April - Texas Corvette Association

Texas Corvette Association
November
April
2016 2015
Inside this issue:
Message from TCA President
2
What did I miss? Highlights from 3-4
the last TCA meeting
Mystery TCA Member
5
National Corvette Museum
Corner
5
Upcoming Events & Activities
6
Tips on how to CEO an event
7
AutoRama Event
8
In search of Utopia
9-10
Tips on how to win a National
Award for your Corvette
11-12
Lester’s Car Show
13-14
Where’s Cleto?
15
Grab bag and Driving Safety
16
Full Listing of Elected Officers
and Key Positions
17
The Texas Corvette Associate (TCA) has been serving its members
and local charities since 1979. We are proud to promote Corvette
enthusiasm, offer planned road trips, organize social gatherings,
donate to local charities and promote driving safety. The club
website and this newsletter keep members informed. All Corvette
owners are welcome to join the club.
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Message from TCA President, John Lickvar
Hello Fellow TCA Members,
What can be better than sunny skies, beautiful wildflowers, and driving
America’s greatest sports car – the Corvette!
Over the past month we have enjoyed some special events (Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard, The Laurel Tree) and car shows (Autorama and Lester’s). The
forward activity schedule is getting larger and more robust so no excuses,
join in and have fun.
Our BIG event, the car show in Boerne benefiting St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is just days away. Mike Forbis has done a great job getting us ready
and so many of you are helping in many capacities – thank you all! Say a little prayer for sunny skies
and we will have a super car show.
The initial round of voting for a potential logo change is now in progress. By the May general meeting
we should be down to the final two contenders. There is a lot of great logo feedback in the Member
Section of the new website: www.Texas-Corvette-Association.com. Take a few minutes to review the
member comments, and while you are at it, the new website. Terri Butler, our webmaster, will demo
the site at our May meeting. Exercise your right and vote for your favorite logo. Votes are due in no
later than April 17th.
Thanks you all for your support. Let’s have fun, enjoy our friendship and Corvettes, and give back to
the community. Corvettes bring us together, but our people keep us together. Stay safe. John
Officer at Large assignments
If your name falls between:
Your Officer at Large is:
Email
Phone
A - Blum
Boone to Condrey
Gary Burgess
Jerry Smith
[email protected]
[email protected]
830-885-4144
210-967-6658
Cook to Francis
Franklin to Heath
Hendley to Kendricks
Kerr to Marazzi
Marazzini to Morris
Moses to Ramcharan
Read to Specht
Sugioka to Z
Maureen Pisano
Rick Creekmore
Marie Webb
Mike Sauder
Jon Miller
Michael Frazier
Lou Pisano
Jerry Hendley
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
210-492-5036
210-659-4399
210-288-8586
210-391-4809
210-559-8205
210-365-7044
210-492-5036
210-651-1634
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Texas Corvette Association
What did I miss?
Recap of April 5th club meeting
Cavender Chevrolet Update, Dennis Steward, Cavender Chevrolet

Dennis unable to attend but will be in Boerne for the Car Show on April 16th.
Update on additional fund raising efforts , John Lickvar

Getting good traction (pun intended) on the St. Jude’s Vintage Racing
Team, we’ve already exceeded the $2,000 mark. See Dan Martin if interested in how you can help support this effort.
Logo Committee Update, John Lickvar (process detailed on page 3)

John thanked everybody for their feedback and encouraged everyone to read
through the comments posted on the website in order to be a more informed
voter. The comments were posted without names of those who sent feedback and can be viewed on the new TCA Website in the Member Section.
Update on car show, Mike Forbis

We are in pretty good shape. Help needed Friday morning, April 15th at 10am at
Boerne Main Street gazebo to assist parking crew with layout of parking spaces.
Per Pat Martin we have 230 Pre- Registered Cars.
Door Prizes

