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Central Valley Corvettes of Fresno - October 2019

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We all know it’s not a good ‘CVC RUN’ unless we stop for<br />

some kind <strong>of</strong> Ice Cream! Ted’s has been in operation in<br />

the St. Louis shop serving Frozen Cutard since 1930!


The <strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> Corvette Club was<br />

chartered in 1991 for the owners <strong>of</strong> the only<br />

real AMERICAN sports car, the awesome<br />

CORVETTE. It's a social organization with<br />

activities that provide enjoyment for the true<br />

Corvette lover.<br />

MONTHLY MEETINGS ARE HELD<br />

AT 6.30 P.M. ON THE 3 RD TUESDAY<br />

OF EVERY MONTH AT YOSEMITE<br />

FALLS CAFE, 4278 W. ASHLAN AVE,<br />

FRESNO CALIFORNIA. INTERESTED<br />

CORVETTE ENTHUSIAST ARE<br />

MORE THAN WELCOME TO<br />

ATTEND THE MEETINGS AND MEET<br />

OUR MEMBERS.<br />

Club activities include monthly meetings,<br />

car shows, weekend Club activities,<br />

overnighters, picnics, road rallies, summer<br />

cruises, holiday get-to-gathers and more!<br />

Eligibility for membership in CVC is<br />

defined in Article III, section 1 <strong>of</strong> the<br />

bylaws in part as follows: "Membership in<br />

<strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Corvettes</strong> shall be open to all<br />

Corvette owners who are sponsored by a<br />

member in good standing. Additionally, a<br />

prospective member must, within a three<br />

month period, attend two consecutive<br />

meetings, participate in two club sanctioned<br />

social activities, pay current membership<br />

dues and initiation fees, and be approved by<br />

two-thirds vote <strong>of</strong> membership present at a<br />

general membership meeting by secret<br />

ballot.<br />

Sponsors shall be responsible for advising<br />

prospective member <strong>of</strong> results. All members<br />

must submit pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> personal insurance in<br />

accordance with California State Law upon<br />

application for membership, and all<br />

members must be a member <strong>of</strong> the<br />

association providing club liability insurance<br />

for CENTRAL VALLEY CORVETTES.<br />

A prospective member who does not have a<br />

sponsor will be provided one by the<br />

membership committee. Non-members may<br />

not participate in more than three meetings<br />

or two sanctioned activities as per CVC<br />

Bylaws.<br />

CVC membership dues are $67.00 plus an<br />

initiation fee <strong>of</strong> $35.00. Membership entitles<br />

two members at the same address voting<br />

privileges at meetings (provided they are in<br />

good standing) and membership rights.<br />

Please feel free to contact the membership<br />

chairperson, Ruthie Danielsen 284-6260<br />

or any <strong>of</strong>ficer on the following page.


