CLUB HISTORY

The Ponce Inlet Corvette Club originated in March of 2005. The Club has grown into a respected, active, and acknowledged Corvette Club that meets in Ponce Inlet, Florida.

In January of 2005, local Ponce Inlet residents Gary and Dianne Swanhart purchased a new C6 red coupe from local Chevrolet Dealer Jon Hall. Shortly after the PICC was organized, Jon Hall Chevrolet became the Club’s Sponsor.

The twist in the story took place shortly after they got the car home. Jon Hall was contacted by representatives of Wrangler Jeans and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to see if the Dealership could provide them with a red Corvette to film a Wrangler Jeans commercial at the Daytona International Speedway.

At the time they did not have another red C6 in stock, but they remembered just having delivered a red C6 coupe to Gary and Dianne. The Swanharts were contacted and asked if they would be willing to support the filming with their new Corvette. They agreed, and Gary and Dianne took the new C6 to the track and met Dale Jr. During the filming, they both got to meet him and had Dale Jr. sign the dash of their new Corvette.

Shortly after that event, the Club was organized and Jon Hall Chevrolet became the Club’s first Sponsor. The initial meeting was held on February 22, 2005. Sixteen prospective members from Ponce Inlet, Daytona Beach Shores, Ormond Beach, and Port Orange were in attendance. A general design for a “Club Logo” that depicted the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse with a C5 emblem across the background was adopted.

Since that initial meeting, the Ponce Inlet Corvette Club has become well known for attending local car shows and cruise-ins, establishing itself as an active Charitable and Social Club. Members own Corvettes spanning generations from 1959 to present models.

Proceeds from our annual VETTES AT THE LIGHT show and fundraisers are donated to charity. Our annual car show has become a focal point for Corvette Clubs and enthusiasts throughout the state of Florida.

The Club’s participation in “SPEEDWEEKS” in February of 2009 and once again at the July 2009 races at Daytona International Speedway brought Corvette owners and clubs from all over Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Ohio. Corvette owners participating in the event were selected to drive NASCAR drivers around the Speedway during the formal driver introductions prior to the start of the races.

Today, the Club continues to grow. Each year we nominate the Member of the Year from those who have contributed the most to support the Club for the previous year, announced with excitement at our annual Christmas Party.

Our Sponsors continue to grow and include Jon Hall Chevrolet, Promos 4 U, Christopher Bean, Reilly Auto Repair, as well as others that donate to support our annual car show.

The Club’s primary charities include Speediatrics at Halifax Health and the Halifax Humane Society, as well as local food banks and service clubs.