GOLD SCHOOL

Gold School offers attendees exclusive seminars and insider stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Included FREE with your Bloomington Gold admission.

Friday, June 12th
10:00am

Presenter:
Bryce Burklow
NCM President & CEO

Under the Hood at the National Corvette Museum
Join Bryce Burklow, CEO of the National Corvette Museum, for an exciting look at what’s ahead in 2026. Get a preview of upcoming exhibitions, fresh visitor experiences, and the Museum’s future plans—all while hearing the latest on the impressive 66,000-square-foot collections facility. Discover how this major expansion will help preserve Corvette history and make rare artifacts more accessible to enthusiasts for generations to come.
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Friday, June 12th
11:00am

Presenter:
Scott Hoke
Host of Mecum Auctions 
on ESPN

A Look Inside the Collector Car Market & Auction World
Join Scott Hoke for an insider’s look at the excitement, strategy, and fast-paced action of the collector car auction world. Scott will share what really happens behind the scenes at major auctions, highlight memorable recent sales, and offer insight into today’s collector car market. From rising trends to shifting buyer interest, he’ll discuss what’s hot, what’s cooling off, and what collectors should be watching next. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply fascinated by the hobby, you’ll gain a better understanding of what drives values in today’s market. Scott will also share stories and observations from his years at the auction block covering some of the hobby’s most unforgettable moments.
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Friday, June 12th
1:00pm

Presenter:
John Abrams
Hagerty Top Gear

 

No One Likes Insurance

Let’s face it, insurance isn’t anyone’s favorite topic. But when it comes to protecting your Corvette or collector vehicle, having the right coverage can make all the difference. Join John Abrams from Hagerty Top Gear for an informative and engaging session that takes the mystery out of collector car insurance. Learn what makes specialty coverage different, common mistakes owners make, how vehicle values are determined, and what to know before you ever need to file a claim. Whether your Corvette is a weekend cruiser, show car, or prized investment, this seminar will help you protect what matters most.

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Saturday, June 13th
10:00am

Presenter:
Kevin Mackay
Owner Corvette Repair, Inc.

Restoring Icons & Bringing Legends Back to Life
Join renowned Corvette restoration expert Kevin Mackay, owner of Corvette Repair, Inc., as he shares the stories behind some of the most remarkable Corvette restorations he has completed over the years, including the legendary 1969 Stars & Stripes L88 stand-alone functioning engine. Learn about the journey of bringing these historic Corvettes and artifacts back to life, the challenges encountered along the way, and the craftsmanship required to preserve important chapters of Corvette racing heritage. Kevin will offer behind-the-scenes insights into the restoration process and what makes these extraordinary pieces such enduring tributes to Corvette performance history.
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Saturday, June 13th
11:00am

Presenter:
David Burroughs,
Corvette Expert & Historian,
Retired CEO of Bloomington Gold
Prove It Creator

The St. Louis Assy. Plant; Don’t confuse ‘original’ with precision
Step inside the legendary St. Louis Corvette factory with David Burroughs for a behind-the-scenes look at how America’s sports car came to life. Follow the journey from paperwork to production, including welding the birdcage, chassis assembly, prime and paint booths, VIN and paint tags, grinding, body drop, water testing, secret “show jobs,” paint repair—and yes, even the occasional nap in a cardboard box. Through original photographs and firsthand insight, discover why Corvettes built during this era were truly unique, each carrying the unmistakable character of a charmingly hand-crafted automobile.
Noise. Confusion. Smells. Dirt. Crude. Bright. Dreary. Historic. Magical. Significant.
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Saturday, June 13th
12:30pm

Presenter:
Al Grenning,
Division Director,
Stamps & Tag Team 
Marco Hartner, Stamps & Tags Judge

 

What Are Stamps & Tags—and Why Are They Checked?

Description: If you’re new to Corvette judging and have ever wondered why stamps and tags matter, this seminar is for you. Our expert panel will explain the fundamentals behind these important identifiers and how they are used in the judging process. Topics include:

  • Where stamps and tags are located across different Corvette generations
    • What the stamp numbers represent
    • What information can be found on the tags
    • The Bloomington Gold procedure for reviewing stamps and tags during judging
    • Why judges photograph stamps and tags as part of the documentation process

Whether you're preparing a Corvette for judging or simply want to better understand the authentication process, this is a valuable opportunity to learn from the experts.

Note: This session is not intended to evaluate examples of correct or incorrect stamps and tags. Instead, the focus will be on the formal Bloomington Gold judging protocol and the role stamps and tags play in documenting a Corvette’s authenticity.

 

 

 

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