PRESIDENT<br />

Dick Danielsen<br />

298-5229<br />

redanielsenr@aol.com<br />

VP-ACTIVITIES<br />

Mike Lebda<br />

905-9971<br />

mjlebda@comcast.net<br />

VP-PUBLIC RELATIONS/ MEMBERSHIP<br />

Ruthie Danielsen<br />

284-6260<br />

ama2two@aol.com<br />

SECRETARY<br />

Kathy Marine<br />

408-712-8902<br />

teed4u@yahoo.com<br />

TREASURER<br />

Lynne Henenfent<br />

978-4898<br />

mhenenfent@aol.com<br />

PARLIAMENTARIAN<br />

Charlotte Renna<br />

977-4982<br />

chrenna@aol.com<br />

Mission Statement / Officers..... 2-3<br />

A Word from our President......... 4<br />

Secretary’s Minutes...................5-7<br />

New Members……………………..….. 8<br />

Birthdays & Anniversaries............ 9<br />

Membership Letter & Form.... 10-11<br />

In the Garage w/ Pres.Dick…. 12-15<br />

CVC Activities............................ 16<br />

CVC Event Flyers.................. 17-20<br />

Mystery Lunch Pics……………….… 21<br />

CVC Caravan to NCM…….…… 22-62<br />

Happy Hearts Car Show……… 63-65<br />

Madera Raceway……………….…… 66<br />

Snelling Car Show……………… 67-69<br />

From our Sponsor, Ed Dena....... 70<br />

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS<br />

Chuck Laningham<br />

304-7662<br />

laningham@hotmail.com<br />

SUNSHINE & CLOUDS - NEWS<br />

Linda Laningham<br />

304-7662<br />

laningham@hotmail.com<br />

Charlie Brown<br />

WEBSITE & NEWSLETTER EDITOR<br />

Charlie Fosnaugh<br />

299-0547<br />

fosnaugh@comcast.net


…a word from our President!<br />

It is <strong>October</strong> already! I don’t know how to slow down<br />

the passage <strong>of</strong> time, but it seems unfair that the older<br />

we get, the faster it seems to accelerate.<br />

Our travelers with the National Corvette Caravan to<br />

the Corvette Museum report they had a great time<br />

while at the museum and at many other venues<br />

both going and coming back home. Charlie, it sounds<br />

like all the hard work and effort you put in to trip<br />

planning enabled a wonderful time filled with fun for<br />

all! We had a good turnout for our participation in Ed<br />

Dena’s Happy Hearts Car Show on September 7 th .<br />

We had 17 cars from the club and we were able to<br />

present Ed with a donation <strong>of</strong> $2,000 to <strong>Valley</strong><br />

Children’s Hospital. Our club was awarded the “Club<br />

Spirit Award” in appreciation for our support <strong>of</strong> the<br />

event and <strong>of</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> Children’s Hospital. Thank you<br />

Mike (Lebda) for coordinating this club run.<br />

We are sorry we had to miss Larry King’s run to the<br />

Madera Speedway. From all reports everyone had a<br />

fun time driving around the race track on two<br />

separate occasions!<br />

One more September run will not occur until the 29 th<br />

and that is the Snelling Car Show. Those <strong>of</strong> us who<br />

have registered are looking forward to our run<br />

leader, Charlotte Renna, leading us to Snelling so that<br />

we can participate in the Yosemite Corvette Club<br />

sponsored event.<br />

Last but certainly not least, I would like to take this<br />

opportunity to thank the members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong><br />

<strong>Corvettes</strong> for making our club such a rewarding<br />

success. Although we are bonded together by the<br />

pride we have in our <strong>Corvettes</strong>, we are also bonded<br />

by friendship, comradery, and, when possible, the<br />

good feeling <strong>of</strong> knowing we contribute in a positive<br />

manner to our community.<br />

We come from all parts <strong>of</strong> the central valley and<br />

bring with us a diversity <strong>of</strong> backgrounds and<br />

personalities that are as wide as the collection <strong>of</strong><br />

cars that make up our club. Perhaps it is the<br />

opportunity to experience that diversity that also<br />

makes our club experience so rewarding.<br />

The effort put forth by members to organize and<br />

carryout our various activities is greatly appreciated<br />

and it is with much gratitude that I thank everyone<br />

in our club that makes a special effort to contribute<br />

to the success <strong>of</strong> <strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Corvettes</strong>.<br />

