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| Le Mans 24 Hours Race Notes: Corvette Honored with Naming of Corvette Curves |
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Le Mans Organizers Honor Corvette by Naming "Corvette Curves"
Corvette Racing Heritage Is Permanently Linked with 24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit
LE MANS, France, June 14, 2008 - The Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, the home of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, embraces some of the most recognizable names in motorsports. Road racing enthusiasts around the world revere Tertre Rouge, Mulsanne Corner, Arnage and the Indianapolis Corner. Now a new name has been added to this honor roll: the Corvette Curves. The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), organizer of the world's most famous sports car race, has recognized Corvette's rich racing heritage by naming the section of the Le Mans circuit between Virage Du Pont and Maison Blanche in honor of America's iconic performance car.
"Success at Le Mans has played an important role in establishing the performance reputations of automobile manufacturers since the first 24 Hours of Le Mans was contested in 1923," said Ed Peper, GM North America Vice President, Chevrolet. "Chevrolet is truly honored that the ACO has recognized Corvette's contribution to Le Mans' racing legacy by naming the Corvette Curves in perpetuity. It's a distinction that will forever link Corvette with this prestigious event."
This year's race marks Corvette's 48th anniversary at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The marque first competed at Le Mans in 1960 when John Fitch and Bob Grossman drove Briggs Cunningham's Corvette to a victory in the large displacement GT class. Notable Corvette and Chevrolet racers at Le Mans include Bob Bondurant, Dick Guldstrand, Jim Hall, Phil Hill, Dick Smothers, John Greenwood and Cale Yarborough.
The arrival of Chevrolet's factory Corvette Racing team at Le Mans in 2000 signaled the start of a new dynasty in the production-based GT1 category. Corvette Racing has scored five wins (including four one-two finishes) and 13 podium finishes.
"Le Mans is a global stage for manufacturers and a showcase for advanced technology," said Peper. "With Corvette as the lead product for the rapidly growing global Chevrolet brand, Le Mans is an ideal arena for Chevrolet to demonstrate the depth of our technology and the talent of our people."
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
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