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from Wikipedia
One of Corvette Racing's Chevrolet Corvette C6.R cars being raced at Laguna Seca in the American Le Mans Series in 2006.

Key Information

Chevrolet Corvette C7.R driven by Marcel Fässler, Oliver Gavin, and Tommy Milner in 2017
Chevrolet Corvette C8.R driven by Nicky Catsburg, Ben Keating, and Nicolás Varrone in 2023

Corvette Racing was an American auto racing team established in 1999 by General Motors and Pratt Miller for the purposes of competing in sports car racing internationally. Corvette Racing was originally the official racing program for General Motors and their Chevrolet Corvette production car until the end of the LM GTE class in 2023, having utilized four generations of the Corvette to develop racing cars, although racing programs involving the Corvette have been endorsed by General Motors to varying degrees since 1956.[1] The team is known for its yellow livery and several class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.[2]

Corvette Racing closed out its direct factory operation at the end of 2023, with General Motors solely focusing on customer teams with the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Beginning in 2024, the team rebranded under the name Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports for the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Corvette Racing is also supporting TF Sport, which switched from Aston Martin to Corvette for 2024 in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Both the IMSA and WEC entries are run with limited GM factory support.[3][4][5]

Corvette Racing has had multiple successes across multiple championships, including one championship in the FIA World Endurance Championship, five championships in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, and ten championships in the American Le Mans Series, as well as nine victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, four victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 11 victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring, and eight victories at Petit Le Mans.[6][7][8]

Results

[edit]

24 Hours of Le Mans

[edit]

Officially debuting in 2000, Corvette Racing has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans nine times. From 2024, Corvette Racing supports customer team TF Sport for Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.[5]

Year Entrant No. Car Drivers Class Laps Pos. Class
Pos.
2000 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R United Kingdom Justin Bell
Canada Ron Fellows
United States Chris Kneifel
LMGTS 326 11th 4th
64 United States Kelly Collins
France Franck Fréon
United States Andy Pilgrim
327 10th 3rd
2001 United States Corvette Racing Pratt 63 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R Canada Ron Fellows
United States Johnny O'Connell
United States Scott Pruett
LMGTS 278 8th 1st
64 United States Kelly Collins
France Franck Fréon
United States Andy Pilgrim
271 14th 2nd
2002 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R Canada Ron Fellows
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Johnny O'Connell
LMGTS 335 11th 1st
64 United States Kelly Collins
France Franck Fréon
United States Andy Pilgrim
331 13th 2nd
2003 United States Corvette Racing 50 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R United States Kelly Collins
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Andy Pilgrim
LMGTS 326 11th 2nd
53 Canada Ron Fellows
France Franck Fréon
United States Johnny O'Connell
326 12th 3rd
2004 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R Canada Ron Fellows
United States Johnny O'Connell
Italy Max Papis
LMGTS 334 8th 2nd
64 Monaco Olivier Beretta
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
Denmark Jan Magnussen
345 6th 1st
2005 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Canada Ron Fellows
United States Johnny O'Connell
Italy Max Papis
LMGT1 347 6th 2nd
64 Monaco Olivier Beretta
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
Denmark Jan Magnussen
349 5th 1st
2006 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Canada Ron Fellows
United States Johnny O'Connell
Italy Max Papis
LMGT1 327 12th 7th
64 Monaco Olivier Beretta
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
Denmark Jan Magnussen
355 4th 1st
2007 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Canada Ron Fellows
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Johnny O'Connell
LMGT1 342 6th 2nd
64 Monaco Olivier Beretta
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
Italy Max Papis
22 DNF DNF
2008 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Canada Ron Fellows
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Johnny O'Connell
LMGT1 344 14th 2nd
64 Monaco Olivier Beretta
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
Italy Max Papis
341 15th 3rd
2009 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Johnny O'Connell
LMGT1 342 15th 1st
64 Monaco Olivier Beretta
Switzerland Marcel Fässler
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
311 DNF DNF
2010 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Johnny O'Connell
LMGT2 225 DNF DNF
64 Monaco Olivier Beretta
France Emmanuel Collard
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
255 DNF DNF
2011 United States Corvette Racing 73 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Monaco Olivier Beretta
Spain Antonio García
United States Tommy Milner
LMGTE Pro 314 11th 1st
74 United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United Kingdom Richard Westbrook
211 DNF DNF
2012 United States Corvette Racing 73 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Jordan Taylor
LMGTE Pro 326 23rd 5th
74 United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
United Kingdom Richard Westbrook
215 NC NC
2013 United States Corvette Racing 73 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Jordan Taylor
LMGTE Pro 312 19th 4th
74 United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
United Kingdom Richard Westbrook
309 22nd 7th
2014 United States Corvette Racing 73 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Jordan Taylor
LMGTE Pro 338 16th 2nd
74 United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
United Kingdom Richard Westbrook
333 20th 4th
2015 United States Corvette Racing – GM 63 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Australia Ryan Briscoe
Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
LMGTE Pro 0 WD WD
64 United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
United States Jordan Taylor
337 17th 1st
2016 United States Corvette Racing – GM 63 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Ricky Taylor
LMGTE Pro 336 25th 7th
64 United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
United States Jordan Taylor
219 DNF DNF
2017 United States Corvette Racing – GM 63 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
United States Jordan Taylor
LMGTE Pro 340 19th 3rd
64 Switzerland Marcel Fässler
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
335 24th 8th
2018 United States Corvette Racing – GM 63 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Germany Mike Rockenfeller
LMGTE Pro 342 18th 4th
64 Switzerland Marcel Fässler
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
259 DNF DNF
2019 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Germany Mike Rockenfeller
LMGTE Pro 337 28th 8th
64 Switzerland Marcel Fässler
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
82 DNF DNF
2021 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Netherlands Nicky Catsburg
Spain Antonio García
United States Jordan Taylor
LMGTE Pro 345 21st 2nd
64 United States Tommy Milner
United Kingdom Alexander Sims
United Kingdom Nick Tandy
313 44th 6th
2022 United States Corvette Racing 63 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Netherlands Nicky Catsburg
Spain Antonio García
United States Jordan Taylor
LMGTE Pro 214 DNF DNF
64 United States Tommy Milner
United Kingdom Alexander Sims
United Kingdom Nick Tandy
260 DNF DNF
2023 United States Corvette Racing 33 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Netherlands Nicky Catsburg
United States Ben Keating
Argentina Nicolás Varrone
LMGTE Am 313 26th 1st