Door prizes were won by Dan Martin, Jean Cooper and John Dewey
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TCA General Monthly Membership Meeting recap cont...
Haberdashery by Pat Martin
Logo Committee Update
Update by John Lickvar






Committee members are Mark Horner, Maureen Pisano and Kathleen
Golden.
17 different logos were submitted by six members.
Vote Round #1 – 6 options (with one option being our current logo for
an ability to vote to retain existing version.) We will be sending out
an electronic version for all members to vote on through email.
Vote Round #2 – Top two from first vote for final version.
All active members should have already received an email requesting
their vote. If you have not received an email please contact Noel Osborn to provide correct email address.
A number of slightly used
logo items are for sale at
great prices. There is a
short sleeve flag button up
in heavy material and a
long sleeve version. A nice
jacket and other items as
well. See Pat for prices
and sizes.
Membership Update— Noel Osborn, Membership Chair
Since the last General Meeting the following new members have joined the TCA, bringing our total membership to 308. New members include:

Charles & Tammy Brodrick—1974 Red L82

Charles & Lisa Gibbs—2005 Victory Red Convertible

Carl & Diana Reeve — 2013 Torch Red Coupe

Patrick Rowe & Joyce Goodwin—2005 Black Coupe

Ron & Jennifer Sheppard– 2000 Red Convertible

Randy Syptak—2011 Torch Red Coupe

Bill & Diana Thomas—2014 Yellow Z51 Convertible

Jon & Catherine Van Poppel—2011 Jetstream Blue Grand Sport
WELCOME TO TCA!
As a reminder, member benefits at our club sponsor, CAVENDER CHEVROLET include:



25% off all parts replaced during servicing or over the counter
Cost + 25% on all accessories purchased through our parts department
Preferential treatment for TCA members in all areas of the dealership, through our Cavender
representative, Dennis Steward
NOTE: Please see Noel for Membership Decals and Recruiting Cards
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Texas Corvette Association
Mystery TCA Member —Be the first to answer correctly and get your prize at the next club meeting.
HINTS:
1. Likes Fishing
2. Likes Woodworking
3. Likes Condos
Send your guess to Kathleen Golden at
[email protected]
Mystery TCA Member for March was Jim Cooper. Lou Pisano was the first to guess correctly!
National Corvette Museum (NCM) Corner by Rick Creekmore, NCM Master Ambassador
NCM Facts: Besides the three Delivery programs below did you know NCM has a Buyer’s tour for your car, cost $800; photos album packages, cost $700; VIP tours for 4 people, cost $200 and personalized plate packages, cost $400. Go to: http://
www.corvettemuseum.org click VISIT then Delivery Programs
NCM Corvette Delivery Programs:
R8C Museum Delivery

Your new Corvette showed off at the museum with welcome signs, guided VIP tour of
the Plant/Museum, new car orientation and more

Receive one-year NCM membership, gold decal on your car, wall plaque

Cost $990
NCM Experience

Your new Corvette on display on Corvette Boulevard with photographs and VIP tour of
Plant/Museum

Receive one-year NCM membership, silver decal, commemorative plaque

Cost $500
Engine Build

Assemble your 650 HP LT4 engine for your Z06 inside the assembly plant

One full day with assembly technician who guides you through your build

Receives personalized engine plaque/poster. Piston trophy, build your own polo
and ZO6 caps, engine build completion ceremony

