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The 26th Annual Michelin NCM Bash

Each year, the Nationaal Corvette Museum kicks off the start of their summer season and celebrates the arrival of the latest MY Corvette offerings from Chevrolet by hosting the Michelin NCM Bash! This three day even is normally held on the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday of April each year on the grounds of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  This year is no exception.

On April 27-29, 2023, Corvette owners, enthusiasts, and spectators alike can join in the fun as the NCM’s 2023 event season gets underway. This year, the Museum will host a variety of returning activities including seminars by representatives from Michelin, Mobil 1, General Motors, and the Corvette Assembly Plant. Likewise, GM Certified Corvette Technician Paul Koerner will return to offer classroom instruction to registered attendants.  In addition to these presentations, attendees can enjoy guided road tours, a newly expanded car show, a live auction, a variety of vendors, and witness the announcement of the 2023 Corvette Hall of Fame inductees.

I will also be onsite on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00pm each day to sign copies of my book “Corvette Concept Cars: Developing America’s Favorite Sports Car.”  Copies of the book are available at the NCM Store, but I will also sign copies purchased previously/elsewhere…so please stop by and say hello!

A brand-new Mid-Engine Corvette parked at last year's Bash.
A brand-new Mid-Engine Corvette parked at last year’s Bash.

In addition to the above, the Museum will host a variety of “Demonstration Drives.”  These “drives” will showcase vehicles from the Museum’s collection as they’re toured around the NCM parking lot by members of the Museum’s staff.  This is an incredible opportunity to see some one-of-a-kind Corvettes “in the wild.”

Anyone wishing to attend the event must now register once you arrive at the NCM.  Registration for the event is $40.00 for lifetime members of the musum, $45 for members, and $55 for non-members.  Please keep in mind you can always become a member of the Museum and receive discounted pricing to the Bash.  Membership to the Museum helps make events like this possible and ensures the continued preservation of the many incredible cars in the Museum’s collection.

Below is a complete list of activities/events scheduled during this year’s Michelin/NCM Bash.  While many of these events are already sold out, there is still time to get plugged in for some of the seminars and other activities listed below.  Contact the Museum for complete details.

We hope to see you there!

Wednesday, April 26th

9:00am National Corvette Museum Opens
Times Will Vary Bash HPDEThe National Corvette Museum has been hosting high performance driving events around the country since 2004, and this is your chance to take advantage of this prestigious program at the home of the Corvette!!  Whether you’re a serious automobile enthusiast or a first-time driver, The National Corvette Museum HPDE driving program will help take your skills to the next level.  In a very short time, you will find yourself driving better, smoother, faster and safer than you ever thought possible.  Learn more here: https://www.motorsportspark.org/drive-your-car/

  • To Register, Click Here
  •  Located at NCM Motorsports Park
 
2:00pm – 5:00pm Advance Registration Pickup / Onsite Registration Opens

  • NCM Club Room
 

Thursday, April 27th

7:30am – 2:15pm LT1: James Beam Tour & LunchWhat makes our bourbon special are the eight generations behind it. Each of our family distillers has a spirit of their own, building on the Beam legacy of those who came before.  Genuine, quality ingredients distilled by craftsmen without compromise. That’s bourbon made the Beam way. You don’t want to miss this!

  • Pre-registration required
  • 568 Happy Hollow Rd, Clermont, KY 40110
  • $50 members / $55 non-members
  • Limited 48 people
  • Guided tour and lunch included with registration
  • Drive your own Corvette
  • NCM Truck Parking Lot
  • Caravan to Attraction as Group – Departing from NCM
 
7:45am – 3:00pm LT2: Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum / Fetta Specialty Pizza Lunch
The International Bluegrass Music Association was founded in Owensboro, Kentucky in 1986. While the IBMA relocated to Nashville years ago, Owensboro has been the home of the Hall of Fame since 1991. Passionate fans, supporters, government officials, and board members gathered to raise funds and petition the State of Kentucky to secure the remaining amount needed to build the brand new Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, right on the banks of the Ohio River near the birthplace of bluegrass music. You don’t want to miss this!

