June 2020 REView

June 2020

it's ON! September 11-12, 2020

Greetings Bloomington Gold enthusiasts!

The days are getting longer as well as warmer and every day is one day closer to being able to once again go out and about.

And while the landscape may be different than what it was a few months ago, we still all share one thing, a passion for cars and the Corvette hobby.

With that being said we are very excited about the venue for our 2020 event - Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. The stadium offers a unique backdrop for our show that cannot be replicated. We foresee attendees experiencing a realm of exhilaration with the sight of Corvettes and Camaros parked throughout this amazing venue!

Find out more in this issue of REView and we look forward to seeing you in September!

Guy Larsen Corvette Enthusiast and President Bloomington Gold Corvettes

Lucas Oil Stadium: Why are we going there?

By now, you have heard that Bloomington Gold 2020 will be at Lucas Oil Stadium, and we hope you are as excited about it as we are! But first let’s address the elephant in the room: Why are we not going back to IMS in 2020? Initially due to the pandemic, we could not hold a large event in June. Due to scheduling conflicts we had to choose a new venue.

There are two sticking points that sold us on moving the event to the stadium. The number one aspect is that for the first time in Bloomington Gold history, rain will not be a factor! I joined Bloomington Gold in 2013, and every year since then, rain HAS been a factor, especially once we moved to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (And from what I have heard, it was a factor even before I came on board, so no, I am not the rainmaker.)

In addition to weather, the uniqueness of having a car event at a professional football stadium will be new for all of us. Precisely parking over one hundred magnificent Corvettes on a concourse that is usually packed with the foot traffic of frenzied football fans will transform the stadium in a way that has not been experienced before. And while the different areas of the stadium that we are using will offer attendees a more intimate experience than past venues, it will also allow for plenty of room to keep a comfortable social distance from one another and still thoroughly enjoy the event.

I think it is safe to say that everyone is looking to return to normal in some way or another, and I hope that attending Bloomington Gold this September is one of the ways to full fill that need!

Lucas Oil Stadium: How is this going to Work?

Whether familiar or not with the layout of Lucas Oil Stadium, I am sure most people are wondering exactly how a Car Show such as Bloomington Gold is going to be held at a football stadium.

“Attendees are going to see a lot of the stadium that they may or may not be aware of”. Starting at the entrance point for the Show, attendees will park in the South parking lot of the stadium and enter through Gate 10. Just outside the entrance will be a few of the traditional Bloomington Gold displays such as GoldYear and GoldMine. (These cars will remain outside of the stadium as they will need to have driving privileges during show days.) Upon entering the Gate 10, attendees will find themselves on the stadium’s concourse, located on the street level. Here will reside a number of different collections including the Gold Collection and Certification Field.

As you continue along the concourse to the East, there will be additional displays and vendors as well as areas to relax, rejuvenate and grab some lunch or a beer with friends.

Midway around the stadium, attendees will take the 2 story escalators down to field level, and find themselves in a part of the stadium that few are aware of and even fewer have ever had access to before. This is also a hidden gem of Lucas Oil Stadium: 12 meeting rooms and 45,000 square feet in exhibits. Here is the mecca of Corvette goodies; From art to parts and more! Many of the vendors that were located in Vendor Lot 1 & 2, the garages and the indoor exhibits will be located in this spacious, hall. Gold School will be held in the meeting rooms and even the visiting locker rooms will be used as part of the event.

While planning is still underway, I hope that this brief snapshot helps you better understand how “Bloomington Gold at Lucas Oil Stadium is going to Work”.

Cheers, Jocelyn Young - VP Business Development

Frequently Asked Questions HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS FOR THE 2020 SHOW? Tickets are $25 for single day pass, and $47.50 for a two day pass.

HOW DO I PURCHASE TICKETS? There are a number of ways to purchase tickets: • Online – by going to the Bloomington Gold Web site or by going to Ticketmaster • In Person - Stop by the Colt’s box office during business hours and purchase your tickets in person. There is no Ticketmaster charge with this option.

• Receive them as part of your Gold Membership, Certification registration, etc.

