“The Citrus Times”

Established 2013

Table of Contents Page 1 What’sMarch Happening & April MarchNewsletter 2020 What’s Happening March 2020 St. Pete Grand Prix Page 2 Friday March 13th, 6:45 a.m. CV&CCC Officers Watch the Indy Cars, Indy Lights & Porsche GT3 Cup Cars Page 3 race thru the street course in St. Pete. We will meet at the March Birthday’s Citrus Hills Activity Center at 6:30 a.m. with a 6:45 a.m. Page 4 departure. We have a 15 passenger van rented for the trip to Lee Holtman St. Pete. Tickets available at the gate for $30.00. Memorial Poker Run Dinner to follow after wards. Page 5 - 6 C8 Owners Manual R.S.V.P. the calendar no later than March 10th Page 7 - 8 CV&CCC Adopt A Highway C8 Corvette Driving Tuesday March 17th 8:00 a.m. School Meet at the Verbiski’s at 8:00 a.m. Trash pickup on CR 39 to Page 9 - 11 start at 8:15 a.m. Breakfast to follow at Red’s. C8.R Proves Reliable R.S.V.P. the calendar no later than March 10th Page 12 - 13 Drive a C8 at the CV&CCC Monthly Breakfast NCM Motorsports Park Saturday March 21st 9:00 a.m. Breakfast Station 1675 S.E. U.S. 19 Crystal River Page 14 CV&CCC April 2020 Please R.S.V.P. the CV&CCC Calendar no later than March 19, 2020 Events Page 15 CV&CCC Luncheon Cruise Saturday CV&CCC May 2020 March 28th 11:00 a.m. Events Lakeside Grill is located at 4543 E. Windmill Drive in Page 16 - 17 Inverness off of U.S. Highway 41 North. We will meet at the First Responder Appreciation Car & restaurant Truck Show Page 18 - 19 Please R.S.V.P. the CV&CCC Calendar no later than March 21st, 2020 CV&CCC Garage Sale Items Page 2 CV&CCC Officers

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Officers President Mac McGarry (352) 697-0054 Vice President Ron Linton Secretary Wayne Kilmer Treasurer Wayne Briant Director of Social Media Steve Simons CV&CCC Website: cv-ccc.org https://www.facebook.com/groups/cvccc/

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Page 3

CV&CCC March Birthday’s

Barry Daniels March 2

Augie Lacorazza March 13

Leo Anderson March 15

Don Ajello March 18

Bob Jesanis March 29

Gordie Hayes March 30

Page 4 Lee Holtman Memorial Poker Run

Congratulations to CV&CCC Member Carolyn Thompson who won $100.00 in cash for having the best 5 Card Poker Hand!

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Page 5

Does the 2020 Corvette Owner’s Manual Show a Hybrid C8 is in the Works?

We’ve been waiting for the 2020 Corvette Owner’s Manual and now that it’s here, we are finding some interesting illustrations that point to future a C8 Corvette Hybrid model that may be working on. According to page 244 of the manual, there is a secondary fuse block that resides under the interior waterfall that separates the driver and passenger seats. The fuse block contains a variety of various sized fuses, but for this conversation, focus on #7 and #12.

The #7 fuse is a Power Sounder Module/Pedestrian Friendly Alert Function. This is actually the same label as Fuse #34 in the Chevy Bolt. Whereas the Power Sounder Module is the intrusion alarm, the Pedestrian Friendly Alert Function gives EV cars a sound that can alert pedestrians who might not see the EV. (I always imagined it would sound like a flying car from the Jetson’s, but actually it’s much worse!)

In position #12 the manual shows a Lithium-ion battery module. The Chevy Bolt doesn’t have this component and after reviewing a Chevy Bolt manual, the C8 is missing a fuse for a Rechargeable energy storage system, so it’s not quite the same tech as the Bolt. However, these are two different types of hybrid systems as we believe the C8 Corvette would use its electric power for quick performance boosts and not long-range electric power like the Bolt. Page 6 Does the 2020 Corvette Owner’s Manual Show a Hybrid C8 is in the Works?

The rumor about the hybrid Corvette is that a battery pack will reside within the C8’s center tunnel and an electric motor that powers the two front wheels will take up the space in the front trunk. We’ve been hearing that such a set up would effectively create an All-Wheel-Drive Corvette with an estimated 200 hp generated from the electric motor. It’s also a set up that could be featured on all models of the C8 from the Stingray to ZORA or ZR1 model.

Although Chevrolet denies it, there is a curious fleet of still-camouflaged C8 Corvette prototypes driving in public that are sporting several electrical and cutoff switches as well as 2021 VINs. We’ve featured them several times over the last few months:

HP Hennessey C8 Corvette Will Make Up To 1,200 HP

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Page 7

Ron Fellows Performance Driving School Now Available To C8 Owners

Ron Fellows was one of the originating members of the Corvette Racing team when it first set out on world domination in 2000. He, and a handful of other highly-competent hot-shoes used their experience and talents to make Corvette the dominating force it is today.

