Lynne Doucette’s Special Limited Edition 2007 Ron Fellows Z06 Corvette She named “Dirigo”
Introducing the captivating journey of Lynne Doucette and her exceptional #9 Ron Fellows Z06 Corvette. In this article, written by MaryLynn Tandle, we delve into the world of limited edition Corvettes and the story of a passionate Corvette enthusiast. Lynne’s remarkable vehicle, one of only 399 produced in 2007, is a true testament to the artistry and innovation that defines the world of Corvettes. From its distinctive white-lettered CORVETTE logo to the mesmerizing Artic White exterior adorned with Monterey Red Hash-style stripes, this Corvette is a masterpiece of automotive craftsmanship. Join us as we explore the unique features and personal journeys that make this Corvette a symbol of excellence in the world of sports cars.
Are you aware of which special edition Corvettes were the first hand-signed limited-edition Corvettes in the history of Corvettes?
It is the limited production 2007 Ron Fellows American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Grand Touring Class 1 (GT1) Champion Edition Corvette Z06 Corvette.
Chevrolet introduced this special edition Corvette to commemorate the career of Ron Fellows, considered one of the most influential drivers in the history of the Corvette Racing Team.
Some of the features that set this special edition Corvette apart from the base model Coupe in 2007 include a red accented trim upgrade on the interior’s ebony leather seats, doors, and dash; a center console cover with Corvette’s C6 flag emblem; and a numbered (Lynn’s is #009) Ron Fellows hand-signed autograph on the interior of the console cover. In addition, the car’s exterior, painted Artic White (The first time Chevrolet painted a Z06 white), has a set of Monterey Red GT1 racing stripes, one of which has holographic text that reads “ALMS GT1 Manufacturers Champion RON FELLOWS 2001, 2002, 2003,2004, 2005, 2006.” This text commemorates Ron’s six consecutive Corvette racing wins. A maple leaf is featured before the writing to recognize Ron Fellow’s Canadian nationality (it is also why the car was painted White and Red, the colors of the Canadian flag). Chrome Wheels were another addition to the customization of these Corvettes.
Lynne’s history as a Corvette owner began 13 years ago, in 2010, as a casual visit to her local car dealership for an appointment to change the oil on her daily driver.
She recalls that this was the most expensive oil change she had ever had because while wandering around the car dealership waiting for her oil change to be completed, she was approached by a young car salesman who asked her if she wanted to look at a nice Corvette. Lynne had always loved sports cars, so she accepted the offer. He showed her a beautiful 2000 Sebring Silver C5 Coupe that happened to be at an affordable price point for her. She left that day as the new owner of a beautiful 2000 Sebring Silver C5 Coupe before her oil change had been completed!
Lynne really enjoyed her C5 Corvette! Her new Corvette hobby was the start of many great new friendships.
She started attending Corvettes of Carlisle with her C5 in 2013. She met many people there whom she had previously connected with on a Facebook group who said they were going to Carlisle.
After this event, in an effort to stay connected to her new-found Corvette friends who lived all over the United States, Canada, and Australia, she looked for them in the Corvette Facebook group. It wasn’t easy to find them because the group numbers had grown to over 7000. She then decided to start her own Facebook group to connect with her friends who had just attended the 2013 Carlisle event. She named the group “The Carlisle Crew”. Through Lynne’s leadership and efforts, this group of Corvette friends has stayed connected and still gathers at the yearly Corvettes of Carlisle event at the end of every August.
They park together and have a wonderful time! Corvettes of Carlisle has recognized this large group of friends as an official club, and Lynne is their official club leader.
Lynne learned about the famous 2007 Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Edition Corvette Z06 Corvette as a Corvette owner hanging out with fellow Corvette enthusiasts. She really wanted one. In 2016, Lynne learned that one was for sale at MacMulkins Chevrolet (New Hampshire), about 2 hours from her hometown of Litchfield, Maine. She worked out a deal with them, including trading in her 2000 C5. She then became the second owner of the Ron Fellows edition Corvette.
The car had 5,000 original miles, and the standard red fuel rails had also been hand-signed by Ron Fellows, which the previous owner had presumably arranged.
Before long, Lynne removed and stored the red signed fuel rails and replaced them with Artic White Fuel rails. (Keeping the signed originals in pristine condition.) She also added some bling to her engine compartment by adding a chrome hood liner, a chrome alternator and fuse box cover with white and grey carbon fiber accents, and chrome engine caps.
When considering the name for her Corvette, Lynne considered cool and unique names that could depict what she and her car represented. She decided on “Dirigo” (pronounced deer-I-go), which is Latin for “I lead.” She thought the odds were good that this fast race car could easily take the lead if raced. The name also corresponded with her home state of Maine’s motto, describing her position as the leader of a squad of police officers.
2007 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6 Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Championship Limited Edition “Dirigo” Specifications
Lynne has personally led the pack in her career as a law enforcement officer, as well. She became a Patrol Officer in 1997. In 2005, she was promoted to Detective and assigned as an Undercover Drug Task Force Agent. In 2008, she was promoted to Sergeant; in 2011, she was promoted to Lieutenant in charge of a squad. She was the first female officer in the history of Brunswick, Maine (population 22,000+) to be promoted to Sergeant and, then again, to Lieutenant.
Lynne’s zest for life, her care for others, and her passion for the Corvette hobby are evident in the large numbers of fellow Corvette owners who continue to join her every year and meet up together at Corvettes of Carlisle every August. After that day’s show, the Carlisle Crew group also meets on Thursday evening at the hotel, where most of them stay to enjoy a Carlisle Crew BBQ, which has now become an annual event.
Last year marked the 10th year Lynne and her partner, Brian Higgins, attended Corvettes of Carlisle.
The Carlisle Crew (now 115 members) honored Lynne, their group leader, with a special surprise. They worked with Brian to surprise Lynne with a huge retirement party at the annual Thursday BBQ. Her last day as a Police Lieutenant was the following Wednesday (after Corvettes at Carlisle) when she retired after 25 years of service. They blew her away even more when they presented her with a trip to the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School at the Spring Mountain Resort in Pahrump, Nevada. She and Brian flew there in March of 2023 and had a marvelous time.
Lynne still thoroughly enjoys driving her Special Limited Edition 2007 Ron Fellows Z06 Corvette and has already put over 18,000 miles on it in the seven years since owning it!
As we conclude this captivating journey into the world of Lynne Doucette’s #9 Ron Fellows Z06 Corvette, we’re reminded of the passion and dedication that drives Corvette enthusiasts like her. The limited-edition beauty and its unique features are a testament to the legacy of the Corvette Racing Team and the camaraderie that defines the Corvette community.
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