March 2024
Words from Guy:
Spring has sprung! Which means it is time to kick the tires, check the battery and prepare one of your dearest friends for another season of driving and, most importantly, for Bloomington Gold! If you haven’t already, be sure to mark your calendars for June 21 & 22, make your hotel reservation and buy your tickets for one of the greatest weekends of the summer.
Along with vendors, certification and time with friends, we also have a lot of great cars coming to the Show. But more on them in the next issue of REView. This issue, we are focusing on some car things that have been going on including Amelia Island, Bloomington Gold Kissimmee and Bloomington Gold’s charity: Semper Fi & The America’s Fund.
When you go to buy your tickets, be sure to check out Gold Membership and see if this is something that you want to be a part of in 2024! If has a lot to offer you and a guest and is a great way to enhance your weekend at Bloomington Gold.
Guy Larsen, President Bloomington Gold
TICKETS ON SALE!
Get yours today and avoid the ticket lines!
IN ADVANCE:
One Day Pass $30
Two Day Pass $55
AT THE GATE:
One Day Pass $35
Two Day Pass $60
2024 Schedule of Events
Thursday June 20
Gold Gala Reception in the Bone Student Center (ticketed event)
Friday June 21
GoldField parking opens
Gates open
Gold Collection - Bone Student Center
Certification in CEFCU Swap Meet
GoldField
Chevy Dealers
Indoor/Outdoor Vendor Displays
Special Displays Seminars
Beer Garden and Food Court open Show closes
Gold Member Reception at Medici’s
Saturday June 22
GoldField parking opens Gates open
Gold Collection - Bone Student Center Certification continues Swap Meet
GoldField Chevy Dealers
Indoor/Outdoor Vendor Displays
Special Car Displays
Beer Garden and Food Court open
Awards Line up for GoldTour
GoldTour on Route 66 ending at Block Party in uptown Normal
Hosted by BN Visitors Bureau
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7:30am 8:00am 11:00am 5:00pm Evening 7:30am 8:00am 11:00am
5:00pm
3:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm
Seminars
Certification
Become a GOLD MEMBER!
Gold Membership offers attendees a unique way to experience Bloomington Gold’s annual event. Gold Members have access to several amenities that are EXCLUSIVE to Gold Members and their guest. In addition, they will receive news and updates about Bloomington Gold prior to the public.
At the event, you will receive one Gold Member Gift. You and a guest will experience:
• 2 VIP Tickets to the Gold Gala on Thursday evening
• Friday Night Reception
• Gold Member Lounge with drinks in Horton Field House
• Morning coffee on both days
• And MORE!
THE 2024 ROAD TOUR
Remember what a blast you had on the 2023 ROAD TOUR? Guess what - we are excited to announce that the tour is returning again in 2024! With the word out among attendees and the communites along the route, you can expect this year’s tour to be an extreme thrill ride!
The first 300 registrants will receive a free commemorative 2024 Gold Tour License Plate! These can be picked up at the Show in the Gold Store.
The cost for the 2024 Road Tour is $20 per car.
3 Buy Your Tickets Online and avoid the lines and gate fees! 2024 Advanced Pricing: Single Day (good either day) - $30 Weekend Pass - $55 Parking is FREE! Note: Tickets will be mailed beginning in mid-March and will come from Illinois State University.
IS OPEN!
REGISTRATION
2002 Corvette Z06 Benefiting Semper Fi & America’s Fund to be auctioned at Mecum Indy
By means of a private donation, a 2002 Corvette Z06 will be auctioned off at Mecum Indy with proceeds going to the Semper Fi and America’s Fund. For those of you that attended the 2023 Gold Gala, you will remember a United States Marine in attendance that played a very moving video about the Semper Fi and America’s Fund (which can be seen here). What you may not remember is that Bloomington Gold had a silent auction that night benefitting the organization. The auction resulted in a $6,000 donation to the non for profit.
The message and images of the video stuck with a lot of attendees, but more so with one person. In October of 2023, Guy Larsen received a call from a Bloomington Gold enthusiast inquiring how to donate a Corvette to Bloomington Gold with the intention of the car being sold and all proceeds going to the Semper Fi and America’s Fund. After some discussion, it was determined the best course was to auction the car. One phone call to Dana Mecum and the car was set to be auctioned at Mecum Indy.
