Shop Day Recap - by Dan Nugent

Fourteen members participated at the February 6th Shop Day where Jim Ellis Chevrolet’s Master Corvette Technician David Fulcher helped 10 members diagnose problems, perform routine maintenance, and make repairs on their Corvettes. The morning started with fresh sausage biscuits (courtesy of Bob Sprock) and a close look at a new ZR1 awaiting final prep in the service area. Its hood was open thereby encouraging many of us to take another close look at this sensational Corvette’s ultimate performance power plant with its unique supercharger. Jim Hutchinson was acting as club photographer that morning and started snapping candid shots that may be viewed on our website.

Dave Adcock confirmed that his valve cover gaskets were leaking on his 1986 and had hoped to change them with extra help from David F. and club members. Since the parts department did not have the proper gaskets, a two hour search of local parts stores was finally successful but work didn’t begin in earnest until most of the other projects were completed. David Fulcher demonstrated his usual resourcefulness by using innovative techniques to speed-up the process of removing and installing the gaskets while members observed or stuck their hands in the right places to help facilitate the procedure. It was amazing how few overlaying components David had to remove as he sat on top of the right wheel and “wrestled” the right side valve cover off and on.

Several diagnostic tests and undercarriage inspections revealed problems beyond the scope of the Shop Day. Bob Warren’s 2005 will need major extended warranty A/C system control system module replacement when parts are received. Larry Vaitkus was most fortunate that David found potentially dangerous de-lamination starting on his rear composite leaf spring on his 1996. It will also require special parts for David to install ASAP! Tom Wright’s 2002 was found to have excess transmission fluid leaks that may require future work by David.

Other diagnostics resolved an A/C problem on Mike Campsmith’s 1998 and an EGR problem on Dave Brownell’s 1985. Several brake inspections were done along with oil and brake fluid changes.

It was another very productive and valuable Shop Day for all the members that brought in cars and those who observed. It seemed like everyone had questions for the “Master” who graciously shared his extraordinary Corvette knowledge and stayed late to accommodate everyone. We are very grateful to David and Jim Ellis Chevrolet for their wonderful support and look forward to our next Shop Day at their new location and service facility in early fall.

Super Bowl Party at the Mosseys - by Michael Campsmith

Last year the weather for the Corvette Atlanta Super Bowl party was delightfully Spring-like; this year it was noticeably cooler. Still, the skies were clear, and we can be thankful we don’t live in Maryland, Virginia, or DC—it may take them a month to dig out from the recent blizzards.

Bob and Cindy Mossey again graciously opened their home for the festivities. David and Nancy Morgan procured the meat for grilling and did an excellent job of marinating the chicken and burgers. Bob spent the first shift manning the grill and then handed off to Dave Brownell and Michael Campsmith. There were so many wonderful side dishes I didn’t know were to start—or stop. I sampled most everything and had seconds of my favorites, especially the Brunswick stew.

Once the game started people were mostly focused on one of two areas—the commercials, and the score at the end of each quarter. A lucky few went home with money in their pockets, the rest of us with regrets for being soooo close (sorry, Susan!!).

I left at halftime and drove home with the top down (naturally). But even I had to question my sanity as the temperature display showed 37 degrees. Turns out the game was actually well-played and exciting up to the very end—if only they all were.

By my count at least 3 dozen people showed up to enjoy the food and fellowship with their friends. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the fun-loving members of Corvette Atlanta and look forward to this event next year. It will be hard to top the excitement of this year’s Super Bowl, but really the game is only the excuse for the party –and the commercials.

Non "Mystery" Dinner - by Jim Hutchinson

Don’t miss it. Save the date!! Saturday February 27

In our new format, so that there are no rude surprises for anyone, we are announcing in advance the location of the “mystery” night dinners. Mickey and I found an upbeat, easy to get to, new eatery that is bright and fun and the food and service superb. At least 79% of the people reviewing the place liked it, it’s MYKONAS TAVERNA: http://mykonostavernaatlanta.com/

After chatting with the manager, Drew, about bringing our group there, he became really excited at the thought that we would be arriving in our CORVETTES. In fact he is preparing a banner with the club name and reserving places directly across from the entrance for us.