WHY DO I HAVE TO BUY TICKETS THROUGH TICKETMASTER? Lucas Oil Stadium is a Ticketmaster venue, so all events that charge admission need to go through Ticketmaster.

WHAT IF I ALREADY BOUGHT TICKETS FOR THE 2020 EVENT, WHEN IT WAS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE? These tickets will of course be honored. Anyone that bought a 3 day pass will receive a credit for the difference between what they paid for the 3 day pass and a 2 day pass.

WHAT IF I PURCHASED LAP TIMES FOR THE 2020 EVENT? Anyone that has purchased lap times will receive a credit of 1.5x the amount of their purchase to be used at the Bloomington Gold store. (For example, if you bought one lap time at $40, you will receive a $60 credit). If you have any questions, please email info@bloomingtongold.com.

ARE CAMAROS INVITED? Yes, we are excited to welcome our Camaro friends back in 2020.

WILL THERE BE CORVETTE & CAMARO ONLY PARKING? Yes, the South Lot will be dedicated to Corvette and Camaro parking only.

WHY DID YOU LEAVE IMS? Initially due to the pandemic, we could not hold a large event in June. Due to scheduling conflicts ee had to choose a new venue. We are beyond excited to bring the event to an indoor, and unique (car event wise) venue for 2020!

WHY ARE YOU STAYING IN INDY AND NOT GOING BACK TO BLOOMINGTON? We needed to fulfill commitments with hotels, and the vast majority of attendees have enjoyed Indianapolis. Also keep in mind that Illinois is not allowing large gatherings at the time that we needed to start planning the 2020 event.

WHY IS THE EVENT ONLY 2 DAYS? 2020 has been a unique year, to say the least, and many adjustments have been necessary to keep life as we know it on track. We do expect Bloomington Gold to be a 3 day event in 2021.

WHERE WILL THE EVENT BE IN 2021?

This has yet to be determined. We are open to feedback.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A FOOTBALL STADIUM? Lucas Oil Stadium is a unique INDOOR venue to hold a Car show. In addition to being a state of the art, 7 level football stadium, it also has 44,000 square feet of exhibit space and twelve meeting rooms. Attendees will have a fresh experience as they explore over a hundred pristine Corvettes and Camaros on display and indoor vendors as well as the stadium. Located in downtown Indy, the stadium is walking distance to hotels, restaurants and 15 minute drive from the Indianapolis airport.

Excerpts from the

WiseGuy Wednesday Series PAINT IT OR COAT IT?

Question: I’m in the process of restoring my 1966 Corvette. I’m going to extremes to have as much of the car be ‘as it left the factory’ as possible. I am refinishing all parts to have the same finish, installation, shape, etc, as possible. But, when I finish the restoration, I want to drive my Corvette on some special occasions … and I don’t want to be afraid to have the chassis pieces degraded! Friends have told me I should ‘powder coat’ some components and not just paint them as the St Louis factory did, so that those items will be more durable and not show wear and tear. If I powder coat some components will they ‘pass’ in the judging process?

Answer: Bloomington Gold Certification judging reviews the car compared to how it left the factory – no better, no worse. The chassis of your car is evaluated the same as the interior or the paint; how close is it to how it left the factory? No better, no worse. Powder coating the frame or chassis components will make it more durable to wear from driving your car. However, powder coating can result in a different finish than painting of any component as would have be done at the St Louis factory. Powder coating may result in a thicker and more consistent finish than applied paint can attain. In other words, a powder coated finish may result in an easily detectable deviation from how that component left the factory.

This will not be a major deduction, but each component with powder coating finish may not receive the full amount of credit available for a particular item.

-Wise Guy

SMOKES AT START

Question: I am registering for Certification judging. My Corvette has been cosmetically refreshed with new paint and a refreshed interior. I’ve been careful to make sure that all this was done just as it would have been when it left the factory. I’m reviewing the judging page for TECH and I am concerned because all my mechanicals are original and not rebuilt. My engine often will not start without a shot of starter fluid and then will smoke a bit until it warms up. Then it runs smoothly. Is that ok? And my headlight doors sometimes will not open / lift without a little help, but once they do the headlights operate just fine. Is that ok?

