Porsche and Corvette have long duked it out. Despite the 911 and Corvette offering very different takes on the sports car, the two have long been compared since both play in the same segment. Now, Porsche is elevating its storied history in motorsport by offering drivers the chance to become a part of its present and future motorsport timeline.
The German marque has announced a comprehensive racing career program that offers factory support for up-and-coming drivers. There are three “milestones,” as Porsche calls them: apply and obtain an International D license to gear up for a racing season. Milestone two involves a national race debut, such as in the Porsche Sports Cup or the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge. Milestone three offers all support and advice possible from Porsche to propel an individual into national and international motorsport.
So, we ask, could or should Chevrolet and Corvette do something similar? As the Corvette nameplate has evolved, it’s become a world beater on a budget. Enthusiasts flock to Corvette for thrills and we’re sure many of them have similar racing aspirations. However, if we’re being realistic, Corvette is not the exact same level as Porsche.
Many Corvette buyers dive into the car with a desire for straight-line speed. When’s the last time you’ve seen a Porsche 911 at the drag strip? Yeah.
Go ahead and vote in our poll and discuss the topic in the comment section below, should you feel so compelled.
Comments
This is a great initiative by Porsche. Not only do up and coming drivers get the Porsche association and get to drive Porsche race cars, but Porsche also get to keep dibs on up and coming drivers that may end up driving for a Porsche factory or Porsche-sponsored team. What better way to embue drivers (and fans of drivers) with Porsche culture and philosophy.
Corvette/GM should absolutely do the same, although I sense the associated costs are not likely to go down well with Barra et al’s profit motivated strategy.
“As the Corvette nameplate has evolved, it’s become a world beater on a budget. Enthusiasts flock to Corvette for thrills and we’re sure many of them have similar racing aspirations. However, if we’re being realistic, Corvette is not the exact same level as Porsche.”
The answer is in here, and the answer is (regrettably) ‘no’.
The offer Porsche puts forth reads like it’s targeting the upper crust of the Porsche owner demographic; people who wouldn’t have any qualms about putting up half a million to fund a racing career.
I just don’t think the upper crust of Corvette owners are as numerous, as well financed, or as interested in being a career racer.
I wouldn’t say a 49000 Euro price to Level 1 is exactly “upper crust” or anywhere near a half million dollars. Sure 49000 Euros will keep out the wannabes and trackday cowboys, but it will be low enough for those with a genuine interest.
Build the most competitive platform and everyone will want to run your cars!
No. You sponsor drivers that deserve sponsoring–not just rich kids and guys with wads of cash to blow on a Vette.
You want to sell more Corvettes? Build more Beretta GTs, Z24s, and Cobalt SSs–cars that young people can afford today. In other words, if a young person might want one, you make performance a part of that car’s DNA . Then, later on they’ll think of upgrading to the top dog.
In the meantime you give Z06, and eventually ZR1, buyers a Bondurant gift certificate as a promotion ASAP (assuming the ZR1 isn’t priced in supercar territory).
If there’s no money for my thoughts in the last paragraph, and you’re GM, you ask yourselves why no one in your company can THINK like it’s not 1985, and why money for marketing opportunities like I mentioned weren’t priced into your company’s ultimate halo car in the first place.
Now, if it’s Cadillac’s intent to build a mid-engine supercar, you throw in an ultra-exclusive 3 day race driving school, along with the purchase of said Cadillac. Only cap the car’s numbers at a low number, say under 250 a year at max, And tie the program in with some GM sponsored race drivers to add exclusivity, a bit of prestige, and, of course, bragging rights.
I mean if other companies are doing that why not the Chevrolet team should do the same. There is other people who chase a dream of wanting to be a part of their favorite car and I think this would open up a perfect opportunity for people who are interested in racing cars of corvettes in general.