Chevrolet's Corvette Race Team
 to Make Pit Stop in the Persian Gulf

Drivers to visit U.S. Navy personnel with the Fifth Fleet 
following Le Mans Open Test

Sunday, May 05, 2002, Le Mans, France - All six of the drivers from Corvette Racing will be embarking on a special lap of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet currently stationed in the Persian Gulf as part of the ongoing war on terrorism. The Fifth Fleet has been a fixture of America's military presence in the region for some time, but has been at a heightened state of alert since the terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

The drivers will visit U.S. military installations and ships in the region as part of a goodwill tour in appreciation of the ongoing efforts and sacrifices being made by U.S. military personnel.

Developed in association with the navy's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division, the idea for the program was born out of the Sept. 11 attack and its tragic impact on Gary Claudio, GM Racing group marketing manager, who lost several friends and family in the destruction of the trade towers in New York.

Personal tragedy inspires program  "This effort started at Petit Le Mans last year when we painted the car to honor the New York police and fire personnel in acknowledgement of the 'United We Stand' campaign," Claudio said. "We get a lot of attention in this racing business, but these men and women are truly the heroes enabling us to pursue our dreams and live in safer world." Corvette race team to spend 5 days with Navy, Claudio and the drivers will spend some five days in the Persian Gulf signing autographs, meeting military personnel and distributing racing apparel. In addition to the support of the US Navy, GM Goodwrench Service, GMAC, UAW-GM, Mobil 1 and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) sanctioning organization have all made contributions in support of the effort.