June 26-29, 2003
Pheasant Run Resort; St. Charles, IL
This is where it all started for us: Bloomington Gold in 1998 was the first
National event for our fledgling Corvettes Conquer Cancer Tour. They
set the "Gold Standard" for all other events to meet for prime display space,
both for our table and for the car, lodging and general VIP treatment.
This year we collected $325.00 in donations,
which we sent to the American Cancer Society's Kane County
unit in nearby Batavia.
Wednesday, June 25
The trip begins.
Nothing worth a photo on the way out...
especially the wretched Super 8 motel in Maumee, OH!
Thursday, June 26
Some interesting Corvettes scheduled for the Mecum Auction
This 54/55 test mule that Zora used to prep for his historic 150 record run at
Daytona Beach. According to the documentation, the engine block has a 1952
casting date code! Think about it... the V8 wasn't introduced until '55!
A Harley Earl styling exercise '63(?)
Early custom '53.
Friday, June 27
At our booth in the main lobby of the Mega Center,
with Corvette Wheel Specialist Mike Sweeney.
My frequent co-pilot and bodyguard, Gary Readio, checks out the
Bloomington Gold program during a rare quiet moment at our display.
Spotted at the "Sock Hop" Friday night: this "62 C5".
In my opinion, the meld of '62 and C5 styling doesn't work
nearly as well as the 53 C5, especially in the back.
Saturday, June 28
Remember the yellow "Cardboard Corvette" Z06 from last year?
This is David Rusthoven's latest creation.
The Bloomington Gold Special Collection for 2003
Chip & Judy Miller's "Numbers Matching" pair:
'53 and '03 with the same serial number - 181!
Our Tour C5 will share space with them in a couple of weeks
at the NCRS National Convention in Hershey, PA.
Tyler Townsley's 87/88 engineering prototype ZR-1.
Our parking spot outside. As you can see, we had protection...
Saturday evening: The Bloomington Gold Road Tour
Lining up, as the storm clouds build.
Winners of the Silent Auction for the position behind us: Jayne and Steve Kilian.
They wrote a check for $150 to the American Cancer Society for this privilege.
Along the 60 mile route.
There were many signs along the route saying "Stop and Burn!".
This enterprising group actually had a working drag strip "christmas tree"!
Thank you Steve Tribble, Road Tour organizer.
OK, so it rained. As we reached our dinner destination, we got this:
Sunday, June 29
Another Harley Earl car next to us in the tent.
The Bloomington Gold judging field...
... where I found Bill Nichols with his NCRS Duntov Award-winning '67.
Heading for home
Roadside attractions (?!)
Sunday afternoon traffic west of Chi-town. Guess we're going the right direction!
Monday, June 30
Happy 50th Birthday, Corvette!
Yeah, I guess you could say it rained again!
Back home again: the final stats.