For those visiting our website who are considering<br />

joining our club, I would like to extend the welcome<br />

mat on behalf <strong>of</strong> myself and all our members. The<br />

inflow <strong>of</strong> new people brings new ideas and new<br />

energy to our club. We would love to have you!<br />

Members, if you have any questions or concerns<br />

regarding the club, do not hesitate to contact me.<br />

Dick Danielsen, President


<strong>Central</strong><br />

<strong>Valley</strong><br />

<strong>Corvettes</strong><br />

General Meeting Minutes 9-17-19<br />

The General meeting was called to order by Dick<br />

Danielsen at 6:30 PM. Dick opened the meeting by<br />

stating that tonight is new membership voting and<br />

2020 Board nominations. Ballots for both new<br />

membership and Board nominations were<br />

distributed for each member on every table.<br />

Secretary – Kathy Marine read minutes from the<br />

August General meeting. The August minutes were<br />

approved. Joyce made a motion to accept the<br />

minutes as read; Chuck seconded the motion.<br />

Treasurer’s Report - Lynn Henenfent gave the<br />

Treasurer’s report. She also stated $210.00 was<br />

collected in raffle ticket sales. Freida is very busy at<br />

selling those tickets; members don’t seem to mind<br />

her gentle arm-twisting just prior to them buying<br />

tickets.<br />

VP <strong>of</strong> Public Relations/Membership – Ruthie<br />

Danielsen announced 5 birthdays and 4<br />

anniversaries for September. Members did not<br />

disappoint as happy birthday was sung so jubilantly.<br />

Keith was especially overjoyed, grinning from ear-toear<br />

and throwing his arms up in celebration, since it<br />

was his birthday this day. It was an exciting<br />

anniversary moment for two couples who had a<br />

chance to win a $25.00 Yosemite Falls Café gift card.<br />

Dick’s and Ruthie’s 48 years <strong>of</strong> marriage and Larry<br />

and Janet’s 52 years <strong>of</strong> marriage. By luck <strong>of</strong> a draw,<br />

the gift card went to Dick and Ruthie.<br />

Congratulations and best wishes to all that had any<br />

reason to celebrate this month!<br />

Ruthie announced that new membership voting<br />

ballots were counted and two couples, Jeannie and<br />

Mike King, and Jennie and Mike Schwan and<br />

Jeannie, will be presented with their club badge<br />

and signing in as <strong>of</strong>ficial members at the <strong>October</strong><br />

General meeting. Welcome and congratulations!<br />

Ruthie reminded members that Membership<br />

Renewal Form, required Pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> Insurance, and<br />

