This year, the Registry repeats that fabulous experience as a (mostly) new group of Registry members attend the 69th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans! This year the adventure starts in Belgium...

...Chaz

Don't worry about bandwidth this year; this is on a Registry server!

MARCH TO LEMANS 2001

This trip actually started about one month ago when Tom Crawford, and we drove our C5's over to Jacksonville to be put into a container, to then be shipped to Savannah and then on over the big pond. We had lovely weather and it was a great driving day. Everything went smoothly, and then the waiting started as we still had to wait until June 8, before we too, could fly over the pond.

Nielsen and Crawford C5s in Jacksonville

Friday, June 8th

Well the day finally arrived, somehow we have more luggage than expected. Fitting it into the car could prove to be an interesting feat. We left Tampa at 4pm, on to Philadelphia where we met up with Rick and Linda Berry. Weather again was cooperating and other than a minor gate delay we were off.

Saturday, June 9th

We arrived at 10AM in Brussels, Belgium. As we walked out the exit we heard our names being called by Dan. The March to LeMans had unofficially begun. We met Bob and Debbie Trenner, Tom & Lynn Crawford and of course Dan and Jake. The Crawfords, Berry's and ourselves hired a van and went on to the Antwerp Hilton. A very nice place I might add. Good food and drinks. What more can one desire. We did a small tour of the city had a wonderful dinner and then off to catch up on our sleep.

Sunday, June 10th

Sunday arrived with all of us being well rested. We had a minivan pick up us at the Hilton and take us on a private tour of the city of Brugge. From what we learned this was a wonderful example of Flemish history. Our tour guide Guido, help us to pick out a wonderful restaurant for lunch, He must also had some control of the weather, for as we ate, it rained. We took a lovely boat ride on the town's canal system. Back to Antwerp for the official beginning of the March to LeMans. The women are still trying to decide if this trip to Antwerp was just a tease, as all the diamond stores are closed on Sunday. FYI Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world. Maybe next time!

Lunch @ Brugge w/the Nielsens, Crawfords and Berrys

The 2001 March to Le Mans participants met in a private room at the Antwerp Hilton. Everyone was introduced and city and states identified. It appears to be a fun crowd. C5 Registry shirts were shown to all and also a Corvette Racing shirt from Chevrolet, which were to be handed out in the morning before we left or the Nielsens would not have any room in their car. A quick overall of the trip was gone through. We then all met for a buffet dinner at the Hotel's restaurant. Everyone is anxious to get his or her car.

Jake & Dan @ Antwerp addressing the troops	Usual wining and dining C5 style
Front of Registry shirt	Back of Registry shirt

Monday, June 11th

Monday morning we boarded a bus to go pick up our beloved babies. Unfortunately all were not present and accounted for. Gary Bankston's car was flown to Frankfort, so arrangements had to be made for it to be flown to Paris. The man definitely is a gentleman. He probably handled the news better than most. He and his son then had to rent a Renault to drive with us to Paris.

Check out the pretty cars!	OK; who wants their shirts!?!
What kind of C5 is this?!?	OK! Time to get the show on the road! (is that really a Lingenfelter?)

Beginning of the Caravan has now started and we are on our way to Paris. First turn was right and many went left (including the first car), No problem U turns are in our vocabulary. Finally we are in the correct direction and we're off and running through the countryside of Belgium. The roads were a bit on the rough side, but we continued on. Of course there were a few unplanned road tours, and the group had maybe now instead of one long caravan, three different ones, some even on different roads. Map reading 101 is a must for this trip, but at times it can even be difficult for those who have passed it. We all managed to meet up at one of the rest areas to finish our caravan to Paris. Tom and Lynn Crawford elected to go on their own, as Tom was experiencing some problems with starting his car. More on this later. We arrived in Paris at the height of rush hour, how else to be noticed. The decision was made to drive down the Champs d'lysee before finding the hotel and we did just that. Sixteen C5's and one C4 competently made the course. And what a course it was. Traffic comes from every direction. Around the Arc'd Triumph and back. Pretty awesome site and many thumbs up from the onlookers. No damage to any car either, believe me after living through it that says a lot for our drivers.

We are staying at the Baltimore Hotel, which is a lovely place. An impromptu get together happened in the very small hotel bar. An immense quantity of champagne and other liquids were had by those that couldn't pass the bar. This was not only a celebration drink but many hearts had almost come to a stop on the drive around the Arc de Triomphe. We were feeling no pain when most of us decided to do dinner at about 8:30 PM with no reservations. Several taxis were called and off we went to some district where we had a great meal at a place I don't know the name of. Guess maybe I had a bit much to drink. Great times had by all.

