C5 Registry Atlanta-Savannah-Daytona 2001

Daytona - Friday

On to Daytona! Just trying to keep Tony in sight occupied all our attention. We all made our way to our various hotels. And, later that evening, to the Registry dinner at the Plaza Hotel and Spa. What a mob! And I left my camera at the hotel. Two great things: 1) All the drivers were there and patiently signed everything presented to them and 2) The food was GREAT! Maybe someone will send me more pictures to post.....

Of course the star of the autograph session was "The Intimidator", Dale Earnhardt himself...
Courtesy: Tom Crawford
Here's Dan holding forth at the banquet (usual volume...)
Courtesy: Bob Hardt
Rick Baldick spoke (Corvette Brand Manager, GM)
Courtesy: Bob Hardt
..as did Dave Hill (Corvette Chief Engineer, GM)
Courtesy: Bob Hardt

Daytona - Saturday

Remember the guy who decided we'd all get up at dawn on Friday to drive down to Daytona? That's nothing. Someone else decided we'd all get up a dawn on Saturday to queue up for the Parade Lap.

Chevy wanted Z06s first, then Pace Cars, then yellow C5s, then the rest of the C5s and then C4s, C3s, C2s and C1s. There were hundreds of us; hundreds!
And there's even more looking toward the front of the line...
And here's a particularly nice looking Black coupe in line. Notice the tiny white symbol on the right-front corner; those who know me well know what that means...
Did I mention there were yellow cars?
At the front of the line, the white Z06 is Bob Hardt's and the yellow one is Buzz & Jackie Nielsen's. If yours is the black one, let me know and I'll give you credit...

Now tell me this: What other car group has a wedding behind the grandstand at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona? None, I'm sure. Yes, Marilyn Jacobson and Bruce Phipps tied the knot right out in front of God and everyone!

Lynn and Kurt Kennedy were Matron of Honor and Best Man, Jim Fishman performed the ceremony. And, of course, their Silver Bullet was part of the wedding party.

And, to add a tiny touch of class, Chaz & Pete Butler wore....

Ya gotta love it!

Priorities being what they are, it's back in line for the Parade Lap!

Sadly I have no pictures (yet) of the parade lap nor of the race. Others are sending me pictures as we speak. Check back often (date last updated is at the top of the page).

-- Chaz C5R#W0526

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