If you're like many Corvette monomaniacs, you subscribe to SPEED through your local cable provider and enjoy live broadcasts of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), featuring the thundering C6.R race cars.
With the 2010 ALMS season long past and the 2011 races not broadcasting until March, SPEED's original TV series Test Drive is primed to keep Corvette fanatics tuned in and turned on to their favorite car. "Test Drive is one of the most successful shows in SPEED's history and features some of the world's most-sought-after vehicles," says network rep David Harris.
The show is hosted by former Trans-Am Champion Tommy Kendall. "He's often joined by fellow professional racers, automotive journalists, and celebrity-car enthusiasts as they drive the latest offerings on some of the world's most challenging road courses and scenic roadways," Harris continues. "Test Drive places the television audience in the driver seat, as driver reviews are based on the immediate driving experience."
Test Drive host and former...
Test Drive host and former Trans-Am Series champion Tommy Kendall delivers his opening lines for the show. The dramatic backdrop is Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Photo by Brian Gomsak
For
Test Drive: Corvette, one of three episodes taped for the show's premiere week, Chevrolet provided five '11 Corvettes-a Torch Red Grand Sport Convertible, a Velocity Yellow ZR1, Supersonic Blue and Inferno Orange Metallic Z06s, and Corvette Racing's C6.R race car. To generate even more excitement, SPEED invited three special-guest celebrities: North Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, Corvette Racing full-time driver Johnny O'Connell, and six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson.
"We've been trying to put this Test Drive together for literally two years now," Kendall says. "We finally were able to have it all work out. The last Z06 show we did was with Jeff Gordon [in 2006]. Years later, people still talk about that one. We think Test Drive: Corvette is going to be one of those benchmarks."
Come with us now as we take an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Test Drive: Corvette. The show will air on SPEED in early February, so check your local cable listings or www.speedtv.com for exact dates and times.
Panthers running back and...
Panthers running back and Test Drive guest star DeAngelo Williams follows Kendall as they take the two newest examples of America's Favorite Sports Car for a spin around Charlotte's downtown streets. Photo by Brian Gomsak
Williams and Kendall discuss...
Williams and Kendall discuss how the cars performed during their urban drive. Photo by Brian Gomsak
On the second day of taping,...
On the second day of taping, Kendall greets six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina. Photo by Phil Lorenz
Williams is all smiles as...
Williams is all smiles as he checks out the cockpit surroundings of an '11 Grand Sport convertible. Photo by Brian Gomsak
Kendall is illuminated by...
Kendall is illuminated by supplementary lighting while preparing for his urban drive in the '11 ZR1. Photo by Brian Gomsak
Williams checks out the see-through...
Williams checks out the see-through hood of the ZR1 as he and Kendall wrap up their final segment on Day One of the shoot. Photo by Brian Gomsak
The Test Drive production...
The Test Drive production crew prepares Johnson to take the ZR1 out onto the track. Photo by Phil Lorenz
Meanwhile, Corvette Racing's...
Meanwhile, Corvette Racing's Johnny O'Connell sits in a new '11 Inferno Orange Metallic Z06, waiting for his turn to join the on-track fun. Photo by Phil Lorenz
As cameras roll, the three...
As cameras roll, the three professional racers-Johnson, O'Connell, and Kendall-power-slide around Carolina Motorsports Park. Courtesy of Robert Dalrymple Productions
Johnson awaits production...
Johnson awaits production support and final instructions before he takes the C6.R onto the track. Photo by Phil Lorenz
After some no-holds-barred...
After some no-holds-barred laps, Johnson sits on pit road in the C6.R while the Test Drive production crew changes out its camera batteries. Photo by Phil Lorenz
Kendall, too, awaits his own...
Kendall, too, awaits his own opportunity to put an '11 Supersonic Blue Z06 through its paces on the course. Photo by Phil Lorenz
Later in the day, O'Connell...
Later in the day, O'Connell preps Johnson to drive Corvette Racing's C6.R GT2 race car around the track for another taping segment. Photo by Phil Lorenz
Back in the CMP garage, O'Connell...
Back in the CMP garage, O'Connell tapes a General Motors promo on the new Corvette and Corvette Racing. Photo by Phil Lorenz
It's a wrap! Johnson, O'Connell,...
It's a wrap! Johnson, O'Connell, and Kendall pose in front of Corvette Racing's C6.R race car in the CMP garage for publicity photos. Photo by Phil Lorenz