Mario Andretti Picks Up 500th Corvette ZR1 in Bowling Green

[Rob]

Mario Andretti Picks Up 500th Corvette ZR1 in Bowling Green

Posted: 7:09 PM Dec 11, 2008
Last Updated: 10:20 PM Dec 11, 2008
Reporter: Kirk Butts
Email Address: kirk.butts@wbko.com

He is arguably the most famous driver in the history of auto racing.

And today, he bought a car with an equally famous history.

Mario Andretti visited Bowling Green and the Corvette Assembly Plant today, to pick up his specially-ordered Corvette ZR1.

It's the 500th ZR1 ever made.

Andretti holds the unique title of being the only race car driver to win the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the Formula One World Championship.

Despite his storied career, Andretti was humbled by a sports car unique to Bowling Green.

"Well, I've had many Corvettes," Andretti said.

"The last one was a Z06 and so, with the ZR1, I couldn't pass it up. It's clearly the best Corvette ever. It stacks up to the best supercars in the world. It's the best bang for the buck as well."

Andretti says he just had to have this Corvette, and he's excited to try out his early Christmas present.

 

[Rob]

Racing legend gets the 500th ZR1

By JUSTIN STORY, The Daily News, jstory@bgdailynews.com/783-3256
Friday, December 12, 2008 11:46 AM CST

The General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant got some high-end business Thursday from someone who has made his living behind the wheel.

Racing legend Mario Andretti visited the plant Thursday, touring the facility and getting a look at his new Corvette ZR1.

Andretti bought the 500th ZR1 to come off the assembly line at the plant - appropriate for the winner of the 1969 Indianapolis 500 and the 1967 Daytona 500.

The high-performance car has a top speed of 205 mph, making it the fastest Corvette ever.

With all options and fees, the ZR1 costs $116,520.

The car was manufactured a week before the plant shut down for its Thanksgiving break.

Andretti, 68, toured the manufacturing floor with plant manager Paul Graham and UAW 2164 Shop Chairman Shane Colvard.

At the end of the tour, Andretti got a closer look at his new car, marveling at the powerful 6.2 liter, 638 horsepower engine.

While signing memorabilia for plant employees, Andretti made it clear that the ZR1 would not become a showroom fixture.

“I’m going to drive the hell out of it, enjoy it,” Andretti said. “I’ve been following Corvettes for many years and this is the best ever.”

The Associated Press and RACER Magazine named Andretti the Driver of the Century in 2000, the same year he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

He was a three-time U.S. Driver of the Year, best known for his IndyCar racing career, though he also won races in NASCAR, Formula One and the World Sportscar Championship categories.

He retired from full-time racing in 1994 and drove in his final competitive race in 2000.

Both of Andretti’s sons, Michael and Jeff, also had racing careers, along with Mario’s nephew, John, and his grandson, Marco.

Graham said Andretti’s visit was arranged with the help of Corvette sales planner Dave Shelton. The visit had been delayed a day due to inclement weather preventing Andretti from flying here out of Allentown, Pa.

“Mario was interested in getting a ZR-1 and wanted to come down and see the plant in person,” Graham said. “It’s great for our employees to see the customers who are coming in to buy our cars.”

Andretti said he felt a bond with the “gearheads” who shared his passion for cars.

“I see the guys here, there’s a lot of passion and pride in the workplace,” Andretti said.

Dozens of employees lined up late Thursday morning with an array of things for Andretti to sign, including hats, posters, magazines and model cars.

One employee offered a $20 bill for Andretti to sign, while another presented the program from the 1970 Indianapolis 500, with signatures of many other famous racers. Andretti finished sixth in that race.

“A friend of mine and I met him in Cleveland about 20 years ago,” said Mark Clark of Bowling Green, who works in the salvage department. “This is a special day. These don’t happen too often anymore.”

Clark had a copy of Corvette Quarterly for Andretti to sign.

 

[Zippy]

Great story!

I heard he ordered a blade silver ZR1.