Central Valley Corvettes of Fresno - October 2019
Central Valley Corvettes of Fresno - October 2019
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