Now, Ron is helping owners of new Corvettes to be the best drivers they can be, both on-track and on the street. With C8 Corvettes just starting to reach their customers, it won’t be long before these new owners are enjoying everything that the new layout provides to the driving experience.

Like any drastic change to a car’s design, moving the engine rearward can change the car’s driving characteristics enough that a little “get to know time” can be a welcome benefit. That is exactly what the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club and the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School are providing for owners of the all-new C8 Corvette.

Spring Mountain is the home of Ron's school for those who are lucky enough to find themselves behind the wheels of a new C8. Beyond just getting the opportunity to drive Chevrolet's newest supercar, they also get to experience them on the track at Spring Mountain! The Ron Fellows Performance Driving School has been introducing new Corvette owners to their car’s full performance potential for over a decade. Set to begin this April, it will be offering enhanced two-day programs featuring the all-new mid-engine Corvette at its facilities located in Pahrump, Nevada. The 866-acre motorsports country club located just 55 miles west of downtown Las Vegas and offers over 6 miles of challenging racetrack and an array of resort-style amenities. Spring Mountain boasts not only the long-est road course in North America but also delivers a world-class motorsports experience to driving enthusiasts of all levels. Page 8 Ron Fellows Performance Driving School Now Available To C8 Owners

The Ron Fellows Performance Driving Sc hool for C8 Corvette owners is an exclusive program subsidized by Chevrole t, providing first owners of a new and unused 2020 Corvette with a two-day school for only $1,000.

Tuition includes a one-night stay in one of Spring Mountain’s luxury condominiums and clubhouse access along with breakfast and lunch prepared by Spring Mountain’s onsite chef.

Longtime Corvette Racing drivers have recently begun experiencing their latest ride, the C8.R, on various racetracks around the nation, and now, you too can experience the all-new C8’s entire performance envelope in a safe, legal, and fun environment catered specifically for you.

Check out the Spring Mountain’s website for more information and to schedule your time behind the wheel of one of their new C8 Corvettes!

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Page 9

C8.R Corvette Proves Durable but Not Yet Competitive!

When the C8.R and 2020 (C8) Corvette were first introduced to be a mid-engine platform, the reasoning pointed to the obvious benefits of the mid-engine platform being the next step in performance.

Enthusiasts hung their hats on buzz words such as the moment of inertia and polar moment, expecting that the shift to a more centrally-located engine would enhance the turning, acceleration, and handling of the car beyond what other, higher-horsepower versions had previously.

It goes without saying that improving the physical characteristics of a car, such as weight position, CAN have a positive effect on a car’s performance. But the obvious benefits of shifting a car’s center of gravity can only go so far, especially in a world dictated by a sanctioning body’s Balance of Performance rule book.

The C8.R took on all competitors on the rolling hills and turns of the Circuit of the Americas. (Photo by Richard Prince for Corvette Racing)

We recently reported that the C8.R would be competing in both the IMSA (think Daytona, Sebring 12-hour races) and WEC (COTA, 1,000 Miles of Sebring races) sanctioned races to record as much track time as possible. Corvette Racing teams for both IMSA and WEC have now had one race under their belt and their notebooks are likely overflowing with notes.

This past weekend’s race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) left the C8.R piloted by Corvette Racing veterans and trailing their class despite saving valuable pit-stop time and other race-winning strategies. Page 10 C8.R Corvette Proves Durable but Not Yet Competitive!

Perhaps all the talk about the increased handling and performance of the C8’s mid-engine platform got the BOP folks over-zealous about applying restrictions to limit the power of the now, centrally-located engine.

While the benefits of the car’s new layout are still being learned by its drivers and tweaked by the team, the one thing that both drivers and stop- watches can agree on is that the car’s overall performance is limited below that of its competitors. If left to their devices, the folks at Pratt & Miller can produce a race-winning car, but under the current sanctions, the number 63 C8.R finished three laps behind the class-winning competitor.

The car ran the entire race hitch-free, and yet the only competitor that it beat was the number 91 Porsche 911 that retired after electrical issues put it out of contention. Even before the race, Saturday’s practice sessions saw the number 63’s lap times nearly 2.5 seconds behind the pack.

Granted, both Jan and Mike were both learning the new car’s potential and Rocky had the additional burden of learning the COTA course. The level of driving skill in both of these gentlemen is extraordinary, and even after many practice laps and a 6-hour stint with the dial turned to eleven, the little C8.R could only creep up to a best time that was still 1.5 seconds slower than the others.

Jan Magnussen explains his takeaway after this weekend’s race. “Obviously we were very far off the pace, but we have learned and taken things away from this experience with the new Corvette,” he says. “For sure we were down on power, but there are other areas where we can improve. In a race like this, you have a chance to play around a little bit with different setups and you can try some different things.”

That clearly transmits directly to beneficial notes that will benefit both IMSA- and WEC-based Corvette Racing teams. Mike Rockenfeller focuses on the process more than the current outcome.

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Page 11

C8.R Corvette Proves Durable but Not Yet Competitive!