Answer: Your engine having difficulty starting and then smoking would be considered to be a deviation, as well as the headlight doors not operating would be considered to be a deviation. Remember that Bloomington Gold judges review the car compared to how it left the factory – no better, no worse. The guideline for Technical Operation is “Would the manufacturer typically allow the component to leave the factory this way?” If yes, it passes. If no, it fails.

-Wise Guy

Every Wednesday, Guy Larsen, President, posts Bloomington Gold Judging tips on Social Media.

Click Here to see the

WiseGuy Archives!

2020 A Tribute to

The Father of the

Zora Arkus-Duntov Corvette Zora Arkus-Duntov joined General Motors as an assistant staff engineer in 1953 and began the challenge of saving the Corvette. He knew performance was the answer, and introduced the 265 CID V8 as an optional engine for 1955.

Along with a major styling change for 1956, Zora again added increased horsepower, and in 1957, Rochester Ram-Jet Fuel Injection. Sales increased, and by 1961, passed the 10,000 mark. Corvette was well on its way to earning the title of “America’s Only Sportscar!”.

Zora retired in 1975 as Corvette’s Chief Engineer. He died in Detroit on April 21, 1996. Pulitzer Prize winning columnist George Will wrote in Zora’s obituary: “If you do not mourn his passing, you are not a good American.”

The 2020 Gold Collection will present significant Corvettes reflecting Zora’s influence. Included will be production, competition and one-off specials.

1955 265 CID 195 HP V8 • 1956 265 CID 240 HP “Duntov Camshaft” 1957 283 CED 283 HP PRO 579B Fuel Injected • 1957 RPO 579D “Cold Air Box” Competition 1960 RPO 687 Competition • 1962 Grand Sport “Lightweight” 1965 RPO 396 CID 425 HP - The First Big Block • 1967 RPO L88 427 CID 430HP 1968 through 1974 Production and Competition • GM Design Center Vehicles GM Engineering Center Vehicles

GOLD CERTIFIED® Do you think your Corvette is close to being the way it appeared when it left the factory? If so, your Corvette may qualify to be GOLD CERTIFIED®!

Bloomington Gold is recognized world wide for its prestigious judging process of Corvettes and the authentication a Bloomington Gold Certification brings to a Corvette. Each year, Corvette owners bring their Corvettes to be judged for Certification. The reasons for doing so are many, but each has one final goal: to have their car be awarded either GOLD CERTIFIED®, SURVIVOR® or the much coveted BENCHMARK® award.

Our highly qualified judges are known for their knowledge, courtesy and consistency!

A GOLD CERTIFIED® car appears as it would just after completion of “typical factory production.”

It means that a Corvette has been preserved or restored within 95% of the way it appeared when it left the factory.

The SURVIVOR® Award is designed to recognize those Corvettes that are “worn in, but not worn out.” A SURVIVOR® Corvette is significantly unrestored, unrepaired, or unmodified and meets these requirements: Over 20 years old • Passes a road test • Retains OEM engine BENCHMARK® is the ultimate standard for unrestored vehicles.

To achieve BENCHMARK® status, an unrestored Corvette must attain GOLD CERTIFIED® and excel in all four categories of SURVIVOR® during the same weekend.

To learn more about Bloomington Gold Certification or to register your Corvette for 2020 Certification, contact Beth Brucker Beth@BloomingtonGold.com or

309.888.2588 or see Judging under the Classic Events Tab at

BloomingtonGold.com

Get Dad what he really wants: Bloomington Gold Memorabilia!

They Don’t Write Songs About Volvos Give friends a chuckle with this Tee. Bloomington Gold logo on the front, the Volvos quip on the back.

100% Cotton, Glidden®

$25

KEEP CALM AND DRIVE A CORVETTE Exclusive design, with the C8 emblem at the bottom. Supplies are limited.