Le Mans wins by Corvette Racing generation

[edit]
Vehicle Active Wins
Corvette C5-R 2000–2004 3 (2001, 2002, 2004)
Corvette C6.R 2005–2013 4 (2005, 2006, 2009, 2011)
Corvette C7.R 2014–2019 1 (2015)
Corvette C8.R 2021–2023 1 (2023)

IMSA racing results

[edit]

Complete IMSA SportsCar Championship results

[edit]

(key) Races in bold indicates pole position. Races in italics indicates fastest lap.

Year Entrant Class Drivers No. Rds. Rounds Pts. Pos.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2014 United States Corvette Racing GTLM Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Australia Ryan Briscoe
United States Jordan Taylor
3 All
1-4, 7-10, 12-13
1-2, 13
11
DAY
10
SEB
8
LBH
1
LGA
1
WGL
1
MOS
1
IMS
4
ELK
6
VIR
7
COA
9
ATL
8
317 2nd
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
United Kingdom Robin Liddell
Australia Ryan Briscoe
4 All
All
1-2
13
DAY
5
SEB
6
LBH
3
LGA
5
WGL
5
MOS
7
IMS
5
ELK
7
VIR
9
COA
10
ATL
4
291 8th
2015 United States Corvette Racing GTLM Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Australia Ryan Briscoe
3 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY
1
SEB
1
LBH
3
LGA
7
WGL
4
MOS
3
ELK
4
VIR
6
COA
6
ATL
6
295 3rd
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
France Simon Pagenaud
Australia Ryan Briscoe
4 All
All
1-2
12
DAY
3
SEB
9
LBH
7
LGA
6
WGL
7
MOS
5
ELK
7
VIR
8
COA
8
ATL
3
261 8th
2016 United States Corvette Racing GTLM Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Germany Mike Rockenfeller
3 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY
2
SEB
9
LBH
9
LGA
4
WGL
7
MOS
3
LIM
2
ELK
6
VIR
1
COA
3
ATL
4
319 3rd
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
Switzerland Marcel Fässler
4 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY
1
SEB
1
LBH
2
LGA
7
WGL
4
MOS
2
LIM
1
ELK
1
VIR
9
COA
5
ATL
3
345 1st
2017 United States Corvette Racing GTLM Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Germany Mike Rockenfeller
3 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY
4
SEB
1
LBH
5
COA
1
WGL
3
MOS
4
LIM
4
ELK
4
VIR
1
LGA
4
ATL
2
344 1st
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
Switzerland Marcel Fässler
4 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY
9
SEB
10
LBH
1
COA
7
WGL
5
MOS
8
LIM
8
ELK
5
VIR
6
LGA
9
ATL
4
276 8th
2018 United States Corvette Racing GTLM Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Germany Mike Rockenfeller
Switzerland Marcel Fässler
3 All
All
1-2
12
DAY
3
SEB
8
LBH
4
MOH
3
WGL
2
MOS
2
LIM
2
ELK
3
VIR
2
LGA
3
ATL
8
322 1st
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
Switzerland Marcel Fässler
4 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY
4
SEB
6
LBH
1
MOH
8
WGL
5
MOS
3
LIM
4
ELK
2
VIR
6
LGA
5
ATL
2
310 3rd
2019 United States Corvette Racing GTLM Spain Antonio García
Denmark Jan Magnussen
Germany Mike Rockenfeller
3 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY
6
SEB
3
LBH
2
MOH
2
WGL
2
MOS
7
LIM
5
ELK
4
VIR
3
LGA
3
ATL
4
317 3rd
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
Switzerland Marcel Fässler
4 All
1-4, 6, 9-12
1-2, 7-8, 12
DAY
8
SEB
8
LBH
3
MOH
8
WGL
8
MOS
8
LIM
6
ELK
6
VIR
4
LGA
4
ATL
7
275 8th
2020 United States Corvette Racing GTLM Spain Antonio García
United States Jordan Taylor
Netherlands Nicky Catsburg
3 All
All
1, 9, 11
DAY 1
4
DAY 2
1
SEB 1
2
ELK
1
VIR
1
ATL 1
5
MOH
1
CLT
1
ATL 2
2
LGA
2
SEB 2
5
351 1st
United Kingdom Oliver Gavin
United States Tommy Milner
Switzerland Marcel Fässler
4 All
All
1, 9, 11
DAY 1
7
DAY 2
5
SEB 1
1
ELK
2
VIR
4
ATL 1
2
MOH
2
CLT
4
ATL 2
4
LGA
6
SEB 2
6
315 3rd
2021 United States Corvette Racing GTLM Spain Antonio García
United States Jordan Taylor
Netherlands Nicky Catsburg
3 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY 1
2
DAY 2
1
SEB
4
BEL
2
WGL 1
1
WGL 2
1
LIM
1
ELK
2
LGA
2
LBH
2
VIR
2
ATL
6
3549 1st
United Kingdom Nick Tandy
United States Tommy Milner
United Kingdom Alexander Sims
4 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY 1
1
DAY 2
2
SEB
5
BEL
1
WGL 1
4
WGL 2
2
LIM
2
ELK
3
LGA
1
LBH
1
VIR
1
ATL
4
3448 2nd
2022 United States Corvette Racing GTD Pro Spain Antonio García
United States Jordan Taylor
Netherlands Nicky Catsburg
3 All
All
1-2, 12
DAY 1
6
DAY 2
6
SEB
1
LBH
3
LGA
4
WGL
6
MOS
2
LIM
4
ELK
3
VIR
2
PET
5
3rd 3194
United Kingdom Nick Tandy
United States Tommy Milner
Denmark Marco Sørensen
4 1
1
1
DAY 1
7
DAY 2
10
SEB
LBH
LGA
WGL
MOS
LIM
ELK
VIR
PET
35th 234
2023 United States Corvette Racing GTD Pro Spain Antonio García
United States Jordan Taylor
United States Tommy Milner
3 All
All
1-2, 11
DAY
2
SEB
5
LBH
2
MON
4
WGL
3
MOS
1
LIM
4
ELK
3
VIR
1
IMS
5
PET
7
3rd 3579

