Few Corvettes prevail at a diminished 2024 US Vintage GP at Watkins Glen

(photos courtesy of Pete Gorski of Visors Down photography)

Clair Schwendeman, # 37 1968 C3 was one of the few “regulars” among only one-fourth of the usual number of Corvettes drawn by this popular event that goes back to the mid-1980’s.

Bill Schwacke, # 55 1955 C1 had a great time, winning group 4 but absent his family who typically attend the September event.

Cord Kisthardt, # 21 2002 C5, a youthful driver as smooth as they come, also won his Group 12aMP3 class.

The 2024 US Vintage GP was a casualty because the date was switched from its traditional first weekend in September to the third weekend in August.

For fans who pencil in this event years in advance, there would be no family gatherings, no partying on Franklin Street, no race re-enactment, no car show and a lot less going on.

Jim Heck stepped aside for Aaron Quine to pilot his # 64 1964 C2 Corvette.

Jeff Bernatovich, # 90 1990 C4 perennial Group 10 winner was doing great until the crankshaft broke, fortunately with no serious damage besides a hit to the wallet and a bruised ego.

The race date was switched because NBC’s telecast of the NASCAR race would have conflicted with a worldwide audience watching the Olympic games closing ceremonies in Paris.

Jeff Lyman # 77 2006 C6 was a DNF, Bob Lima # 33 1969 C3 had a decent race and newcomer Gordon Gardner was coming to grips with his newly acquired # 37A 1972 C3 ex Fred Kepler from nearby Elmira NY.

As a bonus, Pete Gorski was kind enough to include photos from the Trans Am race we reported on earlier: # 02, Kaylee Bryson, # 23 Amy Ruman, # 51 Don McMillon and # 82 James Beaton.

In closing, we hope the traditional date for the US Vintage GP at Watkins Glen will be re-instated next year.