dues check must be all received by due date.<br />

Ruthie informed members <strong>of</strong> a Food/Dinner Train<br />

she is scheduling in support <strong>of</strong> Dave and Lori Dukes<br />

which is also being coordinated with the <strong>Fresno</strong><br />

Police Department. Please note: no fish or<br />

mayonnaise when providing meals. Everyone is<br />

welcome to participate, please call her; she<br />

thanked everyone who already has.<br />

VP <strong>of</strong> Activities – Mike Lebda informed the<br />

members <strong>of</strong> upcoming runs and activities. Each run<br />

leader gave a brief synopsis <strong>of</strong> their run and<br />

provided members with any updated information.<br />

See Run/Activity Schedule published in the<br />

newsletter for planned runs or contact run leaders<br />

with any questions regarding their run.<br />

Mike, with a sympathetic sigh <strong>of</strong> relief for Charlie,<br />

and stating, “for the last time, for 1-1/2 years, every<br />

month, …” turned the microphone over to Charlie<br />

to speak about the run to Bowling Green,<br />

Kentucky, now that it has come to a very successful<br />

completion. Charlie held a very long list and named<br />

each sight that was visited, he recognized each<br />

participant and expressed his gratitude; they were<br />

all applauded, he held up a very thick binder full <strong>of</strong><br />

information that he used to guide their way across


country and back. Participants are now home with<br />

lots <strong>of</strong> wonderful memories after driving 5,628 miles<br />

(Garrahan’s drove 6,629 miles).<br />

Dick reported on the Ed Dena’s Happy Heart Car<br />

Show, Fundraiser for <strong>Valley</strong> Children’s Hospital, held<br />

September 7 th , in Dinuba. It was a good turnout,<br />

participants relaxed under canopies that were setup<br />

on the grass, or strolled amongst the cars that were<br />

exhibited, enjoying the morning. The Bandy’s<br />

received a trophy for the best Corvette. Ed Dena<br />

presented Dick with a plaque for a Club Spirit Award.<br />

Dick presented Ed Dena with the club’s donation<br />

check. Ed was very happy.<br />

Larry King spoke about the Madera Speedway run,<br />

he and Janet hosted on September 14. Nine cars<br />

participated and were displayed near the<br />

grandstand entry during race qualifying rounds.<br />

Janet and Larry then lead the group onto the<br />

racetrack, driving several laps around the track prior<br />

to actual races beginning. Some participants stayed<br />

for races; others went to dinner. It was a lot <strong>of</strong> fun.<br />

Parliamentarian: Dick asked Charlotte Renna for her<br />

input or comments. Charlotte place 2020 Board<br />

nomination ballots on each table. Bob Peluso help<br />

her in making the ballots, Dick and Ruthie printed<br />

them out. First round <strong>of</strong> nominations was accepted<br />

at September’s General meeting with an additional<br />

round <strong>of</strong> nominations being accepted at the <strong>October</strong><br />

General meeting. Charlotte will contact nominees<br />

for their acceptance or decline <strong>of</strong> nominated<br />

position. Charlotte reviewed bylaws for voting<br />

eligibility. 2020 Board voting will take place at<br />

November General meeting.<br />

Old Business: Dick informed members that<br />

Membership Renewal forms were mailed out and<br />

queried the room for anyone that may not have<br />

received the mailer. He also stated that the forms<br />

could be printed from the website.<br />

Dick thanked participants <strong>of</strong> Ed Dena’s Happy Heart<br />

Car Show stating Ed Dena appreciated our support<br />

and donation. The club received a plaque in<br />

appreciation.<br />

Dick queried the room for any additional old<br />

business. None was <strong>of</strong>fered.<br />

New Business: Dick queried the room for new<br />

business.<br />

Diane Tjerrild provided a flyer and invited the club<br />

to attend a free Fly-In and Car Show.<br />

Charlie read a message from Craig Hansen who<br />

wanted to inform the club that he will be planning<br />

two future Corvette runs; one called “Different Slice<br />

<strong>of</strong> Las Vegas” in 2020, and, a Pacific Northwest Tour<br />

in 2021. Craig also stated he misses us and had a<br />

good time on the Bowling Green run.<br />

Charlotte let members know that Stephanie<br />

Engleman contacted her. Stephanie will be bringing<br />

special deserts for the <strong>October</strong> General meeting.<br />

Lori and Dave Duke stopped by at Yosemite Falls<br />

Café prior to the start <strong>of</strong> the General meeting to say<br />

“hi” to everyone.<br />

Sunshine and Clouds: With microphone in hand,<br />

Linda Laningham found numerous members<br />

wanting to make a public announcement. Lots <strong>of</strong><br />

information was shared whether it was true or not.<br />

Sergeant-<strong>of</strong>-Arms: Chuck Laningham with his<br />

sharp eyes, oops… Chuck overlooked a shirt…but<br />

the badge less shirt fessed up and paid double the<br />

fine for trickery. Alas, he lived up to his alias - twobuck<br />

Chuck, collecting $2.50 in badge fines.<br />

Next General Meeting: To be held at Yosemite<br />

Falls Café, <strong>October</strong> 17, <strong>2019</strong>, at 6:30 PM.


Next Board Meeting: To be held at Lebda home,<br />

<strong>October</strong> 22, <strong>2019</strong>, at 7:00 PM. Members are<br />

