by Sam McEachern as republished from GM Authority
One of the biggest announcements from Chevrolet at this year’s SEMA Show
in Las Vegas was the launch of the Michelin Corvette Challenge racing series

Dateline 12.5.15: One of the biggest announcements from Chevrolet at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas was the launch of the Michelin Corvette Challenge racing series. The spec racing series will be held at Spring Mountain Motorsports Resort and County Club and will see amateur racers go head-to-head with each other in identical Corvette Stingray racecars throughout the year.

Chevrolet has now announced what it will cost to participate in the Michelin Corvette Challenge. The car itself, first shown in concept form at SEMA, will cost $116,000. That might seem like a lot for a Z51 Corvette Stingray, however it features aerodynamic, braking and cooling parts from the Corvette Z06, in addition to:

-Carbon-Fiber Braces
-Z06 Carbon Fiber Torque tube and prop shaft kit
-Racing seat and safety harness
-T1 Suspension Kit
-Two sets of Forgeline Wheels with 1 set of Michelin Pilot Sport GT Competition tires
-Z06 Transmission fluid pump, larger core cooler and cooler duct
-Z06 quarter panel vents and PCV system

The package also includes all necessary safety equipment, a two-way radio, pre-event accreditation racing school, a custom racing suit, onsite insurance and storage for duration of 2016 Michelin Corvette Challenge and one year of Spring Mountain Motor Resort & Country Club Membership.

That doesn’t cover the costs of the race weekends – each of which should cost competitors about $7,900. That sum will cover 6 sets of Michelin tires, a spotter, pre-event mechanical prep, mechanical maintenance support, fuel and access to the social and marketing team.

With eight race weekends on the calendar (each of them double headers except for the finale) the total cost of racing not including the cost of the car will be $63,200. Interested parties must make a deposit of $85,000 upon registration, with the final $31,000 for the car needed by May 1, 2016. A $6,000 deposit is also needed 10 days before every race weekend.

Altogether, one season the Michelin Corvette Challenge will run you $179,200. It’s not the cheapest way to get into racing, but if we had the money, we wouldn’t hesitate to sign up for even a minute. If you think you’ve got what it takes to compete in the series, head on over to MichelinCorvetteChallenge.com to sign up.