Fort Stockton

[Demps]

Old hats,
Are there any remnants or history of the record to see in Ft Stockton? I may have a few hours in the AM to tour
Ted

[Paul Workman]

Ted,
I hope you can make it at least long enough to snap some pictures! I'd like to see the setting some 21 years later - tumbleweeds n snakes or whatever! Maybe a layout for the HOTB???

Just a thought.

Paul.

[gbrtng]

We talked our way in back in 1999 and the management knew NOTHING about the record run. There was a black 90 ZR-1 onsite that was used for tire testing early on - I wonder if it's still there. You might not even be able to get in - security was tight.

[Vetman]

Who owns the track? Is it not used anymore? Let's get it opened for the 25th for some parade laps. I would contribute dollars to drive and get video of of a
Caravan of Z's doing parade laps.

[Fully Vetted]

It's owned by Bridgestone and still used as a test facility. I thought it would be great to have the World Record car shipped out from the museum and do a parade lap with us following behind. I talked to Mike at the NCM and he thought he could get one of the drivers (not Morrison) to do the lap. Getting Bridgestone to agree is a whole different ball game. Ft. Stockton has plenty of hotels so it could support a large gathering. I'm sure one of the Corvette mags would be interested in reliving one of the greatest moments in Corvette history as well as our own HOTB.

[gbrtng]

There are two record cars - where is the L98 now?

[Kevin]

There are two record cars - where is the L98 now?

aren't both in the ncm?

[Blue Flame Restorations]

aren't both in the ncm?

The Record car is at the NCM. The white L98 car is in private hands.

[Demps]

As I exited I-10 to the Ft Stockton Texas Proving Grounds, I day dreamed of a spring day in 1990 when a group of Corvette folks ascended on the place attempting a record run. I couldn't help but think of just how impressive the accomplishments are. Yes, there are speed accomplishments for other/newer cars but 24 hrs is impressive. My Dad brought me back to reality, "get out and take a picture".

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/demps_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsa2217310.jpg (http://s148.photobucket.com/user/demps_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsa2217310.jpg.html)

Hib's article can be read here:
http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Information/PerformanceRecords/WorldRecords.aspx

I pulled up to the ops center and was hesitantly greeted. After an introduction, the ops chief was very nice and let me walk around a bit. Bridgestone tests semi-truck tires there.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/demps_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbe9a6bbd.jpg (http://s148.photobucket.com/user/demps_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbe9a6bbd.jpg.html)

There was a semi making laps. He couldn't allow me closer for safety reasons plus they were dog-n-ponying some customers. Could you imagine of loading the car and making a few laps?

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/demps_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps05459249.jpg (http://s148.photobucket.com/user/demps_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps05459249.jpg.html)

[Vetman]

Fantastic photo, especially of your black z. My black z will be driving through that gate next spring on my way to the gathering in May, 2015. I would give just about anything to drive on that track with a "boat load" of other z's and with video taken!!!!:salute:

[XfireZ51]

This sounds like a worthy project for the 25th. Wonder if someone like Dave McClellan could help grease some skids on this?

[gbrtng]

We talked our way in back in 1999 and the management knew NOTHING about the record run. There was a black 90 ZR-1 onsite that was used for tire testing early on - I wonder if it's still there. You might not even be able to get in - security was tight.
It looks a bit more visitor-friendly now than back in 1999 when cameras were not allowed. The general manager did allow some pics after we convinced him we weren't Uniroyal spies. We spent about an hour onsite, and he showed us all the various test tracks and the testing equipment.
Glad you got to see the facility, Ted.