welcome to attend Board meetings. Please inform<br />

Club President <strong>of</strong> your attendance.<br />

General Meeting Adjourned: Tom made a motion<br />

to adjourn meeting at 7:35 PM. LeighAnne seconded<br />

the motion.<br />

Respectfully submitted:<br />

Kathy Marine, Club Secretary<br />

All raffle prize donations are appreciated. Thank<br />

you to the following members for their donation:<br />

Comer, Danielsen, Derringer, Fosnaugh, J&S Garcia,<br />

S&L Garcia, Garrahan, Garrison, Hayes, Henenfent,<br />

Jarvis, Kroeker, Laningham, Lebda, Marine, Piercy,<br />

Renna, Severance, Tavares, Tjerrild<br />

A special thanks to Mike Henenfent who continues<br />

to put fun into every raffle! Shake’em Up!<br />

Keith & Debbie and Darlene & Craig were winners <strong>of</strong> cash!<br />

Mike Henenfent & his helpers at the Raffle!<br />

Pres. Danielsen displays the ‘Club Spirit Award’<br />

from Ed Dena’s Happy Hearts Car Show for<br />

<strong>Valley</strong> Children’s Hospital!<br />

Dick & Ruthie won the drawing for<br />

the Anniversary Gift Card!


Hey <strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> Corvette Members!<br />

We are thrilled to have 4 new members in our club! Mike and Jeannie King (Larry's brother<br />

and lovely wife) were voted in at the September club meeting as were Mike and Jennie<br />

Schwan. Okay, I know....it's getting a little dicey with all the Mikes in the club. I will<br />

identity them thusly: Mike L. (Lebda), Mike H. (Henenfent), Mike K. (King) and Mike S.<br />

(Schwan). Then....I will have to remember that Jeannie is married to a King (lucky girl)<br />

and Jennie has a swan as her mate. There, I think I have it covered! Sure hope this<br />

works. Name badges will be ready by next meeting! Anyway, make sure to go up and<br />

introduce yourself to our new members. Welcome, Mike K. and Jeannie and Mike S. and<br />

Jennie to <strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Corvettes</strong>! Ruthie, VP Membership/Public Relations<br />

Mike and Jennie Schwan Sponsored by Tom & Emily Piercy<br />

Mike & Jeannie King sponsored by Steve & Lydia Garcia


Ruthie Danielsen<br />

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS<br />

Kim Fosnaugh, 10/16 – Sharon Hall, 10/18 – Herb Null, 10/26 and MaryLou Lebda, 10/30<br />

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES<br />

Skip & LeighAnne Severance, 10/3/70 – 49 Yrs.<br />

Mike & Lynne Henenfent, 10/5/68 – 51 Years<br />

Patrick & Patricia Garrahan, 10/8/67 – 52 Years<br />

Tom & Marci Jarvis, 10/8/89 – 30 Years<br />

PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR CVC NAME BADGE or a CVC LOGO SHIRT WITH<br />

YOUR NAME ON IT TO ALL CLUB MEETINGS & EVENTS!<br />

(NOW a 50₵ FINE without it)<br />

SUPPORT YOUR CLUB RAFFLE AND BRING A RAFFLE PRIZE!<br />

AND BE SURE AND RECOMMEND OUR WEB SITE REGULARLY AT:<br />

www.<strong>Central</strong><strong>Valley</strong><strong>Corvettes</strong>.com


<strong>October</strong> 1, <strong>2019</strong><br />

CVC Members:<br />

This notice and a renewal form appeared in the August Newsletter<br />

and is again included in this newsletter as a reminder regarding<br />

membership renewal. Additionally, an invoice and renewal form was<br />

mailed to the membership in September.<br />

Dues and pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> insurance are due by the November annual<br />

meeting. If not received by that time, they are considered delinquent.<br />

However, if dues are received by the December general meeting, club<br />

membership will not be terminated. As stated in the By-Laws, anyone<br />

not renewing by the December meeting will no longer be a member <strong>of</strong><br />

the club.<br />

To renew, please complete the membership/renewal form, include<br />

pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> insurance, and a check for $67.00 (please remember to spell<br />

out “<strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Corvettes</strong>” in full on your check). Renewals can be<br />

handed in to our Treasurer Lynne Henenfent at a meeting or mailed<br />

to:<br />

<strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Corvettes</strong><br />

P.O. Box 26591<br />

<strong>Fresno</strong>, CA 93729-6591<br />

Thank you for renewing your membership in a timely manner.<br />

CVC Board


NEW ________ RENEWAL ________ (Check one)<br />

NO CHANGE_______<br />

CENTRAL VALLEY CORVETTES<br />

MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION<br />

(Check if all information is the same since your last renewal, complete lines highlighted in yellow and return along with dues and a copy<br />