Is that really the Arc de Triomphe in the background?	Another C5 dinner
This really IS Paris!	Jake & Buzz at Notre Dame

Tuesday, June 12th

Tuesday brought us to a short 2 1/2 hour tour of the city by bus. Afternoon to do what you wanted. The Berry's and we went to Montmarte, did a train tour and had a café style lunch. Then it was back to the Baltimore to change, maybe have a little more champagne and prepare for a dinner cruise on the Seine and take in a show at the Lido. Side line - Tom made it to a local GM dealer and they managed to do a temporary fix on his car until he gets home. Was told there was quite an interesting story of his morning. Also the word at this time is that Gary's car is in France and waiting to clear customs. Maybe more will follow. Oh well, off to Curzay and the Chateau tomorrow.

The weather for the cruise was fabulous, the sites from the river exquisite. We had a wonderful sunset. More champagne and wine was tasted and we managed to even convince a bunch of computer people to join in the C5 fun. It took some explaining for them to understand exactly what we were doing. The Lido was something to experience. Men definitely seemed to enjoy it more than the ladies. They did have some magic and some real strong gymnasts.

Wednesday, June 13th

Wednesday brought our departure to Curzay. The men were complaining about getting their cars from the garage. You had to see it to believe it. Am not sure if anyone did get a picture of it, but it was definitely made for small narrow and not low cars. Of course a drivers meeting was convened and then off for one last trip around the Arc de Triomphe and onto the wonderful French countryside.

Cars at the Castle
Everyone seemed pleased when they arrived at the Chateau. Veronique and her staff was there to greet us and help us to our rooms. She did have a bottle of Champagne chilling for us as we had requested. We all had time for a few imbibments (and the usual pictures):


before going to a local pizza place. Buzz and I along with six others opted for dinner at the Chateau. All I can say is that Chef Eric outdid himself once more. It was just as wonderful a meal as we remembered.

Thursday, June 14th

Early Thursday morning the group took off for a castle tour, we slept in a bit and then decided to go to La Rochelle, a seaside village. We had a great time walking the town and stopping in a local brasserie for a great lunch. Jackie did manage to make a few purchases. She knows our space is limited, but that hasn't yet stopped her. On the way back back to the Chateau I thought I would air out the C5, but there were some local Gendarmes on the highway, and when we stopped for gas they were also refueling. Jackie asked them to let us take a few pictures, they thought she was going to let them take the car, Buzz tried to take one of their bikes, they tried to put him away, and finally all turned out well:

Thursday night brought the now annual C5 Chateau barbecue - you have to experience it to believe it. Some how we just don't seem to ever get to sleep before midnight. Of course it is still light and one does tend to lose track of the time.

Friday, June 15th

Friday morning all were packing up and getting ready for our trip to LeMans. Of course, this is the highlight of the trip for many. Somehow we did not leave without leaving a box for Veronique to send back to the states. The cars were packed and we are ready to go, but not before one more drivers' meeting:


Finally the motors roared and we were off. Aong the way we did have to decide which way to go and Walt Thurn was snapping pictures for all to see sometime:



First stop was at a church parking lot in the center of Changes were we met up with the family we were staying with. This was decided to be the best as most hotels are booked years in advance. A quick trip to drop off luggage at the house and back to the local square to line up for the ride to LeMans and the Parade d'Pilotes. Drivers' meeting first, and then off to a staging area where we waited for a while unti we were told to move to yet another stating area. Rick Berry trying to figure out where to go:



Of course cars were once more detailed and given the once-over by a lot of passersby. We then proceeded to an area in front of the Le Mans Cathedral, and onto the parade route. Before we left for the parade, Andy Pilgrim was interviewed by Speedvision:



Many got to mingle with the drivers:

Rick Berry and Scott Pruitt	Andy Pilgrim, Franck Freon, Kelly Collins & Marc Fisher
Buzz & Franck Freon	Buzz & Ron Fellows

Ron Fellows signing a C5 Manual for Nigel (a friend from the UK):



..it's hard to see who's signing what for whom. Again this is something you have to experience to believe. Having been there last year we thought we were prepared but the crowds were probably at least twice as big or more. At time one was not even sure where the road was as people just pressed right up close to the car, and you could not see the car in front of you. We had a great time throwing candy out to the children. Many of the children also collect autographs of the drivers, they did not seem to care whether we were a racecar or not, our autograph was still wanted. After the parade we had a gathering of the European Corvette club and the C5 Registry at Cheval Blanc (White Horse Tavern) in Changes. Credentials were handed out and mingling, and of course the usual eating & drinking took place. After that we all headed back to our host families for some much needed rest. Many did not sleep restfully as the anticipation of the "Parade Lap" was on everyone's mind. The LeMans parade lap is about 100+ MPH and many thought they knew what was in store for the morning.

