Back in 1974 when he borrowed $500 and started selling Corvette items like owner’s manuals and T-shirts out of the trunk of a borrowed car at swap meets and Corvette shows, Mike Yager could never dream 38 years later he’d be the Chief Cheerleader of the wildly successful Mid America Motorworks.
But it’s no dream.
In fact, at the prestigious Bloomington Gold in Champaign, Illinois from June 28-30, 2013, Yager will be inducted into the Bloomington Gold Great Hall, the most prestigious recognition of people and cars in Corvette’s history.
It’s only fitting since Yager has been there to watch the Corvette hobby grow and thrive over the past 38 years. He says he’s just honored to have been along for the ride.
“The Great Hall is a shining example of what the Corvette hobby means to so many people, and it is truly an honor to be listed among the names of so many people who I admire and respect,” Yager said. “I feel blessed every day to be a part of the Corvette community, not just through Mid America Motorworks, but also as an enthusiast, owner and collector.”
From those humble beginnings as a 24-year-old, Yager has used his enthusiastic passion for Corvettes to build a powerhouse company in the Corvette community, but not just in offering parts, books, clothing, and other items pertaining to America’s Sports Car.
Yager definitely lives up to his title as Chief Cheerleader for Mid America.
Each year, thousands of enthusiasts come together at Mid America Motorworks’ corporate campus to share their passion at annual Funfest celebrations for Corvettes. 2013 marks the 20th Annual Corvette Funfest as well as celebrations leading up to Mid America Motorworks’ 40th year in business. Mid America Motorworks has become a trusted source for quality autotainment, encompassing all aspects of the Corvette and now Air-Cooled VW hobbies. Regular events and an endless array of new hard parts, accessories and lifestyle items encourage enthusiasts to “pursue their passion” at Mid America Motorworks.
Bloomington Gold, the longest running national Corvette show, established the Great Hall in 2010 to honor 50 of the most influential people and Corvettes over a five year period as chosen by the Great Hall Selection Panel. At the conclusion of 2014, the exclusive list of 50 Pioneers and 50 of the world’s Premier Corvettes will be complete. Yager’s CERV-I, considered one of the most notable Corvette platform vehicles ever developed by legendary Corvette Chief Engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, was inducted into the Great Hall at Bloomington Gold in 2012.
Yager will be joined in 2013 by fellow inductees Mike Antonick, Zora Arkus-Duntov, Bloomington Gold, Reeves Callaway, Carlisle Productions, Chip Miller, Bill Mitchell, Jim Perkins, and Dr. Dick Thompson.
Significant cars to be inducted include 1957 Fuel Injection, 1961 Gulf Racer, 1962 327 CID, 1963 Grand Sport, 1965 First Big Block, 1967 L88 Daytona Racer, 1987 Escort Series Racer, Callaway Corvette, C5 Z06, and C6 ZR1.
Source:
Mid America Motorworks
Related:
Bloomington Gold Announces 2013 Great Hall Honorees
SEMA 2012: Mid America Motorworks Presented eBay Motors People’s Picks Award
[PICS] Corvettes at Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
-
