The Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was concluded last October 21 and it highlighted the end of the successful 2007 American Le Mans Series season. Even if the checkered flag was already waved, Chevrolet’s racing team continues to notch victories on and off the race tracks. Two members of Corvette Racing got special appreciation awards in the post-season ceremonies! Corvette Racing driver Ron Fellows was voted the Most Popular Driver for four straight years. On the other hand, Ray Gongla, the crew chief for the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R, was recognized as the GT1 Crew Chief of the Year.

"It’s very flattering to receive this award because it is determined by votes from fans around the world," said Fellows. "I feel fortunate to be associated with Corvette, the most popular car in the paddock. There is a very strong and loyal contingent of Corvette enthusiasts, and that certainly doesn’t hurt when it comes to the voting."

"I have always believed that as a professional race car driver, it’s important to give as much of your time as possible to the people who are paying to watch you play," he added.

"Whether I’m driving in ALMS, SCCA, or NASCAR, I’m genuinely honored when a fan asks for my autograph." The GT1 Crew Chief of the Year honors is chosen by the pit lane and technical staffs from IMSA, the authorized body for ALMS events. The honors were given to Gongla for the second time in three years right after leading the No. 4 Corvette crew and drivers Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta to a record-tying nine wins this 2007.

"It really should be a team trophy, so it’s an honor for me to receive this award on behalf of the crew of the No. 4 Corvette," said Gongla. "It takes the entire team, drivers, and organization to be successful."

"I was named crew chief on a trial basis six years ago, so I guess we’re still trying to see whether it will work out," he said with a laugh.