Celebrate the Legacy of Reeves Callaway with an Iconic Display of Callaway LeMans Cars at Corvettes at Carlisle

22Jul 2023 by controllers

Pay tribute to Reeves Callaway August 24-26 at Corvettes at Carlisle! Come see a special exhibition of Corvettes, plus a unique showcase of all three Callaway LeMans cars! Don’t miss out—find out more now!

Join us at Corvettes at Carlisle as we celebrate automotive excellence and pay tribute to the legendary Reeves Callaway. An event not to be missed for Callaway enthusiasts.

Since its inception in 1982, Corvettes at Carlisle has been dazzling Corvette owners by showcasing some of the most exceptional Vettes ever crafted, making August a month of automotive splendor for Corvette Enthusiasts across the United States. But that’s not all; it’s also a rendezvous for the finest minds in the industry, converging at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds. Icons like Zora Duntov, Wil Cooksey, Ken Lingenfelter, Tadge Juechter, and Reeves Callaway, among others, have graced the event, leaving an indelible mark on the Corvette hobby. Their contributions have earned them moments in the spotlight at Carlisle, immortalizing their achievements.

Sadly, the automotive world was struck with grief when Reeves Callaway unexpectedly passed away on July 11. However, his legacy will be celebrated and cherished in multiple ways at this year’s event, taking place from August 24 to 26, 2023 in the picturesque town of Carlisle. One of the most prominent tributes will be through the annual Chip’s Choice display, a heartfelt acknowledgment of Mr. Callaway’s enduring influence.

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Callaway Cars, renowned for their design, development, and manufacture of high-performance product packages, found their greatest triumph with Corvettes. Alongside enthusiast-built rides, they have also lent their expertise to a trio of Corvettes with a captivating history tied to the prestigious 24 Hours of LeMans, serving as the theme for this year’s Chip’s Choice.

ALL THREE Callaway Corvettes to be Featured

In a momentous revelation, Corvettes at Carlisle is thrilled to announce the first-time-ever gathering of ALL THREE Callaway Corvettes (two Corvettes and one “Callaway C7R”) that graced the legendary LeMans track. These cars, representing the brilliance of Reeves Callaway’s mind, will be showcased together as a touching tribute to his automotive legacy. The awe-inspiring lineup includes a silver 1997 Callaway C7R, a striking red, white, and blue 2001 Callaway C12R, and a captivating silver 1994 Callaway LM #001.

What makes this showcase even more extraordinary is the remarkable lineage and history of each of these cars. The ’96 Callaway C7R was an entirely new and purpose-built creation, carrying forward the visual tradition of design crafted by the visionary Paul Deutschman. Offered in a limited production series of two, this exceptional car was prepared for LeMans, yet fate had other plans, preventing it from qualifying for the race.

1997 Callaway C7R to be Featured at Carlisle

In 1997, Callaway Cars created the GT1 edition of their LM Corvette for use in endurance sports car racing. Built almost entirely from scratch, the C7R featured a unique carbon fiber monocoque, and a 383 CI all-aluminum V8 that was positioned behind the front wheels. Unfortunately, the C7R only had a brief stint on the racetrack, making its debut at the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans test day and later appearing at the 1997 Rolex 24 at Daytona where it failed to finish.
In 1997, Callaway Cars created the GT1 edition of their LM Corvette for use in endurance sports car racing. Built almost entirely from scratch, the C7R featured a unique carbon fiber monocoque, and a 383 CI all-aluminum V8 that was positioned behind the front wheels. Unfortunately, the C7R only had a brief stint on the racetrack, making its debut at the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans test day and later appearing at the 1997 Rolex 24 at Daytona where it failed to finish.

2001 Callaway C12R

Developed with the goal of securing a GT2 class victory at Le Mans, the Callaway C12 proved itself by snagging the pole position in 2001, edging out legendary brands like Porsche and Ferrari. The technology from the C12.R racecar was then incorporated into subsequent production Callaway C12 road cars, allowing drivers to experience an exceptionally smooth ride without compromising performance.
Developed with the goal of securing a GT2 class victory at Le Mans, the Callaway C12 proved itself by snagging the pole position in 2001, edging out legendary brands like Porsche and Ferrari. The technology from the C12.R racecar was then incorporated into subsequent production Callaway C12 road cars, allowing drivers to experience an exceptionally smooth ride without compromising performance.

The ’01 C12R, a true contender, graced the LeMans stage in 2001, proudly sitting on the GT2 pole and leading its class with unwavering determination. Alas, an engine issue resulted in a disappointing DNF, but it now finds its moment of glory as it’s showcased in the United States for the very first time, right here at Carlisle.

1994 Callaway LM #001

From behind, this C4 appears like any other with its Callaway tail lamps and a grocery cart-like wing. However, its front end gives a jaw-dropping effect, characterized by an aerodynamic form and the use of carbon fiber. Powering it is the Callaway "SuperNatural 383" LT-1 small block, producing 435 horsepower and 4.1 seconds of 0-60 MPH. To top it off, it cruises a quarter mile in 12.5 seconds with a top speed of 114 MPH!
From behind, this C4 appears like any other with its Callaway tail lamps and a grocery cart-like wing. However, its front end gives a jaw-dropping effect, characterized by an aerodynamic form and the use of carbon fiber. Powering it is the Callaway “SuperNatural 383” LT-1 small block, producing 435 horsepower and 4.1 seconds of 0-60 MPH. To top it off, it cruises a quarter mile in 12.5 seconds with a top speed of 114 MPH!

Finally, the ’94 LM #001 car, piloted by the talented Boris Said, claimed pole position in GT2, leading its class with unmatched finesse. Though fate dealt it a DNF blow, this resilient car, known as “Frieda,” returned in ’95, securing an impressive 2nd place in the GT2 class and 9th overall, an unparalleled feat that became the highest-finishing Corvette at LeMans since 1960.

The tribute to Reeves Callaway in 2023 encompasses these three iconic cars, and it’s just a glimpse of the honors bestowed upon him. Additional plans are underway, including the arrangement of extra signage and banners at Corvettes at Carlisle, a heartfelt moment of revving engines in his honor, a feature segment in the event guide, and more, thoughtfully organized by the Callaway Owners Group car club.

But there’s so much more to indulge in at Corvettes at Carlisle! The event boasts an entire gallery teeming with historic and prominent LeMans racers, a Fun Field hosting every generation of Corvette ever produced, the NCCC, NCRS Gallery, an exuberant celebration of 50 years of 1973 Corvettes, and a plethora of automotive delights that can’t be missed.

Mark your calendars, folks, for the gates, open each day at 7 a.m., and we have a special treat – FREE admission for kids aged 12 and under! For comprehensive details about the 2023 Corvettes at Carlisle car show, including vendor opportunities in the automotive flea market, Fun Field registration, or discounted spectator admission tickets, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.

Make sure you stop by the Vette Vues Magazine vendor booth right across from Chip’s Choice in Building T. We eagerly await to see you at this grand celebration of Corvette excellence!

Are you looking for a Corvette Event Near You? Check out our extensive Corvette calendar of events.

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