<strong>of</strong> current pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> insurance)<br />

MEMBER 1 __________________________________________________________DATE OF BIRTH _____________<br />

LAST FIRST BADGE NAME (If different) PLEASE PRINT<br />

MEMBER 2 __________________________________________________________DATE OF BIRTH _____________<br />

LAST FIRST BADGE NAME (If different) PLEASE PRINT<br />

ADDRESS _________________________________ CITY ___________________ STATE ________ ZIP __________<br />

DATE OF WEDDING ANNIVERSARY _______________<br />

MM/DD/YY<br />

PHONE 1 _______________ _______________ ______________ _______________ ___________________________<br />

HOME WORK CELL FAX E-MAIL<br />

PHONE 2 _______________ _______________ ______________ _______________ ___________________________<br />

HOME WORK CELL FAX E-MAIL<br />

MEMBER 1 _______________________________ _____________________________ ______________________<br />

EMPLOYER OCCUPATION DRIVERS LICENSE NUMBER<br />

MEMBER 2 _______________________________ _____________________________ ______________________<br />

EMPLOYER OCCUPATION DRIVERS LICENSE NUMBER<br />

CORVETTES<br />

YEAR _________ MODEL __________________ COLOR ________________ LICENSE _____________<br />

YEAR _________ MODEL __________________ COLOR ________________ LICENSE _____________<br />

YEAR _________ MODEL __________________ COLOR ________________ LICENSE _____________<br />

THE UNDERSIGNED DESIRES TO ENTER AND PARTICIPATE IN CENTRAL VALLEY CORVETTES. IN CONSIDERATION OF THE<br />

ACCEPTANCE OF THIS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION THE UNDERSIGNED DOES HEREBY RELEASE CENTRAL VALLEY CORVETTES,<br />

IT'S DIRECTORS AND ALL OTHER PERSONS AND ENTITIES INVOLVED WITH THE ORGANIZATION FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY<br />

FOR INJURIES OR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER TO PERSON OR PROPERTY THAT MIGHT OCCUR WHILE PARTICIPATION IN THIS<br />

ORGANIZATION. THE UNDERSIGNED AGREES TO ABIDE BY THE CURRENT BY-LAWS OF CENTRAL VALLEY CORVETTES.<br />

MEMBER 1 ______________________________ ________ MEMBER 2 _______________________________ ________<br />

SIGNATURE DATE SIGNATURE DATE<br />

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />

Remember to turn in the following:<br />

1. Membership Form<br />

2. Dues - (Check made to “<strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Corvettes</strong>”)<br />

3. Copy <strong>of</strong> Current Pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> Insurance<br />

The above is required for membership and must be received by the December General Meeting. Please give to membership<br />

person or mail to:<br />

CVC<br />

P.O. Box 26591<br />

<strong>Fresno</strong>, CA. 93729-6591<br />

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />

INTERNAL USE ONLY<br />

AMOUNT RECEIVED $ _________________ DATE RECEIVED _______________ CHECK # ___________<br />

_________________TREASURER/ ________________MEMBERSHIP


‘In the Garage’ w/Pres. Dick<br />

The first mid-engine Corvette wasn’t called<br />

a Corvette—it was the GM Astro II<br />

Corvette has a tumultuous history <strong>of</strong> ambitious designs and concepts leaking out, only<br />

to have the wild design tamped down to a reality not far removed from a previous<br />

generation <strong>of</strong> the legendary sports car. As the Corvette was in its big-block heyday, GM<br />

Design was creating the first tease for what would eventually become the 2020<br />

Corvette.<br />

The Astro II is labeled by the GM Heritage Center as a 1968 model, which is right at<br />

the tail end <strong>of</strong> a decade where Corvette legend Zora Arkus-Duntov was set in a path<br />

that Corvette would need to become a mid-engine design in order to compete with the<br />

emerging high-performance European cars. As lead Corvette engineer in the early<br />

1960s, Duntov led a team to the creation <strong>of</strong> the Chevrolet Engineering Research<br />

Vehicle (CERV), which happened to have a mid-engine layout with two seats.


