The National Corvette Museum has released the names of the 2011 Corvette Hall of Fame Inductees. Corvette race car driver Ron Fellows, GM Designer Clare MacKichan and NCM Member #1 Ray Quinlan will join the likes of Zora Arkus-Duntov, Harley Earl and Dick Thompson in the Hall of Fame. Once inducted, their names will be hung in the rotunda of the Corvette Museum’s Spire in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
The 2011 Corvette Hall of Fame Inductees are:
Ron Fellows – Racing
Ron’s impressive skill as a driver for the Corvette Racing Team has earned him the respect of Corvette fans everywhere. His 27 wins, three ALMS championships and two wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, along with his unprecedented four consecutive “Most Popular Driver” awards from ALMS fans, testify to his track record of success. Although he has not raced for the factory team since 2008, he remains one of the most recognizable, respected and popular personalities to ever represent Corvette’s racing heritage. As evidence of his enormous popularity, GM paid tribute to Ron by creating the “Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06” in 2007.
Clare “Mac” MacKichan – GM
Mac was instrumental to the design and success of all Chevrolets in the mid-twentieth century. In his position as Chief Designer of the Chevrolet Studio, General Motors Design Staff, he was directly responsible for the design of all of the Corvettes from number one, through the 1950s and early 1960s. It was under his guidance that the 1954 Waldorf Show Corvettes were designed. In addition to his position as Chief Designer for Chevrolet, Mac also served as Director of Design for GM’s Adam Opel AG in Germany, and later as Executive in Charge of Advanced Design and Engineering for Design Staff. While he didn’t always work on the Corvette brand, he continued to own one and participate in many Corvette activities – appearing and speaking at car shows and events all over the country.
Ray Quinlan – Enthusiast
It’s fair to say the Museum might not be where it is today without the support of NCM Lifetime Member No. 001, Ray Quinlan. When the idea of a Corvette Library & Archives first came about, it was Ray who came forward and said he would donate his 1953 Corvette if the plans would incorporate a Museum… a place to house not only historical documents but also artifacts and cars. Memberships were the sole means of raising money in the early days, and Ray was right there, joining at the beginning. While Ray owned a number of collectible cars, Corvettes were his passion. He was a member of the Corvette Club of Illinois and active with the National Council of Corvette Clubs and National Corvette Restorers Society. Today, every visitor passing through the halls of the Museum hears the story of Ray and how his donation started the Museum.
The National Corvette Museum holds the induction celebration during the annual Labor Day Weekend Celebration. Congratulations to this year’s outstanding group of gentleman who’s mark on Corvette will be felt for generations.
Source:
National Corvette Museum
Related:
Corvette Museum Names Three Hall of Fame Inductees for 2010
GM Confirms Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06
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