“It was the first time at COTA, so obviously a lot of new things to learn,” says Mike. “The C8.R ran pretty well. There were no issues technically… it is always a new rhythm, so that is why we are happy to do these WEC races to get up to speed again. I’m sure we will make improvements and we will make a step for Sebring. We were lacking pace; that was quite obvious these two days. There was not much we could do. We did everything we could. We tried to learn. We tried to do different things during the race. We tried to stretch fuel in the stints and we did one stop less so that was good. Clearly, we need more pace for Sebring and I am looking forward to that.”

While many agree the benefits of the car’s new design should make it competitive with the class leaders, it is also widely accepted that the current limitations on the car’s performance are keeping it from doing just that. The WEC and IMSA both have the opportunity to revisit the car’s restrictions before March’s Sebring races, but only time will tell whether they choose to use that option. If not, Corvette will continue to have their hands tied behind their backs in a room full of prize-fighters. If there’s one thing that Corvette Racing has shown over the past two decades, it is that they do some of their best work while fighting off of their backs. Page 12 National Corvette Museum Offers C8 Corvette Drive For The Masses

We recently told you about new C8 owners having an opportunity to drive a C8 on-track at the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School. The National Corvette Museum is offering its Corvette Experience, which features drives of the new C8 on the NCM Motorsports Park for everyone, not just owners.

The NCM Motorsports Park is adjacent to both the National Corvette Museum and the one and only Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The NCM Motorsports Park is home to some of the fastest names in Corvette. Corvette Racing veteran, Andy Pilgrim bases his driving instruction at the 3.2-mile, 23-turn track and the folks who make the factory Corvette racing team so fast have shared time on the Kentucky-based track. Located across the highway from both the National Corvette Museum and the Corvette Assembly Plant, a visit to the trifecta of Corvette goodness is sure to satisfy the appetite of the most ravenous Corvette enthusiast.

The track was designed to utilize various aspects of some of the world’s most notable tracks. As such, it is an excellent opportunity for Corvette Racing to get in some seat time without shipping the cars overseas.

The NCM Motorsport Park’s Corvette Experience gives you a blend of both classroom instruction, as well as plenty of hands-on experience behind the wheel of a new C8 Corvette.

On-track driving is done in a lead/follow format. A helmet will be provided, but participants must wear long pants and close-toed shoes to drive the C8s on track. You must be 18 years or older to participate and possess a valid driver’s license. There is also a Vehicle Damage Policy and Indemnity Agreement that must be filled out before being able to drive the cars.

Each Corvette Experience features seat time, as well as classroom instruction inside the NCM Motorsports Park’s world-class facilities.

The Corvette Experience costs $799, and also includes lunch and a VIP tour of the National Corvette Museum. Go to the Corvette Experience website or call (270) 777-4509 to sign up for seat time in the world’s newest supercar. See the list below for available dates when the Corvette Experience is scheduled.

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Page 13

National Corvette Museum Offers C8 Corvette Drive For The Masses Page 14 CV&CCCCV&CCC AprilApril 20202020 EventsEvents

Saturday April 18th CV&CCC Monthly Breakfast Front Porch in Dunnellon at 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday – Saturday April 21st – 25th NCM 2020 BASH Bowling Green, Kentucky

Wednesday April 22nd Check in NCM 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday April 22nd Dinner 6:00 p.m. Montana Grill Bowling Green

Thursday April 23rd Corvette Racing Banquet Dinner 5:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday April 24th

Dinner Mariah’s Bowling Green

Saturday April 25th Trooper Island State Park Ride 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Saturday April 25th Dinner Hickory & Oak 6:00 p.m. Bowling Green

Monday April 27th Tour the Clydesdale Ranch in Booneville, Missouri 10:00 a.m. Lunch to follow at the Metro Diner in Booneville with members of The Boone Trail Corvette Club.

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Page 15

CV&CCC May 2020 Events

Saturday May 16th CV&CCC Monthly Breakfast Red’s 9:00 a.m. Hernando Sunday May 24th CV&CCC Flag Placement Florida National Cemetery Bushnell 7:45 a.m. Citrus County Fairgrounds with an 8:00 a.m. departure. Saturday May 30th CV&CCC Day Trip to St. Augustine, Florida 7:00 a.m. We will meet at the Winn Dixie in Beverly Hills with a 8:15 a.m. departure. Tour St. Augustine on a Trolley Tour. 2 Hour Sunset Boat Cruise St. Augustine Marina at 5:45 p.m. with a 6:15 departure. We will be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in Palm Coast, Florida. We have a cooked to order breakfast on Sunday Morning before we depart. Limited to 36 people. $55.00 + Tax per person to sail. Refreshments included. Page 16 2020 Car Show Registration Form

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Page 17

CV&CCC First Responder Appreciation Car & Truck Show

Page 18 CV&CCC Garage Sale Items

C6 Fuel Rail Covers for LS3 Pair $50.00

C6 Mild to Wild Exhaust Control Wireless / 2 Key Fobs $50.00

Citrus Vettes & Camaros Car Club Page 19

CV&CCC Garage Sale Items

C6 Battery Cover $5.00

C6 Lloyd Black Floor Mats $20

C6 Padded Shoulder Belts $5.00

C6 Tail Cover Fifth Brake Light $5.00

Contact Clint Russell at (352) 209-2636