The CERV program created two prototype racers, which attempted to lay the<br />

groundwork for Duntov’s 1964 push for a 1967 production mid-engine car. He didn’t<br />

get his mid-engine in 1967, but his consolation prize was to take the XP-880 to the<br />

New York Auto Show. Later dubbed the Astro II, XP-880 ignited a firestorm <strong>of</strong> rumors<br />

and buzz around the Corvette nameplate and a significant change in its design. This<br />

firestorm became a smoldering pile <strong>of</strong> rumors that flared up occasionally, and never<br />

seemed to go out completely.<br />

Astro II packs a 427-cube, 400-horsepower big-block just behind the driver’s right<br />

shoulder, which seems oddly appropriate. To fit the massive mill in the petite<br />

wheelbase, the engine was mounted up to a transaxle rather than a standard<br />

transmission and rear axle arrangement. The power flowed through a 1963 Pontiac<br />

Tempest two-speed rear end—one notorious for its glass-like strength. This transaxle<br />

also necessitated the engine to be reverse-rotation, something not uncommon in the<br />

marine industry.<br />

With a redesigned rear axle, the Astro II was put through testing with Duntov behind<br />

the wheel. The cast aluminum wheels and four-wheel disc brakes kept the car on the<br />

road, and under his careful control, the car achieved a full 1.00 g <strong>of</strong> lateral grip on a<br />

skidpad. For reference, the C7 Grand Sport is capable <strong>of</strong> 1.18 g. All to say the Astro II<br />

held the ground just fine.


So what stalled this radical mid-engine shift for five decades? Chevrolet was having no<br />

trouble selling every Corvette right <strong>of</strong>f the assembly line in the late ’60s, so it made no<br />

sense to mess with success. The concept worked in drumming up press and<br />

conversation about the Corvette nameplate, and that was ultimately good enough. Just<br />

a few years later, in 1974, you can see the Astro II’s tail design influence on production<br />

(front-engine, obviously) Corvette models.<br />

In person, the Astro II is petite. The only thing that doesn’t look small about this car is<br />

the engine shoved under the massive rear clamshell. In some strange way, it looks like<br />

a Corvette, so much so that even from a distance, when the badging is not visible, the<br />

lineage <strong>of</strong> the car is obvious. Just under 44 inches from floor to ro<strong>of</strong>line, it begs the<br />

question how the GT40 program took out four more inches.


The Astro II currently resides in the GM Heritage Collection, <strong>of</strong>ten tucked away from<br />

the public eye. However, during the month <strong>of</strong> September, this and two other radical<br />

concepts <strong>of</strong> GM Design are on display at Hagerty headquarters in Traverse City,<br />

Michigan. The vehicles on display rotate on a monthly basis, so be sure to drop by and<br />

check out what is new each time you are nearby.<br />

By Kyle Smith // September 24, <strong>2019</strong><br />

Pictures courtesy <strong>of</strong> GM Heritage Center


CVC<br />

Activities<br />

Schedule<br />

Corvette Runs for <strong>2019</strong> have seen brand new people and people who have not put on runs<br />

for a while, putting on runs. We are also going to new places and places we haven’t visited<br />

for quite some time. Other people talk to me about putting on runs for the first time. If you<br />

are thinking about a run, our board is here to help. You may also think about teaming up with<br />

one <strong>of</strong> our members who has experience in putting on runs. If you are ready to announce a<br />

run be sure to run it by me to make sure there are no conflicts with other events.<br />

Mike Lebda, VP Activities, <strong>Central</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Corvettes</strong><br />

