohio Championship Series Categories – Concours, Rally and Speed. Won the Concours category with a large club turn out in final event. EO Hall of Fame Inductions: Bob Kirsch EO Regional Executive Award: Jim Egan EO MVP Award: Tim Obert NCCC: Club-5th President’s Award – Jim Egan Outstanding Member – Tim Obert For Sale: 1974 Corvette T-top, automatic, burgundy, 56,000mi, $10,900. Anthony We remember: Former members Bonnie Balant Podojil and Virg Tussey pass. 2006- "Mako Ray" returns as newsletter name. Pick 3 fundraiser is continued; Performance Team continued, sponsored by Westway Realty. Corvette Cleveland was chosen by the National Corvette Museum to be the "display club" for the month of November. Bob Kirsch won the raffle to have his car on display as well as pieces of club memorabilia. This special display is part of the 2006 Corvette Club recognition program for Business/Club Members. Membership: Socials: Bowling (37 attend), a NASCAR party (26 attend), club hosts East Ohio Banquet in Hudson (40 members attend), Bunko Party at D/MA Obert’s (19 attend), Dinner/Ice Cream Cruise to SkyWay (31 attend), Mystery Cruise to Fairport Harbor (22 attend), Progressive Dinner (36 attend), Rinky Dink Min-Golf & Karting (18 attend), 28 th Annual Clam Bake at Danzey’s (48 attend), Halloween Party at Arthur’s (17 attend), NASA Tour (24 attend), Christmas Banquet (62 attend). Events: Corvettes @ CORSA IV – July 23– 226 Vettes – benefitted Berea Children’s Home. Highest Club Attendance – Lakeshore Corvettes (Vermillion, OH); Low Speed (Autocross) at Lakeland Community College – 79 entries, Mem. Day @ Nelson Ledges-45 entries, “Game Time 2” Rallies-18 entries and Labor Day @ Nelson Ledges – 40 entries. Nelson events again were included with the Great Lakes High Speed Series. 2006 con’t. Awards:
36 The Road to Today…
Competition: M: Phil Dobransky; W: Elaine Heretta Rookie of the Year: Geno Willis and Marie Wlodarczyk Social Award: Don & Mary Ann Obert East Ohio Region: Club-1st (7 th regional championship) EO MVP Award: Elaine Heretta EO MVP Award: Phil Dobransky NCCC: Club-8th President's Award - Don Obert Outstanding Member - Tim Obert
Do you have any of these old Corvette Cleveland Newsletter Editions? We have finished our inventory of the Editions we have in our archives, and below are the issues that we NEED FROM OUR INCOMPLETE YEARS (THOSE MARKED “Y”). If you should have a copy that we are missing, please contact Bob Kirsch and he will make a copy of yours for the archives!!
Year J F M A M J J A S O N D 1957 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1958 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1959 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1960 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1961 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1962 Y Y Y Y Y 1963 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1965 Y Y Y Y Y 1966 Y Y 1972 Y
Also looking for: Corvette News Issues: 1968: Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul, Aug/Sep 1969: Dec/Jan
37 Charity
Corvette Cleveland has not just been about fun times and competing, we believe in helping those in our area and nationally through time and financial donations. Here’s a look back at many of our donations.
1971 $ 250 American Cancer 2000 $ 100 Berea Children’s Home $ 250 - Jones Home $ 100 Hunger Network 1973 $ 198 Press Helping Hand Fund $ 100 Near West Food Bank 1975 $ 65 Muscular Dystrophy $ 100 Make a Wish 1977 $2300 Muscular Dystrophy 2001 $ 150 Berea Children’s Home 1978 $3148 Spina Bifida $ 350 Hattie Larham Foundation **2 nd Nationally in NCCC in donating $ 100 Help Foundation 1979 $2625 Spina Bifida $ 100 Hunger Network 1980 $4200 Spina Bifida $ 100 Make a Wish 1980 $ 200 unknown $ 350 National Kidney Foundation 1981 $2100 Spina Bifida $ 100 Near West Food Bank $4400 Spina Bifida 2002 $ 600 Berea Children’s Home 1982 $ 500 Spina Bifida $ 600 Hattie Larham Foundation 1982 $1500 Club Member in need $ 600 Help Foundation 1983 $ 500 Spina Bifida $ 600 Near West Food Bank $ 400 Beech Brook $ 200 National Corvette Museum $100 Hospice $ 200 National Kidney Foundation 1984 $1100 Spina Bifida $ 100 Make a Wish 1985 $ 228.25 Spina Bifida 2003 $ 500 Berea Children’s Home 1988 $1738 Spina Bifida $ 510 Fairview Hospital Pediatric Ward 1990 $ 250 NCCC Disaster Relief $ 500 Hattie Larham Foundation 1992 $ 100 Local Spina Bifida Family $ 500 Help Foundation $ 200 Local Spina Bifida Organization $ 500 Near West Food Bank 1993 $ 100 TCCC member with cancer $ 450 Susan B. Komen – Run for Cure $ 500 CC member in need $ 400 Juvenile Diabetes 1995 $ 150 3 local Spina Bifida Families $ 250 National Corvette Museum $ 50 Cerebal Palsy (GM Plant Mgr) 2004 $ 500 Berea Children’s Home $ 50 Spina Bifida $ 500 Fairview Hospital Pediatrics Ward $ 50 Food Center $ 500 Hattie Larham Foundation 1996 $ 50 Cerebal Palsy (GM Plant Mgr) $ 500 Help Foundation $ 50 Near West Side Food Bank (Jan ’96) $ 500 Near West Food Bank $ 350 Spina Bifida $ 250 Susan B. Komen – Run for Cure $ 100 - Near West Side Food Bank (Dec ’96) $ 250 National Corvette Museum 1997 $ 100 - Andy Baumgartner’s wife’s charity $ 200 Juvenile Diabetes $ 300 - Kidney Fund 2005 $1,400 Berea Children’s Home $ 100 - Food Bank $ 500 Hattie Larham $ 100 - Person with Kidney problems $ 500 Help Foundation $ 100 - Berea Children’s Home $ 500 Susan B. Komen Run for Cure $ 100 - F.A.N. donation $ 250 National Corvette Museum 1998 $ 600 - Misc Charities $ 200 Juvenile Diabetes $ 100 - Near West Food Bank 2006 $2,000 Berea Children’s Home $ 100 - Berea Children’s Home $ 300 Hattie Larham $ 100 - Jones Home $ 300 Help Foundation $ 100 - Church Street Ministries $ 250 National Corvette Museum $ 100 - GM Charity $ 150 Juvenile Diabetes $ 200 - un-named charities $ 100 USO ? Help Foundation Approx. TOTAL CHARITY DONATIONS: $45,007 1999 $ 300 - Nat’l Kidney Foundation $ 300 - Hattie Larham $ 500 - Berea Children’s Home Hunger Network Near West Food Bank Make a Wish
38 CC in Blue Bars
Blue Bars is the official publication of NCCC. Corvette Cleveland has had numerous articles featuring some of our events and members over the years.
1974 Jan/Feb - NCCC Spotlight club on CC
1975 Jan/Feb – Convention Letter & Registration Forms
1975 Mar/Apr - CC's social "NCCKids Sanction No1" - kids on bike speed event
1975 Sept/Oct - CC convention issue
39 CC in Blue Bars
1978 Jan/Feb - CC Muscular Distr show at Southland
1978 Nov/Dec - CC Braille Rally article
1979-Jan Feb - 1979 - CC Spina Bifida Activites article
1981 May/June – Southland Show
40 CC in Blue Bars
1982 May/June- Feature Car Warren & Elaine Obert’s ‘69
1991 Convention Gene Stenger awarded Don Hoskins Award
1991 Winter – “Anatomy of a Racecar” Gene & Jim Stenger
1992-Convention Issue 1992 - picture of Mike & Janice w/ winning raffle car
41 CC in Blue Bars
1993 Winter - Janice & Mike Sudia “Corvette” Wedding and winning raffle car
1997 Spring – Andy Baumgardner Memorial Article
1997 Convention – Highlights of CC supported NCCC Convention
2000 Spring – Nelson Ledges Article
42 CC in Blue Bars
2002 Convention – Gene Stenger World Record Holder
2002 Summer – FCOA #1900, Michael Kubiak
2003 Convention – Mike Sudia awarded Roger Clancy Award
2005 Winter - CC Three Generations Article
43 CC Art
Corvette Cleveland has been fortunate to have a number of members that were talented artists. The club has had some of the most creative flyers in the region over the years. This is a sampling of art found in previous newsletters. Artists are noted when known.
(1)
Doug Metcalf (1)
(1) (1) (1)
(1) (1)
44 CC Art
Kevin Kittrick (2)
(3) Roy Babiak (3) (2)
(3) (3) (3)
1982-Tim Obert (4) (3)
(3) (3) (3)
(3)
45 CC Officers
Any club or organization cannot operate without leadership and guidance. The following list is of those people elected by the membership to lead the club that can be documented by newsletter or meeting minutes. They have given thousands of hours of time that have made this anniversary possible. To everyone listed, thank you for your efforts!
1959 President Andy Baumgardner VP Dick Shea Sec Phyllis Kaczmarek (Baumgardner) Treas W.G. Maier Prod & Svc Gary Inch Activities R.W. Ruth Editor Bill Smith
1962 Pres Andy Baumgardner VP Dick Ganger Treas Bill Maier Sec Eileen Timko Activities George “Gabe” Bell Membership Bob Kerber
1963 Pres Ron Gumm VP/Editor Joe Bergoc Sec Eileen Timko Treas Dave Ulmer Activ. Bob Whalen Membership Virgie Piatkowski (Ulmer)
1964 Pres Andy Baumgardner VP/Editor Joe Bergoc Sec Eileen Timko Treas Dave Ulmer Activ. Bob Whalen Membership Virgie Piatkowski (Ulmer) Governor Eileen Timko Ex Bd: Jerry Zamorsky, Bill Menz, Ray Spirek, Bob Rini
1965 Pres. Stan Kronen VP/Editor Al Etzel Sec Sue Luetkemeyer Treas Buck Luetkemeyer Activ George Bell Membership Dave Hiscox NCCC Gov. Dennis Spacone Ex.Bd: Ron Gumm, Jerry Zamorsky, Virg Tussey, Ray Spirek
46 CC Officers
1966 Pres Al Etzel VP/Editor Hank Schultz Sec Peggy Vincent Treas Dave Vincent Social Dennis Spacone Activity Virg Tussey Membership Ed Hilkowski NCCC Gov Dennnis Spacone Ex. Bd Bob Gray, Bill Hildbrandt, Stan Kronen, Buck Luetkemyer
1967 Pres Stan Kronen/Cap Wetzel VP/Editor Doug Metcalf Sec Sandy Metcalf Treas Cap Wetzel Social Rich Hoover Membership Ginny Gunn NCCC Gov Stan Kronen Competiton Gary Speta Ex Bd: Al Etzel, John Lechner, Ed Hilkowski, Dave Vincent
1968 Pres Cap Wetzel VP Chuck Holmok Sec Betty Holmok Treas Stan Kronen Social Tom Prusnek Membership Ginny Gunn Competition Gary Spada (resigned) replaced by Dennis Spacone/Al Etzel Safety Doug Metcalf NCCC Gov Stan Kronen ExBd: Ray Spirek, Ron Gumm, Dave Ulmer, Dennis Spacone-left for military-Replaced by Paul Schafer, Bob Kerber
1969 Pres Al Etzel VP/Edito Bob Kerber Sec Linda Lancaster Treas Cap Wetzel Social Tom Prusnek Membership Joanne Holmok co chair: Jean Allen Competition Don Trowbridge & Tom Lutar Safety Chuck Holmok NCCC Gov Stan Kronen ExBd: Ed Hilkowski, Doug Metcalf, Jerry Lancaster, Bill Schauble
47 CC Officers
1970 Pres Jerry Lancaster VP/Editor Ed Hilkowski Sec Linda Lancaster Treas Cap Wetzel Social Ron Gumm replaced by Doug Sokol replaced by Chris Prusnek Membership Joanne Holmok replaced by Paul Schafer, Co-chairJean Allen Competition Wayne Holmok Safety Ed Dabran NCCC Gov Stan Kronen ExBd: Chuck Holmok, Al Etzel, Tom Lutar, Virg Tussey
1971 Pres Doug Metcalf VP/Editor Warren Obert Sec Elaine Obert Treas Judy Sutton Social Doug Sokol Membership Paul Schaffer Competition Jerry Lancaster Safety Ed Dabran NCCC Gov Stan Kronen ExBd: Cap Wetzel, (replaced by Don Veselenak) Stan Kronen, Paul Sutton, Wayne Holmok
1972 Pres Warren Obert VP/Editor Bob Balant Sec Lou Dotson resigned, replaced by Elaine Obert Treas Tom Prusnek Social Wayne Holmok Membership Bonnie Balant Competition Fred Kubiak Safety Jerry Kubiak NCCC Gov Jerry Lancaster ExBd Al Etzel, Doug Metcalf, Jerry Lancaster, Chuck Holmok, Don Veselenak
1973 Pres Bob Balant VP Doug Metcalf Sec Linda Lancaster Treas Tom Fiscus Social Pat Fiscus (Mitchell) Membership Chris Prusnek Competition Jerry Lancaster Safety Jan Pesta Editor George Daina NCCC Gov Jerry Lancaster ExBd Warren Obert, Don Veselenak, Fred Kubiak, Tom Prusnek
48 CC Officers
1974 Pres Fred Kubiak VP Wayne Holmok Sec Dolores Bobo Treas Warren Obert Social Monica Pesta Membership Dana Mancuso Competition Tom Fiscus Safety Tony Mancuso Editor Don Veselenak NCCC Gov Jerry Lancaster ExBd: Bob Balant, Doug Metcalf, Stan Kronen, Tom Prusnek
1975 Pres Doug Metcalf VP Bob Balant Sec Dolores Bobo Treas Tom Prusnek Social Marcia Mielke Membership Chris Prusnek Competition Paul Chunta Safety Joe Bobo Editor Don Veselenak NCCC Gov Jerry Lancaster ExBd: Al Etzel, Ray Spirek, Tom Fiscus, Fred Kubiak
1976 Pres Tom Fiscus VP Tom Prusnek Sec Ryki Woods Treas Jack Rollin Social Monica Pesta Membership Norm Borchert Competition Joe Bobo Safety Jim Youngs Editor Marcia Mielke NCCC Gov Jerry Lancaster ExBd: Pat Fiscus (Mitchell) Fred Kubiak, Bob Balant, Doug Metcalf
1977 Pres Jan Pesta VP Jack Rollin Sec Ryki Woods Treas Chris Kubiak Social Joanne Scheckel Membership Elaine Obert Competition George Daina Safety Jim DeFlorville Editor Warren Obert NCCC Gov Fred Kubiak ExBd: Tom Prusnek, Doug Metcalf, Linda & Jerry Lancaster 49 CC Officers
1978 Pres Jan Pesta VP Warren Obert Sec Linda Alessandro Treas Don Obert Social Elaine Obert Membership Bev Rollin Competition Jim DeFlorville Safety Don Behrendt Editor Ryki Woods NCCC Gov Fred Kubiak ExBd: Jim Youngs, Doug Metcalf, Jack Rollin, Jerry Kubiak
1979 Pres Fred Kubiak VP Jack Rollin Sec Ann Wlodarczyk Treas Don Obert Social Heather Daina Membership Ernie Papp Competition Jim DeFlorville Safety Gene Stenger Editor Cal Woods NCCC Gov Elaine Obert ExBd: Jerry Kubiak, Warren Obert, Tom Prusnek, Jan Pesta
1980 Pres Elaine Obert VP Jan Pesta Sec JoAnn Papp Treas Don Obert Social Steve Supina Membership Terri Kittrick Competition Dave Wlodarczyk Safety Gene Stenger Editor Bonnie Sikorski NCCC Gov Warren Obert ExBd: Fred Kubiak, Tom Prusnek, Jack Rollin, Cal Woods
1981 Pres Gene Stenger VP Jack Rollin Sec Ginny Veselenak Treas Don Obert Social Steve Supina Membership Ray Overton Competition - Safety Mike Danzey Editor Diane Stachowiak NCCC Gov Warren Obert Ed Bd: Jim DeFlorville, Jerry Kubiak, Doug Metcalf, Tom Prusnek 50 CC Officers
1982 Pres Warren Obert VP Don Obert Sec Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Treas Ernie Papp Social Chris Prusnek Ginny Veselenak Membership Ed Stachowiak Competition Dan Sikorski Safety Tom Gruhn Editor Roy Babiak NCCC Gov Gene Stenger ExBd: Jim DeFlorville, Ray Spirek, Fred Kubiak, Don Veselenak
1983 Pres Don Obert VP Fred Kubiak Sec Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Treas Ernie Papp Social Myron & Kathy Halczuk Membership Norma Stenger Competition Jeff DeBonis Tom Gruhn Safety Pat Butler Editor Joann & Tom Rienerth NCCC Gov Gene Stenger ExBd Mike Danzey, Roy Babiak, Ed Stachowiak, Don Veselenak
1984 Pres Elaine Obert (moved), replaced by Fred Kubiak VP Mike Danzey Sec Jeanine Kirsch Treas Ernie Papp Social Debbie Butler Pauline Danzey Membership Norma Stenger Competition Jeff DeBonis Safety Pat Butler Editor Ed & Diane Stachowiak NCCC Gov Gene Stenger ExBd: Roy Babiak, Tom Gruhn, Warren Obert-replaced by Joann Papp,Tom Rienerth,
1985 Pres Jeff DeBonis VP Tom Gruhn Sec Jeanine Kirsch, replaced by Diane Stackowiak Treas Bob Kirsch, replaced by Don Obert Social Ed Stachowiak Bob Thomsen Membership Don Obert/Tom Zeeff Competition Barry Leone Steve Fried Safety Tom Rienerth Editor Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) NCCC Gov Gene Stenger Ed Bd: Norma Stenger, Mike Danzey, Jim DeFlorville, Ernie Papp 51 CC Officers
1986 Pres Jeff DeBonis VP Tom Gruhn Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Ginny Veselenak Membership Tom Zeeff Competition Glenn Roderick Josh Josefick Safety Norma Stenger Editor Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) NCCC Gov Gene Stenger ExBd: Steve Fried, Ed Stachowiak, Ernie Papp, Tom Rienerth