  •  Pre-registration required
  • $40 members / $45 non-members
  • Limited 48 people
  • Guided tour and lunch included with registration
  • Drive your own Corvette
  • 311 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301
  • NCM Truck Parking Lot
  • Caravan to Attraction as Group – Departing from NCM
 
8:30am – 2:30pm LT3: Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage & FKS KitchenThe Hermitage is a historical museum located in Davidson County, Tennessee, United States, 10 miles east of downtown Nashville. The 1,000-acre + site was owned by Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, from 1804 until his death at the Hermitage in 1845. It also serves as his final resting place. Enjoy exploring The Hermitage with the Mansion Tour which includes admission to the grounds, a 30-minute guided tour of The Hermitage mansion and a self-guided tour of the farmland that was once The Hermitage, as well as the gardens, and other historical buildings. While on the grounds enjoy a boxed lunch from the onsite FKS Kitchen which is a down-home, Southern restaurant with delicious food. The Hermitage also offers Wine Tasting at additional cost from the onsite Natchez Hills Winery.

  • 4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN  37076
  • Pre-registration required
  • $45 members / $50 non-members
  • Limited 48 people
  • Guided tour and lunch included with registration
  • Drive your own Corvette
  • NCM Truck Parking Lot

Caravan to Attraction as Group – Departing from NCM

9:00am – 5:00pm Stingray 2 Go & Stingray Grill Hours of Operation 
9:00am – 4:00pm Registration Open

  • Advance Registration credential/shirt pickup
  • Onsite registration open
  • NCM CLUB ROOM
9:00am – 11:00am Parking Lot Banner Pickup

  • Wendell Strode Club Room
9:00am – 11:00am C8 Classroom Session with Paul KoernerQuestion and answer on the new C8 generation. Very interactive class where you will be able to ask Paul any and all of your questions about your personal Corvette. Pre-registration is Required.

  • $80 registration fee
  • GM Certified Technicians Paul Koerner
  • Limited to 10 registrants (spouse or your guest invited to sit in)
  • Chevrolet Theater
9:30am – 9:45am Artifact Pitstop – Dick Guldstrand Racing Suit & Helmet

  • Located in Performance Gallery
  • Speaker: Bob Bubnis – Curator of Collections / Exhibits Manager
(Times Will Vary) Bash HPDEThe National Corvette Museum has been hosting high performance driving events around the country since 2004, and this is your chance to take advantage of this prestigious program at the home of the Corvette!!  Whether you’re a serious automobile enthusiast or a first-time driver, The National Corvette Museum HPDE driving program will help take your skills to the next level.  In a very short time, you will find yourself driving better, smoother, faster and safer than you ever thought possible.  Learn more here: https://www.motorsportspark.org/drive-your-car/

  • To Register, Click Here
  • Located at NCM Motorsports Park
 
9:45am – 10:15am  NCM Update

  • NCM Conference Center
  • Speakers: Sharon Brawner, Kaye Wagner, Kai Spande
 
10:00am – 12:00pm  Scott Kolecki Book Signing 

  • Corvette Store Partner Tent
 
10:15am – 11:15am Behind the scenes: E-Ray on Ice @ Rockefeller Center NYC Behind the scenes presented by the NYC stunt driver that introduced the brand-new electrified Corvette E-Ray to the world. Hear about how this iconic stunt started as an idea and became reality. Learn about the cyclone maneuver that shook the internet on January 17th! 

  • Speaker: Cody Bulkley – Performance Car Chassis Controls
  • Located in NCM Conference Center
 
11:15am – 12:00pm  So You Think You Know the Maintenance of Your Corvette?Think again!!!  This is because maintenance is much more than an air filter and oil change.  In this in depth question and answer discussion, we will address ALL generations of Corvette. What to look for, how to determine your maintenance needs for YOUR Corvette and more, will all be covered. In depth question and answer to address all areas of Corvette will be part of this interactive seminar.

  • Located in NCM Conference Center
  • Speaker: Paul Koerner
12:30pm – 2:00pm LIVE Auction

Bid on exclusive and RARE items that are only available through the National Corvette Museum! All items must be taken with you at the end of the auction, NO items will be shipped. 