Bidding on this car at Mecum’s Spring Classic this May is a great way to support the people and their families who have served our country and been critically injured, or wounded.
Whether in person, online or over the phone, YOU can bid on this car Thursday, May 16.
Donated by the seller with proceeds to benefit the Semper Fi and America’s Fund.
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A+ Rating from CharityWatch, one of only four Veteran nonprofits to receive their highest rating
Semper Fi and America’s Fund supports all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
5.7 Liter V-8 Engine 6-Speed Manual Transmission Quicksilver Exterior
Semper Fi and America’s Fund was created by a compassionate group of military spouses to care for our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans and military families.
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Bloomington Gold Kissimmee
January 9 & 10, 2024
This past January Bloomington Gold had 31 Corvettes that went for Gold Certified®, SURVIVOR® or Benchmark® in Kissimmee, Fl. With rain looming and the threat it would interrupt judging on the first day, a rain plan was implemented. Due to some hard work by Bethany and the gracious flexibility of both the owners and judges, we were able to pull off judging all 31 Corvettes without a drop of rain! In fact, the second day brought sunny skies right through the end of the awards ceremony. A good time was had by all at the Social Hour in the hotel bar as Corvette stories were swapped between friends old and new.
We had a remarkable showing and cannot thank the owners and the Bloomington Gold Judges enough for making the first annual Bloomington Gold Kissimmee a success! We look forward to doing it again in
January 2025!
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7 BLOOMINGTON GOLD CERTIFICATE® *Denotes Silver Certification C1 1957 Y SI 105801 Corvette Donald Ghareeb Polo White Red 283/283 C1 1959 Y 106240 Corvette Ronald S. Ciaglia Black/Silver Red 283/270 C1 1960 N 107277 Corvette Michael & Tracie Capozzio Cascade Green Black 283/230 C1 1960 Y 108414 Corvette David Strawser Honduras Maroon Black 283/290 C1 1961 Y 104106 Corvette Robert Marrota White Red 283/270 C2 1963 N 106616 Corvette David Durovy Saddle Tan Saddle 327/360 C2 1963 Y 102114 Corvette Donald Ghareeb Sebring Silver Red 327/360 C2 1963 Y 117351 Corvette Frank Shulman Silver Blue Drk Blue 327/300 C2 1963 Y 117352 Corvette Frank Shulman Sebring Silver Black Std 327/300 C2 1965 N 101402 Corvette Russ Atchley Milano Maroon Black Vinyl 327/365 C2 1966 Y 116928 Corvette Rex Davis Trophy Blue Dk Blue Leather 427/425 C2 1966 Y 115065 Corvette Anne Mea Smith Nass Blue Black 327/350 C2 1966 Y 124949 Corvette Rob Wright Rally Red Black 427/425 C2 1966 Y 110519 Corvette Daniel Young Red Red 427/425 C2 1967 Y 120585 Corvette Jerry Cooper Red White 427/400 C2 1967 Y 110750 Corvette Stu Lewis Marina Blue Blue 427/390 *C2 1967 N 120258 Corvette Tracy Moyers Goodwood Green Blk/Wht 327/350 C2 1967 Y 111318 Corvette J.C. & Judy O’Steen Maroon Black 427/400 C2 1967 Y 105436 Corvette Maxie Rodriguez Goodwood Green Std Blk 427/435 C2 1967 Y 101052 Corvette Joseph Tansey Red Red 327/350 C2 1967 Y 102869 Corvette Joseph Tansey Red Black 427/435 C2 1967 Y 105164 Corvette Fred & René Yankocy Marina Blue Black 427/435 C2 1967 Y 111735 Corvette Daniel Young Marlboro Maroon Black Leather 427/400 C3 1971 Y 119467 Corvette Larry Tobey Bridgehampton Blue Blue 350/330 BENCHMARK® C2 1967 Y 104691 Corvette James Sabia Silver Red 327/300 C2 1967 Y 117252 Corvette Richard Small Lynndale Blue Teal Blue 327/350 C3 1968 Y 412836 Corvette Ed Harbour Cordova Maroon Std Blk 427/400 C4 1990 Y 5110396 Corvette Gary & Deb George Competition Yellow Black 5.7/245 C4 1992 Y 5800181 Corvette Dana Anderson Black Lt. Gray 350/375 C4 1993 Y 5800332 Corvette Stephen J. Weimer Ruby Red Ruby Red 350/405 C4 1994 Y 5800402 Corvette Craig & Leona Gaunya Torch Red Black 350/405 Class Year OEM VIN Make First Name Last Name Exterior Color Trim Trans KISSIMMEE Following are the judging results from Bloomington Gold Kissimmee. Congratulations to everyone!! Looking to have your car Gold Certified? You now have three opportunities a year! Bloomington, IL June 21-22 2024 Dallas, TX September 4-5 2024 Kissimmee, FL January 2025
Bloomington Gold Corvettes Make Grandiose Showing at Amelia Island
Three Bloomington Gold Corvettes had the honor of being a part of the 2024 Amelia Island Concours this month and they did not disappoint! All three Corvettes drove home with the honor of a concours award!