1987 Pres Jeff DeBonis VP/Competion Tom Gruhn Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Chris Prusnek Competition John Bodner Don Veselenak Membership Janice Obert (Sudia) Safety - Editor Sally Thomsen replaced by Sue Musarra NCCC Gov Gene Stenger ExBd: Ed Stachowiak, Norma Stenger, Bob Thomsen-replaced by Fred Kubiak, Tom Zeeff
1988 Pres Don Obert VP Janice Obert Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Mike Madden Competition John Bodner, Don Veselenak Social - Membership Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Safety - Editor Ginny Veselenak NCCC Gov Gene Stenger ExBd: Jeff DeBonis, Fred Kubiak, Norma Stenger, Ed Stachowiak
1989 Pres Don Obert VP Janice Obert (Sudia) Sec Ginny Veselenak Treas John Bodner Social Pat Mitchell Bill Johnson Membership Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Competition - Safety - Editor Diane Stachowiak NCCC Gov Gene Stenger ExBd: Jeff DeBonis, Ed Stachowiak, Norma Stenger, Tom Gruhn 52 CC Officers
1990 Pres Mike Danzey VP Janice Obert (Sudia) Sec Ginny Veselenak Treas John Bodner Social Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Pauline Danzey Membership Tom Dzurko Competition Janice Obert (Sudia) Safety - Editor Diane Stachowiak NCCC Gov Gene Stenger ExBd: Jeff DeBonis, Norma Stenger, Ed Stachowiak, Tom Zeeff
1991 Pres Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) VP Janice Obert (Sudia) Sec Ginny Veselenak Treas John Bodner Social Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Pauline Danzey Membership Don Maclean Competition Janice Obert (Sudia) Safety - Editor Diane Stachowiak NCCC Gov Gene Stenger ExBd: Mike Danzey, Ed Stachowiak, Don Obert, Tom Zeeff
1992 Pres Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) VP Janice Sudia Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas John Bodner Social Jane & Dick Toth replaced by Don/Ginny Veslenak Membership Don Maclean replaced by Don Obert Competition Janice Sudia Safety - Editor George Daina Ginny Veselenak NCCC Gov Don Veselenak ExBd: Mike Danzey, Fred Kubiak, Don Obert, Ed Stachowiak
1993 Pres Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) VP Janice Sudia Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Rich Etzel Social - Membership John Bodner Competition Janice Sudia Safety - Editor Ginny Veselenak & George Daina NCCC Gov Don Veselenak ExBd: Mike Danzey, Fred Kubiak, Don Obert, Ed Stachowiak 53 CC Officers
1994 Pres Al Etzel VP Janice Sudia Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Rich Etzel Social Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Membership John Bodner Competition Fred Kubiak/Mike Danzey Safety Ginny Veselenak & Dale Nanasy Editor Ginny Veselenak (resigned) & Holly Nanasy NCCC Gov Don Veselenak ExBd: Carol Etzel, Pauline Danzey, Don Obert, Ed Stachowiak
1995 Pres Al Etzel VP Janice Sudia Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Membership Bob Ellis Competition Rich Etzel Safety Ginny Veselenak & Dale Nanasy Editor Holly Nanasy NCCC Gov Don Veselenak Sunshine Mary Ann Obert ExBd Carol Etzel, Pauline Danzey, John Bodner, Ed Stachowiak
1996 Pres Al Etzel VP Janice Sudia Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Membership Bob Ellis Competition Rich Etzel Safety Ginny Veselenak & Dale Nanasy Editor Carol Etzel NCCC Gov Don Veselenak ExBd: John Bodner, Mike Danzey, Ed Stachowiak, Bob Thomsen
1997 Pres Al Etzel VP Janice Sudia Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Holly Nanasy Membership Bob Ellis Competition Rich Etzel Safety Ginny Veselenak & Dale Nanasy Editor Carol Etzel NCCC Gov Don Veselenak Sunshine MaryAnn Obert ExBd: John Bodner, Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Ed Stachowiak, Bob Thomsen 54 CC Officers
1998 Pres Janice Sudia VP John Bodner Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Holly Nanasy Membership Bob Ellis & Bob Sattler Competition Rich Etzel & Nathan Reader Safety Dale Nanasy & Gary Krause Editor Madelyn Wilson Sunshine MaryAnn Obert NCCC Gov Don Veselenak ExBd: Al Etzel, Elaine Gruhn (Heretta) Ed Stachowiak, Bob Thomsen
1999 Pres Janice Sudia VP Russ Thorne Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Ginny Veselenak & Debbie Desh Membership Bob Ellis & Bob Sattler Competition Rich Etzel Safety Nathan Reader Corvette Museum Ambassador Don Veselenak Editor Madelyn Wilson Sunshine Ann Ellis NCCC Gov Al Etzel ExBd: John Bodner, Carol Etzel, Ed Stachowiak, Bob Thomsen
2000 Pres Janice Sudia VP Mike Desh Sec Madelyn Wilson Treas Don Obert Social Debbie Desh Membership Bob Ellis Competition Elaine Heretta Safety Larry Snyderburn Corvette Museum Ambassador Don Veselenak Editor Diane Stachowiak NCCC Gov Bob Thomsen Sunshine Ann Ellis Ex.Bd: John Bodner, Carol Etzel, Ed Stachowiak, Bob Thomsen
55 CC Officers
2001 Pres Janice Sudia VP Jerry Ciganko Sec Madelyn Wilson Treas Don Obert Social Carrie Knight & Ginny Veselenak Membership Gene Szucs Competition Elaine Heretta Safety Larry Snyderburn Corvette Museum Ambassador Don Veselenak Editor Diane Stachowiak NCCC Gov Bob Thomsen Webmaster: Dave Graham ExBd: John Bodner, Carol Etzel, Fred Kubiak, Ed Stachowiak
2002 Pres Warren Obert VP Russ Thorne Sec Nancy Ciganko Treas Don Obert Social Megan Etzel Membership Gene Szucs Competition Elaine Heretta Safety Larry Snyderburn Corvette Museum Ambassador Jim Egan Editor Elaine Obert Sunshine Pat Mitchell Webmaster Dave Graham NCCC Gov Bob Thomsen ExBd: John Bodner, Carol Etzel, Fred Kubiak, Ed Stachowiak
2003 Pres Warren Obert VP Christy Miller Sec Nancy Ciganko Treas Don Obert Social Megan Etzel Membership Shari Bestor Competition Scott Bestor Safety Larry Snyderburn & Rich Etzel Corvette Museum Ambassador Jim Egan Editor Elaine Obert Sunshine Pat Mitchell Webmaster Dave Graham NCCC Gov Bob Thomsen ExBd: Carol & Al Etzel, Diane Stachowiak, Janice Sudia
56 CC Officers
2004 Pres. Al Etzel VP Nancy Ciganko Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Megan Etzel Membership Pat Mitchell Competition Rich Etzel Safety Scott Bestor Corvette Museum Ambassador – Jim Egan Editor Tim Obert Sunshine Mary Ann Obert Webmaster Dave Graham NCCC Gov Bob Thomsen Ex.Bd. – Shari Bestor, Carol Etzel, Rich Hoover, Christy Miller Club Historian Elaine Obert
2005 Pres. Warren Obert VP Nancy Ciganko Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Lory Arthur Membership Pat Mitchell Competition Tim Obert Safety Phil Dobransky Corvette Museum – Jim Egan Editor Bob Kirsch Sunshine Mary Ann Obert Webmaster Tim Obert NCCC Gov Elaine Heretta Ex.Bd – Al & Carol Etzel, Shari Bestor, Rich Hoover Club Historian Elaine Obert
2006 Pres. Nancy Ciganko VP Christy Miller Sec Diane Stachowiak Treas Don Obert Social Cherri Obert Membership Pat Mitchell Competition Tim Obert Corvette Museum – Jim Egan Editor Bob Kirsch Sunshine Mary Ann Obert Webmaster Tim Obert NCCC Gov Elaine Heretta Ex Bd – Al & Carol Etzel, Warren Obert, Fred Kubiak Club Historian Elaine Obert
57 CC Officers
2007 Pres Al Etzel V.P. Fred Kubiak Sec Debbie Teron Treas Don Obert Social Megan Etzel Membership Pat Mitchell Competition Dennis Arthur Safety John Teron Corvette Museum – Jim Egan Editor Bob Kirsch Sunshine Cherri Obert Webmaster Tim Obert NCCC Gov Elaine Heretta Ex. Bd – Carol Etzel, Janice Sudia, Tim Obert, Lory Arthur Club Historian Elaine Obert
58 Competition
One of the main original focuses of Corvette Cleveland was competing. The club competed in numerous events all over the area at all times of year. Some moved on to SCCA racing, some moved into Drag Racing. Through the years, competition focused primarily on CC events, with a NCCC event here and there. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, time trial events were held at Nelson Ledges almost monthly. In the 1980’s and 1990’s we continued to hold our events at Nelson Ledges, but with increased scheduling of the track from SCCA and other marquee clubs, our events began to get scaled back. Only a few members participated in NCCC events in the area. Beginning in the mid 1990’s, club participation began to rise considerably in NCCC events. Jump ahead to the millennium and the club is competing almost entirely in East Ohio Region NCCC events, with a very high participation rate. This participation has resulted in our numerous recent East Ohio Championships.
Dedicated to all those in Competition Feather Pie 1973 (aka Heather Daina) Green grows my envy, All sparkling with spite. Thar goes my friend? Away out of sight. Driving his Vette, At break neck speed, To capture the points, That I did need.
Round each corner, He tears with a flash, To better his time, I really must dash. And so it’s a race, To the bitter end, To win the club’s trophy, At the year’s end.
COULD IT HAPPEN???…………….IT HAS! While running time trials a little while back, A few wives were bugged to “get out on the track.” It’s really great fun to twist and to turn, And the gals seemed so anxious and eager to learn.
So they drive one event, and then two, then three, Their improvement was steady; it was plain to see. Fewer mistakes made in shifting – they’d roar off the line, The driving became smoother, which was shown by their time.
And now they take trophies, which make them gleam, More often than the guys, so it would seem. To lose to a friend is but a part of life, But it’s just too much to be beaten BY YOUR WIFE!
59 Competition
FOR WOMEN ONLY From March 1967 Newsletter
Dear Katie: We are writing to you as a group. Every Sunday we follow our husbands and boyfriends to a speed trial, gymkhanas, or a rally. We pack lunches and help carry tools, after which we sit and swap recipes and the latest ideas on fashions. When something really blows, mechanical or human, we sit quietly by, speaking only when necessary, then in soft, soothing tones. In general, we’re the cheering section while the boss is having a good time. What are getting at Katie, is this: are we supposed to spend the summer of 1967 like we have past summers, or is there something we can do to rectify this situation? The Sideliners
Dear Sideliners: There is no reason for spending your summer as you have described. If the boss can have fun, so can you. Why don’t you girls drive too! Once you’ve tried it, I’m sure you’ll agree with your husband or boyfriend that driving in time trials and gymkhanas are thrilling. You say you can’t drive a 427, 435HP, close ration 4-speed, 4;11 positraction, with Indy skins? Well, have you ever asked him to teach you? Oh? He’s always gotten palpatations and dizzy spells when you mentioned it? That’s no excuse girls! Turn on the charm! Your grinding a few little ole’ gears won’t be any more painful than his power shifts. For openers, tell him that driving at events will improve your driving capabilities on the street-maybe even save the garage door one this year, especially after a few gymkhanas. Maybe you won’t be another Donna Mae, but you both will be enjoying the same sports, together. He might even take you to dinner more often, too. Who knows, Corvette Cleveland may boast the first all- girl racing team. Come on, girls, give it a try this year! Katie
60 Competition
Ways you know you’re competing in a Corvette Club… • You have relatives in the club, don’t know their phone number, but you know their NCCC #. • Your first reference to get the phone number is the club roster. • Family events are scheduled around Corvette events. • Family? • Purchases are made by referencing how many “sticky” tires you could have bought. • You drive a freeway ramp like it’s the Carousel at Nelson Ledges • You clean your helmet more often than your bathroom. • House cleanliness is measured in ½ point deductions. • A long company name you see you think would make a good scrambled word on a rally. • Your driving some remote road and say “I’ve been through here on a rally before.” • You drive by a cemetery and think "ALL the people buried in the cemetery are dead" • A majority of clothing in your closest has a Corvette or club logo on it. • Approaching a construction zone you do two things, see how close you can come to the pylons and fight the urge to turn in & out through them. • You’ve “borrowed” a pylon from a construction zone. • It takes 4 times longer to clean off pylon poop than it did for the entire run when you got it. • You know what pylon poop is. • You track your points more often than you balance your checkbook. • Your house has more Competition Plaques on the walls than family photos • Your coworkers know you are a Corvette fan & bring you every ad/article featuring a Corvette that they come across • Your "good china" consists of cups & mugs won at competition events • For long time members, you can tile a whole wall with the old Tiretown plaques. • Getting up at 6.30am for work is a chore, but getting up at 5.30am for an event is no problem.
61
Nelson Ledges
Short Course Events 81 - Last Used 5/25/1981 Most Entrants 5/27/1974 - 136 Most FTD's Fred Kubiak (14) Elaine Obert (12) Doug Metcalf (6) Barb Ruman (9) Dave Sipe (5) Carol Etzel (7) Virg Tussey (5) Sue Holliday (6) Wayne Holmok (5) Quickest Lap Dave Sipe - 49.57 9/9/1979 Barb Ruman - 53.59 7/4/1980 Quickest FTD Laps 1Dave Sipe 49.57 09/09/79 Barb Ruman 53.59 07/04/80 2Fred Kubiak 49.64 09/08/79 Barb Ruman 53.84 09/09/79 3Dave Sipe 49.64 09/01/80 Barb Ruman 53.90 07/08/79 4Dave Sipe 50.22 08/25/79 Elaine Obert 54.13 05/25/81 5Fred Kubiak 50.66 07/04/80 Elaine Obert 54.38 09/01/80 6Dave Sipe 50.67 07/08/79 Barb Ruman 54.50 09/08/79 7Dave Sipe 50.68 06/09/79 Sue Holliday 54.56 09/04/78 8Fred Kubiak 50.90 05/25/81 Barb Ruman 55.00 05/26/80 9Fred Kubiak 51.02 08/26/79 Barb Ruman 55.40 04/20/80 10 Fred Kubiak 51.09 05/26/80 Sue Holliday 55.43 05/29/78
Long Course Events 62 - First Used 7/21/1968 Most Entrants 8/31/1974 - 148 (sectional) Most FTD's Fred Kubiak (19) Barb Ruman (17) Doug Seredich (9) Diana Fultz (14) Jim Stenger (8) Elaine Obert (7) Quickest Lap Doug Seredich - 71.23 5/27/2002 Amy Ruman - 77.40 9/5/1994 Quickest FTD Laps 1Doug Seredich 71.23 05/27/02 Amy Ruman 77.40 09/05/94 2Doug Seredich 71.57 05/29/00 Denise Thompson 77.64 09/05/05 3Aaron Quine 71.73 05/31/99 Barb Ruman 79.85 05/25/92 4Doug Seredich 71.85 09/03/01 Barb Ruman 79.97 09/06/93 5Doug Seredich 71.98 09/04/00 Niki Ruman 80.17 05/29/95 6Jim Stenger 72.11 09/03/90 Barb Ruman 80.20 08/12/84 7Doug Seredich 72.23 09/02/96 Diana Fultz 80.29 05/25/98 8Doug Seredich 72.28 05/26/97 Diana Fultz 80.36 09/06/99 9Ray Meeseman 72.42 05/30/05 Diana Fultz 80.36 09/02/02 10 Doug Seredich 72.50 05/25/98 Sandi Carpenter 80.40 05/26/97
Quickest NonVette FTD's LC Dean Daugharthy 66.7 09/05/05 LC Dean Daugharthy 68.6 05/30/05 LC Dean Daugharthy 69.6 09/02/02 LC Dean Daugharthy 69.8 05/31/99 LC Dean Daugharthy 70.1 06/06/04 LC Dean Daugharthy 70.3 05/27/02 LC Dean Daugharthy 71.1 05/25/98
62
Nelson Ledges
The Night Before Nelson By Fred Kubiak Originally published August 1973
Twas the night before Nelsons, And all through my Vette house, All creatures were stirring, even my spouse.