Saturday, June 16th

Well, as they say the best laid plans of mice and men prevailed and the rain continued to come down the next morning. Undaunted we met at the town square and headed out for the much anticipated parade lap of LeMans and the thrill of our Corvette lives. We found our way to the parking area and were met by the European contingent of Corvettes along with Eddy, the same guide from last year and headed for the final staging area before the track. Dan told us that there was to be "No Hot-dogging on the track and that anyone caught would be dealt with." We still were excited, and then the STS Pace car backed up and it was our turn. The track was wet, and Walt Thurn said that he would take our picture as we came beneath the Dunlop Bridge, how cool is that? Off we went, a little slowly at first but who cares, this is LeMans. We took off down the track, across the Start/finish line and on to the Dunlop Bridge for the snapshot. After that it was off to tackle the same circuit that many a racer had done before. Just as I was about to tromp the throttle, my wife said "It looks a little slick, and I think the car in front is starting to----Holy S-t, I think you just lost it and that wall is coming, no better yet is really close." Sure enough we were in the grass along the wall and rather than being scared, I was somewhat invigorated. From there on the laps were still very great, but I did use a bit more caution. Still there are only a few people (I think less than 150) who can claim that they have driven their Corvette on the track at LeMans in any type of weather, and we are two of them. After the laps, which by the way we were not allowed to switch drivers, we found our way back to the Corvette parking area. After we arrived, I realized that the Yellow Z was really dirty from our small detour on the first lap, oh well time to clean later. As we were leaving, Dan was heard on the radio to say "Buzz, wait a minute I want to talk to you." Well, my first thought was I guess I will be the one to be dealt with. Much to my surprise, all he wanted was to tell us that our car was to be placed in the LeMans Museum for the Corvette owners' party, along with the Registry car and a 1964 Convertible from the UK. That sounded great until we were told that we had about 45 minutes to detail our cars and get them in the building. Off we went, Z-6ing, tire dressing and generally cleaning. Thank God my wife was there to help. We placed the car in the museum and went into the infield to do some Corvette shopping. Just a reminder of where we are:


GM did not disappoint us with a great tent full of C5R items that you can't get in the United States.

After spending a king's ransom and having many full bags, we went back to the museum for a little break, with sandwiches and of course a little Champagne. I have to admit that it was quite a thrill to see our Yellow Z06 gleaming alongside the stage, knowing that it was the first and only Z06 in Europe. I hope that the director of the museum will send a letter stating that our car was on display for the 24 Hour weekend. We were inspired by words of encouragement from Brands Manager, Rick Baldick and of course Chief Corvette Engineer, David Hill:



We all just knew that was the race we would win and prove that Corvette was here to race and not just put on a show. Buzz, Dan and Rick Baldick discuss the new race shirts (yeah, riiiiight); still nice shirts:



After the festivities, we were then on to the track to see our seats and the much anticipated start of the race.

Well, I have to admit that the seats were a large disappointment compared to last year. I mean that to say they were on the other side of the track from the pits, but were about ¼ mile up towards the Dunlop Bridge at a turn. That sounds OK, but the seats were on the lower rows and we soon found out that everyone liked to climb the fences and stand in front of us. Many of us tried to reason with these people, but to no avail. There soon became verbal battles and some of these even advanced into almost physical altercations. There was even one individual from we believe Germany, who stated "I Hate All Americans." With a statement like that and the fact that he had already consumed half the beer at the track, clearer heads prevailed and everyone tried to enjoy the race. The beginning is again something you almost have to feel to appreciate, and this year did not disappoint. After the start, many went on about their business, and watched the race from wherever they wanted. There was much bitching and moaning about the seats and the way we had been treated, but in reality we were dealing with a large corporation and had to be somewhat happy to have any seats at all. I do have to say that I would have felt better if we had seen someone from GM either before the parade lap or at the seats. I also feel it would have been easier to handle the seats if Dan or Jake had at least been with the masses to see the start. But this is my personal feeling and should be taken as such.

Jackie and I left to return to the White Horse for a bite to eat, and were pleased to see quite a few of the other C5 Registry members already there. We had a good meal and talked about the trip, home stays, seats, and 'most every other part of the trip so far. Since we had been there last year we were asked how it compared to the previous Le Mans. My answer was that it was like asking if the sex was better last week or this. We had to admit that we were disappointed with some of the things that had happened, but we were still in France with our C5s and had done some serious driving on and off the track. There were a few who felt that they would just leave in the morning and meet the rest of us in Normandy. They left in the morning and we did hook up with them on Monday.

Our host family invited us to partake of dinner with them on Sunday, as it was Fathers' Day and our hostess' birthday and they were having her Mother & Father over for the festivities. Well, we felt that since it was raining and they said dinner would be at noon, we could eat and be back at the track for the end of the race. We then decided to take the family and most of the rest of the neighborhood for a ride in the Z06:



Their guests arrived and told us that the C5R was in the lead in its class, so we waited to go back and see the finish. Well, we didn't have a clue of what was in store for us. After the usual imbibing of alcohol and snacks, we proceeded to the table for the fish course complete with head and tail. I have to say it was delicious, and many of you who know me realize that is quite a compliment. After that there were many courses to come and some conversation with the help of a dictionary and many inflections from our hosts and us. The whole meal was quite enlightening, but very long. By the time we finished the race was over and Corvette had won without us there to witness the event.

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