The Grand Sport Trophy
1960 Chevrolet Corvette LeMans Race Car #4
Owned by Dominic Testa
• Race Cars Post-War 1956-1965
• 2022 Bloomington Gold Special Collection
This special Corvette race car was originally delivered to Don Allen Chevrolet in Miami, Florida. It was equipped with a specially-prepared 290hp Rochester fuel-injected 283cid V-8 designed to Zora Arkus Duntov specifications along with a 37-gallon fuel tank, Positraction rear axle, special Koni racing shocks, Marchal lights, and RPO687 heavy-duty ventilated drum brakes.
It was owned by an airline pilot, Lloyd “Lucky” Casner, the owner of Casner Motor Racing who also raced under the Camoradi Racing Team moniker. It is most famous as one of the 4 Corvettes raced for the first time at LeMans in 1960; the other three fielded by American bon vivant Briggs Cunningham.
Fred Gamble and Lee Lilley finished 2nd in the GT Class at both LeMans and at Sebring in 1960. Gamble and Casner won the 1960 Swedish Grand Prix in this car.
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The General Motors/Dave Holls Award
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe
Owned by Guy Larsen
One of Bill Mitchell’s most flamboyant and memorable designs was the Mako Shark II, a car he commissioned first as a show car and then as his personal transport. The Mako Shark II premiered at the New York Auto Show in April 1965 and by October of that same year, a functional running model powered by a Mark IV 427cid V-8 was built and shipped to the Paris Auto Salon.
During the remainder of 1965 the duo toured North America and Europe, correctly foretelling what the next Corvette would look like when it was introduced in 1968. This documented 1-of-1 Tuxedo Black with blue interior ‘Vette is equipped with the optional L71 435hp 427cid “big block” V-8 mated to an M21 4-speed close-ratio transmission, F41 sport suspension, Positraction, transistor ignition, and red stripe tires.
When Ed Welburn saw the car parked on the concours, he thought it was a “cool” car and knew immediately it would have ignited the passion of his former boss, Dave Holls, long time Chief of Design for GM.
Class Award
1960 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 283/230HP
Owned by Michael and Tracie Capozzio
Although little changed on the outside of the Corvette in 1960, sway-bars and an aluminum clutch were new. Chevrolet’s famed roadster was becoming a performance machine and efforts by famed GM engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov helped to advance the 1960 Corvette into a truly competitive automobile. Customers had a choice of small-block 283cid V8’s ranging from 230 to 315 horsepower mated to either a twospeed Powerglide automatic, 3-speed manual or optional four-speed manual transmission.
“America’s sports car” was beginning to live up to its name with vastly improved performance and handling. This is one of 10,261 Corvettes produced for 1960. Finished in Cascade Green with White Cove and black interior, it is one of only 65 produced in this color. It is equipped with the 230hp 283cid V-8.
• Sports and GT Cars 1968-1973
• Bloomington Gold Certified®
• Sports and GT Cars 1960-1967
• Bloomington Gold Certified®
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REGISTRATION FOR VENDORS!