When under the hood there arose such a clatter, I knew in a flash what must be the matter.
The push rods were bending and the rockers were loose, I guess I went too far to get that extra boost.
While sitting on the fender, my brother towed us tender, As I worked hard to mend her.
Tech inspection was not hard, Although I was almost barred!
The tires were low and the steering was free, My knee on the wheel, kept me straight as can be.
In practice the thing did really excel, But for the trophy, it just didn’t do well.
Here we are, back at the stable, Maybe next time we will be ready and able.
63 Nelson Ledges
EVENT HISTORY
Events at Nelson Ledges - as documented by old newsletters.
Date FTD M Time FTD W Time Entry Notes Course Entries # Events 02/16/1964 SC ? Virg Tussey 182.00 03/22/1964 SC 46 B. Bienerth 62.02 J Wrasse 77.28 $4.00 05/10/1964 SC 25 Dennis Copley 61.60 06/14/1964 SC 20 Virg Tussey 60.83 05/02/1965 SC 66 Bob Gray ? Gwen Gilbert 03/28/1965 SC 73 ? ? 06/13/1965 SC 77 Doug Garven 57.55 Rita Kocian 67.65 07/24/1965 SC 49 Bob Gray 59.48 Rita Kocian 69.88 02/27/1966 SC 53 Bob Gray 60.23 04/17/1966 SC 96 B. O'Leary 57.71 P. Vincent 69.07 11/13/1966 SC 84 Bob Gray 56.81 Carol Etzel 65.30 07/16/1966 SC 57 B. O'Leary 56.89 _ McKee 66.00 06/11/1966 SC 52 _ Garvin 56.17 Carol Etzel 68.15 05/21/1966 SC 43 Dave Hiscox 65.20 02/19/1967 SC 44 Ray Spirek 61.45 Carol Etzel 66.87 03/26/1967 SC 41 Ron Austin 58.83 Sandy Metcalf 63.54 04/23/1967 SC 89 Bob Gray 56.19 Carol Etzel 63.80 04/30/1967 SC 76 Charles Sechan 55.64 Sandy Metcalf 62.19 06/04/1967 SC 54 Bob Yappel 57.19 Carol Etzel 61.93 06/10/1967 SC 19 Gary Speta 56.41 Sandy Metcalf 58.87 07/08/1967 SC 45 Bob Whelen 57.41 Carol Etzel 61.77 07/09/1967 SC 60 Virg Tussey 56.42 Sandy Metcalf 62.07 08/27/1967 SC 71 Virg Tussey 57.02 Carol Etzel 61.71 10/15/1967 SC 44 Al Etzel 57.10 Carol Edminston 64.15 11/12/1967 SC 28 Bob Gray 60.99 03/??/1968 SC 39 John Lechner 59.90 04/06/1968 SC 30 Al Etzel 58.12 05/26/1968 SC 59 P. McGonegie 67.54 07/20/2007 SC ? Practice Day $3.00 07/21/1968 LC 57 D. Ferri 123.17 $5.00 09/29/1968 SC 28 Tom Johnson 56.95 Judy Johnson 62.17 10/27/1968 SC 57 Tom Johnson 57.08 11/17/1968 SC 25 Dennis Spacone 63.59 rain 05/18/1969 SC practice event 06/15/1969 SC 29 Don Towbridge 65.23 08/03/1969 SC 60 Jim Flanik 55.15 09/28/1969 SC 69 Tom Leet 58.28 05/24/1970 SC 27 Virg Tussey 63.62 rain 06/21/1970 SC 43 Jerry Lancaster 58.29 J. Milbrand 74.24 08/23/1970 SC 53 Doug Metcalf 56.61 $5.00 09/20/1970 SC 59 Virg Tussey 56.57 10/18/1970 SC 75 Doug Metcalf 56.09 04/25/1971 SC $5.00 05/??/1971 SC 84 Jerry Lancaster 56.66 Lynda MacKenzie 67.45 64 Nelson Ledges
EVENT HISTORY
Date FTD M Time FTD W Time Entry Notes Course Entries # Events 06/06/1971 SC 47 Jerry Lancaster 58.75 07/25/1971 SC 62 Doug Metcalf 56.85 Pat Rutherford 64.56 08/21/1971 LC 47 Jimmy Ward 80.63 Barb Ruman 95.38 08/22/1971 LC 30 Ed Wingo 84.57 Diana Williamson 99.02 10/10/1971 SC 89 L. Clodfelder 54.80 D. Rakauskos 68.53 $6.50 05/29/1972 SC 111 Doug Metcalf 54.95 Bonnie Popowicz 63.59 06/04/1972 SC 41 Richard Oker 59.07 Elaine Obert 63.13 07/09/1972 SC 93 Doug Metcalf 54.31 Elaine Obert 61.69 $6.50 08/06/1972 SC 97 Doug Metcalf 53.65 Elaine Obert 63.57 10/01/1972 SC 92 Bruce Mallinson 55.16 Elaine Obert 62.79 04/15/1973 SC 134 Wayne Holmok 55.47 Elaine Obert 64.09 $5.50 2 runs 07/04/1973 SC CANCELLED - Sand in base in some track areas 08/11/1973 SC $7.50 04/28/1974 SC $7.00 05/27/1974 SC 136 Fred Kubiak 53.26 Sue Holliday 59.17 3 runs 06/16/1974 SC 95 Bruce Mallinson 52.74 Sue Holliday 58.31 3 runs 07/14/1974 SC 84 Jim Hawthorne 52.48 Barb Ruman 60.36 3 runs 08/31/1974 LC 148 Wayne Holmok 120.99 Sue Holliday 129.29 $15.00 Sectional 8/31 & 9/1 09/01/1974 LC ' 09/02/1974 LC 125 Wayne Holmok 119.36 Sue Holliday 126.00 $6.50 09/22/1974 SC 63 Joe Scheckel 52.56 Pat Mitchell 59.82 $6.50 11/02/1974 SC 74 Bruce Mallinson 53.19 Sue Holliday 56.93 05/26/1975 ? $7.50 09/01/1975 ? $7.00 04/25/1976 SC 75 S. DeAscentis 55.23 Barb Ruman 59.17 $7.00 07/04/1976 LC 66 Fred Kubiak 81.77 Ginny Veselenak 95.99 07/05/1976 LC 109 Fred Kubiak 82.29 Sue Holliday 86.58 08/28/1976 SC 21 Don Veselenak 56.00 Ginny Veselenak 61.03 08/29/1976 SC 55 Fred Kubiak 56.83 Ginny Veselenak 60.35 3 runs, used total time 10/16/1976 LC 84 Tom Sullivan 80.93 Pat Zulewski 98.56 $7.00 10/17/1976 SC 109 John Hayes 55.06 Judy Creasman 62.81 Vette/Porsche Chall. 10/23/1976 SC 13 Don Veselenak 54.14 Ginny Veselenak 59.43 11/07/1976 SC 60 Doug Henderson 56.55 Marj Teaberry 66.63 05/01/1977 SC 70 Fred Kubiak 54.22 Elaine Obert 58.98 $9.00 3 runs 07/02/1977 LC 108 Fred Kubiak 78.58 Barb Ruman 86.61 3 runs 07/03/1977 LC 117 Fred Kubiak 77.69 Sue Holliday 85.52 2 runs 10/16/1977 SC 29 Fred Kubiak 56.25 D. Balazs 71.60 3 runs 05/29/1978 SC 74 Wayne Holmok 51.81 Sue Holliday 55.43 06/10/1978 ? 25 Wayne Holmok ? Joanne Holmok ? 5 runs 07/02/1978 SC 23 Wayne Holmok 54.48 Barb Ruman 59.15 3 runs 07/08/1978 SC 27 Wayne Holmok 51.76 Joanne Holmok 58.42 4 runs 07/09/1978 SC 31 Wayne Holmok 51.50 Joanne Holmok 58.43 4 runs 09/04/1978 SC 142 Fred Kubiak 52.61 Sue Holliday 54.56 Penn Ohio SCC event 10/15/1978 SC 32 Fred Kubiak 52.95 Elaine Obert 56.75 3 runs 04/29/1979 SC 63 Fred Kubiak 52.98 Ginny Veselenak 68.02 3 runs 05/28/1979 SC 32 Chuck Hammerschmitt 57.03 Elaine Obert 84.49 4 runs 65 Nelson Ledges
EVENT HISTORY
Date FTD M Time FTD W Time Entry Notes Course Entries # Events 06/09/1979 SC 32 Dave Sipe 50.68 Elaine Obert 66.04 5 runs 07/07/1979 SC 25 Fred Kubiak 53.15 Ryki Woods 82.79 3 runs 07/08/1979 SC 61 Dave Sipe 50.67 Barb Ruman 53.90 4 runs 08/25/1979 SC 48 Dave Sipe 50.22 P. Zulewski 59.72 3 runs 08/26/1979 SC 82 Fred Kubiak 51.02 Sue Holliday 57.31 3 runs 09/08/1979 SC 65 Fred Kubiak 49.64 Barb Ruman 54.50 4 runs 09/09/1979 SC 85 Dave Sipe 49.57 Barb Ruman 53.84 3 runs 04/20/1980 SC 67 Fred Kubiak 51.56 Barb Ruman 55.40 4 runs 05/26/1980 SC 94 Fred Kubiak 51.09 Barb Ruman 55.00 $10.00 3 runs 07/04/1980 SC 87 Fred Kubiak 50.66 Barb Ruman 53.59 4 runs 09/01/1980 SC 99 Dave Sipe 49.64 Elaine Obert 54.38 $12.00 3 runs 10/12/1980 RAINED OUT 04/26/1981 SC 56 Chuck Hammerschmitt 52.20 Elaine Obert 55.61 $13.00 2 runs 05/25/1981 SC 78 Fred Kubiak 50.90 Elaine Obert 54.13 ? Runs 09/07/1981 LC 61 Chuck Hammerschmitt 80.23 Elaine Obert 88.60 $18.00 4 runs 10/10/1981 LC 31 Chuck Hammerschmitt 77.04 Elaine Obert 82.17 4 runs 05/31/1982 LC 91 Fred Kubiak 74.66 Elaine Obert 87.29 $16.00 3 runs 09/06/1982 LC 98 Fred Kubiak 74.51 Elaine Obert 81.35 $18.00 ? runs 10/24/1982 LC 42 Fred Kubiak 77.55 Elaine Obert 85.94 4 runs 05/30/1983 LC 45 Fred Kubiak 75.97 Elaine Obert 85.00 $18.00 3 runs 09/05/1983 LC 58+ Fred Kubiak 75.90 Barb Ruman 81.43 ? runs 05/29/1984 RAINED OUT $17.00 08/12/1984 LC 22+ Bob Ruman 76.48 Barb Ruman 80.20 $17.00 1 ? runs 09/03/1984 LC 42+ Bob Ruman 78.31 Barb Ruman 88.23 ? runs 10/21/1984 LC 12+ Fred Kubiak 88.29 Elaine Obert 101.83 ? runs 04/28/1985 LC 32 Fred Kubiak 77.37 Barb Ruman 82.48 ? runs 07/04/1985 LC 21 Fred Kubiak 77.72 - 4 runs 09/01/1986 LC 77 Fred Kubiak 76.44 Barb Ruman 83.79 $20.00 1 3 runs 05/31/1987 LC 42+ Fred Kubiak 77.16 Barb Ruman 83.98 5 runs 09/07/1987 LC 46+ Bob Ruman 77.35 Barb Ruman 82.41 $30.00 1 ? runs 05/30/1988 LC 86 Fred Kubiak 74.46 Barb Ruman 81.07 $30.00 2 ? Runs 09/05/1988 LC 31+ Jim Stenger 74.47 Diana Fultz 102.21 $30.00 2 ? Runs 05/29/1989 LC 79 Bob Ruman 77.41 Niki Ruman 81.94 $40.00 2 ? Runs 09/04/1989 LC 66 Jim Stenger 73.28 Barb Ruman 81.73 $45.00 2 3 Runs 05/28/1990 LC 79 Jim Stenger 75.67 Barb Ruman 82.77 ? Runs 09/03/1990 LC 57 Jim Stenger 72.11 Barb Ruman 82.35 $45.00 2 ? Runs 05/27/1991 LC 42 Fred Kubiak 78.23 Deb Murphy 104.79 $45.00 2 5 Runs 09/02/1991 LC 65 Jim Stenger 72.64 Jeanne Stoll 80.42 $45.00 2 5 Runs 05/25/1992 LC 64 Fred Kubiak 75.44 Barb Ruman 79.85 $50.00 2 5 Runs 09/07/1992 LC 68 Jim Stenger 73.61 Barb Ruman 81.27 $60.00 3 ? Runs 05/31/1993 LC 49 Jim Stenger 75.05 Amy Ruman 88.31 $50.00 2 5 Runs 09/06/1993 LC 55 Fred Kubiak 74.17 Barb Ruman 79.97 5 Runs 05/31/1994 LC 46 Fred Kubiak 73.67 Barb Ruman 84.19 $60.00 2 5 Runs 09/05/1994 LC 48 Tom Prusnek, Jr. 76.49 Amy Ruman 77.40 4 Runs 05/29/1995 LC 53 Jim Stenger 74.97 Niki Ruman 80.17 $60.00 2 5 Runs 09/04/1995 LC 48 Ron Grilliot 78.31 Diana Fultz 81.72 $60.00 2 5 Runs 66 Nelson Ledges
EVENT HISTORY
05/27/1996 LC 50 Bob Fultz 80.41 Diana Fultz 100.27 $65.00 2 5 Runs 09/02/1996 LC 60 Doug Seredich 72.23 Diana Fultz 80.45 $65.00 2 5 Runs 05/26/1997 LC 50 Doug Seredich 72.28 Sandi Carpenter 80.40 $75.00 2 5 Runs 09/01/1997 LC 43 Tom Prusnek, Jr. 72.89 Diana Fultz 80.40 5 Runs 05/25/1998 LC 43 Doug Seredich 72.50 Diana Fultz 80.29 $90.00 3 6 Runs 09/07/1998 LC 31 Aaron Quine 78.06 Diana Fultz 82.91 $80.00 3 ? Runs 05/31/1999 LC 56 Aaron Quine 71.73 Diana Fultz 81.02 $80.00 3 ? Runs 09/06/1999 LC 31 Doug Seredich 73.06 Diana Fultz 80.36 ? Runs 05/29/2000 LC 44 Doug Seredich 71.57 Diana Fultz 82.49 $85.00 2 ? Runs 09/04/2000 LC 46 Doug Seredich 71.98 Diana Fultz 90.55 $85.00 2 ? Runs 05/28/2001 LC 29 Mike Lally 74.23 Ginny Veselenak 87.20 $85.00 2 ? Runs 09/03/2001 LC 55 Doug Seredich 71.85 Diana Fultz 83.43 $85.00 2 ? Runs 05/27/2002 LC 52 Doug Seredich 71.23 Diana Fultz 81.76 $80.00 2 ? Runs 09/02/2002 LC 47 Ron Young 75.87 Diana Fultz 80.36 $80.00 2 ? Runs 05/26/2003 LC 34 Chuck Curran 76.64 Deb Murphy 87.99 $80.00 2 ? Runs 09/03/2003 RAINED OUT 05/29/2004 LC Driver's School 05/30/2004 LC Driver's School 05/31/2004 LC 31 Chuck Curran 96.05 Elaine Heretta 121.20 ? Runs (Rain) 09/06/2004 LC 55 Doug Seredich 72.83 Elaine Heretta 87.71 $95.00 4 ? Runs 05/30/2005 LC 52 Ray Meeseman 72.42 Janet Matsura 84.38 $85.00 2 ? Runs 09/05/2005 LC 54 Aaron Quine 74.68 Denise Thompson 77.64 ? Runs 05/29/2006 LC 45 Ray Meeseman 72.68 Peg Quine 87.60 $85.00 1 3 Runs & Lapping 09/04/2006 LC 46 Tim Allen 76.64 Annette Waltenberger 91.41 $85.00 1 3 Runs & Lapping 05/28/2007 $125.00 2 09/03/2007 2
67 Nelson Ledges Long Course Record History
2.1mi track A 5/92 records no longer have "M" designation No 2003 / 2004 records sheets B 02 or 03 Z06's split into "J" Records through 1980 & since 1987 C 1996-"S" designation added for Vettes on "street" tires D 1st records for SC's kept starting 6/89 * Club person a member of at time of record
CLASS NAME CLUB* DATE TIME MPH (2.1mi) Comments III RP Jerry Lancaster Corvette Cleveland 75 Conv 77.193 97.94mph III RP Fred Kubiak Corvette Cleveland 7/3/1977 77.103 98.05mph III RP Fred Kubiak Corvette Cleveland 9/5/1982 74.193 101.90mph III RP Jim Stenger Corvette Cleveland 9/4/1989 73.280 103.17mph III RP Jim Stenger Corvette Cleveland 9/3/1990 72.110 104.84mph III RP Doug Seredich Competition Corvette Assoc. 97 Conv 72.040 104.94mph III RP Aaron Quine Tiretown Corvette Club 5/31/1999 71.730 105.40mph III RP Doug Seredich Tiretown Corvette Club 5/29/2000 71.570 105.63mph III RP Doug Seredich Tiretown Corvette Club 9/3/2001 71.010 106.46mph III RPAF Fred Kubiak Corvette Cleveland 5/27/1996 110.830 68.21mph III RPAF Fred Kubiak Corvette Cleveland 9/2/1996 75.610 99.99mph III E Steve Stoll C O C C 9/3/1990 82.170 92.00mph III E Bob Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 9/2/1991 78.180 96.70mph III E Bob Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 5/25/1992 76.900 98.31mph III E Bob Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 9/7/1992 75.580 100.03mph III E Bob Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 9/6/1993 74.530 101.44mph III E Aaron Quine Tiretown Corvette Club 5/30/2005 74.020 102.13mph III E Aaron Quine Tiretown Corvette Club 5/29/2006 73.570 102.76mph III H Kurt Schwanberger Capital City CC 5/30/2005 81.340 92.94mph III MA Jim Ward - 10/6/1973 80.770 93.60mph A III MA Lou Carr Corvette Cleveland 5/26/2003 88.250 85.67mph III MB Chuck Byrer Tiretown Corvette Club 10/6/1973 80.670 93.72mph III MB Bob Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 8/12/1984 76.482 98.85mph A CLM Ric Brown Corvette Club of Michigan 75 Conv 90.707 83.35mph CLM Mike Workman Mound City Corvettes 9/3/1984 85.953 87.96mph II A Tom Fiscus Corvette Cleveland 75 Conv 85.323 88.60mph II A Steve Fried Corvette Cleveland 9/2/1985 79.666 94.90mph II B Dave Zacharias Cardinal Corvette Club 10/18/1975 85.776 88.14mph II B Dan Tewell Central Ohio Corv Club 7/3/1977 85.732 88.18 II B Bob Creasman Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/5/1983 79.774 94.77mph II B Phil Dobransky Medina Corvette Club 9/3/1990 78.460 96.35mph II B Bob Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/26/1997 77.550 97.49mph II B Bob Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/25/1998 77.470 97.59mph II C Dave Mielke Corvette Cleveland 75 Conv 86.493 87.41mph II C Doug Henderson Corvette Cleveland 10/16/1976 84.380 89.59 II C Jerry Coolidge Tri-Vettes 10/24/1982 80.779 93.59mph II C Aaron Quine Tiretown Corvette Club 9/7/1992 80.010 94.49mph II C Bob Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/6/1993 79.500 95.09mph II C Bob Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/5/1994 79.240 95.41mph II C Bob Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/29/1995 78.700 96.06mph II D Bill Hull Tiretown Corvette Club 9/2/1985 82.586 91.54mph II D Doug Seredich Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/28/1990 81.430 92.84mph II D Doug Seredich Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/3/1990 81.310 92.98mph II D Doug Seredich Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/25/1992 79.490 95.11mph 68 Nelson Ledges Long Course Record History
