Sean Finnegan, who represents the Chevrolet Motorsports Marketing and Activation team, was on hand to get the party started by driving the Z06 from the showroom directly onto the auction block. The auditorium was buzzing with excitement as the car rolled on the world famous block to start the bidding process. The stage was aglow with grey Corvette hats worn by the Chevy team as the auctioneer began the bidding. Halfway through the bidding process, both Powers and Ridges took to the podium to express their heartfelt thanks. The bidding resumed shortly thereafter and came to a close when the winning bid of $1 million was reached by Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions, Hendrick Motorsports. Hendrick, who allowed his grandson to bid for him, will have the opportunity to customize the Z06 convertible to his liking, choosing everything from body and roof colors to interior, wheels and brakes.
“The 2022 Palm Beach Auction is a community event that we are very proud to be associated with,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “Through the generous support of GM, Chevrolet and Barrett-Jackson, we raised a significant amount of funds and awareness of our TQRP initiative, which provides opportunities for students of color in the K-12 educational environment and beyond.”
“General Motors and Chevrolet are honored to support the Thurgood Marshall College Fund on its mission to empower students and educators for success,” said Scott Bell, Chevrolet global vice president. “The proceeds from this sale of the first retail production Corvette Z06 convertible will support high-caliber training for future educators studying at HBCUs and PBIs across the nation.”
