The New GT2 Corvette Makes Its Debut At Mid-Ohio

By Steve Zautke
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Updated: August 6, 2009

At 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon, Corvette Racing debuted their all-new C6.R Corvette race car in the American Le Mans Series at the Mid-Ohio race course. The much heralded car is competing in the GT2 class in the final five rounds of the ALMS series.

According to Chevrolet, the new GT2 car will use a 6.0 liter V-8 making 470 horsepower and a six-speed sequential transmission and uses the GM centric E85R fuel. Steel discs with ceramic-composite pads are used to stop the beast as 18″ wheels using Michelin racing tires (12.5 inches wide in front, 13 inches in back). However the racecar is based on the ZR1 as it uses the street car’s body, aluminum chassis, steering, and other components.

Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta, Johnny O’Connell and Jan Magnussen are driving the new GT2 Corvette C6.R at Mid-Ohio.

Steve Zautke

Steve Zautke, a Milwaukee, WI native, was raised in the sport of auto racing. His father, Bill, was a movie photographer that shot racing footage at tracks such as the Milwaukee Mile and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1960’s and 1970’s Steve’s first professional job in racing was as an Emergency Medical Technician at tracks such as Angell Park and Hales Corners Speedway (1988-1991). Steve has also worked for the Milwaukee Mile as videographer, in media relations and historian (1993-2011). Steve also has worked as a reporter for Racing Information Systems (RIS) and has written features for ‘Vintage Oval Racing’ and ‘Victory Lane’ magazines. Most recently, Steve has written a book on Road America for Arcadia Publishing. ( http://www.amazon.com/Road-America-Nascar-Library-Collection/dp/1467111457 ) Steve co-hosts “Sparky’s Final Inspection” a motorsports-based radio show with hosts, Steve “Sparky” Fifer and “NASCAR Girl” Summer Santana on Sports Radio 1250AM in Milwaukee and is also available on the internet at www.Sportradio1250.com. A member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Induction Committee, Steve follows all types of racing from the dirt tracks to Formula One.

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