Hib Halverson

Forum Members-
It's time for an update on the "King's Last Stand."

Early last spring, feeling a need to mark the end of the ZR-1's eligibility for international road race competition, Jim Van Dorn and I developed the idea for the King's Last Stand: the entry of the Pirate Racing #75 Corvette ZR-1 in the last race of this year's SCCA/Speedvision World Challenge and donation of the car to the National Corvette Museum after the event. Since the initial announcement of the “KLS” four months ago, there's been quite a bit of talk about it in the Corvette community and Corvette Fever magazine wrote about it in a recent issue.

First, Jim Van Dorn, the Pirate Racing organization and myself would like to thank everyone who has stepped forward with $500 pledges for KLS Individual Sponsorships. In addition to individuals making pledges, Corvette clubs around the country have joined the KLS as sponsors. We appreciate those groups' support, as well.

Individual sponsorships are only part of the story. Currently, Pirate Racing is offering corporate sponsorship of the King's Last Stand to the business communities both inside and outside the Corvette hobby. Corporate sponsorship will compliment the Individual Sponsor program in supplying the bulk of the resources necessary to bring the ZR-1 to its final, international road racing appearance. Primary and associate corporate sponsorships are available on a first-come/first-serve basis. Businesses interested in corporate sponsorship along with those interested in one of the remaining Individual Sponsorships should contact Pirate Racing by phone, at (760)360-VETT, or by email, at pirateracing@aol.com.

The King's Last Stand was originally scheduled for October 21 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in North Carolina, however, a scheduling conflict with the American Le Mans Series forced the Sports Car Club of America to change both the venue and the date. KLS will now be at Road Atlanta near Braselton, Georgia on October 4-6th. Road Atlanta, one of the fastest road race circuits in North America, will be a perfect showcase for the straight line speed that comes from the ZR-1's LT5 engine. The event is actually a double-header with the final two World Challenge events scheduled that weekend.

Talk about a fun-filled, Corvette, race weekend! Right now, the Pirates are considering entry of both their cars, the #75 ZR-1 and the #01 Z06. “Wild” Bill Cooper, who usually drives the 01, always liked driving the ZR-1. Confronted with a chance to drive it one more time, he took the option for Atlanta. A top road racer with Corvette experience will be named to replace Cooper in the 01 for that race.

Pirate Racing is also working to make the King's Last Stand off-track experience memorable for all Corvette enthusiasts in attendance. The team's hope is many Corvette celebrities who have been involved with the ZR-1 program over the years will attend. Invitations have gone out to: former and current road racers, Kim Baker, John Heinricy and Tommy Morrison, Retired Corvette Chief Engineer and Father of the ZR-1, Dave McClellan, and former LT5 engineer at Lotus, Graham Behan. Lastly, Pirate Racing has been discussing the King's Last Stand with the producers of Speedvision broadcasts who have indicated they'll make every attempt to recognize this special occasion in their race telecast.

At Pirate Racing's base in Palm Desert, California, the #75 ZR-1 is being readied for its last appearance in International road racing. The car's legendary LT5 engine has been overhauled and has received new modifications to improve its durability. The 75's ZF six-speed and its rear end have been rebuilt. The front brakes were revised with larger rotors, Wilwood calipers and new brake cooling ducts. The car now uses eighteen-inch tires and wheels. A number of other upgrades to improve the car's reliability and durability on the track have been added. Pirate Racing owner, Jim Van Dorn, wishing to keep the team's specific race set-up a secret, prefers I don't go into more detail, but suffice to say that the 75 for Road Atlanta will be an extremely potent package and a force with which to be reckoned on such a long, high-speed course.

After the race, the #75 ZR-1 will be detailed and then donated to the National Corvette Museum. All funds left over from the King's Last Stand will also be donated to the NCM. All sponsors names and graphics will remain on the car as it was raced at Atlanta. All sponsors and participants will be invited to attend a ceremony at the Museum to mark the car's donation.

Finally, Pirate Racing is looking for experienced crew members to join the team that will campaign the car at Atlanta. Those interested in working on the #75 crew should contact Pirate Racing at the number and address listed above.





[Modified by Hib Halverson, 10:37 AM 8/20/2001]

Jeffvette

Good luck guys, hope you flex the LT5 and put on a good show. Wish I could be there to cheer #75 on. :cheers:

SuperFast80

Wow Hib! i have always been a fan of yours and your passion for the ZR1. This sounds like an amazing initiative and i wish you all the best of luck. :cheers:

90 Corvette ZR-1

Im glad to hear that the Z will run again. :cheers: Hope every thing works out.
Hib I loved your last article. So how fast WERE you going????

89'Bowtie

Good luck Hib.

89'