Cost $5000
Upcoming Raffles:
 Build your own 2016 Coupe, or $50,000 cash, limited to 1,000 tickets, $250, Apr
29 drawing
 2016 Shark Gray Coupe, limited to 1,500 tickets, $100, May 12 drawing
DON’T FORGET—You can purchase
$10 NCM raffle tickets from Rick at
every TCA meeting for the chance to
win a new Corvette . Next drawing
Apr 30, 2016 for a 2016 Torch Red
Stingray Convertible.
Purchase your online ticket at www.corvettemuseum.org/raffle—Remember to send an email to Rick, [email protected]
when you purchase online raffle tickets, become an NCM member, purchase NCM insurance or participate in NCM activities. As a NCM Lifetime Member the club receives points for all of these activities.
Next update: New Corvette Store Merchandise
5
Upcoming TCA Activities, by Tom Marazzi, VP and Activities Chairman
For more details check the Activities Calendar at: www.texas-corvette-association.com
When
What
Where
April 23rd, Saturday Big Bend Open Road Race, CEO’d by Mike Frazier—Contact Mike if
interested in being a course worker.
Big Bend, West Texas
May 20th, Friday
Drive and Dine to Shiner, TX, CEO’s by Rick Creekmore
Shiner, TX
June 5, Sunday
Drive and Wine to Flat Creek Winery, CEO John and Ruth Lickvar
Marble Falls, TX
July 16th
Go Karts, CEO Mike Sauder
24801 IH- 35, Kyle, TX Phone 512-268-1114
July 23-24
Corvette Invasion, CEO Jon Miller
Circuit of the Americas., Austin TX
Upcoming Car Shows Please contact Tom if you are interested in leading a group to attend any of these car shows.
Date
Car show name
Benefiting
Location
April 16th, Saturday
TCA Hosted Open Car Show (Click
link for details) Mike Forbis is Car
Show Chairman.
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Main Street Boerne, TX
May 7th, Saturday
Freedom Chevrolet
N/A
13483 IH-10 Frontage Road San Antonio, TX
May 8th, Sunday
Hobo Fest Open Car Show
Hosted by Kirby Volunteer
Fire Department
Friendship Park 5745 Binz Engelman Rd.
Kirby, TX
May 14th
El Paso Corvette Club Car Show,
CEO’d By Deb Leimbach
Fisher House and Children's
Miracle Network
Mission Chevrolet, 1316 Georg Dieter Hwy,
El Paso
May 19th– 21st
Lone Star Car Show, Dallas, CEO’d by
Jon Miller
May 21st, Saturday
Alzafar Shriners Open Car Show
Alzafar Shrine
901 N. Loop 1604 West San Antonio, TX
May 30th, Monday
Memorial Day Car Show
Wounded Warrior Project
12132 Leslie Rd. Helotes, TX
June 4th, Saturday
Annual Hooter’s Charity Car Show
CEOs Dan Martin & Rocky Rochford
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Schertz, TX
June 18, Saturday
Audie Murray Car Show
VA Hospital
7400 Merton Minter San Antonio 78229
Dallas, TX
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Texas Corvette Association
Corvettes for Sale by club members:

John Blinn is selling his 1985 Lingenfelter Corvette for $10,900 OBO. Contact John at
[email protected] if you are interested.

Randall Land is selling his 2007 Le Mans Blue Corvette Coupe for $25,000 with 36,000
miles. Contact Randall at if you are interested at (210)364-3630.