II D Doug Seredich Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/31/1993 78.440 96.38mph II D Doug Seredich Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/1/1997 77.700 97.30mph II E Bob Schluneker Tiretown Corvette Club 9/1/1986 80.101 94.38mph II E David Miller Elkhart Corvette Club 5/28/1990 78.880 95.84mph II E Gary Hobbs NVCC 5/25/1992 78.640 96.13mph II E Mike Haller Tiretown Corvette Club 9/5/1994 77.630 97.39mph II E Bill Quine Tiretown Corvette Club 9/5/2005 76.900 98.31mph II F Bob Schluneker Tiretown Corvette Club 9/4/1995 81.720 92.51mph II F Bob Schluneker Tiretown Corvette Club 9/2/1996 79.370 95.25mph II G Floyd Weitzel Medina Corvette Club 9/5/1994 87.210 86.69mph II G Gannon Bryant Fountain City 5/26/1997 80.130 94.35mph II G Alan Wise Tiretown Corvette Club 9/6/1999 79.990 94.51mph II G Alan Wise Tiretown Corvette Club 5/29/2000 77.990 96.94mph II H Chuck Curran Mound City Corvettes 9/4/2000 81.570 92.68mph II H Ron Young Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/27/2002 77.230 97.89mph II H Ron Young Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/2/2002 75.870 99.64mph II H Poncho Thompson Tiretown Corvette Club 9/5/2005 75.570 100.04mph II J Bob Fratus North East Ohio Vette Club 9/4/2006 82.780 91.33mph I A George Kramer - 9/2/1974 91.216 82.88mph I A Dean Beck Tri-Vettes 9/5/1983 86.487 87.41mph I A Robert Widman Tiretown Corvette Club 5/25/1992 85.430 88.49mph I B Jim Heck Tri-Vettes 75 Conv 88.770 85.16mph I B Norm Kernander Tiretown Corvette Club 10/16/1976 87.700 86.20 I B Barry Leone Corvette Cleveland 9/3/1984 84.347 89.63mph I B Norm Kernander - 5/31/1987 84.266 89.72mph I B Ray Meeseman Michigan Autocross Group 5/31/1993 81.390 92.89mph I C John Carpenter Corvette Cleveland 10/18/1975 91.366 82.74mph I C Jim Spoth Competition Corvette Assoc. 10/16/1976 89.493 84.48 I C Jim Spoth Competition Corvette Assoc. 7/2/1977 89.243 84.71 I C Jim Widman Tiretown Corvette Club 5/31/1987 87.368 86.53mph I C Jim Widman Tiretown Corvette Club 5/29/1989 87.260 86.64mph I C Jerry Waltenberger Tiretown Corvette Club 5/25/1992 83.140 90.93mph I D Bob Williams Anderson Corvettes 9/2/1974 92.590 81.65mph I D Jim Kidwell Tri-Vettes 7/3/1977 91.246 82.85 I D Don Veselenak Corvette Cleveland 8/12/1984 87.768 86.14mph I D Bob Warren Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/28/1990 87.640 86.26mph I D Chuck Curran Mound City Corvettes 9/3/1990 87.540 86.36mph I D Dave Mitchell Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/2/1996 86.690 87.21mph I D Dave Heinemann 97 Conv 84.140 89.85mph I D Dave Mitchell M.A.L. 9/6/1999 83.760 90.26mph I E Don Veselenak Corvette Cleveland 5/31/1987 83.364 90.69mph I E Bob Steingass Tiretown Corvette Club 9/7/1987 83.173 90.89mph I E Don Veselenak Corvette Cleveland 9/4/1989 83.100 90.97mph I E Geoff Gott Tiretown Corvette Club 9/2/1991 82.680 91.44mph I E Geoff Gott Tiretown Corvette Club 5/25/1992 80.840 93.52mph I E Geoff Gott Tiretown Corvette Club 9/7/1992 79.460 95.14mph I E Geoff Gott Tiretown Corvette Club 9/6/1993 79.020 95.67mph I E Geoff Gott Tiretown Corvette Club 9/5/1994 78.140 96.75mph I E Geoff Gott Tiretown Corvette Club 5/27/2002 77.830 97.13mph I E Geoff Gott Tiretown Corvette Club 9/2/2002 77.230 97.89mph I F Bob Steingass Tiretown Corvette Club 5/25/1992 81.400 92.87mph I F Bob Steingass Tiretown Corvette Club 9/7/1992 78.300 96.55mph 69 Nelson Ledges Long Course Record History
I F Chuck Curran Mound City Corvettes 9/1/1997 78.240 96.63mph I F Chuck Curran Mound City Corvettes 5/25/1998 76.930 98.27mph I G Lyle Michaud Medina Corvette Club 9/6/1993 88.400 85.52mph I G Lyle Michaud Medina Corvette Club 5/30/1994 88.040 85.87mph I G C.J. Bodenhafer Fort Wayne Corvette Club 9/2/1996 86.700 87.20mph I G Roger Mitchell 97 Conv 81.730 92.50mph I G Chuck Curran Mound City Corvettes 9/7/1998 80.700 93.68mph I G Chuck Curran Mound City Corvettes 5/31/1999 80.600 93.80mph I G Chuck Curran Mound City Corvettes 9/6/1999 79.110 95.56mph I H John Taube Tiretown Corvette Club 9/6/1999 82.850 91.25mph I H Chuck Curran Tiretown Corvette Club 5/28/2001 79.320 95.31mph I H Chuck Curran Tiretown Corvette Club 5/27/2002 78.970 95.73mph I H Chuck Curran Tiretown Corvette Club 9/2/2002 76.120 99.32mph I J Chuck Curran Tiretown Corvette Club 5/26/2003 76.640 98.64mph B I J Chuck Curran Tiretown Corvette Club 9/5/2005 75.730 99.83mph I J David Mullen - 9/4/2006 74.170 101.93mph I CLA Gary Kosier Mound City Corvettes 8/11/1973 95.080 79.51mph I CLP John Urban Corvette Club of Michigan 75 Conv 94.170 80.28mph I CLV Gene Stenger Corvette Cleveland 6/21/1975 96.840 78.07mph IS A Jon Baer Medina Corvette Club 5/31/1999 98.120 77.05mph C IS B Jim Asbury Miami Valley Corvettes 9/3/2001 91.130 82.96mph IS C Sam Saley Tiretown Corvette Club 9/4/2000 92.670 81.58mph IS C Sam Saley Tiretown Corvette Club 5/27/2002 87.530 86.37mph IS D Bob Ellis Corvette Cleveland 5/27/1996 106.780 70.80mph IS D Bob Ellis Corvette Cleveland 9/2/1996 99.350 76.09mph IS D Jim Gnatowski Corvette Cleveland 9/6/1999 94.890 79.67mph IS D Jim Gnatowski Corvette Cleveland 9/4/2000 93.910 80.50mph IS D Mike Bracanovic Corvette Cleveland 9/5/2005 90.680 83.37mph IS E Bob Novak M.A.L. 5/27/1996 93.820 80.58mph IS E Arland Crump Corvette Cleveland 9/2/1996 82.710 91.40mph IS E Arland Crump Corvette Cleveland 5/25/1998 81.990 92.21mph IS E Denny Murphy Tiretown Corvette Club 9/6/1999 81.700 92.53mph IS F Clarence Brown Medina Corvette Club 97 Conv 98.660 76.63mph IS F Mike Lally North East Ohio Vette Club 9/3/2001 81.950 92.25mph IS G Jon Baer Medina Corvette Club 5/27/1996 99.430 76.03mph IS G Jerry Werner Medina Corvette Club 9/2/1996 86.420 87.48mph IS G Barry Leone Shiawassee Corvette Club 5/26/1997 82.600 91.53mph IS G Dave Graham Corvette Cleveland 9/6/2004 81.050 93.28mph IS H Frank Pressler 97 Conv 98.680 76.61mph IS H Denny Murphy Tiretown Corvette Club 5/31/1999 82.570 91.56mph IS H Jim Spoth Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/28/2001 80.490 93.92mph IS H Tom Moraca North East Ohio Vette Club 9/3/2001 78.740 96.01mph IS J David Mullen - 9/6/2004 76.780 98.46mph IS J David Mullen - 9/5/2005 75.510 100.12mph IS K Jim Stenger - 5/29/2006 80.640 93.75mph IS K Jim Stenger - 9/4/2006 79.370 95.25mph IS M Barry Leone Shiawassee Corvette Club 5/29/2006 77.740 97.25mph IS M Barry Leone Shiawassee Corvette Club 9/4/2006 76.490 98.84mph L III RP Peggy Krom Corvette Club of Michigan 75 Conv 88.479 85.44mph L III RP Elaine Obert Corvette Cleveland 9/6/1982 81.354 92.93mph L III RP Sandi Carpenter Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/2/1996 81.010 93.32mph
70 Nelson Ledges Long Course Record History
L III RP Sandi Carpenter Competition Corvette Assoc. 97 Conv 79.980 94.52mph L III RPAF Elaine Gruhn Corvette Cleveland 5/25/1998 88.240 85.68mph L III E Jeanne Stoll C O C C 9/3/1990 83.420 90.63mph L III E Jeanne Stoll C O C C 9/2/1991 80.420 94.01mph L III E Barb Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 5/25/1992 79.850 94.68mph L III E Amy Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 9/5/1994 77.160 97.98mph L III MA Betty Korzillius Huron Valley CC 75 Conv 87.159 86.74 L III MA Sue Holliday Tiretown Corvette Club 9/6/1982 86.458 87.44mph L III MB Sue Holliday Tiretown Corvette Club 75 Conv 85.577 88.34 L III MB Sue Holliday Tiretown Corvette Club 7/3/1977 85.524 88.40 L III MB Barb Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 8/12/1984 80.195 94.27mph L III CLM Connie Everhart Central Buckeye 9/2/1974 96.863 78.05 L III CLM P. Pascoli Corvette Club of WV 9/5/1983 94.221 80.24mph L II A Pat Mitchell Corvette Cleveland 75 Conv 91.979 82.19mph L II B Sharon Knick Corvette Troy 9/2/1974 92.813 81.45mph L II B Judy Creasman Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/6/1982 83.790 90.23mph L II B Diana Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 97 Conv 80.470 93.95mph L II B Diana Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/1/1997 80.400 94.03mph L II B Diana Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/25/1998 80.920 93.43mph L II C Pat Mitchell Corvette Cleveland 8/11/1973 93.030 81.26mph L II C Cathy Coolidge Tri-Vettes 10/24/1982 87.046 86.85mph L II C Diana Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/25/1992 84.550 89.41mph L II C Diana Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/7/1992 84.480 89.49mph L II C Diana Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/5/1994 82.100 92.08mph L II C Diana Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/29/1995 81.540 92.72mph L II C Diana Fultz Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/2/1996 80.450 93.97mph L II D Pat Rutherford Tiretown Corvette Club 9/1/1986 97.419 77.60mph L II D Carolyn Samuelson Northern Illinois 5/25/1992 82.650 91.47mph L II E Karen Bryant Fountain City 5/29/1989 83.810 90.20mph L II E Lindsay Haller Tiretown Corvette Club 9/5/1994 82.170 92.00mph L II G Karen Bryant Fountain City 97 Conv 80.140 94.33mph L II H Janet Matsura Corvette Club of Michigan 5/30/2005 84.380 89.59mph L II H Denise Thompson Tiretown Corvette Club 9/5/2005 77.640 97.37mph L I A Janet Van Dyne Royal Corvettes 75 Conv 94.173 80.28mph L I B Kara Kosier Mound City Corvettes 75 Conv 97.060 77.89mph L I B Sharon Meeseman Michigan Autocross Group 5/31/1993 89.520 84.45mph L I C Sharry Steffen CC of Iowa 75 Conv 101.240 74.67mph L I C Ginny Veselenak Corvette Cleveland 10/16/1976 99.185 76.22 L I C Bonnie Josefick Sandstone City Corvettes 9/5/1983 98.617 76.66mph L I C Carol Bruhn Corvette Club of WV 9/1/1986 95.521 79.14mph L I C Cindy Warren Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/4/1989 95.500 79.16mph L I C Mickey Downs Competition Corvette Assoc. 5/28/1990 92.440 81.78mph L I C Annette Waltenberger Tiretown Corvette Club 5/25/1992 89.430 84.54mph L I D Royce Williams Anderson Corvettes 9/2/1974 100.259 75.40mph L I D Ginny Veselenak Corvette Cleveland 8/12/1984 92.982 81.31mph L I D Cindy Warren Competition Corvette Assoc. 9/3/1990 92.110 82.08mph L I D Barb McMahen Run for Fun 5/25/1998 91.090 82.99mph L I E Ginny Veselenak Corvette Cleveland 9/1/1986 88.367 85.55mph L I E Lindsay Haller Tiretown Corvette Club 5/25/1992 87.910 86.00mph L I E Amy Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 9/7/1992 87.680 86.22mph L I E Amy Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 5/30/1994 86.990 86.91mph L I E Amy Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 5/29/1995 85.170 88.76mph 71 Nelson Ledges Long Course Record History