We’ll meet in the SAMS parking lot, on the left and up front at 5 pm. That’s the SAMS right off Clairmont Rd at the I-85 exit. Then about 5:15 we’ll caravan to our reserved parking spots, so be certain to DRIVE YOUR VETTE!

2nd Annual Jim Ellis Car Show - by Betty Parks

Planning is underway for the upcoming 2nd Annual Corvette show on April 10th at the new Jim Ellis Chevrolet facility. The Car Show committee met with Mark Frost and discussed expectations of the show. BIGGER and BETTER sums it up! Following the meeting, the group got a tour of the new dealership facility (which is just up the road from the old location - closer to I-285)...and is it awesome!!

The Aflac Cancer Center at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta will receive all proceeds from the show again this year. As a bonus to encourage more participation from the local Corvette clubs, Mark Frost has increased the Club Participation Award from $250 to $1,000!! As host of the show, Corvette Atlanta is not eligible for the award but will have an excellent opportunity to meet and greet fellow Corvette comrades. Our members can and are encouraged to enter their car in the show. Last year we had the most cars on display at the show -- let's do it again!

In order to be successful with the show, everyone needs to be involved. While the show does not officially open until 10am - we learned last year that cars will arrive quite early. Dave Brownell has volunteered to head up the parking detail -- and will need a lot of assistance. With over 5 acres of space at Jim Ellis - it will be a huge task but Corvette Atlanta members are no strangers to challenges! There will be ample space for ALL the participants and spectators -- they'll just need directions for how to park.

With the expanded space at the dealership, there will be a larger concession area. Carolyn Nugent has secured a large central space and will need volunteers to cook and sell the food. Everyone had fun working in concession last year - including Mark Frost's family who have already committed to be there again this year.

At the February meeting, Mary Capka challenged everyone to solicit their favorite eateries for door prize coupons. Posters, flyers and solicitation letters will be available at the March meeting for your use. Amy Parker has agreed to coordinate the collection of door prizes. If you need her assistance in picking up committed items, please contact her. Please remember - the only restriction on door prizes is the items should NOT be in conflict with things that Jim Ellis sells, such as tires, Chevy parts, etc.

In final preparation for the show, we will have the club's April meeting (4/6) at the new Jim Ellis dealership (instead of O'Charley's). At that time, we will be able to make final our walk-through on all the show preparation. We will plan to stuff the goodie bags as well. You can bring any door prizes for Amy. Please come to the meeting and help make our final plans.

Please let us know how you will help make this show the biggest and best that the club has ever had. The club will not be successful without your support!!

2010 NCCC Convention - by Betty Parks

The 51st National Convention of NCCC will be held July 24th - 30th in Palm Beach, FL. The host hotel is the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott and most of the driving events (High Speed, Low Speed, Bracket Drags, Record Drags, Track Day) will be at the newly renovated Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR) -- only 13 miles from the hotel.

If you're not into racing, entertainment includes pool parties, welcome party with a DJ/music and Karaoke (with a contest for the best club table), Madri Gras night (dress up in your best costume), NASCAR night (bring your team garb to show off your favorite drivers). In addition, there are many exciting other activities. Just as a small sample - you can visit the Lion County Safari with a drive through a real live safari, take Air Boat rides, visit the Everglades, or take a 3 hour sailing adventure. If you are a sun lover there are miles of beaches just minutes away. Juno Beach has lots of free parking. So bring your swim suit for either the hotel pool or the Atlantic Ocean. Tours will be available for sign up on Saturday and Sunday in the registration area.

Competition Report – by Don Parks

Upcoming Competition Events

Mar. 07 -- NASCAR at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Mar. 20-21 -- 14 Autocrosses at Darlington Speedway, SC
Apr. 17-18 -- 14 Autocrosses at Nashville Super Spdwy, TN
May 8-9 -- 14 Autocrosses at Sanford, NC (old airport)
JULY 24-30 -- Palm Beach, FL -- 51st NCCC Convention !!!

Event Calendar