Pair, RH and LH, GM outer air deflectors for 2005-2013 Corvette. These are often damaged by speed bumps and parking curb stops. I ordered these for my 2009 Corvette
and I sold the car before these came in. Brand new with lots of tags and stickers on
them. $50.00. Jim Irland, email: [email protected]
If you are a TCA Member selling a Corvette, Corvette parts or accessories you can place an
‘ad’ in this newsletter at no charge by sending your information to newsletter@ texascorvette-association.com.
Interested in Coordinating an Event?
We are always looking for opportunities to get together to drive our Corvettes, and even more so, looking
for members to suggest and CEO various events. Suggestions for events are dinner drives; maintenance
events; viewing the Bracken bat cave, museums, attractions; as well as driving events such as autocross,
drag racing, HPDE, and road rallies. (See the CEO guide for additional ideas).
Once you determine an event you would like to CEO:
1) Review the “CEO Guide”. The guide will walk you through a tried and true checklist of issues to consider and
things to do to ensure your event is a success.
2) Consult the TCA Activities Calendar to ensure there is no conflict with another TCA event.
3) Provide as much lead time as possible; your event should be advertised during at least one TCA meeting and
newsletter prior to the event date.
4) Contact the Activities Chairman to coordinate your event. Once coordinated, your event will be placed on the
TCA website, announced during the TCA monthly meeting, and placed in the TCA newsletter to both advertise the
event and solicit sign-ups.
5) Following the event, provide photographs (please include captions) and a write up of the event for both the TCA
newsletter and website. This allows other members to see what they missed, and generate interest for similar
events in the future.
6) Lastly, Have Fun! This is what the Texas Corvette Association is all about!
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Texas Corvette Association
AutoRama
Tom Marazzi, Photos courtesy of Terri Butler. More great pics are on the website.
During March 18-20th, Dan Kruse Classics held the 3 days of Car Heaven, AutoRama car show. For the
first time they also featured a car auction where we did not participate but could view. Ron Fairman,
Glen Leonard, Dan Martin, Rosa Reinert, Rick Lindner and I were the TCA members that entered cars in
this event. There were so many wonderful cars, we were happy to be included.
I’m pleased to say that all members received an award. However Dan Martin was the big winner as he
also won a $200 cash award for having the “best restored to original” car. Congratulations to Dan. I
was the big looser as each car was given a parking place number. I had my choice of place 414 or
415. Since 415 was closer to the incoming traffic I chose 414. At the end of the show they held a drawing for a 50 inch TV set. You got it. The winning number was 415. Maybe next year.
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Texas Corvette Association
Lunch at the Laurel Tree in Utopia, TX Event CEO’s Deb Leimbach & Jerry Smith
Fifty two TCA members went searching for Utopia and found it on March 26, 2016!
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Texas Corvette Association
Laurel Tree continued...
YUMMY Lamb Chops
Dan & Deb Leimbach and Cindy Clemens
52 Club Members attended this fun event!
10
Texas Corvette Association
So you think you want to win a National Award for your Corvette??? Read on….
By Noel Osborn
OK, I get it! You’ve had your car entered in various “car shows” in and around San Antonio,
and you’re tired of there being “show & shine”
events where cleanliness, not quality, determines your score. Or even more, where the
competition is based on the owner whose has
the most chrome or flashy add-ons; or, worse
yet, maybe just the highest popularity status on
the show-field.
Well, I’ve been there, and I would like to write
about where you might find other “car show”
criteria, based on the quality of your car, specifically the originality and condition your car
represents, and where the competition is not
against other cars, but against a standard of excellence clearly specified for all owners’ cars beforehand.
Noel Osborn with his 1995 Indy Pace Car Replica
Basically there are two paths to follow, both of which
are versed around the twin criteria of originality and
condition, both national in scope, and both presenting their own sets of hurdles to get over. The first
is the National Corvette Restorers’ Society (NCRS)
which puts on events in or near major cities in the