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Corvette Racing is the motorsport program run by General Motors through its Chevrolet division, dedicated to competing with Corvette-based race cars in global endurance racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Established as a factory-backed effort in 1999, it fields purpose-built prototypes like the C5-R, C6.R, C7.R, and C8.R, which have evolved alongside production Corvettes to showcase engineering advancements and achieve competitive success in GT categories. The program's roots trace back to the Chevrolet Corvette's racing debut in the 1950s, with early privateer efforts in events like the , where the first factory entry arrived in 1960. Over its history, Corvette Racing has amassed a record of dominance, including eight team and manufacturer championships in the GT1 class of the (ALMS), 82 class wins in ALMS, and a sweep of all 23 rounds in 2007. Notable highlights encompass eight class victories at the (most recently in 2015), 14 class wins at the (as of 2025), and over 150 overall endurance racing victories (as of 2025), with more than 70 one-two finishes. In recent years, Corvette Racing has transitioned from direct factory operations to a customer racing model, introducing the track-only Corvette Z06 GT3.R in 2024 to comply with FIA GT3 regulations and support professional and amateur teams worldwide. Powered by a 5.5-liter flat-plane crankshaft and developed in collaboration with Pratt Miller Engineering, the Z06 GT3.R debuted successfully, including a class win in the LMGTE Am category at the 2023 , and contributing to Chevrolet's sweep of the 2025 IMSA GTD Pro class titles for drivers, teams, and manufacturers at the season finale . This marked the program's 15th championship, underscoring its ongoing legacy of innovation and victory in international GT3 competitions, including the GT World Challenge and World Endurance Championship.

History

Origins and Early Competition (1953–1998)

