Bloomington Gold Great Hall 2014: The Rebel Racing Icon

Champaign IL, June 27 2014 - For the 5th and final year the Great Hall at Bloomington Gold recognized 10 people and 10 Corvettes that had a large impact on the Corvette phenomenon.

1969 Corvette The Rebel Racing Icon

From fame to scrap yard and back again – Brand new, this originally yellow L88 Corvette finished 3rd in class at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1969. In 1970, it finished 5th in class at Daytona, however, a valiant effort at Sebring failed in the 11th hour. Still, not bad for un-sponsored amateur drivers. OrCostanzo and Dave Heinz.

Then, in 1971, with #57 on the door, things were getting better. It finished 2nd in class at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 2nd in class at the 12 Hous of Sebring; behind John Greenwood’s racer painted in the “American Flag:.

Not to be “out-flagged”, #57 was repainted with the Rebel flag, warning competitors what was to come. Under the new IMSA racing organization, the Rebel flourished. Qualifying over 200 mph and lapping the field, the Rebel won the “200 Miles of Daytona” and captured the IMSA class Championship.

Returning to Daytona and Sebring in 1972, the Rebel captured 1st in class at both venues including an impressive 4th overall at Sebring – a record that remains unbroken by a Corvette to this day.

Rescued from the scrap yard, the legend lives.