100% Cotton, Anvil®

$25

MENS BLOOMINGTON GOLD/C8 EXTREME COLORBLOCK POLO Moisture wicking, antimicrobial and UV protection performance to keep you cool and dry. Matching flat knit collar and contrast neck tape and inner placket.

Contrast sides and piping.

Bloomington Gold logo on left chest and the C8 emblem on the left arm.

Available in Black/Grey and Blue/Grey.

$60

CORVETTE VENDORS Bloomington Gold 2020

The Right Audience at the Right Time!

This will be the first car show of the year for many attendees!

The 2020 Bloomington Gold Corvette Show marks 47 years of bringing Corvette Enthusiasts together and for the first time, we will be in a weatherproof environment!

Help us make GoldMarket bigger and better than ever with hundreds of vendors and exhibitors selling everything from Corvette apparel to Corvette parts and accessories.

Why Display at Bloomington Gold?

•

Car owners are looking for something fresh to add to their garage, collection or wardrobe

• New Market Penetration

• Introduce or Enhance your Company’s Image

• And of course,

INCREASE SALES!

Sign up Today to Display!

Click Here or Contact Cathy Winters at Cathy@BloomingtonGold.com

• Introduce New Products or New Services

Friday, September 11 8:00am Gates Open 8:00am - 4:00pm GoldMember Lounge Open 8:00am - 6:00pm Exhibits Open 8:00am - 6:00pm GoldMine Check-in and Display (Corvettes for Sale by Owner) 8:00am - 6:00pm GoldMember Check-in 8:00am - 6:00pm Gold Collection 8:00am - 6:00pm Gold Year 8:46am 911 Moment of Silence 11:00am Tour of Lucas Oil Stadium 2:30pm Gold Collection Reception 4:00pm GoldMember Tour of Stadium 5:00pm GoldMember Reception 6:00pm Gates Close Saturday, September 12 8:00am Gates Open 8:00am - 6:00pm Exhibits Open 8:00am - 6:00pm GoldMine Check-in and Display (Corvettes for Sale by Owner) 8:00am - noon GoldMember Check-in 8:00am - 6:00pm Gold Collection 8:00am - 6:00pm Gold Year 8:00am - 5:00pm Gold Certification Judging 8:30am Opening Ceremony 4:00pm Show Closes

Bloomington Gold is honored to be the Chip's Best Display at

Corvettes of Carlisle in 2020 “The 2020 Chip’s Choice display will feature a display of some of the very best Bloomington Gold Benchmark® Corvettes, the most prestigious Corvette award,” said Guy Larsen, President – Bloomington Gold Corvettes. “The Benchmark® award recognizes the very rare Corvettes that embody the ultimate in factory originality and condition,” continued Larsen. “Benchmark® Corvettes are highly unrestored and appear to be in ‘typical factory production.’ The Corvettes on display at Chip’s Choice 2020 will appear as if they were put in a time capsule when they left the factory and have been preserved. These Corvettes are the best examples for anyone doing a restoration or trying to learn about authentic Corvettes of that time, hence the name Benchmark®. Benchmark® cars are the sports’ best link to the past and preserving Corvette’s factory authenticity heritage in the future. It is an honor for Bloomington Gold Corvettes to present these fine Benchmark® Corvettes this coming August, 2020.”

Chip’s Choice is Corvette of Carlisle’s annual special display that is showcased within Building T. Named after their late company co-founder and National Corvette Hall of Famer Chip Miller, this display embodies the best-of-the-best in the Corvette hobby. A different theme is promoted each August at Carlisle.

1964 coupe, 327ci/375hp FI Black/Black Mileage: 4376 Awards: NCRS Regional Top Flight, MCACN Triple Diamond Owned by: Christian and Cynthia Meyer

1961 Convertible, 283ci/270hp Maroon/Saddle Mileage: 59,200 Awards: Benchmark 2017, NCRS 5-star Bowtie Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals Owned by: John Keane

1972 Corvette L48 Convertible Awards: Bloomington Gold BenchmarkÂŽ Owned by: Steve & Wendy Burns, Clarkston MI

Buy Tickets at

Bloomington Gold.com.

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