U.S. (and a few abroad). There are 3 levels of competition, all of which offer the same awards, with ascending difficulty as you pass from Chapter, to Regional, and to National events. The principal award at
every event is “Top Flight”, signifying your car is
judged to be at the 94% level in meeting the twin
standards mentioned above, as the car left the factory after assembly – no more no less. This does not
mean “perfect” nor “pristine clean”, since no cars
coming off the line were that way, even after today’s
(very much better) quality inspections by plant workers. NCRS Chapter meets are held in and around San
Antonio; and there’s a Regional meet every year held
near Dallas. National meets are held somewhere every year, and in 2017 there will be another in San Antonio! Currently Corvette models 1999 or earlier are
being judged.
The second path available is through Bloomington
Gold (BG), held once each year (usually in June) in
Illinois or Indiana (e.g. at the Indy 500 track in Indianapolis). Judging is similar to NCRS’, with “Gold Certification” being the desirable award -- which is given to
Corvettes meeting a 95% level of the quality as it
came from the assembly plant, i.e. “ typical factory
production”. Any model year may be presented for
Gold Certification.
Bloomington Gold judges are highly qualified, as are
NCRS judges, but there is one team judging each car
at BG; and 4 teams inspect cars at NCRS events
(Exterior, Interior, Chassis, and Engine). There is also
an Operations Check at NCRS meets, whereas at BG,
the judging is static.
There are follow-ups for the above awards in each
pathway: for example, at NCRS, you can continue for
the “Duntov Award” (for C1s, other names used for
other Corvette generations) by achieving a Top Flight
at a 97% level at two events, one of which must be at
a National show. (Here there is also added the dreaded Performance Verification [PV], which requires a
pass/fail operation check of all systems, from start-up
to gauges to horn function, etc.) Be ready for some
ulcer-producing travel around the country if you aspire to one of these high-level awards, and probably
buy or rent a trailer for these evolutions.
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Texas Corvette Association
Winning at a National Level—Continued
There are also awards for originality only on each
pathway, the “Bowtie” for NCRS, and “Survivor” at
BG. Here you better be sure that nothing has been
changed or modified on your car, including original
paint and engine/body parts. NCRS is really picky
about this, but BG allows a Survivor rating if your car
is 50% original in at least 3 of the 4 areas mentioned
above. The practical equivalent of a Duntov Award at
BG is called “Benchmarks”, which requires Gold Certification and Survivor status (all 4 areas) at the same
judging weekend. Cars must also be 20 years or older
to stand for Benchmarks.
the chrome and fancy paint and interior mods….
The attached photos help complete the story: the one
of me with my Pace Car is from the recent Chevy/
Corvette Expo this year. This gives you an idea of the
venue – the Expo is held inside in an air-conditioned
facility, which is similar to that of most NCRS events.
Bloomington Gold is usually held outside in the summer (IN or IL), which may present some discomfort
due to challenging climate conditions, e.g. heat or
rain.
The second photo shows my ’95 PC and my partner
Carolyn Wood. You really need to haul, not drive,
So if you have the stomach – and the budget -- for it, your show car around to any of these national events,
either of the pathways above offer some national
or else you may endanger sensitive working parts,
recognition for showing your car, under precise
and/or having to thoroughly detail your car every trip.
guidelines. Fortunately we have TCA members who
You might even consider a closed trailer to protect it
are experienced judges for both routes….See Dan
entirely from the elements and road hazards --these
Martin, who is a Master NCRS Judge, and Gary
are an expensive investment, to be sure. You can also
Nyland , who judged at Bloomington for many years. rent a trailer from UHaul, as I did, for about 50 bucks
Make sure they have a chance to look over your car
a day, and they will (I think) load the car on and off
before you take it for one of these award processes. for you at pickup and return. BUT, you are still adAnd if all that’s not enough punishment for you, you vised to have a sharp-eyed partner (like Carolyn) to
can also go for the Tri-Power Award, which is offered guide you on and off at the show location. (I tried to
at the Chevy/Corvette Expo in Houston/Galveston in do this myself once and ran the car off the side of the
about February every year. This award used to be