The made its production debut in 1953 as America's first true , quickly attracting privateer racers who entered the model in (SCCA) production car events to showcase its potential against European competitors. These early efforts were entirely grassroots, with owners modifying stock C1-generation Corvettes for competition in local and national races, establishing a foundation for the model's racing legacy through consistent class podiums and developmental feedback to Chevrolet engineers. A pivotal early milestone came in 1956 at the 12 Hours of Sebring, where privateers John Fitch and Walt Hansgen piloted a modified Corvette to ninth overall and first in the Sports 8.0 class, demonstrating the V8-powered car's endurance capabilities despite reliability issues common to the era's prototypes. Factory involvement emerged cautiously in the 1960s amid the 1957 Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) ban on official racing support, yet Chevrolet engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov spearheaded semi-official projects, including the 1963 Grand Sport prototypes—lightweight, aluminum-bodied C2 Corvettes designed for FIA GT racing to challenge Ferrari's dominance. Only five Grand Sports were completed before GM canceled the program due to regulatory pressures, but the cars were released to private teams, yielding wins like the 1963 Nassau Speed Week sweep. International participation intensified with the Corvette's debut in 1960, where privateer entered three C1s; the No. 3 car, driven by John Fitch and Bob Grossman, secured eighth overall and first in the GT 5.0 class despite overheating issues. The C2 Sting Ray generation continued this momentum in the mid-1960s, with private entries achieving class victories at the 1964 and 1965 , highlighting improved aerodynamics and power from the 327-cubic-inch V8. As the model evolved into the C3 generation in the late 1960s, privateers expanded into GT and , where Corvettes excelled in the 1970s; a notable highlight was the 1972 clinched by Phil Currin's modified 1963 C2, underscoring the platform's versatility in high-stakes endurance and sedan-style racing. The C4 generation brought renewed vigor in the , with private teams dominating showroom stock categories through enhanced handling from independent rear suspension and the tunable L98 V8, though challenges mounted from the late 1970s oil crises that prioritized in production models and stricter emissions regulations curbing engine output. Regulatory shifts further complicated efforts, as the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) banned the dominant C4 Corvette from its GT classes after 1987 to encourage parity, prompting a hiatus in official Chevrolet backing and shifting focus to spec series like the short-lived Corvette Challenge. Privateer efforts persisted through the 1990s without a class victory, building anticipation for Chevrolet's full factory commitment in 1999.

Establishment of Factory Team (1999–present)

In 1999, General Motors established the official Corvette Racing program as a factory-backed effort to promote the newly introduced fifth-generation C5 Corvette, marking Chevrolet's return to professional GT-class endurance racing after decades of privateer dominance. The program debuted at the Rolex 24 at Daytona with the purpose-built C5-R race car, emphasizing production-derived technology to enhance the street model's performance and visibility. This initiative built on the inspiration from earlier privateer Corvette successes in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and IMSA GT series during the 1950s to 1990s. Central to the program's operations was a long-term partnership with Pratt & Miller Engineering, which served as the primary constructor, builder, and team operator for the race cars. This collaboration enabled rapid development and of vehicles aligned with GT regulations, evolving over 25 years to include advanced engineering for successive Corvette generations. In 2024, the partnership formalized a rebranding to "Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports," reflecting Pratt Miller's expanded role in campaigning factory-supported entries while maintaining Chevrolet's oversight. Key milestones shaped the program's growth, including its full-season entry into the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2001, where the C5-R secured multiple class victories and championships, establishing Corvette as a dominant force in GT racing. The series landscape shifted in 2014 with the merger of ALMS and Grand-Am Road Racing to form the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, prompting Corvette Racing to adapt its C7.R entries to the new GT Le Mans (GTLM) class structure under unified rules. Expansion into international competition accelerated in 2023 with a committed FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) campaign using the mid-engine C8.R, including a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that marked the model's debut success there and the program's ninth overall class win at the event. Regulatory adaptations have been pivotal, particularly navigating (BoP) adjustments in 's GTLM and subsequent GTD Pro classes, where weight, power, and aero restrictions often challenged the Corvette's naturally aspirated against turbocharged rivals. In 2023, amid the WEC's transition from to GT3 regulations and the phase-out of the LMGT1/Hypercar eligibility pathway for GT cars, Corvette Racing debated a potential shift to the Hypercar class but opted to align with GT3 specifications for cost efficiency and production relevance, influencing its 2024 Z06 GT3.R program. Recent developments include the 2025 GTD Pro manufacturers', teams', and drivers' championships, swept by Corvette Racing entries at the Motul finale, alongside a factory-supported entry into the via Steller Motorsport's Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs. The program's legacy was further honored in 2025 with the Hall of Fame induction of Kim Baker in the racing category, recognizing her contributions to Corvette's endurance racing engineering during the factory era's formative years.

Organization and Operations

Team Structure and Partnerships

Corvette Racing operates as a factory-backed program under , with core operations managed through a long-standing partnership with Pratt Miller Motorsports, established in 1999 to handle engineering, construction, and race operations for Chevrolet's endurance racing efforts. The team is headquartered at Pratt Miller's motorsports facility in New Carlisle, Indiana, where specialized departments including engineering, mechanics, race strategy, and logistics collaborate to support multi-car entries across international series. This structure enables seamless integration of design, testing, and on-track execution, with engineering teams focusing on , optimization, and vehicle compliance, while mechanics and strategists handle maintenance, setup, and real-time decision-making during events. Primary partnerships extend beyond Pratt Miller to include Chevrolet Performance, which supplies OEM components and ensures alignment between racing prototypes and production models, fostering that enhances road car performance. Key sponsors such as provide essential lubricants and branding support, as evidenced by dedicated liveries on race cars for events like the 2025 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Additionally, tire supplier partnerships, historically including Goodyear for select programs, complement the operational needs, though current entries utilize tires under series regulations. These collaborations are critical for resource allocation, with providing factory-level support including access to the advanced at its Technical Center for aerodynamic testing and development. Internationally, Corvette Racing maintains a dedicated European presence through partnerships like , a UK-based squad that handles LMGT3 class entries in the and for 2025, including preparation for the . This setup facilitates transatlantic logistics, such as shipping race cars and components from to European bases, ensuring compliance with regional regulations and efficient event support. The 2024 rebranding to "Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports" underscores the deepened integration, reflecting a unified identity for the program's global operations. The team's structure has evolved significantly since its early days, expanding from a two-car effort in the in 2001 to a multi-class operation by 2025, encompassing WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro entries alongside international commitments. This growth supports a workforce exceeding 100 full-time staff dedicated to activities, drawn from Pratt Miller's broader talent pool of approximately 350 employees across motorsports and defense sectors. Such scalability allows for simultaneous campaigning in and WEC, with logistics teams managing global transport and compliance to sustain competitive performance.

