Space-Age Technology Helps Keep the Corvette On Top
Space-age technology is a key factor in managing the success of theCorvette racing program. A quick look under the hood of the C6.R revealsa plethora of sensors and electrical plug-in receivers for downloadingtechnical information on how the car is performing and behaving. Some ofthe more interesting advanced technologies employed to help the team andits drivers are in-car video and special "reflective light" sensors thatdetect the attitude of the car.
The rearward view through the back of the C6.R is severely limited, so avideo camera is mounted in the tail of the car to give the driver aclear look at what is behind him. The camera is mounted in the middle ofthe rear fascia, above the word "Motorola" and below the Corvette'strademark crossed-flag insignia (middle). The images from this cameraare shown on a small flat screen mounted inside the cabin of the C6.R,near where you might find a typical rearview mirror (top right). Thesystem gives the driver a good wide-angle look at his pursuers.
A second very interesting innovation is the "side-slip monitor." In thepicture (bottom) you will see a small, round light shining on the groundbelow the rear bodywork on the right side of the car. This is a sensorthat measures the side-slip of the car while on track. The informationfrom this sensor is then reported back to the pits, where engineers candecipher if the car is behaving as expected.
--Gregory P. Johnson
PARADE DES PILOTES
The world's most glamorous pre-race event is also one of its mostunusual
By Walt Thurn * Photography by Author
Each Friday before the 24-hour race, the Automobile Club of the West(The ACO, or "L'Automobile Club De L'Ouest," is the governing body forcar and motorcycle races in France) holds its annual Parade des Pilotes.A total of 48 vintage-car owners offer up their vehicles to transportevery racer who qualified for the next day's race. Over 100,000 peopleattend to get a close look at their favorite drivers, who do their partby handing out beads and signing autographs as they make their waythrough the city of Le Mans. The Corvette was well represented at thisyear's parade, with cars from Corvette Europe, the Corvette Club ofFrance, and the (American) C5/C6 Registry helping to provide a good lookat our favorite sports car.
Corvette celebrities were also well represented. Corvette Chief EngineerDave Hill drove a pre-production yellow export Z06, while veteran racerDick Guldstrand was a Chevrolet guest of honor and also participated inthe parade. It was nice to see Guldstrand--who co-drove an
L-88 Corvette with Don Yenko and Bob Bondurant at the 1967 LeMans--getting this well-deserved recognition.
The parade starts in front of Old Le Mans, with the Cathedral of St.Julian in the background, and weaves its way through a three-mile routein downtown Le Mans. Bands, clowns, celebrities, and drivers (andundoubtedly a few folks who fit more than one category) fill the streetsfor this huge, description-defying event. If you ever make it to the 24Hours of Le Mans, consider this pre-race soiree an indispensable part ofthe experience.
Olivier Beretta, Oliver Gavin, and Jan Magnussen are introduced by theparade's master of ceremonies. This is the start of their journeythrough the streets of Le Mans. | 
C5/C6 Registry members Skip Thomas and Jake Drennon chauffeured Corvetteracing legend Dick Guldstrand in the Parade des Pilotes. Guldstrandco-drove an L-88 Corvette at the 1967 Le Mans. | 
Max Papis, Ron Fellows, and Johnny O'Connell passed out beads to thespectators during the parade. |
This Porsche 917 was featured in the Steve McQueen classic movie "LeMans." It is one example of the wide variety of classic cars that areshowcased in the parade. | 
Corvette Chief Engineer Dave Hill drove this beautiful pre-productionexport Z06 in the parade. Notice the export-only washers below theheadlights. | 
Over 100,000 spectators line the streets of Le Mans to experience theannual Parade des Pilotes. |