L I E Sharon Meeseman Michigan Autocross Group 97 Conv 84.710 89.25mph L I F Deb Murphy Tiretown Corvette Club 5/31/1993 90.310 83.71mph L I G Sue Yoder 97 Conv 84.720 89.24mph L I H Deb Murphy Tiretown Corvette Club 9/4/2000 90.940 83.13mph L I H Deb Murphy Tiretown Corvette Club 5/28/2001 88.780 85.15mph L I J Michelle Baab Tiretown Corvette Club 5/30/2005 97.220 77.76mph L I J Deb Murphy Tiretown Corvette Club 9/5/2005 93.910 80.50mph L I CLA Kara Kosier Mound City Corvettes 8/11/1973 98.890 76.45mph L I CLP Karen Urban Corvette Club of Michigan 75 Conv 103.700 72.90mph L I CLV Linda Howell Lakeshore Corvettes 75 Conv 137.880 54.83mph L IS D Iris Perron Corvette Cleveland 9/1/1997 106.470 71.01mph L IS D Sue Williams Corvette Cleveland 9/6/1999 99.510 75.97mph L IS D Sue Williams Corvette Cleveland 5/29/2000 97.150 77.82mph L IS E Paulette Novak M.A.L. 5/27/1996 127.840 59.14mph L IS E Shirley Workman Tiretown Corvette Club 9/2/1996 87.380 86.52mph L IS E Shirley Workman Tiretown Corvette Club 5/31/1999 87.140 86.76mph L IS F Cyndi Lally North East Ohio Vette Club 9/3/2001 93.850 80.55mph L IS G Paulette Novak M.A.L. 9/2/1996 97.750 77.34mph L IS G Gail Moore Tiretown Corvette Club 9/1/1997 94.170 80.28mph L IS H Deb Murphy Tiretown Corvette Club 5/31/1999 88.270 85.65mph L IS H Denise Thompson North East Ohio Vette Club 9/3/2001 85.690 88.22mph L IS H Denise Thompson North East Ohio Vette Club 5/27/2002 82.710 91.40mph L IS J Deb Murphy Tiretown Corvette Club 5/26/2003 87.990 85.92mph SC A/M M. Ocker 5/30/1988 78.810 95.93mph SC B/M Richard Ocker 5/30/1988 79.410 95.20mph SC B/M Dan Pyanowski Akron SCCA 9/2/1991 72.570 104.18mph SC C/M Mike Tople 9/2/2002 91.870 82.29mph SC D/M J.M. Crouvisier 5/26/1997 85.240 88.69mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 9/7/1987 82.544 91.59mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 9/4/1989 81.430 92.84mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 5/28/1990 78.870 95.85mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 9/3/1990 78.670 96.10mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 5/25/1992 76.100 99.34mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 9/7/1992 74.260 101.80mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 5/31/1993 74.200 101.89mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 9/6/1993 73.510 102.84mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 9/5/1994 71.830 105.25mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 5/25/1998 71.110 106.31mph SC E/M Dean Daugherty 5/27/2002 70.320 107.51mph SC ASR Fred Kubiak Corvette Cleveland 9/5/1994 72.550 104.20mph SC DSR John Oden SCCA 5/29/1995 78.700 96.06mph SC ITA Matt Woris 5/31/1999 83.770 90.25mph SC GT-1 Mike Baumgardner 5/30/1988 74.250 101.82mph SC GT-1 Fred Kubiak Corvette Cleveland 9/4/1995 74.210 101.87mph SC GT-1 Dean Daugherty 5/31/1999 69.770 108.36mph SC GT-1 Dean Daugherty 9/2/2002 69.630 108.57mph SC GT-1 Dean Daugherty 5/30/2005 68.590 110.22mph SC SP/A Craig Carr 9/7/1987 87.397 86.50mph SC SP/A Jon Van Nest 9/2/2004 86.360 87.54mph SC SP/B Bob Cessna 9/7/1987 84.150 89.84mph SC SP/C Peter Perkins 5/29/1989 90.520 83.52mph SC SP/C Dave Curr 5/28/1990 88.090 85.82mph 72 Nelson Ledges Long Course Record History
SC SP/C Todd Swenson ASCC 5/30/1994 85.820 88.09mph SC SP/D Dennis Guylas 5/31/1987 98.559 76.71mph SC SP/D Alex Quirk 5/28/1990 96.780 78.12mph SC SP/D Chuck McFadden Misery Bay SCCA 9/3/1990 95.130 79.47mph SC SP/D Mike Mekinda ASCC 5/30/1994 94.050 80.38mph SC SP/D Mike Mekinda ASCC 9/5/1994 91.410 82.70mph SC SP/D Mike Ahrens Misery Bay SCCA 5/29/1995 90.710 83.34mph SC SP/D John Valko 9/3/2001 85.110 88.83mph SC SP/E Rick Neale 5/29/1989 85.250 88.68mph SC SP/E Bob Snell 5/28/1990 83.930 90.08mph SC SP/E Jet Hawthorne 5/30/1994 82.690 91.43mph SC SP/E Jet Hawthorne 9/5/1994 79.880 94.64mph SC SP/F Carl Wangler ASCC 5/25/1998 85.810 88.10mph SC B/P Paul Paliobeis 5/27/1991 87.790 86.11mph SC B/P Paul Paliobeis 9/2/1991 85.570 88.35mph SC B/P Tom Moraca 5/29/2000 79.330 95.30mph SC C/P Ed Carey 9/7/1987 87.700 86.20mph SC C/P Stefan Ourlian 5/30/1994 86.940 86.96mph SC C/P Stefan Ourlian 9/5/1994 85.280 88.65mph SC C/P Paul Loucka 9/2/1996 84.170 89.82mph SC C/P Jet Hawthorne 5/31/1999 78.550 96.24mph SC D/P Dennis McGuire Misery Bay SCCA 9/2/1996 94.850 79.70mph SC E/P Craig Anderson Akron SCCA 5/27/1991 94.630 79.89mph SC E/P Craig Anderson Akron SCCA 9/2/1991 89.970 84.03mph SC E/P Carl Wangler Akron SCCA 5/26/1997 88.020 85.89mph SC E/P Matthew Simoncic SCCA 5/25/1998 87.810 86.09mph SC F/P Mike Baumgardner 5/31/1987 77.205 97.92mph SC G/P David Michalak Misery Bay SCCA 9/2/2004 93.580 80.79mph SC A/S Eugene Kannal P F C A 9/3/1990 100.340 75.34mph SC B/S Mike Sudia Corvette Cleveland 5/31/1993 86.430 87.47mph SC C/S Robert Corbin 5/29/1989 91.630 82.51mph SC C/S Bill Stewart 9/5/1994 85.730 88.18mph SC C/S Bill Stewart 5/29/1995 85.040 88.90mph SC D/S Bill Stewart 5/30/1988 90.450 83.58mph SC D/S Bill Stewart 9/2/1991 89.570 84.40mph SC D/S Bill Stewart 5/25/1992 88.280 85.64mph SC D/S Todd Swenson ASCC 5/29/1995 87.900 86.01mph SC D/S Todd Swenson ASCC 9/2/1996 85.350 88.58mph SC E/S Chuck McFadden 5/29/1989 94.520 79.98mph SC E/S Max Landon 5/28/1990 90.640 83.41mph SC E/S Jim Harmon SCCA 5/25/1992 88.640 85.29mph SC E/S Todd Swenson ASCC 9/7/1992 87.920 85.99mph SC E/S Todd Swenson ASCC 9/5/1994 87.900 86.01mph SC F/S Dave Cain 9/7/1987 89.566 84.41mph SC F/S Dave Bechtel 9/4/1989 87.110 86.79mph SC F/S Dave Bechtel F W Region SCCA 9/3/1990 84.940 89.00mph SC F/S Tom Moraca 9/5/1994 83.910 90.10mph SC F/S Aaron Quine Tiretown Corvette Club 9/2/1996 80.810 93.55mph SC G/S John Englert 5/29/1989 101.280 74.64mph SC G/S Dave Albright 9/4/1989 94.030 80.40mph SC G/S Bill Stewart 5/28/1990 91.130 82.96mph SC G/S Bill Stewart Misery Bay SCCA 9/3/1990 88.560 85.37mph SC G/S Romero Llamas 9/4/1995 88.100 85.81mph 73 Nelson Ledges Long Course Record History
SC G/S Bill Stewart 9/1/1997 84.810 89.14mph SC H/S C. Udell 5/30/1988 96.100 78.67mph SC H/S John Bliley 5/28/1990 95.550 79.12mph SC H/S Jason Samiy NEO SCCA 9/7/1992 94.900 79.66mph SC H/S Bill Stewart 5/31/1999 91.020 83.06mph SC H/S Eric Kercher NEO SCCA 5/27/2002 87.790 86.11mph SC M/S Jeff Kubiak 9/2/2004 85.140 88.79mph SC S/S Bill Stewart 5/29/2000 93.080 81.22mph SC S/S Bill Stewart 5/28/2001 84.600 89.36mph SC S/S Bill Stewart 5/28/2001 84.600 89.36mph L SC SP/B Lauren Jonas 5/31/1987 91.199 82.90mph L SC SP/D Brenda Nick 5/28/1990 105.210 71.86mph L SC SP/D Brenda Nick 9/7/1992 102.150 74.01mph L SC SP/D Brenda Nick 5/31/1993 100.970 74.87mph L SC SP/D Brenda Nick 9/6/1993 100.230 75.43mph L SC C/P Vicky Carey 9/7/1987 95.952 78.79mph L SC B/S Janice Sudia Corvette Cleveland 5/31/1993 99.670 75.85mph L SC D/S Susan Robishaw 5/29/1989 94.210 80.25mph L SC E/S Annette Ahren Misery Bay Region SCCA 9/3/1990 108.840 69.46mph L SC F/S Niki Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 5/30/1988 95.970 78.77mph
74 Nelson Ledges
Short Course Record History
1.2mi track
THROUGH 1980
CLASS NAME CLUB DATE TIME MPH (1.2mi) Comments III RP Joe Scheckel Corvette Cleveland 9/22/1974 52.560 82.19 III RP Fred Kubiak Corvette Cleveland 8/21/1977 52.074 82.96 III RP Wayne Holmok Corvette Cleveland 7/9/1978 51.501 83.88 III RP Dave Sipe 7/8/1979 50.671 85.26 III RP Dave Sipe 8/25/1979 49.876 86.61 III RP Dave Sipe 9/9/1979 49.566 87.16 III MA Rick Mercaldi Corvette Club of West. PA 7/14/1974 53.710 80.43 III MA Rick Mercaldi Corvette Club of West. PA 6/22/1975 53.270 81.10 III MA Rick Mercaldi Corvette Club of West. PA 5/29/1978 52.325 82.56 III MA Rick Mercaldi Corvette Club of West. PA 6/9/1979 51.707 83.55 III MA Rick Mercaldi Corvette Club of West. PA 7/4/1980 51.204 84.37 III MB Bruce Mallinson Corvette Club of West. PA 6/16/1974 52.740 81.91 III MB Bob Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 7/8/1979 52.383 82.47 III MB Chuck Hammerschmitt 8/25/1979 51.644 83.65 III MB Chuck Hammerschmitt 9/1/1980 51.168 84.43 III CLM Don Everhart Central Buckeye 5/27/1974 62.830 68.76 III CLM Jerry Kubiak Corvette Cleveland 7/9/1972 59.540 72.56 III CLM Kent Pascoli 8/25/1979 58.326 74.07 II A Tom Fiscus Corvette Cleveland 6/22/1975 56.530 76.42 II A George Kirk Competition Corvette Assoc 7/4/1980 54.645 79.06 II B Joe Smithberger Central Buckeye 11/2/1974 57.670 74.91 II B Dan Tewell Central Ohio Corv. Club 10/17/1976 56.922 75.89 II B Roger Marlin Competition Corvette Assoc 7/9/1978 55.767 77.47 II B Roger Marlin Competition Corvette Assoc 7/8/1979 55.639 77.64 II B Roger Marlin Competition Corvette Assoc 8/25/1979 55.136 78.35 II B Bob Steingass Tiretown Corvette Club 9/9/1979 53.468 80.80 II C Wayne Holmok Corvette Cleveland 8/6/1972 57.160 75.58 II C Doug Henderson Corvette Cleveland 11/7/1976 56.546 76.40 II C Bob Schluneker Tiretown Corvette Club 8/26/1979 55.074 78.44 II C Bob Schluneker Tiretown Corvette Club 9/9/1979 54.101 79.85 II D Bob Grden Competition Corvette Assoc 10/15/1978 69.594 62.07 II D Dave Wlodarczyk Corvette Cleveland 7/8/1979 58.602 73.72 II D Dave Wlodarczyk Corvette Cleveland 8/26/1979 57.505 75.12 II D Dave Wlodarczyk Corvette Cleveland 9/9/1979 57.023 75.76 I A Bob Long Corvette Club of West. PA 5/27/1974 62.090 69.58 I A Norm Borchert Corvette Cleveland 10/17/1976 60.289 71.65 I B Gary Kosier Mound City Corvette Club 11/2/1974 59.270 72.89 I C John Carpenter Corvette Cleveland 10/19/1975 60.123 71.85 I C Jim Spoth Competition Corvette Assoc 10/23/1976 59.055 73.15 I C Jim Spoth Competition Corvette Assoc 9/8/1979 58.895 73.35 I D Joe Bobo Corvette Cleveland 11/2/1974 60.510 71.39 I D John Taube Tiretown Corvette Club 7/4/1980 59.033 73.18 I CLA Gary Kosier Mound City Corvette Club 11/4/1973 61.140 70.66 I CLP - I CLV Gene Stenger Corvette Cleveland 7/14/1974 66.520 64.94
75 Nelson Ledges
Short Course Record History
L III RP Peggy Krom Corvette Club of Michigan 6/22/1975 61.240 70.54 L III RP Ginny Veselenak Corvette Cleveland 8/28/1976 61.027 70.79 L III RP Elaine Obert Corvette Cleveland 5/1/1977 58.979 73.25 L III RP Elaine Obert Corvette Cleveland 10/15/1978 56.749 76.12 L III RP Elaine Obert Corvette Cleveland 9/1/1980 54.375 79.45 L III MA Kathy Engle 11/2/1974 60.990 70.83 L III MA Pat Mitchell Corvette Cleveland 9/4/1978 57.289 75.41 L III MA Sue Holliday Tiretown Corvette Club 7/4/1980 53.593 80.61 L III MB Sue Holliday Tiretown Corvette Club 9/1/1975 56.815 76.04 L III MB Sue Holliday Tiretown Corvette Club 9/4/1978 54.559 79.18 L III MB Barb Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 7/8/1979 53.897 80.15 L III MB Barb Ruman Tiretown Corvette Club 7/4/1980 53.608 80.58 L III CLM Connie Everhart Central Buckeye 5/27/1974 63.910 67.60 L II A Pat Mitchell Corvette Cleveland 9/1/1975 59.939 72.07 L II B Pat Mitchell Corvette Cleveland 9/22/1974 59.820 72.22 L II B Pat Zulewski Competition Corvette Assoc 8/25/1979 57.830 74.70 L II B Pat Zulewski Competition Corvette Assoc 9/8/1979 56.660 76.24 L II C Pat Mitchell Corvette Cleveland 5/28/1973 63.410 68.13 L II C Elaine Obert Corvette Cleveland 7/8/1978 61.571 70.16 L II C Nancy DeFlorville Corvette Cleveland 9/9/1979 61.432 70.32 L II D Betsy Grden Competition Corvette Assoc 10/15/1978 75.041 57.57 L II D Elaine Obert Corvette Cleveland 8/25/1979 60.472 71.44 L II D Elaine Obert Corvette Cleveland 9/9/1979 58.686 73.61 L I A Kathryn Beck Tri-Vettes 7/4/1980 66.387 65.07 L I B Kara Kosier Mound City Corvette Club 11/2/1974 62.720 68.88 L I C Pat Zulewski Competition Corvette Assoc 9/1/1975 66.173 65.28 L I C Pat Zulewski Competition Corvette Assoc 10/17/1976 64.313 67.17 L I D Royce Williams Anderson Corvettes 11/2/1974 65.870 65.58 L I D Ginny Veselenak Corvette Cleveland 9/1/1980 62.234 69.42 L I CLA Judy Creasman Lakeshore Corvettes 9/1/1975 70.816 61.00 L I CLA Kathy Townsend Corvette Chardon 9/9/1979 66.737 64.73 L I CLP - L I CLV - R-1 Jeff Ziegler 10/22/1974 56.710 76.18 R-2 Kelly Scott 7/14/1974 56.490 76.47 R-3 Harley Carbon 7/14/1974 57.200 75.52 R-4 Ray Beery 11/2/1974 58.180 74.25 R-5 Mark Copeland 6/9/1979 62.160 69.50 AP Curt Smith 6/16/1974 57.320 75.37 BP Kelly Scott 6/16/1974 56.780 76.08 CP Earl Roe 11/2/1974 56.500 76.46 DP Fred Wellman 7/8/1979 63.570 67.96 EP William Roediger 7/9/1972 68.130 63.41 FP Jerry Koucky 5/29/1972 65.040 66.42 GP Don Wilson 7/9/1978 66.070 65.39 AS F Toomey 7/14/1974 61.080 70.73 BS Barry Leone 7/8/1979 57.300 75.39 CS Rick Neale 7/8/1979 62.039 69.63 DS Rich Ocker 7/8/1979 62.561 69.05 SS Rick Neale 6/16/1974 63.890 67.62 LS Terry Meighan 6/16/1974 60.980 70.84
76 Nat. Corv. Museum
Corvette Cleveland has supported the National Corvette Museum since its opening in 1994. Don Veselenak was our first NCM Ambassador, followed by Jim Egan, who continues to serve today. The club, as well as individual members have been featured in the museum as well as in its national publication, America’s Sports Car .
2006 NCM Advertisement
November 2006 – “Club” Display at Entryway 2006 – Bob Kirsch’s 98 in “Custom” Display Bob Kirsch’s 95 won raffle to be display car
77 Nat. Corv. Museum
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SOURCE: Corvette Ads v2.00 – HI-Tech Software www.htsoftware.com
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81 Member Listing
In the early years of the club, members were assigned a permanent number (1, 2, 3, etc.). As a member didn’t renew, their number was reassigned to a new member. In 1964, the numbers changed every year based on renewals. Then in the early 1970’s, NCCC numbers were issued for those who joined NCCC. This list is a comprehensive list as we can best put together based on previous newsletters, rosters and NCCC membership files. The list is followed by updates and comments by previous and current members.