Key Personnel and Drivers

Corvette Racing's success has been driven by a core group of dedicated team principals and managers who provided strategic leadership and operational excellence. Doug Fehan served as program manager from 1996 to 2020, overseeing the transition to a full factory effort in 1999 and guiding the team through multiple championships and victories during his 25-year tenure. Ben Johnson, who joined Pratt Miller and became team manager in 2016, has managed on-track operations and vehicle integration, ensuring seamless execution in and international series as the program shifted to a hybrid factory-customer model in 2024. As of 2025, Ben Johnson serves as , overseeing performance and execution. Early in the program's history, Ron Fellows contributed as a driver and development lead, helping shape the initial C5-R platform and securing the team's first (ALMS) GT1 drivers' championship in 2001 alongside Johnny O'Connell. Iconic drivers have defined eras of dominance for Corvette Racing. In the multi-championship years of the early 2000s, Ron Fellows, Johnny O'Connell, and Oliver Gavin formed a formidable lineup, with Fellows and O'Connell clinching the inaugural GT1 title in 2001 and Gavin accumulating 51 career victories, including five class wins at the (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2015). O'Connell, a three-time champion, holds the record for most class wins at Sebring with eight (seven aboard Corvettes). Transitioning to the modern era, drivers like Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims have carried the banner in 's GTD Pro class; Garcia, a six-time champion, paired with Sims to win the 2025 GTD Pro drivers' title in the No. 3 Corvette Z06 GT3.R, marking their first joint championship. Factory-contracted talent such as Alexander Sims, who joined the lineup in 2024, exemplifies the program's global reach, contributing to victories like the 2025 endurance challenge. The driver lineup has evolved significantly since the all-American rosters of 1999, which featured U.S. talents like O'Connell and , to a diverse international mix by 2025, incorporating European and Latin American drivers such as British-born and Sims alongside Spaniard Garcia for enhanced competitiveness in global series. This shift reflects broader recruitment strategies to optimize performance across , , and other events. Behind the scenes, engineers and executives have provided critical technical and strategic support. Pratt & Miller founders and Jim Miller pioneered chassis development for the C5-R through C8.R generations, collaborating with to integrate street-car technology into race-winning platforms since 1989. Jim Campbell, as GM's Vice President of and Motorsports since 2011 and elevated to oversee commercial operations in 2025, has offered high-level strategic oversight, aligning racing efforts with brand goals like the Cadillac F1 entry while sustaining Corvette's endurance focus. In 2025, the inducted Kim Baker into its Hall of Fame in the racing category, recognizing her as a pioneering driver who led Baker Racing to multiple SCCA National and Endurance victories in C4 Corvettes during the 1980s, amassing a legacy of performance that influenced subsequent factory programs. Collectively, Corvette Racing drivers have amassed over 200 victories across major series, underscoring the personnel's enduring impact on the program's record of championships and endurance triumphs.

Race Cars and Technology

Corvette Racing Generations (C5-R to C8.R)

The C5-R marked the debut of a purpose-built factory racing in 1999, evolving from production-based models to compete in the GT1 class with a front-engine layout directly inspired by the fifth-generation road car. Featuring a carbon-fiber body for reduced weight and improved , the C5-R weighed approximately 2,500 pounds and achieved top speeds exceeding 200 mph, powered by a 7.0-liter tuned for endurance racing. This design emphasized structural rigidity and balanced weight distribution, enabling early successes including class victories at the in 2001. The car remained competitive through 2006, adapting to evolving regulations while maintaining its core front-engine configuration. Succeeding the C5-R, the C6.R entered competition in 2006 as an update tailored to shifting GT1 and later GT2 regulations, incorporating a lighter aluminum chassis derived from the production C6 Corvette Z06 for enhanced handling and reduced mass. Active aerodynamics, including adjustable front splitters and rear diffusers, allowed for optimized downforce and drag reduction across varied track conditions, contributing to superior cornering stability. This generation contributed to Corvette's ongoing dominance, securing ALMS GT manufacturer's championships in 2006–2008 (GT1 class) and 2012–2013 (GT2 class), part of a broader streak of eight consecutive titles from 2001 to 2008, showcasing its reliability in high-stakes endurance events. The C6.R's design bridged homologation requirements with performance innovations, retiring in 2013 after dominating multiple series. The C7.R, introduced in 2014, adapted to the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class with a wider body profile to accommodate larger tires and increased aerodynamic efficiency, drawing directly from the C7 Corvette Z06's chassis architecture including shared suspension components like magnetic ride control elements for precise damping. Its pushrod V8 was tuned to over 600 horsepower, emphasizing torque delivery for acceleration out of corners while maintaining rear-wheel drive. This setup facilitated strong straight-line performance and braking, with the car's aluminum-intensive frame providing a low center of gravity. The C7.R competed successfully until 2020, influencing street car developments through shared engineering. Transitioning to a mid-engine layout in , the C8.R mirrored the revolutionary eighth-generation production model's architecture, placing the engine behind the driver for improved weight balance and traction. Designed for GTE-class endurance racing, it featured a 5.5-liter flat-plane V8, with the 2023 configuration delivering approximately 500 horsepower under BoP restrictions in rear-wheel-drive form to comply with regulations, though the engine's potential exceeds 670 horsepower. This generational shift enhanced agility and rear-end grip, enabling podium finishes in international series. As of 2025, the program has focused on the GT3 customer model without hybrid integration for factory prototypes. Complementing the factory C8.R program, the Z06 GT3.R emerged as a transitional racing model in , built to GT3 specifications for non-factory teams seeking accessible high-performance Corvettes. Retaining the mid-engine philosophy with a 5.5-liter V8 derivative, it prioritized compliance and driver versatility across global sprint and endurance formats. This model's introduction expanded Corvette's racing footprint, allowing privateers to compete in series like and FIA WEC without direct factory involvement.

