[VIDEO] 2022 Corvette Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Four “simply remarkable” names in the Corvette world became members of the Corvette Hall of Fame earlier today during a mid-day ceremony at the Michelin NCM Bash at the National Corvette Museum, joining 75 other members inducted since 1998.

Corvette Hall of Fame inductees have distinguished themselves not only through their accomplishments but also by their high standards of integrity and character that reflect and enhance the reputation of the Corvette and the National Corvette Museum.

Each year, inductees are selected in three categories: GM-Chevrolet, Racing, and Enthusiast.

In the GM-Chevrolet division inducted was Ed Welburn, retired vice president, GM Global Design, while Gary Pratt and Jim Miller, founders of Pratt & Miller Engineering, were honored in the Racing division and Elfi Arkus-Duntov, known as The First Lady of Corvette, was selected in the Enthusiast category.

“This year’s inductees are simply remarkable,” said Sharon Brawner, President and CEO of the National Corvette Museum. “The Corvette has long engendered a very passionate following, and we are thrilled that these deserving individuals have been recognized for their own extraordinary Corvette stories.”

The NCM established the Corvette Hall of Fame 24 years ago, seeking to confer official recognition upon the most influential individuals in the history of the Corvette and honor their achievements.

Welburn started as an associate designer at GM 50 years ago, rising through the ranks to become the first Global VP of Design, leading a team of 2,500 designers around the world. Enthusiasts no doubt recall his decision to ask all design staff worldwide to submit their ideas for the C7 Corvette to foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation between studios. He encouraged the team to create a Corvette worthy of the legendary “Stingray” name again.

After race car builder Gary Pratt and successful businessman/visionary Jim Miller had formed Pratt & Miller Engineering, Chevrolet approached them in 1996 about building and campaigning a factory-backed racing effort beginning with the C5 Corvette. Since 1999, Corvette Racing has eight Le Mans wins and 15 Championships, in the process helping the Corvette production team transfer technology to advance the performance of the street cars.

Of course, Elfi Arkus-Duntov was there from the beginning of her husband Zora’s career with Chevrolet. She was a constant companion to him throughout his career, impressing the world with her grace, enthusiasm, and knowledge of Corvette. Even after his retirement in 1975, the couple attended many Corvette shows together, often sitting for hours signing autographs. After his death in 1996, she then helped as a source and principal enabler for the definitive biography of Zora’s life.

Nominations for the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees will be open May 2 to August 5, 2022. An anonymous panel of Corvette experts then selects the final nominees, who are then voted upon by a separate group of 100 anonymous Corvette experts.

Tickets for the 2023 induction ceremony will be available for purchase beginning in June when registration opens for next year’s Bash. Learn more at corvettehalloffame.org.

Source:
National Corvette Museum

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