Date(s): Events in <strong>2019</strong>: Meet at: Run Leaders:<br />

Oct 11 Lunch at Shaver Lake 10:15 am Lebda’s<br />

Oct 18 Sanger H/S Queen Escort 5:00 pm Garrison’s<br />

Oct 28 <strong>Fresno</strong> Zoo & Zoorassic Park 9:30 am Lebda’s<br />

Dec 5 CVC Christmas Party TBD Null & Laningham<br />

Dec 8 CVC Christmas Hayride 5:00 pm Renna<br />

GENERAL MEETING ALWAYS 3 RD TUESDAY 6:30 PM<br />

BOARD MEETING IS THE TUESDAY FOLLOWING THE<br />

GENERAL MEETING AT 7:00PM<br />

Dominos 2nd & 4th Thursday <strong>of</strong> the Month


Lunch at Shaver <strong>October</strong> 11th<br />

We will meet at McDonalds at Alluvial and Temperance at<br />

10:15 and depart at 10:30 heading up the back way to the 559<br />

Pub Shaver Lake at the Point.<br />

We need to let them know how many by the 7 th so please contact Mary<br />

Lou Lebda at 559-392-4601 if you haven’t signed up and want to<br />

attend.


Club Run To<br />

AND<br />

Zoorassic Park<br />

<strong>October</strong> 28<br />

We will meet at the Front entrance <strong>of</strong> the Zoo at 9:30.<br />

This will be more or less a self-guided event gathering for<br />

lunch at 12:00 in the KOPJE lodge next to Safari land.<br />

You can see there is an extra <strong>of</strong>fering (Zooassic Park) for<br />

an additional fee that can be paid for at the entrance or at<br />

Zooassic Park entrance. There will be a sign-up sheet at<br />

the meeting.<br />

For additional information call Mary Lou at 559-392-<br />

4601<br />

Entrance to the Zoo: $7.95 for seniors<br />

Entrance to the Park: $3 per car for seniors<br />

Zooassic Park: $4 for seniors


CVC CHRISTMAS HAYRIDE!<br />

WHERE: CHARLOTTE RENNA’S HOUSE<br />

491 W. ATHENS, CLOVIS<br />

WHEN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 TH<br />

5:00pm<br />

COST: $10.00/PERSON<br />

ENJOY DINNER, DESERTS, DRINKS, SITTING AROUND THE FIRE PIT,<br />

AND A NEIGHBORHOOD FILLED WITH BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY LIGHTS!


MYSTERY LUNCH<br />

RUN 8-10-19 to<br />

CRAWDADDY’S<br />

In VISALIA


CVC CARAVAN to NCM - PART 1


HAPPY HEARTS CAR SHOW 9-7-19<br />

For CHILDRENS HOSPITAL @ Ed Dena’s<br />

We had a good turnout for our participation in Ed Dena’s Happy Hearts Car Show<br />

on September 7 th . We had 17 cars from the club and we were able to present Ed<br />

with a donation <strong>of</strong> $2,000 to <strong>Valley</strong> Children’s Hospital. Our club was awarded<br />

the “Club Spirit Award” in appreciation for our support <strong>of</strong> the event and <strong>of</strong> <strong>Valley</strong><br />

Children’s Hospital. Thank you Mike (Lebda) for coordinating this club run.<br />

Pres. Dick Danielsen


Bob Marine with his ’82 Corvette.<br />

He has more miles than Ed!<br />

Photos by Kathy Marine.<br />

Ed Dena and his<br />

'82 Corvette,<br />

he recently<br />

purchased.<br />

He opened his<br />

business in '82<br />

and always<br />

wanted an '82.<br />

It had only<br />

12,000 miles!


MADERA RACEWAY 9-14-19


It was a good event. Last<br />

year they had 108<br />

entrees, topped it with<br />

150 this year. We had 10<br />

cars from CVC. Nice<br />

relaxing day by the river.<br />

Lupe was so happy to<br />

see us! My navigator,<br />

Bob, got us there with no<br />

wrong turns (lol)! Thanks<br />

to all! Charlotte Renna

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