[VIDEO] National Corvette Museum and Michelin Announce Sponsorship for NCM Motorsports Park

Photo Credit: National Corvette Museum

The NCM Bash celebrating the new Corvette models took on an international flavor Friday with the announcement that Michelin will be first official sponsor of the NCM Motorsports Park. The three-year agreement names Michelin as the official tire of the NCM Motorsports Park and provides the company with product privileges and displays at both the Museum and the Park.

Michelin will also serve as the presenting sponsor for three events to be held at the NCM and the Motorsports Park during the term of the contract.

“Michelin is pleased to extend our relationship with the Corvette community to include the exciting new NCM Motorsports Park,” said Silvia Mammone, motorsports and sponsorship marketing manager, Michelin North America.

“Since the Michelin technical partnership with Corvette Racing began in 2004, we have developed a strong relationship with Corvette owners and enthusiasts through the Corvette car corrals, the Ron Fellows Driving School at Spring Mountain, and more recently the National Corvette Museum,” said Mammone. “The fact that every new Corvette C7 Stingray and ZO6 Corvette now rolls out of Bowling Green exclusively on Michelin tires aligns perfectly with the launch of the NCM Motorsports Park and our growing relationship with the Corvette Nation.”

The NCM broke ground on the $25 million, 184-acre, dual-track Motorsports Park in June of 2013. The venue is expected to attract more than 80,000 visitors each year bringing an estimated impact of $15 million in motorsports tourism and racing events revenue.

Photo Credit: National Corvette Museum

In addition to the two circuits that combine to form a high-speed loop of 1.96 miles to an extended 3.15-mile course, the park will also feature a control tower with classrooms, offices and meeting spaces; garages; a fueling station; overnight camping; and commercial property available for businesses that complement the operations of the park.

“In 2008 we purchased our first piece of land for a future motorsports park, and in 2013 we held our groundbreaking ceremony. During that 5-year period our fundraising was primarily grassroots efforts—with key support from Corvette and automotive enthusiasts including individuals, clubs and small business owners,” commented Wendell Strode, Executive Director of the NCM. “This sponsorship from Michelin gives the project a big boost of momentum. We are excited about the opportunities a partnership between Michelin, the Motorsports Park and the Museum will bring.”

“The National Corvette Museum has been a staple in the Bowling Green community since it first opened its doors and continues to be a contributor to the local economy attracting 150,000 visitors annually. Not only will the addition of the Motorsports Park increase the significant economic impact on the community, but the additional services and venues that will be available at the park will further the value of the region as an automotive hub. We are proud to be home to America’s Sports Car,” stated John Mark Fones, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman.

“In addition to the opportunities this sponsorship brings to the Motorsports Park, Museum and Michelin, we look forward to also working with Michelin as a customer at the Park for possible product launches, testing and consumer activities,” said Mitch Wright, Motorsports Park General Manager.

The park is accepting reservations for car and motorcycle clubs, businesses, driving schools and other groups for racing events, high performance drivers’ education, corporate events and hospitality, and other track functions. All makes and models are welcome.

If your group thinks that this is a great opportunity, and it is, for an event, please contact the NCM Motorsports Park. But don’t dally—there are already 130 days booked at the track in the first year. A day in the sun at the racetrack with fellow Corvette fans, the helpful NCM staff and now the Michelin Man! You just can’t do much better than that.

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