82 In Memory Corvette Cleveland members who have passed away
Jon Baer – 2002 John Pesta - 2002
Millie Pesta -1991 Bonnie Balant – 2005
Christine Prusnek – 2000 Andy Baumgardner – 1996
Nancy Roth – 1973 Don Behrendt – 2001
Marie Roth – 1983 Wilma Behrendt – 1999
Jim Sante Norm Borchert – 2003
Margaret Sante Jeff Burkit – 2002
Hal Schlemmer Larry Dotson
Hank Simoff – 1982 Janice Ellis – 1989
Stella Simoff – 1990 Gary Fryfogle – 2007
Larry Sorenson Tom Gruhn – 1989
Richard Snowden – 2005 Ron Gumm
Steve Supina – 2000 Betty Holmok – 2005
Judy Sutton Chuck Holmok - 1992
Jane Toth Leonard Kubiak – 2003
Virg Tussey - 2005 Dick Kurtz
Al Uhler - 1979 Tom Lutar – 1970
Felix Vidmar Fred Nadasdi - 1989
Les Winemiller - 1982 Frank Noble – 2004
83 Member Updates
Dennis & Lory Arthur joined in 2004, they enjoy racing & gardening. They currently own a 1981, 1985 & 1987 and ALL are red! They enjoy cooking out at Turn 9 at Nelsons and all the fun social events---too many to mention! (Ed note: Lory is best known for her ability to whistle and yelling through her megaphone—but not at the same time)
Roy Babiak joined in 1979. He still has his 1963 coupe, and previously owned an orange RP with Warren & Elaine Obert. Special memories include speed events, clambakes at Wakeman, and even work parties at Nelsons. (Ed note: Roy designed the emblem for the 25 th anniversary)
Phyllis Baumgardner is our founder Andy’s wife. Phyllis has said “Andy would be thrilled and shocked to see how our little club has grown!” Phyllis works full time at Progressive Insurance. She likes to take walks and travel, in fact she’ll be traveling to Rome this year! She sings at her church and does the Messiah in the fall at Notre Dame in Geauga County. She and Andy had four children, she has 4 grandchildren. Her kids all live out of state.
Bob & Cass Balant – Bob joined in 1972. He and Cass are retired and living in North Carolina. He still owns a 1954 Corvette. Hobbies include driving a golf cart and golfing.
George “Gabe”& Paula Bell joined in 1961. They currently own a 2007 Daytona blue Corvette which was a Museum delivery then they drove to Arizona where they have lived for 15years. Previously they lived in California for 30years. Their former Corvettes were a 1961, and a 1963. Favorite memories include racing and road trips. Gabe won the G.M. Trophy in 1963 along with Roy Triska. Current hobbies for George are CARS! Paula’s current hobby (according to “Gabe”) is expert shopping…everyday….so many shops…so little time…! They are not currently are in a Corvette club, they tried several in the Arizona area, but found the clubs were too big, and didn’t find the members friendly. They are Corvette Museum members.
Scott & Shari Bestor joined the club in 2001. They currently own two 1984’s, 1985, 1993, and 1999 Corvettes. Scotts hobbies are fabrication, auto crossing and laying around doing nothing (Ed note: I doubt that ever happens!) Shari is keeping busy with a new beauty salon they are opening. Favorite memories are getting together with friends from CC and other clubs especially at low speeds. They have 3kids and 4 granddaughters.
Owen Blakslee joined the club in 1960. He was Outstanding member in 1961. He is semi-retired. Owen’s current hobbies are sailing a “Snipe” boat (2person boat about 16-17’ long) and snow skiing. Owen’s wife’s name is Jordi. He has a 1969 Convert. which is being slowly restored, and previously owned a 1958 and a 1963. (He sold his 1963 Fuel Injected coupe in 1970 for $1200!) A favorite memory was winning a speed event at the Parma plant which was attended by Corvette club from out of state!
Joe & Dolores Bobo joined the club in 1971 and they keep very busy running two businesses. Their children are Deanne (33)and John (29) & (Daughter in law Regina). Current hobbies are getting on the scale every now & then, also traveling when they can. They currently own a 1990 white convertible with a black top, and previously owned a white 1971. Favorite memories include racing at Nelson Ledges and caravanning to events like convention in Montreal Canada. (Ed Note: Joe was the clever person who came up with the “Come Alive in ‘75” Cleveland Convention slogan) 84 Member Updates
John Bodner joined the club in 1987 and currently owns a 1995 black convertible. John previously owned a 1974 sliver coupe and a 1969 green convertible. (Ed note: John has a very extensive hat collection!)
Hugh Boyle joined the club in 2002 and owns a dark metallic red 1986 pace car. Hugh is a Lifetime Corvette Museum Member. He is retired from GM Lordstown. He has a son and a daughter and is the proud grandpa to twins that are 2 1/2yrs old! Hobbies include baseball cards. Jan Dugan joined in 2005 and enjoys going to the events with Hugh. (Ed. Note: did you know Hugh can play the bagpipes?)
Tom & Helen Boggs joined in 2004 and own a 2002 silver Z06. They previously owned a 1964 red convertible, a 1987 red convertible and a 1995 yellow coupe. Hobbies include tennis, skiing, autocross, and traveling with their camper. Tom enjoys participating in autocrosses and Tom & Helen enjoy rallies, especially the fall rally in Charleston W.V. with a group of CC’er’s and the unexpected snow during the rally! Ed Note: Tom learned to never let a friend race his Corvette…he might get beaten!
Mike Bracanovic joined in 2004 and owns a 1979 black and a 2005 red Corvette. He enjoys racing, rallies and shows. Current hobbies include cars, photography, music and painting. (Ed. Note: it’s always a thrill to watch Mike race, he gives the term “NO FEAR” all new meaning!)
Pat Butler joined the club in 1980 and owned a 1968 silver Corvette. He has two daughters and a son and 4 grandchildren. Current hobbies include woodworking, traveling and home improvements. Favorite memories are car shows, racing, parties, cruises and said “I enjoyed most all of it!”
John Carpenter joined the club in 1975 and is rejoining this year after buying a 1973 convertible! John previously owned a 1964 coupe which he raced in pure C, a 1972 t-top, 1967 roadster, and 1973 roadster. Favorite memories are racing, racing, racing, national convention, membership fellowship, oh’s/ah’s from the non-Corvette owners. Ed Note: He raced at Nelsons a lot and was quite good at it! It’s great having John rejoin us and already we’ve heard his wonderful sense of humor! John was 1975 Rookie of the Year!
Lou & Karen Carr joined the club in 1998 and own a 1973 red big block! Lou’s favorite thing is Nelson Ledges! Hobbies include golfing! Ed note: once in 1999 Lou made it to the meeting and home again without putting gas in that big block Vette of theirs! Karen is always a willing worker.
Nancy Ciganko joined the club in 1999 and owns a 1995 Coupe. She has two daughters. Current hobbies include her children, house and gardening. Her favorite memories are the fun and challenges of low speeds, working Nelson Ledges, clam bakes at Danzey’s, great times and fun with the wonderful Corvette friends. Ed note: Nancy learned to drive a stick shift by driving Rich Hoover’s Vette at low speeds…and won!
Angelo Costanzo joined the club in 2004 along with Pauline Kintner . Angelo owns a 1961 yellow/black Corvette and a 2006 Montery Red convertible. He previously owned a 1999 Magnetic Red Convertible. Angelo is a Corvette Museum Member & has a brick too. He enjoys all aspects of the club especially the camaraderie. Angelo has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. They are missing 85 Member Updates
the reunion tonight because Angelo has a tradition of attending the Kentucky Derby! Ed Note: Angelo is known for driving his Vette ALL year, no matter what the weather!
George & Heather Daina – Heather joined the club in 1971 & George in 1969 . They have a son Eric who is 25yrs old. They own a 1968 British Racing Green Convertible. Heathers favorite memories are Christmas Parties at the Glenn Restaurant, The Polish Rally, Christmas in July at the Oberts, Clam Bakes at Wakeman, Don Obert’s chowder, and selling toilet paper at Nelson Ledges in the early 70’s. Ed note: old time members remember George preparing the nursery for the baby’s arrival, and he spilled wallpaper stripper near an electrical outlet, which caught fire, so after he called the fire dept. he calls Heather, and doesn’t go into detail but says “I have to go now, the fire dept. is here!” Heather may seem quiet, but she has a very humorous side to her!
Pauline & Mike Danzey joined the club in 1979. They currently own a 1968 convertible, and previously owned a 1966 roadster, 1975 T-top, and 1964 RP. They enjoyed camping at Nelson, sometimes twice a month, racing and partying with a great bunch of people. Mike remembers working start/finish with over 100 cars, a long but fun day! Pauline remembers working Turn 11 with Elaine Heretta and they had everything out there but the kitchen sink. Pauline recently retired from AT&T after 34yrs. Ed Note: Clam bakes at the Danzey’s log home include the annual burning of their Christmas tree, our fear is that someday they’ll have an artificial tree!
Earl & Dean Daugharthy became Honorary Members in 2004 due to the huge help they have been to us at Nelson Ledges. They were our experts with the metal cars! Dean holds MANY track records at Nelsons and I’m sure being an instructor with Track Time helps!
Cam & Bill Daugherty joined the club in 1982 and currently reside in Nevada. They say “Hi to everyone!” They are both retired. Their daughter is 38 and lives in Brunswick Hills Oh and they have 2 grandchildren. Current hobbies include traveling by SUV Cadillac to California, South Carolina, Texas & Ohio, cruise ships, cards/playing bridge, picture puzzles, and Vegas shows. They currently own a 1985 red Corvette and previously owned a 1964 metal flake red Corvette and a 1980 white Corvette and a white 1984 (that they won at the convention!!) Favorite memories are becoming friends with Don & Ginny Veselenak and continue to see them in Hilton Head S.C. in the fall every year. They also enjoyed run rallies. A special memory was winning Corvette serial number 00001 in 1984 at the Indianapolis Indiana convention! And Cammy says “the CC banquet where I got my “pig” costume “bra”! (Ed. Note gotta love those Mako ray awards!)
Dave & Judie Derrig joined the club in 1999 and currently own a 1998 silver coupe, and a 1976 T- Top Corvette. They previously owned a 1970 T-Top, 1996 Coupe, and a 1993 Anniversary coupe. Dave & Judie are both retired! They have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. They are members of the Corvette Museum. Favorite memories are cook outs, car shows, Corsa Show and the Holiday Banquet. Ed note: Dave believes in driving the Vette in all types of weather, he even attended the 2005 Concourse at Lally the year we had a foot of snow…in late April!
Jim & Retha Drabik – Jim joined the club in 2003 and they currently own a 2003 which they drove to California and back resulting in 11,000 miles being added to the odometer!! They make frequent trips to NC. Jim & Retha both enjoy car shows. They are Corvette Museum Members. (Ed. Note – they managed to get married on the beach in NC right before a hurricane!!)
86 Member Updates
Wayne & Shirley Drotleff joined the club in 1972. They currently own a 1967 roadster, and a 1972 orange/black Corvette modified for road racing. Favorite memories include caravans to races, racing his ’67 in “B” class and the Corvette Cleveland parties. They have two children.
Jim Egan joined the club in 1996 and owns a 1982 Corvette and a 1995 Purple/White Corvette Pace Car. He previously owned a 1986 coupe, 1991 coupe, and a 1993 coupe. Jim not only is a Lifetime Corvette Museum Member, he has 4 bricks there. Jim is not a racer or a waxer but he is totally involved as Club representative as our Corvette Museum Ambassador which he became in 2002. He procured Corvette Cleveland as Spotlight Club of the Month in Nov ’03 in America’s Sport’s Car Magazine from the Museum, and Corvette Cleveland was honored to be one of the first Club Displays in Nov. 2006. Favorite memory was in 2002 when he was presented the “President’s Award” by Warren Obert. Ed note: Jim has taken club mascot HOOTIE on so many vacations, Hootie has frequent flyer miles, Jim thinks it’s a way to meet women. Ask Jim about his cousin(s) Tina.
Al & Carol Etzel originally joined the club in 1962. They currently own 1966, 1989 and 1999, all are black Corvettes. They previously owned 1959, 1960, 1963, 1973 and 1989 Corvettes. They are Corvette Museum Members and have a brick. They have a son Rich who is also a current member along with daughter-in-law Megan and have a grandson and a granddaughter. Favorite memories are racing Nelson Ledges, Hill Climbs, and canoe trips. Al won the G.M. Trophy in 1965.
Rich & Megan Etzel - Rich joined in 1992 and Megan joined in 2002, making them another of our second generation members. They own a 1972, 1973 and 1969 RP. They have a brick at the Corvette Museum. They have two children, Zach 2 1/2yrs and Ashley 6months. Both kids attend many events too!! Current hobbies include autocrossing, drag racing, high speeds, and chasing their kids! Megan won “Outstanding Member in 2003.
Steve & Jennifer Fried joined in 1984 and currently own a 1966 427 blue Corvette, and a 1972 454 yellow/black Corvette. Steve is Crew Chief for Andersen Racing Mazda Series. Steve’s hobbies include riding a Y2F1000 Yamaha sport bike, and Jennifer loves her cats! Memories include great times, parties, great food and most of all good friends. (Ed. Note: We are thankful to have Steve here tonight after he was severely injured as a pit crew member at the Indianapolis 500 in 1997)
Al & Nancy Gaudino joined the club in 1975. They currently own a C5 GT1 red/white/blue race Corvette, and previously owned a 1960 and 1969 Corvette. Hobbies are SCCA racing and relaxing! Favorite memories include the parties, the people and the 1975 Convention.
Jim Gnatowski & Sue Williams joined the club in 1996. They own a 1978 Pace Car and a 1981. Jim won the 1981 from the Crawford Auto Museum in 1998 after buying one book of tickets for $5 early in the year and he won it in August. “Bullet Bob” (Ellis) called it the dollar car. Jim & Sue raced it the next year in both low and high speeds. Both broke track records at Nelson Ledges for their class. They had a ball! They still enjoy racing it. Jim & Sue also enjoy riding Harleys.
Melanie & Greg Gruhn – Ed. Note: have been in the club since birth!! Melanie became a member in 2000 and Greg in 2003. Both have won “Rookie of the Year” (Melanie 20yrs after her mother!)
87 Member Updates
Both have been to many conventions. They drive either the 1969, the 1984 RP or the 1995. Melanie was awarded one of the NCCC scholarships and she currently works at Summit Racing.
Ginny (Gunn) Roesler She was a very active member and won the G.M. Trophy in 1967. She currently lives in Ontario, Canada.
Elaine & Chuck Heretta –Elaine joined the club in 1980, Chuck is a member of Buckeye Corvettes and a social member of CC since 2004. They are Lifetime Corvette Museum Members and have a brick. They own a 1969, 1995 and a 1984 RP, and previously owned a 1976, 1970 big block, and 1968 neon pink RP. Current hobbies for Elaine are knitting, she just knitted her first pair of socks, she also does a lot of counted cross stitch, loves to read, and is in sole charge of “Spirit Store” as an ongoing fund raiser for the GlenOak High School Band. Favorite memories: spinning out in the mud at Nelson ledges just after turn 9 which stopped up the side pipe when the car slid backward and she was given a foot long “plug of mud” as a Mako Ray award that year. For a personal memory, when the membership of Corvette Cleveland started bank accounts for Melanie & Greg when Tom (their father) died of leukemia in 1989, it still makes her cry.
Ed & Ida Hilkowski – Ed joined the club in1961and Ida joined in 1965. He owned a 1957 and a 1967. She owned a 1964 4speed coupe and was recommended for membership by Virg Tussey. They met in Corvette Cleveland and the romance bloomed! They still live in Medina and have one son. Current hobbies are fishing and pleasure boating and they are in a boating club now. Favorite memories are Nelson Ledges, Fun rallies and Virg Tussey!
Christopher Holmok – although not an “official” member of Corvette Cleveland, he was another of our child “mini members” and when he heard about the reunion asked if he could attend! He spent much of his childhood going to Nelson Ledges and other Corvette events. Who, from back then could forget that as a toddler, Christopher flat out REFUSED to talk!! However, at Nelsons one day, he was offered a choc. chip cookie…and …..he said it…he said “COOKIE!!” Well, all CC members cheered and yelled!!
Wayne Holmok joined the club in 1967. He is unable to attend the reunion but sent this note: “Unfortunately, Melanie & I will not be able to attend as both of us are new in our jobs. I have very fond memories of the great times and good people associated with Corvette Cleveland. I will always remember groveling at the feet of John McGill with Fred Kubiak for that extra “date” or extra track time. I remember the dominance of the “Kahuna” that Fred & I enjoyed with its “grenade” motors that powered it most of the time. Good luck to all.” Wayne currently lives in Tampa, Florida. He and Joanne were parents of Natalie & Christopher. Ed note: wonder if Wayne still owns those red/white/blue slacks…I’m remembering stripes….
Joanne (Holmok) Sterbenz joined the club in 1967. She & Wayne Holmok had a daughter Natalie & son Christopher. Joanne & and husband Paul recently moved to North Carolina. Current hobbies for Joanne are gardening, reading & golf. Favorite memories are racing at Nelsons, sitting around bon fires, great parties & most of all, wonderful friends. Ed note: does Joanne still have the pillow she used to sit on in the RP?
