Friends last Forever
Chip and I were great friends.
We met back in 1977 at the T. Michaelis Grand Opening in Ohio. That was a pivital event for many in the hobby as it seemed everyone from around the US met up that weekend. Chip and I hit it off immediately, and we later saw each other thruout the years at many major Corvette events.
In 1987, at the Monterey Historic Races, Chip saw my passion for Corvette Race cars, and he began his quest to look for significant race Corvettes for his collection. He told me one day that he and Ken Hekert had bought an old 59 Corvette at one of his 'CORVETTES AT CARLISLE' weekends for $800. They each put up $400 for the old tired beast.
I said, " Chip, where did it race?" he responded,
"I don't have a clue. We did find some purple paint on it, so it probably was an old drag car." I said, maybe it is the old 'Purple People Eater Corvette' from Nickey Chevrolet?" Sure , he snickered. That car remained in Ken's paint shop for about 10 years when one day they noticed the number on side of the car under the top paint coat was # 33. With a few phone calls, Chip found Bob Spooner.........who had bought the car from Jim Jeffords, and WOW....it turned out to be "the car" With Jim Jeffords living in Palm Desert, California, it was only natural that I help my buddy Chip get hooked up.
As they say the rest is history.
Chip found the #3 Cunningham 1960 LeMans Corvette in 2000. He knew where it was since the early 90's, but had to baby up to it. Once purchased, I felt very privlidged to be included in the 18 man verification team Chip assembled for the car. I had helped Mike Philsbury with the #2 Cunningham 1960 car in 1981, and therefore had some knowledge of those cars. We celebrated his 59th birthday weekend at Kevin MacKay's Corvette Repair climbing all over that car.
The 50th Anniversary party at Monterey Historic 2002, was a high point for these cars. Chip and Judy brought the 60 LeMans and the 59 Purple People Eater. John Fitch and Jim Jeffords were given parade laps in their old winning mounts.
I will never forget the look on Chip's face that Saturday morning. Pride of accomplishment, Love of friends, Passion of Winning, were a few traits that caught my eye. These along with his presance, organizational people skills, dedication to wife and family, dignity, and integrity are but a few of the things that made Chip the unique person he was.
I am a better person because I know you Chip. Your spirit will guide me till my time comes.Thanks for the love and respect.
Jim Gessner