  • NCM Conference Center
2:00pm – 3:00pm  Corvette Assembly Plant Update

  • Speaker: Kai Spande – Bowling Green Assembly Plant Director
  • NCM Conference Center
 
3:00pm – 5:00pm Stingray Grill Happy Hour

  • Small Plates / $1 off Domestics / Bourbon Flights
 

Friday, April 28th

 

7:30am – 2:15pm LT4: James Beam Tour & LunchWhat makes our bourbon special are the eight generations behind it. Each of our family distillers has a spirit of their own, building on the Beam legacy of those who came before.  Genuine, quality ingredients distilled by craftsmen without compromise. That’s bourbon made the Beam way. You don’t want to miss this!

  • Pre-registration required
  • $50 members / $55 non-members
  • Limited 48 people
  • Guided tour and lunch included with registration
  • 568 Happy Hollow Rd, Clermont, KY 40110
  • Drive your own Corvette
  • NCM Truck Parking Lot
  • Caravan to Attraction as Group – Departing from NCM
 
7:45am – 3:00pm LT5: Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum / Fetta Specialty Pizza Lunch
The International Bluegrass Music Association was founded in Owensboro, Kentucky in 1986. While the IBMA relocated to Nashville years ago, Owensboro has been the home of the Hall of Fame since 1991. Passionate fans, supporters, government officials, and board members gathered to raise funds and petition the State of Kentucky to secure the remaining amount needed to build the brand new Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, right on the banks of the Ohio River near the birthplace of bluegrass music. You don’t want to miss this!

  •  Pre-registration required
  • $40 members / $45 non-members
  • Limited 48 people
  • 311 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301
  • Guided tour and lunch included with registration
  • Drive your own Corvette
  • NCM Truck Parking Lot
  • Caravan to Attraction as Group – Departing from NCM
 
8:30am – 2:30pm LT6: Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage & FKS KitchenThe Hermitage is a historical museum located in Davidson County, Tennessee, United States, 10 miles east of downtown Nashville. The 1,000-acre + site was owned by Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, from 1804 until his death at the Hermitage in 1845. It also serves as his final resting place. Enjoy exploring The Hermitage with the Mansion Tour which includes admission to the grounds, a 30-minute guided tour of The Hermitage mansion and a self-guided tour of the farmland that was once The Hermitage, as well as the gardens, and other historical buildings. While on the grounds enjoy a boxed lunch from the onsite FKS Kitchen which is a down-home, Southern restaurant with delicious food. The Hermitage also offers Wine Tasting at additional cost from the onsite Natchez Hills Winery.

  • 4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN  37076
  • Pre-registration required
  • $45 members / $50 non-members
  • Limited 48 people
  • Guided tour and lunch included with registration
  • Drive your own Corvette
  • NCM Truck Parking Lot

Caravan to Attraction as Group – Departing from NCM

 
9:00am – 5:00pm Stingray 2 Go & Stingray Grill Hours of Operation 
 
9:00am – 4:00pm Registration Open

  • Advance Registration credential/shirt pickup
  • Onsite registration open
  • NCM CLUB ROOM
 
9:00am – 11:00am Parking Lot Banner Pickup

  • Wendell Strode Club Room
 
9:30am – 9:45am  Artifact Pitstop: Studio X

  • Located in Studio X
  • Speaker: Brian Baker – Director of Collections & Education
 
(Touring Lap Times Vary) NCM Event Touring LapsDrive your car on track with four lead/follow laps on track. Bash guests will receive special, event pricing at $99.  Didn’t drive your Vette?  No problem!  We have plenty of experiential offering that are sure to fir your schedule and budget.

  • To Register, Click Here
  • Located at NCM Motorsports Park
 
10:00am – 12:00pm Scott Kolecki Book Signing 

  • Corvette Store Partner Tent
 
10:15am – 11:15am  A Fast History of Corvette & Michelin Racing Review the history of Corvette Endurance Racing with Michelin and how this relationship has produced innovation technologies for Corvette high-performance street tires.  