Engines and Innovations

Corvette Racing's powertrains have evolved significantly since the program's inception, drawing from ' LS-series V8 architecture to deliver high-performance, endurance-focused engines tailored for GT-class competition. The C5-R and C6.R models relied on the 7.0-liter pushrod LS7.R V8, a racing variant of the production LS7 engine, which produced approximately 590 horsepower in unrestricted form before (BoP) restrictions limited output to around 505-600 horsepower depending on the series and track configuration. This pushrod design emphasized torque and reliability, with a robust siamesed-bore cylinder block and CNC-ported heads enabling sustained high-revving performance over long stints. By the C7.R era, the engine shifted to a smaller 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 based on the LT1 small-block architecture, incorporating direct for improved efficiency; under BoP restrictions typical of GTLM and GTE-Pro classes, it delivered around 490-500 horsepower at 6,900 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The C8.R introduced a groundbreaking departure with its LT6.R, a 5.5-liter DOHC V8 featuring a —the first such configuration in an American racing V8 when it debuted in 2020 and FIA competitions. This design allowed revs up to 9,000 rpm in unrestricted testing, producing 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in race trim under BoP limits, though the engine's potential exceeds 670 horsepower as demonstrated in production variants like the Z06's LT6. The provided a high-pitched exhaust note akin to European supercars while enhancing power delivery across the rev range, marking Racing's adaptation to mid-engine packaging and stricter emissions rules in global series. As of 2025, the program focuses on GT3 without hybrid integration for factory efforts. The Z06 GT3.R uses a 5.5-liter V8 derived from the LT6.R, producing around 500 horsepower under GT3 BoP regulations. Key innovations in these engines prioritize endurance and efficiency, including dry-sump lubrication systems with multiple scavenge pumps to prevent oil starvation during high-g cornering, a technology refined in racing and later adopted in production Corvettes for better thermal management. Variable valve timing (VVT) optimizes airflow and fuel atomization across operating conditions, enhancing throttle response while meeting fuel consumption targets in restricted classes. Carbon-ceramic brakes, shared with high-performance street models like the ZR1, offer fade-resistant stopping power with reduced unsprung weight, leveraging a proprietary rotor manufacturing process for extended durability under race loads. Reliability modifications, such as ethanol-compatible fuel systems, have been crucial for compliance, where ACO rules mandate renewable blends like E20 (20% , 80% ); these allow stints exceeding 10 hours without refueling or failure, as seen in multiple class wins. A landmark example is the 2006 C6.R at the , where the LS7.R completed the full 24-hour distance without mechanical issues, contributing to a GT1 class victory and underscoring the engine's robustness. Technological transfers from racing to production have been extensive, with aerodynamic data from the C7.R—such as forward-tilted radiators and functional hood vents—influencing the C7 Stingray's low-drag coefficient of 0.30 and neutral balance for superior high-speed stability. Similarly, the C8.R's mid-engine layout informed the production C8's , sharing around 100 components and achieving a 40/60 front/rear that enhances handling precision without electronic aids.

