A Limited Edition 14 in. x 21 in. Giclee print on 140 lb watercolor stock
Signed and Numbered by Artist Kevin Koch
Early in 1999 a new chapter began in the long history of Corvette racing with the introduction of the C5-R to the endurance road racing world. One of the major goals of this program was to race and win at the most prestigious of the endurance events: Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans. Two cars debuted at the Daytona 24 Hour enduro in January 1999. Both cars suffered mechanical problems that dropped them from contention. In 2000 Chevrolet came back to Daytona with a much improved, faster machine and qualified on the GT pole. One of the Corvettes finished second overall only 31 seconds behind a factory backed Viper. In 2001 all of the hard work of the previous 2 years paid off and everything came together. The Corvettes faced stiff competition in the GTS class from S7R Saleens, Vipers, and several GT1 Porsches, but with a combination of speed and reliability the #2 car not only beat all of the other GTS cars but won first overall over the much faster but less reliable prototypes! This amazing feat for a production-based car was made even more dramatic by the presence of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. co-driving in their first sports car race with Andy Pilgrim and Kelly Collins in the #3 car. The events of this 2001 weekend inspired the painting from which this print was produced. This image shows both Corvettes on the high banks early in the race battling with one of the GT1 Porsches. This print edition will be limited to 100 pieces or less. The original oil painting on stretched canvas is also available