Corvette fans rejoice at return of beloved car showcase

Saturday's gathering of automotive enthusiasts didn't solely provide an opportunity for drivers to swap stories and showcase their rides. Corvettes on the Circle also served as a fundraiser for the Honor Flight of West Central Florida, which provides transportation for veterans to visit memorials erected in their honor in Washington, D.C.

Attendees and organizers from the Skyway Corvette Club voiced their appreciation for this event's return. It went on hiatus last year while they worked out a dispute with the city of Sarasota about parking on the grass at St. Armands Circle.

They reached a compromise last year, and the event returned for its 26th year this weekend.

Skyway Corvette Club vice president Allen Harmsen said they were glad to fulfill the 170-car capacity for this year's event, all for a good cause with a local focus. He said the club has made honor flights possible for more than 30 veterans, primarily of World War II.

"It's our way of giving back to the community," he said.

Corvette fans came from across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and from several states away to attend this event, lauding the open layout that lets them mingle with fellow aficionados.

James Dulle won "Best of Show" with his 1963 root beer-colored Coupe, and Mike Moss took the "Skyway Favorite" with his 1957 red Convertible.

Photo by Dana Kampa

The show featured plenty of unique finds, including a prop vehicle that appears in the 2009 "Star Trek" film. Owner Joe Arme of Sarasota said he counts himself lucky that his nephew in the film industry happened to be in the right place at the right time to let him know about the car's availability. He bought it directly from the studio after it had resided in storage for a decade.

Arme has showcased the 1966 maroon Roadster — redressed as a 1965 car for the film — at several local events. But he particularly appreciates sharing it with the Corvettes on the Circle crowd, considering viewers appreciate both the car itself and its role in cinematic history.

"I watched the movie when it premiered in theaters, well before this car was released," he said. "In the movie, this car was run over a cliff to introduce the young Captain Kirk. I looked at my wife and said, 'How could they do that to a classic Corvette?'"

He has been a fan of the franchise since childhood, and he said appreciates being able to care for this special piece.

The Trekkie treasure wasn't the only unique car on display.

Randi Berthold of Wimauma took care to match her manicure to her sapphire chrome convertible from 2021, which she customized. While she could have chosen from 20 other available hues of blue, she wanted to wrap hers in a one-of-a-kind style.

She said the fundraising focus is particularly meaningful to her because her husband is currently serving with the United States Marine Corps.

Participant Henry "Butch" Nielsen knows firsthand how meaningful those honor flights can be. He took one himself on April 17, 2024, through The Villages.

"It was the best experience I've ever had," he said, recalling the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery and other sights. "I swear by the Honor Flight. Those guys did a great job."

He adorned his 2015 blue coupe with memories from his service and took second place in the C-7B category.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Classic car owners showed out in numbers as well.

Venice Florida Corvettes member Joseph Russo caught plenty of eyes with his 1958 Panama Yellow Restomod, which he found at a Mecum auction.

"I wanted a show queen, and this is as pretty as it comes," he said. "This color was only made in 1958 — I confirmed that online."

Legend says only about 450 of this car in this eye-catching color ran. Russo's rare find won first place in the C-1 class.

"Half my fun is coming here and talking Corvettes with everyone else," he added.

Harmsen takes pride in the club's 24-year streak of shows, only interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and last year's hiatus. He believes the show is now here to stay.