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Generation: C5 Year: 2003 VIN: C5R-009 Race Numbers: 3, 53, 8 Ownership: General Motors Corp / Prat & Miller (2001 to 2004); Robert Patrella (2004 to present). Sponsors: GM Goodwrench GMAC GM-UAW AER Mobil-1 Drivers: Ron Fellows, Johnny O'Connell; Franck Freon; Dale Earnhart (Jr). Status: Original Color: yellow Tires/Wheels: Wheels BBS (1999 to 2003) - OZ (2004-05) Front - 18 dia. x 12.5 wide Rear - 18 dia. x 13 wide Tires: Goodyear Racing Eagles (1999 to 2004) Michelin Racing (2005 to present) 290/33-18 (front) 310/41-18 (rear) CHASSIS / DRIVELINE: Pratt & Millers development program resulted in ongoing chassis and body configurations. The new ( 3 wider) chassis and body had been introduced with chassis #003 and #004, but developments continued as the rules permitted. Much of the subsequent development would focus on suspension and aerodynamics. Serial numbers #008 and #009 did receive a new chassis but information on the changes is not currently available. Four cars (chassis # 005, 006, 007, and 008) seem to have been built at roughly the same time (more or less). Chassis # 005 and 006 were completed in November of 2001 and the other two shortly thereafter. Engine: By the second last race of the 1999 season (Laguna Seca) a new 427 engine had been introduced, using a new casting but still based on production 346 LS1. The engine continued to evolve throughout the racing program. The 7.0 litre 427 aluminum engine features a 4.180 diameter cylinder bore and a 3.875 crankshaft stroke; horsepower and torque were estimated at 590 HP and 640 lb/ft. See the 1999 # 001 for the earlier 6 litre engine internals. Electronics and data acquisition continue to evolve but are based on the original Delphi Electronics engine computer-and-ignition systems and a complete Pi Research Systems 6 dashboard display, data acquisition and telemetry system that includes motion sensors on the front and rear suspensions. A Kinsler racing fuel-injection system, with elaborate cross-ram air horns and a composite airbox between the engine and the hood, was developed to improve throttle response problems arising out of ALMS mandated restrictors. An aluminum motor plate mounts to the front of the block, with a structural aluminum oil pan and a modified stock aluminum front subframe. The engine uses an external mechanical three-stage oil pump and dry-sump lubrication with the oil tank under the fuel tank. Driveline: In the initial period for chassis # 001 and 002, a five-speed Hewland racing transmission replaced the standard six-speed, mounted ahead of the differential. The question of which transmissions are permitted in the European FIA-sanctioned series is being researched. The balance of the drivetrain would probably retain the 5.5-in. triple-disc Tilton carbon clutch, and a Pratt & Miller 3.11:1 rear end with Metalore axles and CV joints. Top: Interior: Condition: URL: REFERENCES: David Palmeter web site at: http://palmeter.com Corvette Racing (US) at: http://corvetteracing.com Corvette Motorsport (Europe) at: http://corvettemotorsport.com Unique Characteristics: Modifications: Notes/Race History: RACE HISTORY: Race details documented by David Palmeter: 2003 Racing Season: Le Mans Trials, May 4 - New chassis #008 and #009 debut at the LeMans trials. Although the body are chassis are new, the engine is a carry-over from previous model. Cars now run on OZ wheels, through 2003 and 2004. They will switch back to BBS in 2005 Le Mans, June 14 & 15 - Chassis 008, 009. Cars are painted in the 2003 Commemorative Edition (blue with red and white) paint scheme. - With exception of Sebring and Atlanta, 009 ran the entire ALMS season in 2003 and its drivers won the drivers title. Atlanta, June 29 - Chassis 005, 006 run the next US-based race while the new cars are returned fro France. Third win for 006. Sears Point, July 27 - Chassis 008, 009. The Sears Point race was the first win for # 009. Quebec, August 3 - Chassis 008, 009. First win for # 008. Mosport, August 17 - Chassis 008, 009 Second win for # 009; # 008 (car # 4) crashed heavily and, as a rseult, chassis # 010 was rushed into service. Road America, August 24 - Chassis 009, 010 Laguna Seca, September 7 - Chassis 008, 009 Miami, September 27 - Chassis 008, 009. Both 008 and 009 were wrecked at Miami. A very serious warm-up session wreck kept 008 from starting the race. During the race, 009 was wrecked but was patched up and finished. At this time Pratt & Miller announced that they would be using # 009 & #010 at the Petit Le Mans. Atlanta, October 18 - Chassis 009, 010 2004 Racing Season Sebring, March 3 - Chassis 010, 011. Cars painted yellow with black and white checkers scheme on the hood. First win for 011. Le Mans Trials, April 25 - Chassis 010 and 011 Le Mans, June 12-13 - Chassis 010, 011. First win for 010. Mid-Ohio, June 27 - Chassis 008, 009 brought back into services while the two new chassis are still returning from Le Mans. This is the third win for 009. Lime Rock, July 5 - Chassis 008, 009. Second win for 008. Last race for chassis 008. Infineon /Sear Point, July 18 Chassis #009 re-numbered as #8 for Dale Earnhardt (Jr). This is a three car event with chassis #011 being numbered as # 3. Earnhardt crashes in practice and the car burns. Chassis 009 is taken out of service, but is restored to the LeMans commemorative edition paint scheme and sold to private collector Robert Patrella at the end of the 2004. Registry ID Number: 500 View Original Size  # 53 at 2003 LeMans - courtesy of General Motors Corp |