  • Speaker: Dr. Jeffery Anderson and Eric Schmedding
  • NCM Conference Center
 
11:15am – 12:00pm  Mobil 1 Tech Talk Mobil 1 welcomes you to join our Tech Talk and learn why Mobil 1 Supercar was specifically formulated for your Corvette.  Come and learn the latest on the newest technology to maximize your Corvette’s performance on and off the track.  Owners attending will have the opportunity to interact directly with an ExxonMobil motorsports technical engineer during the popular Q&A segment.

  • NCM Conference Center
  • Speaker: Mobil 1 Sales, Marketing, & Technical Team
 
12:00pm – 12:15pm  2023 Hall of Fame Inductee Announcement 

  • Located in NCM Conference Center
 
12:15pm – 12:30pm  Artifact Pitstop: C8 Full-Size Clay Model 

  • Located in Driven By Design
  • Speaker: Brian Baker – Director of Collections & Education
 
12:30pm – 1:45pm Corvette Team UpdateJoin Chevrolet Corvette & Camaro Product Marketing Manager, Harlan Charles, in the NCM Conference Center as he discusses new updates on Corvette.

  • Speaker: Harlan Charles
  • NCM Conference Center
 
1:30pm – 3:30pm Sip n’ Paint
A step-by-step beginner art project class in which guests can create unique and original works of art and learn basic creative techniques to apply to at home projects, all while enjoying their favorite wine!

  • Pre-Registration Required
  • Registration Fee: $45 Members / $50 Non-Members
  • Art Supplies and wine included in registration
  • NCM Board Room (front offices)
 
1:45pm – 2:45pm  Ambassadors Meeting

  • Chevrolet Theater
 
2:00pm – 2:45pm  Carl Casper Seminar Curator of Collections and Exhibit Manager, Bob Bubnis, will conduct a cruise through the collection of incredible and colorful creations of Carl Casper, the Custom Car King.

  • Located in Limited Engagement Gallery
  • Speaker: Bob Bubnis – Curator of Collections / Exhibits Manager
 
3:00pm 2023 70th Anniversary Convertible VIN 00002 4/28/2023

  • Corvette Blvd
  • $250.00 Raffle
 
3:05pm  Event Group Photo

  • Corvette Blvd
  • Immediately Following Raffle
 
3:00pm – 5:00pm Stingray Grill Happy Hour

  • Small Plates / $1 off Domestics / Bourbon Flights
 
3:30pm  Corvette Store Gift Card Drawing

  • Corvette Store Partner Tent
  • $100 Corvette Store Gift Card
 
4:00pm – 5:00pm  Winner’s Circle Recognition 

  • By Invitation ONLY
  • Located in Chevrolet Theater
 
5:15pm  Cash Bar Opens
 
5:45pm – 7:30pm BQT1: Winning with WIMNA – Women in Motorsports North AmericaWomen In Motorsports North America is a 501c3 founded by racing legends Lyn St James and Beth Paretta – a community of professionals devoted to enabling opportunities for women across all disciplines of motorsports. Join us Friday evening as we enjoy a panel discussion with our special guest speakers. 

  • NCM Conference Center
  • Buffet Meal Included
  • Pre-Registration Required
  • Non-Member: $60 per person / Member: $55 per person
  • Panel Discussion Begins at 6:30pm
  • Speakers:
    • Cindy Sisson, CEO of GSEvents
    • Lauri Eberhart, Partner and Founding Member of Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group
    • Tracy Gaudu
    • Ken & Kristen Lingenfelter – Lingenfelter Performance Engineering
 

Saturday, April 29th

8:30am – 2:15pm LT7: Swope’s Car of Yesteryears Auto Museum / Back Home Restaurant The Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum features an impressive collection of vintage and antique cars ranging from the early 1900’s to the 1960’s in a variety of makes and models in both original condition and restored condition. Backhome is not just an amazing, southern local restaurant. The restaurant started more than 35 years ago as an antique & crafts dealer. From homemade candies to Candleberry Candles to home decor, come see everything they have to offer.