Richard Hoover – Rich joined the club originally in 1964 and joined again in 2002. In the 60’s he was attached at the hip to his mentor Virg Tussey and has many thrilling tales to tell about those 88 Member Updates
memories!! Dick currently owns a pewter roadster and previously owned a 1965 roadster and a 1967 roadster. (Ed note – unless it’s a tornado, Dick will have the top down in the summer) Dick’s favorite memories are D.O.M. Corvette Coral at Mid Ohio, and racing at Nelson Ledges. Current hobbies also include traveling and golf. Rich won the 2004 “President’s Award, and in 1864 Rich won a Special Recognition award for services to the club. Ed note: Richard’s “aggressive driving style had the regional competition director taking Richard’s high speed license away as a joke!
Tom & Barb Janiak joined the club in 1973 and currently drive a 2006 Monterey red coupe. They previously owned a 1971 and a 2004 Corvette. They enjoy cruising in their Corvette. Favorite memories include the 1975 Convention. (Ed Note: Tom designed the emblem/logo used for the 1975 Cleveland Convention)
Ken Kavalchek was a founding member of Corvette Cleveland in 1957. He currently owns 1969, 1967, 1972, 1984, 1956, & 1975 Corvettes. He previously owned a 1977. He is a founding member of the Corvette Museum. Favorite memories include the first year of going to dealerships, some of the events, parades, & attended the opening of the Quaker City Drag Strip. Ken was an avid drag racer! ( Ed.Note: He has some awesome pictures from the early years, thanks Ken for lending us this important part of the club’s history.)
Bob Kirsch – Bob originally joined in 1980 and rejoined in 2003. Bob currently owns a 1995 Indy Pace Car, 1998 Silver Custom, and 2006 Silver Custom. He previously owned a 1978 & 1985 both were…customs! He is a Lifetime member of the Corvette Museum. His 1998 Custom Corvette and 1995 Indy Pace Car replica were both on display at the Corvette Museum in 2006. Hobbies include die cast collecting, slot car collecting, and Corvetting! Ed Note: Bob’s Corvettes have won many awards and “best of show” awards.
Kevin & Terri Kittrick joined the club in 1978. They had a red 1966 coupe which they sold to a friend about 10yrs ago, and he sold it on ebay to a buyer in California! They have 3 kids, Meagan who graduated from Kent State and works at University Hosp., Jenny who is a sophomore at Ohio Univ. majoring in English, and son Tim is a senior at St. Ed’s High School heading to Miami Univ. in the fall. Hobbies include hockey, hockey, and more hockey (Kevin, Meagan and Tim all play and Kevin coaches a high school club team.) Travel, family and friends are at the top of their list and keep them running the roads most days. They said they have lots of cherished memories—among the best are racing weekends at Nelson Ledges, caravans to lots of great places, one of the favorites was to Amish country, clambakes at Wakeman, Elaine’s cookies, parties for every holiday imaginable, and of course the great friendships made over the years. They also say “All our best to CC for a truly spectacular reunion weekend.” Ed note: Kevin used to pick Tim Obert up and throw him in the Obert pool, bet he couldn’t do that now!
Wally & Joan Krasinski joined in 1973. They owned a 1968 which they bought in 1968 and just sold it in Nov, 2006. They previously owned a 1963. They have two sons, one grandchild, four grand cats and one grand dog! They just sold their Ohio home and have moved to South Carolina (just 8miles from Charlotte NC) Favorite memory was the famous streakers at the Nelson event in 1975! Ed Note: Wally was rarely seen without his camera, so I’m sure he has pictures of this memory!!
89 Member Updates
Stan Kronen joined the club in 1963. He doesn’t have a Corvette right now, but previously owned a 1968, 1969, 1965 and 1963! Stan was instrumental in the club being more involved with NCCC and he also held many club offices. He currently lives in Michigan, so we appreciate that he is joining us at the reunion tonight!
Fred Kubiak & Betty Ward – Fred joined the club in 1969 & Betty joined in 2005. Fred has a brick at the Corvette Museum. Fred has two children, Cindy & Jeff (Jeff became a CC member this year and has the honor of being our oldest 2 nd generation member!) Fred has 3 grandchildren. Betty's children are James (deceased) Kathleen (47) Timothy (41) and her grandchildren are Christopher (15) and Sean (12). Fred currently owns a 1997 coupe, and a 1966 roadster. He previously owned 1963, 1965, 1968, 1984, & 1993 Corvettes. Favorite memories include Nelson. Current hobbies include restoring vettes. (Ed note: Fred doesn’t go into great detail about Nelsons/Kahuna, but if you ask him he might tell you about it! He restored the 1966 and has recently won many trophies…who’d ever thought THAT in the 70’s?!!)
Jeff & Laurie Kubiak – Jeff joined CC officially this year with the purchase of his 1990 Corvette. He & Laurie have 3 children (two in college!) current hobbies are making his race car go faster and racing. Jeff says about memories: “I have many memories with Corvette Cleveland I grew up with my dad being a very active member. We used to camp at Nelson Ledges for the 2-day events and we made a lot of memories. Without naming names, Team Kahuna would camp-out in the infield. One of our campers thought a fun thing to do, would be to just slowly drive around the track it was about 10:30PM. I was about 13yrs old & I also thought this would be fun; I asked my Dad if I could go with him, and he calmly said sure…as if he knew something. One our 2 nd lap, one of the track reps. Big Jim, who was living at the track near the barn, came barreling out of the barn road and stopped, blocking the track just before turn 12! He got out as we were slowly approaching him. We stop & as we got out of the car, we hear him yelling “OFF THE PROPERTY!! OFF THE PROPERTY!! And pointed to the gate leading to Rt. 305. After about 20minutes of yelling, somehow, Big Jim calmed down enough to hear our apology and allowed us to stay. We sheepishly motored back to our tent in the infield, where my Dad, Fred, greeted us with “so…where are you guys staying tonight?” ( Ed note: Jeff is now our oldest second generation member!)
Jerry & Regina Kubiak - Jerry joined the club in 1968. He formerly owned a 1962, two 1964’s. They have 3 children and one granddaughter. Current hobbies include travel, photography, and computers. Favorite memories include racing, cruises, parties, and friendships,and helping each other to compete with the other.
Joe Kuhel joined the club in 1971 and owned a 1963 Daytona Blue Coupe. Joe has 3 children and has 4 grandchildren and one great grandchild! Current hobbies are “RESTING”. Favorite memories are “PARTIES---PARTIES---PARTIES!!!! RACING----RACING----RACING!!!! BEATING YOU ELAINE!!!!!!!” (Ed. Note – Joe used to write “Beat Elaine” on the side of his Corvette in his attempts and eventually managing to beat Elaine Obert!)
Jerry & Linda Lancaster joined the club in 1968. Their children are David (39) and Debra (36) and they have 2 grandsons & 2 granddaugters. Jerry & Linda currently own a 2004 black Z06 T-1 SCCA and a 2006 Convertible. They previously owned a 1966 convertible and a 1969 SCCA/IMSA coupe. Favorite memories include Club parties & events, Canoe trips, Nelson Ledges & stacking tires, traveling to other club events, & put on one of the best conventions ever in 1975. 90 Member Updates
Jerry & Linda were “Outstanding Members in 1970. They say also to still have many of the same friends today that they met through Corvette Cleveland. Current hobbies include SCCA racing, and remodeling. ( Ed.Note- Jerry & Linda became Honorary Members this year)
Brock Landers joined the club in 1965. He currently owns a 1966 Nassau blue convertible which he bought new, and a 1997 coupe. He previously owned a ’63 roadster, ’93 coupe, and ’97 coupe (later sold to Fred Kubiak) Favorite memories include Nelson Ledges racing, Lucas Hill Climb, fun rallies (cemetery runs on Halloween) (Ed Note: thanks to Brock for some of the great pictures helping to make the club archives more complete)
Barry & Jackie Leone – Barry joined the club in 1981. He and Jackie live in Michigan and are members (he’s President) of Shiawassee Corvette Club. Between them they have 4 children and 6 grandchildren ranging in age from 18 to one year! Other hobbies include bowling and golfing. Current Corvettes owned are: 1970 roadster, 1996 Grand Sport, 2004LeMans, 2006 Z06!! Former Corvettes were a 2002 sold to get the Z06! Barry & Jackie are very active in NCCC, they attend Conventions and Barry finished 12 th in the nation last year! Favorite memories include Nelson Ledges, Virg Tussey, clam chowder, choc chip cookies and the people! Ed note: For those wondering…no…Barry doesn’t have the Gremlin anymore….
Dennis Litchenstine was a founding member of the club in 1957. He currently owns a 1957 Corvette. His memories include Nelson Ledges, Monduke Speedway in Pitts. Pa. Dennis has 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Larry Long joined the club in 1973. He currently owns a 1963 340HP 4-speed all original coupe! Previous Corvettes owned included a 1961, 1969, and 1972 454 coupe, all 4-speeds. Current hobbies: He is an engine builder for an alcohol injected drag race car. Other than that, he enjoys making most anything, including prototype engine racing parts. And he enjoys fine dining also! Favorite memories are working the track at Nelson Ledges and watching a guy in his 1 week old Corvette pile it into the embankment after turn one and watching him rant and rave about how is he going to explain it to his insurance company and others!
John Luczyk joined the club in 1973. Beth joined later. They have a daughter Sarah (26) who has her Masters Degree & a son John II who is studying sports medicine at Akron U. Current hobbies are “racing of course!” and bowling. Current Corvettes owned are a 1970, and a 1993 SCCA Race Car. Former Corvette owned was a 1965. John has all good memories of Corvette Cleveland.
Buck & Sue Luetkemeyer joined the club in 1962. Corvettes they have owned include two 1962’s, 1964, 1965, two 1966’s, 1969, 1974, 1975, and 1981. They are retired now. They say they enjoyed very much the time they were involved with the club.
Randy & Denise Martin joined the club in 2004. He currently owns a 2005 and previously owned a 2003. They have two daughters (33 & 32yrs old). (Ed Note: Randy has been seen enjoying racing his Corvette, yet the car is always spotless!)
Bill & Diane McChesney joined the club in 2002. They currently own a 1974 roadster and a 2006 Blue Z06. They have 3 grown children and have 4 grandchildren. Other hobbies include cars, fishing and hunting. 91 Member Updates
Tom Meyer joined the club in 1984. Tom regrets missing the reunion but couldn’t pass up attending a Nascar race with family. He still owns the 1979 he bought in 1981. Hobbies include hunting…Bambi..squirrels…anything that moves! He and Carol currently live in “Paradise” ( Ed Note: near PITTSBURG?!) Favorite memories are all the races that the racers attended together, going to Nelsons BEFORE running water and toilets, and he and Fred Kubiak being Barry Leone’s best man & Bridesmaid (which was which?!) when Barry got married at a Florida Convention, and the after racing pool parties at Obert’s pool.
Dave & Marcia Mielke joined the club in 1971. They don’t currently have a Corvette but do own a 1939 Chevy 2-door sedan V8 which they have put 12,000 miles on going to shows. The license plate is “CTHEUSA” They lived in Michigan before moving to Kansas to be near their daughter and her family which includes two grandsons. Dave collects 1:64 scale cars and has over 6,000! They also have Corvette promos from 1968 thru the 2000’s. Marcia works part time in a medical office and Dave is retired but works part time doing odd jobs. Previous Corvettes were a 1975, 1969, 1966 and1965 peach pearl custom with flames. The ’75 was his dads which had 6700 miles on it, and the new owner has entered it in Bloomington shows. Favorite memories include Nelson Ledges and other speed events, car shows, Cedar Point Corvette Day, and interesting variety of members.
Christy Miller joined the club in 2001. She owns a ruby red 1993 and previously owned a 1980 and a 1984 Corvette. Christy has two sons and two granddaughters. Favorite memories include “Working with Elaine Obert the last 4years (2003-2006) on the “Corvettes@Corsa”, the months of planning and the support each year with Corvette Cleveland members showing up to help make every show a success. Christy is also a Corvette Museum Member.
Pat Mitchell & Bob Klabik . Pat joined the club in 1972. She currently owns a 1970 454/390 Convertible and a 2006 Monterey Red Convertible. She previously owned 1958, 1959, two 1967’s, 1972, 1973, and 1968 Corvettes. Pat is a Lifetime Corvette Museum member and has a brick. Her favorite memories are the 1975 Convention, all the racing at Nelson Ledges, and being awarded for having 5 High Speed track records at the same time in 1976! Bob Klabik’s hobbies are golf. Pat & Bob are retired teachers. Pat won the 2004 “Outstanding Member” Award.
Holly & Dale Nanasy joined the club in 1993. Dale is retired from Ford, and Holly works at vita mix. They have 2 daughters and two granddaughters Olivia 2yrs and Madelyn 2months old. They currently have a 2001 Navy Corvette and previously owned a 1981. Favorite memories include conventions, the people and group activities.
Bob & Cherie Niznick joined the club in 2006. They own a 1984 red Corvette. They have 3 children. Although they are newer members, they seem quite enthused about all the club activities!
Don & MaryAnn Obert joined the club in 1972. They own a 1963 coupe and a 1998 coupe. They have two grown daughters, everyone knows Janice (Sudia) and daughter Carol lives in Atlanta. They have 2 granddaughters and one grandson. Favorite memories are early clam bake weekends at Wakeman, Nelson Ledges multi times during the month, and the many friendships over the years. Don won the 2006 “President’s Award.” Ed Note: Don is known for his famous clam chowder.
92 Member Updates
Tim & Cherri Obert joined the club in 2004. Tim “grew up Corvette Cleveland” and pulled Cherri into it all, maybe too much as her Low Speed times get closer to his! Now they are trying to pass the Corvette bug to their daughters Caylie (6) and Hannah (4). Other than spending time with the kids, Cherri enjoys playing soccer, racing and the neighborhood happy hours and Tim enjoys racing (doing and watching) and designing/drawing “stuff”. They were “Rookies of the Year” in 2004 and Tim was “Outstanding Member” in both 2005 & 2006.
Warren & Elaine Obert joined the club originally in 1970. They currently own a 2003 Corvette and previously owned a 1963 coupe, 1967 convert, 1969 convertible, 1963 RP (with Roy Babiak) and 1994. They are Corvette Museum Members and have a brick. Warren enjoys racing, any socials involving beer, and socializing. His favorite memory was winning FTD at Painesville speedway ONE time, the parties, the Clam bakes. Elaine enjoys the socials, seeing the Corsa show grow more successful each year and baking chocolate chip cookies once in a while. Elaine’s favorite memories are running over a woodchuck at Nelsons driving Wayne Holmok’s RP, racing Fred’s RP, then finally getting their own RP, watching our son and his family be involved with Corvette activities, & the many friendships we’ve made. Warren & Elaine were “Outstanding Members in 1971, and Warren won “Outstanding Member in 2002.
Lou & Linda Palfy joined the club in 1974. They owned a 1968 white coupe and STILL have that car! They’ve owned it 35years! Other hobbies include HO trains. They say favorite memories are: ALL OF IT! 1975 National Convention in Cleveland, and winning his one pure stock trophy at Nelson Ledges. They are not currently Museum Members, but do have a brick there.
Ernie & JoAnn Papp joined the club in 1978. They formerly owned 1965 blue and a 1968 maroon Corvette. They have 4 grown children, one grandchild. For favorite memories, Ernie says “Corvette Cleveland was a big part of my life from about 1978 to 1990 and there are too many memories to list. Let’s just say my favorite memories were good people. Good times. Good Friends, and who could forget work with the guys in Fred Kubiak’s garage or after event swims in the Obert’s pool & Elaine’s apple pie, usually baked around midnight! P.S. Who remembers Fred’s homemade “Victory Wine?” (Ed Note: Ernie, we haven’t forgotten your nickname of “Klutz”…nuf said…)
Tim Paul Ed Note : Tim is a new member of Corvette Cleveland, he transferred from another club. He’s been known to tag along with us several times and I guess he enjoyed being with CC members! Hobbies are racing his 1968 RP. Previously he owned a 1984 red custom Vette. He is a member of the Corvette Museum. I think the bribery of choc. Chip cookies helped with the decision to join us!
Jan & Monica Pesta joined the club in 1972. They currently own a 1957 white Corvette (Ed Note it’ll be done next year for sure, right Jan?) and they previously owned a 1968 black and 1970 maroon Corvette. They have two daughters, Gwen 38yrs old & Maggie 31yrs old and 1 grandson and 1 granddaughter. (Ed note: Jan hasn’t learned yet that when Fred invites him ride along to a Corvette show, that means Jan cleans the car while Fred visits with everyone…)
Berry & Laura Pinney joined the club in 2006. They currently own a 2001 and a 1988 Corvette and previously owned a 1979, 1968, and 1994. They have a son, daughter in law and a granddaughter 6mo old! Hobbies are Vettes! Berry & Laura are Museum Members and have a 93 Member Updates
brick. (Ed Note: While they are new members, they’ve enjoyed the socials and being in the Olmsted Falls parade! )
Frank & Carol Plutt joined the club in 2002. They currently own a 1999 Pewter Corvette and it’s a Mallett. They previously owned a 1971, 1975, 1979, and 1999 Corvette. (Ed Note: Frank & Carol are Museum Members and their Corvette was on display in October 2004. Frank must enjoy racing, he’s at all the speed events, Carol is a great help being a corner worker! )
Diane Powell joined the club in 1993 and is a current member even though she lives in Florida! When visiting Ohio she attends meetings! Current hobbies are her Corvette and sewing. She owns a 1984 bronze Corvette. Favorite memories “Friends made over the years and being extremely proud of Corvette Cleveland, I did not realize until I got here.” Diane will be joining the club in June at the Corvette Museum.
