Club History – How it all began
The Ponce Inlet Corvette Club traces its beginnings to early 2005. What started with a shared enthusiasm for Corvettes and a connection to the local community grew into an active and respected Corvette club serving Ponce Inlet and the surrounding area.
In January 2005, Ponce Inlet residents Gary and Dianne Swanhart purchased a new red C6 Corvette coupe from local Chevrolet dealer Jon Hall Chevrolet. That new Corvette would soon become part of an interesting story involving Daytona International Speedway and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
A Corvette, Dale Jr. and Daytona International Speedway
Shortly after Gary and Dianne brought their new Corvette home, Jon Hall Chevrolet was contacted by representatives of Wrangler Jeans and Dale Earnhardt Jr. They were looking for a red Corvette to use while filming a Wrangler Jeans commercial at Daytona International Speedway.
The dealership did not have another red C6 available, but they remembered the red C6 they had just delivered to the Swanharts. Gary and Dianne were asked if they would be willing to provide their new Corvette for the filming.
They agreed.
Gary and Dianne took their new C6 to Daytona International Speedway, where they had the opportunity to meet Dale Earnhardt Jr. During the filming, Dale Jr. signed the dashboard of their new Corvette, giving the car a unique connection to both NASCAR and the early history of the club.
The Ponce Inlet Corvette Club Is Formed
The club’s initial meeting was held on February 22, 2005. Sixteen prospective members from Ponce Inlet, Daytona Beach Shores, Ormond Beach and Port Orange attended.
A general design for a club logo was adopted featuring the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse with a Corvette C5 emblem across the background.
The Ponce Inlet Corvette Club was formally organized shortly thereafter, and Jon Hall Chevrolet became the club’s first sponsor.
Events, Community and Corvettes
Since those early meetings, the Ponce Inlet Corvette Club has become known for its participation in local car shows, cruise-ins and other automotive events while developing an equally important role as a charitable and social organization.
Club members have owned Corvettes representing generations ranging from classic models dating to 1959 through today’s newest Corvettes.
For many years, one of the club’s signature events was Vettes at the Light, an annual Corvette show that attracted Corvette clubs and enthusiasts from throughout Florida. Proceeds from the show and other club fundraising activities supported charitable organizations in the community.
Speedweeks at Daytona
The club’s location near Daytona International Speedway has also provided members with some memorable opportunities.
During Speedweeks in February 2009, and again during the July 2009 races at Daytona International Speedway, the club participated in events that brought Corvette owners from Florida, Georgia, Maryland and Ohio to Daytona Beach.
Participating Corvette owners were selected to drive NASCAR drivers around Daytona International Speedway during the formal driver introductions before the races — a memorable combination of Corvettes and NASCAR at one of motorsports’ most famous venues.
The Club Today
From its beginnings in 2005, the Ponce Inlet Corvette Club has continued to bring together people who share an enthusiasm for America’s sports car, friendship and service to the community.
The club holds regular meetings and social activities, participates in automotive events, supports charitable organizations and recognizes members who make significant contributions to the club.
Each year, the club also selects a Member of the Year in recognition of exceptional service and support to the organization.
More than two decades after those first Corvette enthusiasts gathered together, the Ponce Inlet Corvette Club continues the traditions on which it was founded: Corvettes, friendship and community.