  • Pre-Registration Required
  • Members $35 / Non-Members $40
  • 1080 N Dixie Hwy, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
  • Drive Your Own Corvette
  • NCM Truck Parking Lot
  • Caravan to Attraction as Group – Departing from NCM
  • Limited to 48 people
 
9:00am – 3:00pm Stingray 2 Go & Stingray Grill Hours of Operation 
 
9:00am – 4:00pm Registration Open

  • Advance Registration credential/shirt pickup
  • Onsite registration open
  • NCM CLUB ROOM
 
9:00am – 11:00am Parking Lot Banner Pickup

  • Wendell Strode Club Room
 
9:00am – 11:00am  Ladies Garage By women for women – an opportunity to learn about basic Corvette (cars in general) maintenance and how to be a smart consumer of automotive servicesPresenters are knowledgeable in all areas of Corvettes from Powertrain and engineering to high performance driving so bring your questions and ask the experts.  

  • Located in NCM Conference Center
  • For Women Only
  • Presented by Ladies of the Corvette Team
    • Saski Greenway – BGA Area Manager
    • Jenni Druen – BGA Quality Operations Manager
    • Julie Wheetly-Gann – BGA Material Launch Manager
    • Emma Mikalauskas – Creative Designer
    • Breann Voss – Supplier Quality Engineer
    • Devon Blue – Program Manager
 
9:00am – 11:00am Caravan Captain’s Meeting
Captains & Co-Captains only, please RSVP with Caravan Chairman Frank Sancineto at [email protected]

  • Gardner Mattson Board Room
 
9:00am – 11:00am C8 Classroom Session with Paul KoernerQuestion and answer on the new C8 generation. Very interactive class where you will be able to ask Paul any and all of your questions about your personal Corvette. Pre-registration is Required.

  • $80 registration fee
  • GM Certified Technicians Paul Koerner
  • Limited to 10 registrants (spouse or your guest invited to sit in)
  • Chevrolet Theater
9:30am – 3:30pm LT8: General Jackson Showboat – Nashville
Take the 2.5-hour General Jackson Showboat Midday Lunch Cruise for an afternoon of entertainment along with a delicious buffet lunch! Enjoy the comedy, audience interaction, and catchy tunes from the band while cruising along the Cumberland River and tasting a mouth-watering Southern-style buffet prepared by the General Jackson’s very own sous chef.

  • Pre-Registration Required
  • $75 Members / $80 Non-Members
  • Drive your Own Corvette
  • Limited to 58 people
  • 2812 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
  • NCM Truck Parking Lot
  • Caravan to Attraction as Group – Departing from NCM
10:00am – 2:00pm Newly Expanded Corvette Car Show 

  • Open to registered participants only
  • Window Placard located in Wendell Strode Club Room
  • Located in Gate B
10:00am – 12:00pm Scott Kolecki Book Signing 

  • Corvette Store Partner Tent
11:00am – 12:00pm The All Season Tire Like No Other: Michelin’s Custom-Designed Pilot Sport All Season 4+ ZP for Corvette E-RayAn In-depth review of development and performance of new Pilot Sport All Season 4+ ZPs on Corvette’s new 2024 E-ray.  

  • Speaker: Dr. Jeffery Anderson
  • NCM Conference Center
  • Tire Raffle Giveaway – MUST be PRESENT to win
12:00pm – 12:45pm CERV 1 Replica Demonstration Drive

  • Located at NCM Logo Circle
  • Speaker: NCM Collections Team
12:45pm – 1:15pm 1975 Corvette Donation Ceremony

  • Speaker: Brian Baker –  Director of Collections & Education
  • Located at NCM Logo Circle
1:30pm – 1:45pm Trooper Island Check Presentation Join us for the check presentation to Kentucky State Police Trooper Island Director Jonathan Biven for Trooper Island participation in the MiM 1 Lap of Kentucky Program.

  • Located at NCM Logo Circle
2:00pm – 3:00pm Elfi’s Silver Pearl Sisterhood Meeting

  • Gardner/Mattson Board Room
2:15pm – 2:45pm Car Show Awards Presentation 

  • Pictures taken of Winner’s
  • NCM Logo Circle
3:00pm 2023 Torch Red Corvette Convertible 4/29/23

  • $20.00 Unlimited Raffle