In the late 1980s, Corvettes briefly had their own racing division, sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). It began when the C4 Corvette dominated the SCCA’s Pro Endurance Series. Once the car was banned due to its unmatched performance, GM and performance driving instructor John Powell responded by launching the Corvette Challenge Series in 1988.
This 10-race spec series, open exclusively to Corvettes and sanctioned by the SCCA, promised a one-million-dollar purse and one-hour races. These races often served as support events for Trans-Am weekends. Talented drivers from across the country jumped at the chance to compete in identically prepared Corvettes.
One of those drivers was Andy Pilgrim. At the time, he was racing a Pontiac Firebird in the IMSA Firestone Firehawk Series and wasn’t affiliated with any of the top Pro Endurance teams. But after winning an SCCA endurance race in Texas in a car owned by George Farris, Pilgrim earned his opportunity. Impressed by Pilgrim’s performance, Farris started a Corvette Challenge team and brought him on as the driver.
In January 2025, Pilgrim returned to the National Corvette Museum to recount his experience in an oral history interview. He drove the white No. 18 Corvette with a small crew and hauled the car to tracks across the United States using an open trailer. Despite racing against multi-car, well-funded teams, Pilgrim held his own and won two races during the 1988 season.
Pilgrim’s winning No. 18 Corvette is currently on display in the Museum’s Performance Gallery, on loan from Jay Heckman. Visitors can also view clips from his oral history interview alongside the car. The full interview is preserved as part of the Museum’s permanent collection.
“Andy Pilgrim oral history interview conducted by Bryan Gable in Bowling Green, Kentucky, 2025-01-07.” From the National Corvette Museum Library and Archives, Corvette Racing Oral History Project, 2025.3.1. Film.