Dave & Jan Prezenkowski joined the club in 1975. They currently own a red 1968 Corvette. Dave is owner of R&D Auto. They have two sons and 2 grandchildren. Current hobbies are boating. Favorite memories include going to Niagra Falls and Toronto.
Tom Jr. & Lori Prusnek – Tom joined the club in 1996. Tom & Lori have a daughter Katie who is 3yrs old. They have a 1966 maroon RP. Favorite memories of the club are “growing up with all the people in the club….and then getting to compete against them!” Tom is another of our second generation “kids”.
Tom Sr. & JoAnn Prusnek – Tom joined the club in 1964! He was outstanding member in 1968. Tom recently retired from G.M. Parma after 43yrs! Tom’s children are Chrissy (39) Sandy (37) Tommy (34) & Brian (29) JoAnn has 3 sons Paul (39) Jim (38) Tom (32) and together they have 13grandkids! Hobbies include scuba diving, traveling and the grandkids. Current Corvettes owned are a 1990, 1966 RP and 1958, former Corvettes owned was a 1984. Tom’s favorite memories include Nelson (Streaker event) the rallies especially the strip rally, the Wakeman clambakes (walks through the cemetery, pineapple coolers, sleepovers at Wakeman) and parties, good times, and all the good Corvette people.
Chip & Karen Rabbitt joined the club in 1976. They currently own a 1973 red coupe and a 1999 red coupe and previously owned a 1976 coupe. They have a son (26) and daughter (23). Favorite memories are drag racing at Dragway 42.
Bill & Kay Rannells joined the club in 1982. They previously owned a 1958 Corvette. Both Bill & Kay are retired. They have two grown kids and 3 grandchildren. Current hobbies include gardening, bird watching, walking. They belong to Vintage Chevrolet Club of American and collect Petroleum collectibles. Favorite memories include parties and tours.
Nathan & Michelle Reader joined the club in 1997. They previously owned a 1973 Corvette. Both are mail carriers! Current hobbies include beekeeping and horses. Favorite memories include the annual clam bake and the Kentucky Derby Party.
Bob & Nancy Ruth joined the club in 1958. They previously owned two 1958 Corvettes. Favorite memories include meeting all the old owners at the beginning, rallies, auto crosses, tours of the 94 Member Updates
Ashtabula and St. Louis factories. Bob won the G.M. Trophy in 1960 and it is on display at his shop. (Ed.Note: Bob knows so many Corvette people through his business Ruth Restorations. Thanks to Bob for all his help with pictures and other old club memorabilia helping to make the club archives complete!)
Craig & Polly Ruth are planning to follow in his parents footsteps and become Corvette Cleveland members! They own a 1970 Corvette. Craig can be found working at his Ruth Restorations shop. They have 3 children, Benjamin (5), Joshua (3) and Genevieve (2).
Bob & Gerry Sattler joined the club in 1997. The currently own a 1989 6speed with 37,000 miles. They previously owned a 1996 Grand Sport, 1996 and a 1977. They currently live in West Virginia and while they are regretfully unable to attend the reunion, they will be joining us in June for the Museum trip! Favorite memories include “many fond memories surrounding “Heaven in ‘97” I think our club put on a heck of a convention!”
Paul Schaffer joined the club in 1966 and previously owned 1965, 1967 and 1969 Corvettes. He has a grown daughter (26) Current hobbies include model building: cars & ships. Favorite memories include mostly the summer events; Nelsons and his term as membership chairman in 1970.
Stewart & Alyce Segall joined the club in 1992. They currently own a 1966 and 2006 Corvette. They are living in Phoenix Az. and are active in Desert Corvette Assoc. They wrote: “thank you for thinking of us and the nice invitation however we will be unable to participate in the reunion. Please say hello for us and we look forward to seeing many CC people at Convention.”
Larry & Flo Snyderburn joined the club in 1999 and currently own a 1999 Mallett Corvette. They previously owned a 1981 and 1984 Corvette. They have two daughters, Tricia & Debbie who are both in the club, (along with the husbands!) and have 6 grandchildren. Their favorite memories are the friends they’ve made. Several years ago Larry fulfilled a dream a driving through 49 states in his Corvette, putting 17,500 miles on the car and they were still married AND speaking when they returned! (Ed Note: Larry can most often be heard calling Flo “his lovely bride” and Flo is known as the official club baker! Flo is a Corvette Museum member. )
Ed & Diane Stachowiak joined the club in 1980 and currently own 1998, 1993, two-1980’s, 1972, 1970 Corvettes and previously owned 1973, 1980, two-1973’s, 1972, 1978, 1979, 1988, 1968, 1966 and 1985 Corvettes!! They have two sons and one daughter. Current hobbies besides Corvettes are Motorcycling, car repair and gardening. Favorite memories of Corvette Cleveland are the clam bakes at Wakeman, and the current clam bakes at Danzeys. Ed & Diane have a brick at the Corvette Museum. (Ed note: Ed is known for his Nascar style drafting technique while caravanning….also for “moon shots” at the clam bakes!)
Bill Stalzer joined the club in 2002 and currently owns a black 1977 Corvette. Bill has one son (24) Ed Note: Bill was a huge help with every Corsa show, and DO ask him about the body painting he claims to do….
Gene & Norma Stenger joined the club in 1974. They have 5 sons and 7 grandchildren. They currently own the 1954 which they bought new (as noted in Guinness Book of World Records as 95 Member Updates
the Longest Continuous One Owner Car!) a 1969 & a 1984. Previous Corvette owned was the 1985 RP ….(Ed note: may it RIP) Gene’s hobbies are anything automotive. Favorite memories include the Wakeman Clam bakes, and Nelson’s… when good times are good, and when its bad…its really bad!
Bob & Char Stephens joined the club in 2005. They have a red 2005 which they picked up in Bowling Green with a Museum Delivery! They even won an award at the last concourse in 2005!
Janice (Obert) & Mike Sudia . Janice joined the club in 1985 and Mike joined in 1992. They have one daughter, 3yr old Andrea. The currently own the 1985 red Corvette they won at the Convention on their honeymoon. The previously owned a 1974 Corvette. Current hobbies are their daughter, home improvements and Corvette events. Janice is one of our second generation members. Favorite memories are the Jeff DeBonis & Tom Gruhn’s “Looney” rallies, also all the fun with her family and Corvette family.
Richard Supina joined the club in 1979 and currently owns a 1965 white and gold Corvette. Former Corvette was the 1968 more commonly known as “The Leper”. (Ed Note: Rich was rarely seen without a cigar….)
Gene & Linda Szucs joined the club in 2000 and currently own a 2002/black/Z06 and previously owned a 1963 red convert, a 1970 blue convert, and 1988 black/rose convertible. Favorite memories are winning 2000 “Rookie of the year”, doing Membership 2001-2002, and the Nelson Driving School. Gene was tied with Dave Graham in 2001 for “Outstanding Member”. (Ed note: Gene is also the “Chief of the tribe”….ask him…)
John & Deborah Teron joined the club in 2005 and drive a 1995 Corvette. They say “we just joined 2years ago so our memories are just beginning!” (Ed. Note: I’m getting a flashback to the progressive dinner and the scene of 6guys trying to retrieve John’s keys from inside the locked car….)
Bob & Sally Thomsen joined the club in 1983, but moved to Topeka, KS in 1987 where they were members of the Topeka Corvette Club. Bob was Governor there for 3-4yrs and Sally was club treasurer for 3yrs. In 1995 they returned to Ohio and rejoined Corvette Cleveland. Bob was once again Governor. Most recently Bob has implemented the region’s computerized timing program and still runs it with help from various members. They participate in most activities including events and socials.
Richard Toth joined the club in 1991 and drives a 1984 Corvette. He recently retired so we hope to see a lot more of Richard this year!
Roy & Mary Triska joined the club in 1961. They are retired, have 4 grown children and have 5 grandkids. They currently own a red 2001 Corvette and previously have owned a 1959, 1963, 1984, and 1993 40 th anniversary Corvette. Favorite memories are gymkhanas, a trip in the snow to Findley Lake NY where it snowed so hard and fast the plow couldn’t keep the track clear for RACING!! That was in 1963! In 1965 they attended a speed event held INSIDE a barn! Roy won the G.M. Trophy in 1963 along with George Bell. They are currently members of Lakeshore Corvettes. (Ed. Note: Thanks to Roy & Mary for sharing a photo album and also the awesome 96 Member Updates
panoramic picture taken in 1961 of all the Corvettes at the Chevy plant after a speed event. Several of our members are in that picture.)
Ted & Linda Vannelli joined the club in 2006 and currently drive a 2006 Z51 victory red coupe. They previously owned a 1959 red/white, 1964 white, 1965 blue, 1967 blue, 2002 Black Z06! They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Other hobbies include woodworking, golf and auto crossing. They are new members so their memories are just starting!
Don & Ginny Veselenak joined the club in 1970 and currently have a recently restored 1956 black/silver Corvette. Previously they’ve owned a 1968, 1975, 1980, 1986, 1988, 1963RP, 1963 split window. Current hobbies are “stayin alive” Don says “he’s retired and don’t do nothing and that starts at noon!” Don & Ginny have 3 daughters. Favorite memories are racing, the parties, being NCCC Governor and the clubs first Corvette Museum Ambassador.
Mark, Dorothy, Adam Wehagen – joined the club in 2005. They own a 2005 blue convertible (and the top is always down!) They had Museum delivery of their Corvette and are Museum Members. They have two sons, Adam & Mark, though Adam is the son who comes to some events Ed Note: he’s the one usually sleeping in the passenger seat when we meet for those early morning caravans! Adam is interested in restoring and custom painting old cars, Mark prefers to race cars in video games. Previous vettes owned…only in their dreams! Hobbies for Mark & Dorothy are family, kids, Corvette, Food, Embroidery, Octoberfest and travel. Favorite memories are road trips to the hills of West Virginia, low speeds with the family.
“Cap” Wetzell joined the club in 1965. He doesn’t own a Corvette right now. Cap’s current (and past) hobby is boating! Previously he owned several Corvettes including a 1967. Favorite memories are Nelson Ledges. Ed Note: Does Cap still have the recipe for meatballs simmered in bourbon sauce?
Bob & Madelyn Wilson joined the club in 1995 and currently own a red 1984 Corvette. They have a son and a daughter and 6 grandchildren. Favorite memories are the people and all the club activities. (Ed. Note: Madelyn arranged for the club to be in the annual Olmsted Falls Parade and the crowd looks forward to seeing the long line of Corvettes and we get to hear “do a burnout” “more candy” and when we’re out of candy we hear “Oh, you can drive a Corvette but you don’t have any candy?!” Members do look forward to this fun event each year.)
Brian & Maureen Wlodarczyk joined the club in 2004 although we have pictures of Brian working a corner at Nelson with his brother Dave in the 80’s! They currently own a 1979 grey Corvette which Brian & Dave have done extensive work to. The car is raced, rallied and put in shows. They have four sons! (Ed note: Brian is part of Gene Szucs “tribe”…..)
Dave & Ann Wlodarczyk joined the club in 1978 and again in 2003. They currently drive a 2002 black coupe and previously owned a 1974 white coupe. Current hobbies are…..Corvettes! Favorite memories are camping at Nelsons, ice cream cruises to George’s and clambakes at Wakeman. Dave & Ann are Corvette Museum Members too. They have a daughter Marie who grew up with the club and is a current member also! Dave & Ann are Corvette Museum Members. Ed note: Dave & Brian worked turn 11 at Nelson’s last year, maybe you saw the Polish flag flying, or maybe the smoke from grilling kielbasa?? 97 Member Updates
Marie Wlodarczyk joined the club in 2006 but was “born” into the club when her parents were members, and currently drives a 1989 blue Corvette. Marie is a Corvette Museum Member. Ed Note: Marie grew up with Corvette Cleveland and is one of our “second generation members”. Marie stopped by a low speed one day to watch her dad, ended up entering the next low speed and was hooked! Dave’s fear of being beat by his daughter made him encourage her to buy her own Corvette! She was the 2006 Rookie of the Year!
Cal & Ryki Woods joined the club in 1975 and still own their 1969 Corvette.
Bob & Anna Yasch joined the club in 1971. They don’t have a Corvette right now, Bob has a 1940 Ford street rod as a hobby! Previously they owned a 1961, 1964, and 1970 Corvette. Favorite memories include racing/working at Nelson Ledges, cruising events, canoe trip to Mohican Park and the Chevy Show Down at Dragway 42. Current hobbies are enjoying their 6mo. old granddaughter, and the street rod. They have a son and a daughter.
Jim & Sue Youngs joined the club in 1974. They owned a 1970 maroon convert. They have a son (26) and a daughter (23.) Jim & Sue’s favorite memories are the social events, racing, rallying and partying! Current hobbies are golfing.
Mike & Mary Jane Yukich are newer members who joined in 2006. They live in Canton so travel quite a distance and enjoy the summer meetings in the park. The enjoy shows and won their class at a show last year. They currently own a 1999, and previously owned a 1966, 1970, 1974, 1987, and 1995.
98 “In the Blood” Current CC “Kids” and Second Generation Members
In 1974, Corvette Cleveland held “Mini-Nelson,” Sanction event #001 for NCCK (National Council of Corvette Kids). This competion event had a “Grass Khana,” a course through the lawn complete with timing and pylons. Noted participants were: Lisa Mielke, Chris Holmok, Tommy, Crissy and Sandy Prusnek, Gwen Pesta, Debbie and David Lancaster, Carrie & Iris Veselenak and Jeff Kubiak (FTD). Also noted was that Fred Kubiak and Warren Obert competed as well, “borrowing” a vehicle from Gwen Pesta.
1975-2nd Annual Mini-Nelson-Ten little CC members braved the wind and cold to try their luck on the 2 nd Annual MiniNelons. Tommy Pursnek leaned a little too hard on his last turn and was first to DNF, but Jimmy DeFlorville was soon to follow with a trip through the bushes. Joey Prezenkowski, David Lancaster and Jimmy DeFlorville ran in the fast 40’s- could this be a look at what’s to come? Little Maggie Pesta cheered Gwen off from the start, while Sandy and Chrissy Prusnek kept their dad busy changing their seat. Lisa Mielke drove her concours car around the bumps and turns and Debbie Lancaster pumped her big wheel to a fast victory. Timmy Obert observed from the pit area and encouraged the drivers as they waited in line. The afternoon ended with hot chocolate, cookies and trophies, and the little ones headed home with anticipations of next years Mini-Nelsons.
April 1975 Mako Ray : “Overheard at the bedroom door of T.W.O.: Rock a bye baby, in a Corvette, 327 Quadrajet. At Nelson Ledge’s you will race And you will finish in First Place.
99 “In the Blood” CC “Kids” and Second Generation Members
Marie Wlodarczyk Jeff Kubiak
Rich Etzel Megan Etzel (her parents are in Competition Corv. Assoc.)
Tim Obert Janice Sudia (Obert)
Melanie Gruhn Greg Gruhn
Not Shown: Craig Ruth
100 “In the Blood” Future 2 nd & 3 rd Generation Members? FCOA children of current members
FCOA (FUTURE CORVETTE OWNERS ASSN.) is the youth organization of NCCC. A group of NCCC members developed this new youth membership concept in 1991. It's a unique "Corvette Club for kids" formed to interest the younger generation in the Corvette hobby. This is the generation that is the Corvette enthusiast of the 21st century! FCOA members are the foundation of NCCC's future and hopefully FCOA members will go on to be active NCCC members. Once joined, kids are enrolled in FCOA until they turn 16.
Bradley Kubiak Carlee Krause Nicholas Krause Caylie Obert b. 6-11-93 b. 8-24-99 b. 4-24-01 b. 5-19-01 FCOA - 1901 FCOA - 1282 FCOA - 1876 FCOA - 1711
Hannah Obert Andrea Sudia Zach Etzel Ashley Etzel b. 7-4-03 b. 3-5-04 b. 7-2-04 b. 9-25-06 FCOA - 2261 FCOA - 2503 FCOA - 2611 FCOA -
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Notes:
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Join us for our 2007 events!
WWW.RUTHCORVETTE.COM
12210 Eaton Commerce Parkway, Unit 2 Columbia Station, OH 44028 Phone: 440-748-1686 Fax: 440-748-1979 E-Mail: [email protected] CONGRATULATIONS CORVETTE CLEVELAND ON YOUR 50 TH ANNIVERSARY! WE’RE GLAD TO BE PART OF IT!
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Thanks for the memories and here’s to many more….
If you have any updates in the future, please let us know. Email: [email protected] Phone: Elaine Obert 440-236-3857 www.corvettecleveland.org
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