trailer, involving some expensive repairs.) THANK
called the “Triple Crown” and requires both NCRS Top YOU DAN MARTIN for your rescue and replacement
Flight and Bloomington Gold certification to qualify. I of a potentially expensive rocker panel on my ’67.
have gone this route with 2 cars so far – a 1967 small
block and a 1995 Pace Car
replica. The Tri-Power was an
excellent means of validating
the continued quality status
for both of my cars after a few
years had passed; but even
more, I suggest some recovery
time is in order after you participate in either (or both)
NCRS and BG process. There’s
a big investment in getting
yourself and your car ready
for this level of judging. Or
you can just stick with the local shows and hack it out with
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Texas Corvette Association
Lester’s Car Show, April 2nd Photos by Terri Butler with more on the club website
At Lester’s car show
the following TCA
members won
awards:
Barry Christman
Wayne Eason
Rick Lindner
Robert Mills
Rosa Reinhart
Mike Sauder
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Texas Corvette Association
Lester’s Car Show, continued
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Texas Corvette Association
WHERE’S Cleto?? WOAI Promo for the Car Show at Mike Sauder’s business, Woodcraft
Special thanks to Bob Butler for the photos—more pics can be found on the club website.
Mike Sauder was able to arrange to have Cleto Rodriguez (local comedian of the Where’s Cleto segment on WOAI San Antonio,
Channel 4) out to Woodcraft which Mike owns and is considered to be the Mecca for woodworking enthusiasts (per Andrew
Golden). Mike invited club members to show up with their cars in an effort to create buzz around the 24th Annual Open Car
Show in Boerne, hosted by the TCA, on April 16th. The first attempt to meet with Cleto drew 13 cars and truly became a
‘WHERE’S CLETO” segment because he didn’t show! Apparently there was a mix up so it was quickly rearranged for a couple of
days later. The second round drew about 8 members with cars with live spots in the morning on WOAI and on their sister station on Channel 9. GREAT JOB to all! Thanks to all who came out to support this promo. A special thank you to Mike for arranging it and to Cleto Rodriguez and WOAI for featuring the TCA!
15
Texas Corvette Association
Humor grab bag...Since we are hosting the car show this month I thought it might be interesting to
see how some other car clubs reflect their show in ads and on T-shirts.
I have my
Devil Eye on
you? ——->
(Proceeds used to buy stuffed bears for a children’s hospital.)
Pulled Pork
anyone? —>
A different take on title of an excellent Oscar winning movie
Driving Safety
April Showers bring challenging roads…
Who drives their Corvette in the rain, anyway? This month’s safety message
addresses why it is not a good idea to take your Corvette out in the rain.
Enough said?!
16
Meetings take place the
1st Tuesday of each month
at Biff Buzby’s at 7:30 p.m.
www.biffbuzbys.com
Sponsors of TCA:
TCA Elected Officers & Key Positions
President, John Lickvar
[email protected]
Vice President, Tom Marazzi
[email protected]
Secretary, Jean Cooper
[email protected]
Treasurer, Rick Lindner
[email protected]
Past President, Glen Leonard
[email protected]
Board Member – OAL, Gary Burgess
[email protected]
Board Member—OAL, Lou Pisano
[email protected]
Dennis Steward: Phone 210-477-8300 Board Member – OAL, Maureen Pisano [email protected]
[email protected]
TCA Members receive parts discount of 25%
(On most accessories, cost +25%)
Organizations TCA supports:
www.stjudesranch.org
Board Member—OAL, Jerry Smith
[email protected]
Officer at Large, Rick Creekmore
[email protected]
Officer at Large, Mike Frazier
[email protected]
Officer at Large, Jerry Hendley
[email protected]
Officer at Large, Jon Miller
[email protected]
Officer at Large, Mike Sauder
[email protected]
Officer at Large, Marie Webb
[email protected]
Activities Chairman, Tom Marazzi
[email protected]
Car Show Chairman, Mike Forbis
[email protected]
Cavender Liaison, Bernie Jensen
[email protected]
Cavender Liaison, Bob Howell
[email protected]
Fiesta San Antonio Rep, Dan Martin
[email protected]
Haberdashery, Pat Martin
[email protected]
Membership Chairman, Noel Osborn
[email protected]
NCM Ambassador, Rick Creekmore
[email protected]
Name Badges, Bruce Larson
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor, Kathleen Golden
[email protected]
Public Relations, Kathleen Golden
[email protected]
Safety Representative, Marty Kotanan [email protected]
www.corvettemuseum.org
Tech and Restoration, Dan Martin
[email protected]
Webmaster, Terri Butler
[email protected]
17