Unveiling the Legendary Gulf Oil Corvette Quartet at Bloomington Gold - A Historic First
Bloomington Gold’s 2024 Gold Collection, dedicated to the impressive history of Fuel Injection, will feature a staggering revelation for Corvette enthusiasts and racing aficionados alike. For the first time ever, all four of the iconic Gulf Oil Corvette Racers will be displayed together, marking an unprecedented gathering of automotive magnificence. Scheduled for June 21st and 22nd at Illinois State University, this year’s event promises to deliver a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur.
The Unmissable Four
The centerpiece of the 2024 Gold Collection is, undoubtedly, the quartet of Gulf Oil Corvettes. These racers are not only relics of a bygone era but also monuments to the competitive spirit fostered by Gulf Oil and spearheaded by Grady Davis. Each Corvette tells a story of triumph and resilience on the world's most iconic race tracks.
1961 #11 Gulf Oil Racer
Leading the pack is the 1961 #11 Gulf Oil Racer, a formidable machine that redefined dominance in its prime. Delivered to Grady Davis by Yenko Chevrolet, this beast made its debut at the 1961 12 Hours of Sebring, securing a commendable third place in the GT category. Piloted by Dr. Dick Thompson and Don Yenko, it conquered tracks like Bridgehampton, Indianapolis, Thompson, Road America, and Watkins Glen, ultimately clinching the series championship.
1962 #2 Gulf Oil Racer
Next up is the 1962 #2 Gulf Oil Racer, another masterpiece hailing from Yenko Chevrolet. This racer, driven by Dr. Dick Thompson in the 1962 SCCA-A Production Class, showcased relentless performance, clinching first place in its class 12 times out of 14 races. Victories at Daytona and Sebring were among its most notable achievements, culminating in the 1962 A-Production Championship.
1963 Z06 #1 “Gulf One”
The 1963 Z06 #1, affectionately known as “Gulf One,” stands as possibly the most legendary of the Gulf Oil Racers. Esteemed as the most successful factory-backed Corvette of the C2 era, Gulf One's illustrious resume includes a debut win in Puerto Rico and subsequent triumphs at Marlboro, Maryland, Danville, Virginia, and Road America. Its crowning glory came with a third overall and first in the GT3 class at Daytona.
1963 Z06 #38
Rounding off this historic assembly is the 1963 Z06 #38, a global racer that now resides in the National Corvette Museum. This veteran of the race track has seen action in the United States, Germany, Belgium, and beyond, adding an international flair to its storied career.
A Celebration for the Ages
Bloomington Gold's 2024 event will be in full swing from 8 am to 5 pm on Friday, June 21st, and from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday, June 22nd. The crowning moment will be a parade featuring all participants as they depart from the Bone Student Center at 4 pm on Saturday. For those seeking an exclusive first look, the annual Gold Gala on Thursday, June 20th, offers a sneak preview of the Gold Collection. From 5 pm to 6:30 pm, attendees can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while basking in the glow of these automotive legends, all for a ticket price of $20.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making. Presale tickets for Bloomington Gold’s June 2024 event are available now, with prices set at $30 for a day pass or $55 for a weekend pass. Note that prices will increase by $5 at the gate. For more details about the Gold Collection and Bloomington Gold's array of Corvette events, visit BloomingtonGold.com.
Comparatively rare are the moments when the past is brought vividly back to life. This year’s Gold Collection offers just that, a chance to see not just masterpieces of automotive engineering, but also the legend and lore that these Gulf Oil Corvette Racers encapsulate.