June 21st & 22nd, 2024, in Bloomington, IL.
Talk to any vendor that attended the 2023 event and they will tell you that Bloomington Gold is BACK and an event that your business cannot afford to miss. From Swap to Polish to Apparel to Cars, Bloomington Gold Vendors sell it all!
Bloomington Gold offers a variety of locations for vendors to choose from, all offer high exposure and good traffic flow. It is up to you to choose the one that is right for you! Following are the display locations available:
Horton Field House - Horton Field House is an inside venue with protection from the elements and secure at night.
East Lot - This is a highly visible, high traffic lot with room for Semi’s. In addition to dealer’s, Gold Mine and the 50 Year Salute will be parked here.
Swap Meet Lot - The traditional swap meet is back! Spaces are on asphalt and are offered in 18’ wide and 18’ deep increments. Some of the spots offer shade from trees. Tent rental is also available.
Patio - Rigs & Larger Displays that request or require to be outside will be located on the North side of the East parking lot as well as in between Redbird and Horton Field House. There are also a few 10x10 spots on grass available.
Chevy Dealerships - Leman Chevy City will be the host dealership at the 2023 event offering both new and used Corvettes, Camaros and tow vehicles. Additional dealerships will be displaying on the patio.
VENDOR SCHEDULE
Vendor Move in: Thursday, June 20
Vendor Gates Hours: 8am-5pm, June 21 & 22
Vendor spots include weekend passes along with parking. Complete details can be found online on the Vendor Contract.
Certification Corner
2024 is the year to Gold Certify your Corvette, Camaro or Resto Mod!
Understanding The Gold Standard® of Judging
Our highly qualified judges are known for their knowledge, courtesy and consistency for over 30 years.
For Corvettes:
GOLD CERTIFIED® - Friday, June 21
GOLD CERTIFIED® means that a Corvette has been “preserved in” or “restored to” within 95% of the way it appeared when it left the factory... no better, no worse, no different. A GOLD CERTIFIED® car appears as it would have just after completion of ‘Typical Factory Production’.
SURVIVOR® - Saturday, June 22
SURVIVOR® recognizes Corvettes that have been preserved and highly unrestored. “Worn in but not worn out”. For more information, see Bloomingtongold.com/Judging
BENCHMARK®
America’s most prestigious Corvette award. Getting BENCHMARK® Certified documents the ultimate standard for unrestored vehicles. To achieve BENCHMARK® status, an unrestored Corvette must attain GOLD CERTIFIED® and Silver or Gold SURVIVOR® in the same weekend.
Resto Mod Certified - Friday, June 21
Resto Mod recognizes the seamless integration of today’s possibilities into yesterday’s performers by applying today’s capabilities and styling enhancements that result in improved styling, handling, performance, and comfort to modern standards while retaining a classic original design. A Bloomington Gold Certified® Resto Mod is a Corvette that is modified more than 50% in all four of the following sections: engine, chassis, exterior and interior.
For Camaros:
Camaros Gold Certified® - Friday, June 21
1st Generation Camaros will be judged using the same guidelines that are used for Corvettes: A GOLD CERTIFIED® car appears as it would just after completion of “typical factory production.” It means that a Camaro has been preserved or restored within 95% of the way it appeared when it left the factory – no better, no worse, no different. Bloomington Gold’s standards for authenticity and condition are clear – the goal is to attain historic perfection, not cosmetic perfection.
June Certification Schedule for all Categories
Staging - Beginning Thursday, June 20th at 8:00am
Owners Meeting - Friday, June 21st at 7:45am
Awards Ceremony - Saturday, June 22nd at CEFCU Arena
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 15th.
REGISTER ONLINE AT BLOOMINGTONGOLD.COM
QUESTIONS OR NEED ASSISTANCE? Contact:
Bethany Brucker, Judging Operations Manager, 309.888.2588, Beth@BloomingtonGold.com
Coming in next month’s issue:
• The 2024 Gold Collection
• Some very special 4 wheeled VIP’s coming to Bloomington this June
• Road Tour Update!
Our Sponsors:
and Founding Members
Mia Pia and Joe Cacciatore