Competition in Major Series

American Le Mans Series and IMSA SportsCar Championship

Corvette Racing entered the (ALMS) in 2001 with the , marking the program's first full-season commitment to a major U.S. endurance championship in the GT class. The C5-R quickly established dominance, securing ten manufacturer championships in the GT and GT1 classes, including eight consecutive GT1 titles from 2001 to 2008 and GT titles in 2012 and 2013, alongside multiple team and drivers' titles, through consistent class victories and podium finishes across the series' demanding schedule. This era highlighted the team's strategic emphasis on reliability and speed in endurance events, with the C5-R amassing 31 ALMS wins by 2004 alone. Following the ALMS's merger with the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series to form the United SportsCar Racing (now WeatherTech SportsCar Championship) in 2014, Corvette Racing transitioned seamlessly with the introduction of the C7.R in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class. The team captured three consecutive GTLM manufacturer championships from 2015 to 2017, leveraging the C7.R's aerodynamic efficiency and LS7-based to outperform rivals like and Ferrari. In 2025, competing in the evolved GTD Pro class with the Z06 GT3.R, Corvette Racing clinched another title, demonstrating adaptability to the series' customer-focused regulations. Corvette Racing's class strategies in these series centered on key endurance races such as the 24 at Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, and Motul , where the team prioritized fuel efficiency, tire management, and driver stints to maintain competitive edges over 12- to 24-hour durations. (BoP) adjustments, including weight penalties imposed after dominant early-season performances, required ongoing adaptations such as chassis tuning and ballast redistribution to counteract —often 20-176 pounds—while preserving handling balance. These measures ensured parity but challenged the team to refine setups for tracks like Sebring's bumpy surface and Daytona's high-speed banking. Notable achievements include seven Sebring class wins spanning 2002 to 2025, underscoring the program's endurance prowess at the demanding circuit, and four Daytona 24 Hours GTD/GTLM victories in 2012, 2015, 2021, and 2024. The 2016 season marked a with the 100th win at , a 1-2 finish that celebrated the team's growing legacy in the unified series. Overall, Corvette Racing has secured more than 50 pole positions in ALMS and combined, reflecting superior qualifying pace. In the 2025 IMSA season, Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports clinched the GTD Pro teams', drivers', and manufacturers' championships at , with the No. 3 Z06 GT3.R finishing third in class to seal the title amid intense competition from Ferrari and entries. This victory, driven by Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, and , extended Chevrolet's record to 15 GT titles since 2014. Technologies honed in these domestic campaigns, including advanced and hybrid powertrains, have informed preparations for international events like the .

24 Hours of Le Mans and FIA World Endurance Championship

Corvette's endurance racing legacy at the dates back to 1960, when American entrant fielded three Chevrolet Corvettes in the GT3.0 class, with the No. 3 car driven by John Fitch and securing a class victory and finishing eighth overall after completing 207 laps despite mechanical challenges. This debut marked the beginning of a sustained presence for the marque at the circuit, though early efforts were hampered by reliability issues and competition from European sports cars. teams continued sporadic entries throughout the and 1970s, achieving class successes such as the 1964 GT win with the experimental Corvette Grand Sport prototype entered by and Jim Hall, which finished fourth overall. A similar Grand Sport effort in 1965 also claimed a GT class victory, highlighting the model's potential in international endurance racing amid rivalry from Shelby Cobras. In the , Corvettes returned to prominence in the GT categories, facing stiff competition from entrants like the . Notable performances included strong showings in the GT2 class, with Callaway Competition's modified ZR-1 achieving second and third places in 1995, though no class win that year. By 1998, efforts in GT2 demonstrated improved reliability, setting the stage for factory involvement, but class victories remained elusive against and Ferrari dominance. The establishment of the official Corvette Racing program in 1999 brought a new era of consistency at , with the team's debut in 2000 yielding third and fourth-place finishes in GTS with the C5-R models. Since then, Corvette Racing has amassed nine GT class victories: in 2001, 2002, and 2004 with the C5-R, 2005 and 2006 with the C6.R, 2009 and 2011 with the C6.R, 2015 with the C7.R, and 2023 with the C8.R in LMGTE Am. These triumphs underscore the program's evolution across generations, from front-engine to mid-engine layouts, emphasizing durability in the grueling 24-hour format. The 2023 LMGTE Am win, driven by , , and Nico Varrone in the No. 33 C8.R, represented the class success and the first for the mid-engine , achieved after recovering from a two-lap deficit in a race of attrition. Corvette Racing expanded its global footprint in 2023 by committing to a full (WEC) season in the Am class with two C8.R entries, culminating in drivers' and teams' championships with victories at races like the . The program continued in 2024 and 2025 with the transition to LMGT3 using the Z06 GT3.R, securing results at Spa and Imola amid intense competition from Ferrari and Porsche. At the 2025 , Corvette Racing entered three Z06 GT3.Rs in LMGT3, with all achieving top-10 class finishes; the No. 81 car, driven by Charlie Eastwood, Rui Andrade, and Tom Van Rompuy, earned a third-place . Corvettes have competed in more than 60 editions of the since 1960, reflecting a commitment to endurance testing that informs road car development. Strategies central to success include extensive 24-hour simulation testing for component reliability, specialized preparation for night stints involving low-visibility driving techniques, and active engagement in (BoP) discussions with the FIA to optimize weight, power, and aerodynamics for fair GT competition. These elements have enabled Corvette Racing to build on U.S. series experience for international endurance challenges.

