Corvette C5 Racing History
David Palmeter

C5-R – Chassis C5R-003

This is the first of the “Second Generation” C5-R racing chassis with a 3″ wider suspension and wider, revised body. It was the first C5-R to win a race and was the most successful C5-R with a total of 11 victories, including the overall win at the Daytona 24 hour.

C5R-003 Chassis Serial Number Plate

Above – 2001-09-14 – This is the Chassis Serial Number Plate for C5R-003 as photographed at Pratt & Miller on September 14, 2001. Note the “Manufacture Date” of May 19, 2000.

Above – The frame stamp on C5R-003 is IRC-992. Some sanctioning bodies require this for identification.

2000 Racing Season – Second Half

Above – 2000-08-06 – The introduction of C5R-003 at Mosport, Canada. The new paint scheme was said to have been created by a student designer to highlight the greatly revised chassis. The race team members called this paint scheme the “Kabuki Mask”.

Above – 2000-09-02 – The FIRST WIN for the C5-R. On a VERY hot day in Texas, C5R-003 ran down and passed the factory Vipers for a resounding victory in only its second race! The Kabuki mask was apparently good luck.

Above  – 2000-09-30 – C5R-003 in the garage at the Petit Le Mans in Atlanta. Good luck or not, the Kabuki mask only lasted two races.

Above  – 2000-09-30 – At speed at the Petit Le Mans in Atlanta. 

Above  – 2000-10-15 – The beginning of a long string of bad luck at Laguna Seca.

2001 Racing Season

Above  – 2001-02-04 – Daytona – The overall winner and a great look at how the fenders are flared.

Above  – 2001-02-04 – Daytona – The overall winner looks tired but never missed a beat.

2001 Racing Season Results

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