Bash, yes no?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,065
Likes: 1,275
From: Central Ma
Bash, yes no?
I've never been to the bash or the museum.
I'd like to go to the museum some day.
The bash? Not as sure.
Last years bash sounded pretty bad. Obviously this year could be news about the GS, but that doesn't blow me away.
Things to do, places to see while you're there?
What's with these road tours and the pricing??
Thanks in advance.
I'd like to go to the museum some day.
The bash? Not as sure.
Last years bash sounded pretty bad. Obviously this year could be news about the GS, but that doesn't blow me away.
Things to do, places to see while you're there?
What's with these road tours and the pricing??
Thanks in advance.
Popular Reply
Jan 7, 2026, 07:10 PM
CF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,219
Likes: 2,870
From: Charlotte N.C.
I’m not a group kind of person so no to the bash but yes to the museum and factory tour.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 132
Likes: 181
From: Hopkinsville Kentucky
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Museum is very good. nice to see all the cars. Mammoth Cave is not much of a drive if you want to see it. not sure about the driving tours and why they charge a high price? if your coming through Nashville it would be a good stop also. So i would say more of a road trip then just Bash.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,586
Likes: 1,697
From: Converse TX
I glad I went to quite a few anniversary events when Tadge and Harlan where key figures at the events and both were approachable. Glad I got to meet and chat a few different years with them. They loved what they did as they were very involved at the events. Not looking to get out of dodge
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13,275
Likes: 2,509
From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh
Oh I go way back to when the BASH was created by Dan and Jake two great guys who put the very first one together. What a blast but that was 25 years or so ago. Even Troy our Forum founder was there. Since then the museum has taken it over and IMHO it has gone down hill since. Back in the day it was more of a vendor affair with several dozen vendors setting up shop.... even a dyno tent. But if you've never been do one. Road tours are dangerous. Lot of cars....... unfamiliar roads and its a slinky affect...... we're doing 30 and then 100. Last tour I did some dude passed me at maybe 100 and blew by a school bus. I stopped right there. Kentucky is a beautiful state.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 278
From: Kiln MS
The NCM is ok to see at least once. Never was interested in the bash. And I was ticked off while at the NCM because I mistakenly thought I could order my car while I was there. Nope gotta contact a dealer.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Oct 2023
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From: The E-Ray prophet
The fact that they don't offer this feature seems like a huge sales opportunity fail.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 1,125
From: Cincinnati OH
I've been going to the Bash every year since 1997 and will continue to do so. It was at it's finest during the Dan and Jake days. It's steadily declined after the museum took over, but still has a lot to do and see. I usually attend a seminar or 2 -- usually including the presentation by the Corvette engineers and plant manager -- very worthwhile until Tadge and the then plant manager was reassigned, and Harlen was fired. Last year was the low point with a lousy plant manager and absolutely horrible replacement for Harlen. But I'm a lifetime NCM member, yearly contributor, and will continue to support it through thick and thin. I usually go on 1 or 2 road tours, and both evening banquets. The Bash is from Thurs through Saturday -- I usually arrive Weds and leave Sat afternoon. The proceeds all support the NCM which supports our passion for the Corvette. If you've never been then you should attend the Bash at least once - it's significantly better than the Labor Day NCM celebration.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 1,125
From: Cincinnati OH
I also live only 300mo away, so it's not a bad drive.
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Pittsburgh
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The museum should be a bucket list item for any Corvette enthusiast, it's well worth it, I can't speak to the bash as I have never attended one
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 85
Likes: 145
From: Massachusetts
We just did the museum and factory tour this past October. Had a great time! My cousin drove his E-ray there from California.
We did three different cave locations and the dinosaur park before heading to Nashville which wasn't that far away.
We did three different cave locations and the dinosaur park before heading to Nashville which wasn't that far away.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 228
Likes: 170
From: KY
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Two years ago, it was great. Last year was not so good.
I don’t expect it to be much better this year. Any GM top brass that understood the value of this event have been silenced or left the company.
I’m optimistic that they’ll have a Grand Sport on display, but at the end of that day/ that’s just an ERay without the front motor….wont be that exciting to see in person a few months early. I’d be thrilled to see new colors on a car, new options, etc….but I can’t imagine those employees we met last year have any interest in coinciding product announcements with the Bash.
That said, the Corvette Racing banquet is great, and meeting other enthusiasts is fun. I’ll go again, but I think the days of a heavy GM Presence are gone.
I don’t expect it to be much better this year. Any GM top brass that understood the value of this event have been silenced or left the company.
I’m optimistic that they’ll have a Grand Sport on display, but at the end of that day/ that’s just an ERay without the front motor….wont be that exciting to see in person a few months early. I’d be thrilled to see new colors on a car, new options, etc….but I can’t imagine those employees we met last year have any interest in coinciding product announcements with the Bash.
That said, the Corvette Racing banquet is great, and meeting other enthusiasts is fun. I’ll go again, but I think the days of a heavy GM Presence are gone.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 490
Likes: 386
From: Brandon, MS
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I went last year. Drove up from MS. Enjoyed the museum and festive atmosphere. Little bit of rainy weather only downside. Spent a whole day there. No plant tours were available then.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,488
Likes: 714
From: Sausalito CA
The Bash: New‑model Corvette reveals or previews, Seminars with Corvette engineers and plant managers, Road tours, Vendor displays, Banquets and social events, and Large Corvette meet‑ups
My Vote: Yes
Okay to do once, kind of like a Harley Davidson rally or, as a negative comment, just another sausage fest.
If driving, road conditions and weather could be a consideration, and as for cost, well, it is a holiday for you
But, without Tadge, whose headlining?
My Vote: Yes
Okay to do once, kind of like a Harley Davidson rally or, as a negative comment, just another sausage fest.
If driving, road conditions and weather could be a consideration, and as for cost, well, it is a holiday for you
But, without Tadge, whose headlining?
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,887
Likes: 4,342
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
I have been to many Bashes over the years. The first ones were awesome, primarily because there were loads of vendors. The later ones were not so great but still worth going from time to time.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 2,494
From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
I have been to Bash a number of times and AZ/NM co-captain for the Caravan last year. While I have always enjoyed myself I am not sure if I will go again.. the drive from AZ is long. When I lived in IL it was a 1 day drive so not as bad. As others have said, when lots of vendors much better. The museum is always good! For any of these events, one day is adequate. The first time going I planned on being there all days. That is a bit too much unless you do some of the tours.
Another event that used to be fantastic years ago was Bloomington Gold. you could spend a couple days there. I went a couple of years ago and....it sucked. The issue is with the vendors. Nowadays with internet ordering it is just not worth trucking parts and accessories all over just for some sales.
Another event that used to be fantastic years ago was Bloomington Gold. you could spend a couple days there. I went a couple of years ago and....it sucked. The issue is with the vendors. Nowadays with internet ordering it is just not worth trucking parts and accessories all over just for some sales.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,008
Likes: 1,487
From: Ashland, OH
I've never been to the bash or the museum.
I'd like to go to the museum some day.
The bash? Not as sure.
Last years bash sounded pretty bad. Obviously this year could be news about the GS, but that doesn't blow me away.
Things to do, places to see while you're there?
What's with these road tours and the pricing??
Thanks in advance.
I'd like to go to the museum some day.
The bash? Not as sure.
Last years bash sounded pretty bad. Obviously this year could be news about the GS, but that doesn't blow me away.
Things to do, places to see while you're there?
What's with these road tours and the pricing??
Thanks in advance.