Other International and National Series

Corvette Racing has expanded its presence beyond core endurance championships through customer programs and entries in sprint-oriented GT series, particularly within the SRO Motorsports Group's GT World Challenge framework. Since 2019, customer teams supported by Corvette Racing have competed in European GT3 events, with factory-backed commitments intensifying in 2025 using the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. This included a full-season entry in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, marking the model's debut in the series with teams like Steller Motosport fielding Pro-Am configurations. In the United States, Corvette entries have featured in GT World Challenge America since 2024, with DXDT Racing achieving multiple victories in the Pro class using the Z06 GT3.R, including a four-race win streak through mid-2024. These efforts highlight Corvette's strategy to leverage customer teams for broader GT3 competition, culminating in a record 10 manufacturers vying for the global GT World Challenge title in 2025. Early involvement in national series dates to the and , where Corvettes secured wins in SCCA and Trans-Am events. Notable successes include the 1969 SCCA A-Production National Championship and GT class victories at the 1970 and . In Trans-Am, a clinched the Category II drivers' title in 1978 with driver Greg Pickett. Occasional modern appearances continue in these series, supporting and regional racing. Customer racing support has been pivotal in international GT events, with private teams achieving class podiums and wins in the former GT Series (now integrated into GT World Challenge) during 2017-2019. This period saw five class victories across European and Asian rounds, emphasizing Corvette's role in fostering success. Global expansion accelerated with TF Sport's customer program, including a landmark LMGT3 class win at the 2025 race in the . Further highlights include a historic first victory for a Corvette in the at the 2025 4 Hours of , where TF Sport's Z06 GT3.R, driven by Charlie Eastwood, Rui Andrade, and , triumphed in challenging conditions. In , the Z06 GT3.R debuted at the 2025 , entered by local teams in conjunction with . Pre-IMSA era successes at the 24 at Daytona added four GT class wins for Corvettes from 1962-1972, while has served as a key season finale with consistent customer entries. These diverse engagements underscore over 20 non-endurance victories for Corvette-supported teams since the program's inception.

Achievements and Records

Championships and Titles

Corvette Racing's championship success began with its inaugural () GT manufacturer title in 2001, marking the program's first major series crown and establishing Chevrolet as a dominant force in GT racing. Over the following years, the team amassed 10 manufacturer titles in the GT1 and GT2 classes, including eight consecutive victories from 2001 to 2008, a streak that underscored the reliability and performance of the C5-R and C6.R platforms in competition. These titles, spanning 2001–2004, 2005–2008, and 2012–2013, highlighted Corvette Racing's strategic dominance in North American during the era. Transitioning to the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship following the 2014 merger of and Grand-Am, Corvette Racing secured four GTLM and GTD Pro manufacturer titles in 2015, 2017, 2022, and 2025, with the latter marking a sweep of the GTD Pro class including drivers, teams, and manufacturers. The 2015 Tudor United SportsCar Championship GTLM title and the 2017 WeatherTech GTLM crown were powered by the C7.R, while the 2022 GTLM victory celebrated the mid-engine C8.R's debut season. Complementing these series championships, Corvette Racing achieved 14 class wins at the and four at the 24 at Daytona, reinforcing its endurance pedigree in key events. On the international stage, Corvette Racing earned a FIA GT manufacturer title in 2021 for LMGTE Am competition, extending the program's reach beyond . These accomplishments highlighted the adaptability of Corvette platforms in global GT regulations. Driver honors have been equally prolific, with 15 and driver championships claimed by Corvette Racing pilots since 1999, including co-driver Jordan Taylor's share of the 2025 GTD Pro title alongside Antonio Garcia in the Z06 GT3.R. Overall, the program has captured more than 30 American championships in GT classes since its 1999 inception, complemented by nine class victories at the . The 2025 GTD Pro title stands as the most recent addition, capping a legacy of sustained excellence in car racing.

Notable Wins and Milestones

Corvette Racing achieved its first factory-supported victory at the 2001 , where the No. 63 C5-R, driven by Ron Fellows, Johnny O'Connell, and , claimed the GTS class win, leading a 1-2 finish with the No. 64 entry piloted by Olivier Beretta, Oliver Gavin, and . This triumph marked the beginning of the program's dominance in endurance racing and highlighted the reliability of the LS1-powered C5-R platform during a rain-soaked race. Subsequent Le Mans performances included a class victory in 2011 with the No. 74 C6.R driven by Olivier Beretta, Antonio García, and Tommy Milner in the GTE Pro category, underscoring the evolution of Corvette's GT engineering. In 2023, the program secured its ninth overall class win at in the LMGTE Am division with the No. 33 C8.R, driven by , , and Nico Varrone, capping the final year of the GTE regulations. These results contributed to Corvette's record of nine class victories, establishing it as a benchmark for American manufacturers in global endurance events. Milestone races have further defined the program's legacy, such as the 100th North American victory in 2016 at , where Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner triumphed in GT Le Mans class. Technological firsts include the 2021 Rolex 24 at Daytona, where the mid-engine C8.R secured its first win with a 1-2 class finish, validating the radical shift to a rear-midship layout in GT racing. Corvette Racing has amassed over 280 victories in the factory era since 1999, with 14 class wins at the serving as a U.S. cornerstone. In 2025, highlights included the GTD Pro class victory at in August, where Antonio García and Alexander Sims ended a season-long win drought for the No. 3 Z06 GT3.R with a strategic . The year culminated at , where the team clinched the GTD Pro manufacturers', drivers', and team titles, sweeping the category in a dominant performance that affirmed Corvette's supremacy.

References

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