This will respond to your letter dated February 6, 2003 addressed to Robert Lutz, and your fax dated February 24, 2003 to Tom Kowaleski, regarding the Bragg-Smith Driving School.
Chevrolet has had a relationship with the Bragg-Smith school for several years. During the course of the relationship, Bragg-Smith featured both Corvettes and Camaros. While it is true that GM, for a variety of business reasons, reexamined the extent of its role at the school, this decision had nothing to do with the use of other GM models. To put it simply, that has not been a significant issue.
Like many things in this world, the business climate changes and evolves over time. There are many driving schools in this country, some with various automotive manufacturer sponsorships and many without. In addition to the Bragg-Smith school, there are at least two other schools in the country using Corvettes for advanced driving instruction to serve the needs of the Corvette enthusiast community. While GM has had to change the nature of its relationship with Bragg-Smith, GM does not object to the continuation of the school, as a "Corvette-only" school or otherwise. Please understand that this decision was not taken lightly and was based on many, many factors.
We appreciate your support of the Corvette brand and of Chevrolet. We are thrilled that your experience with this product over the years and your participation in the driving school experience was rewarding. Thank you for taking the time to express your views.
Sincerely,
Rick Baldick Marketing Director-Corvette
Posts: 2 | From: Nevada | Registered: Feb 2003
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I had the opportunity to meet Rick at Bowling Green last year. He is a good man.
For those of you who dont know, Rick was Scott's boss when he was on the Corvette/Camaro brand team... meaning Rick is the one who paid the bills for all the good things Scott brought us, like the Legends Tour, the Legends Tour $1000 certificate, and all of Scotts travelling expenses.
[ 12. March 2003, 07:35 PM: Message edited by: chrisL ]
Posts: 2441 | From: Chester, NY | Registered: Feb 2000
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...As ChrisL mentioned, Rick is a good man. He supported Scott's efforts, ...and the tours as well. When Scott was behind something, ...Rick stood behind Scott as best he could. And we all know Scott,...anything Camaro/F-body, he supported it. As you might summize from GM's response, ...they are not very specific as to the reasons for 'pulling out' of BraggSmith. They have to be this way, ...for whatever the reason, ..their answer needs to be 'politically correct'. In any case,I'm sure if we all knew the facts, ...we'd have a true understanding of the reasoning of GM's decision...
Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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Guys, while i really don't know the whole story, and can't comment on what i do know. Please understand there is most likely going to be a lawsuit on this subject. Therefore, GM cannot be as flatly honest about the decisions that led to the non-renewal of Bragg-Smith's contract. Posts: 12 | From: Weare, NH | Registered: Sep 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Mervz: Guys, while i really don't know the whole story, and can't comment on what i do know. Please understand there is most likely going to be a lawsuit on this subject. Therefore, GM cannot be as flatly honest about the decisions that led to the non-renewal of Bragg-Smith's contract.
I don't think you mean " flatly honest" as that they just can't tell you everything without a lawsuit. I also doubt that this will ever go to court.
Posts: 1163 | From: Rochester Hills, Mi | Registered: Feb 2000
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A "politically" correct answer, but none the less an answer. I don't think anyone expected more than that to be posted on an internet message board. As a matter of fact I think people expected a lot less. At least "GM" answered the letter and knows how some of us feel about Rupert's school. That's the best we could hope for at this moment.
Now we'll see if they can sort out their differences in private.
Posts: 5558 | From: Windsor, Ontario. Canada | Registered: Feb 2000
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I never made it to Bragg-Smith. Looks like I missed a great time with great cars! Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:Originally posted by JeffY: I don't think you mean " flatly honest" as that they just can't tell you everything without a lawsuit. I also doubt that this will ever go to court.
ok. In anycase, yes, i think there might possibly a lawsuit. Rupert did some very bad things from what i've heard. And GM was as nice and as accomidating as possible.
Over all the years, whenever a car was crashed, GM NEVER charged Rupert. Even though, it was in the contract that they had to pay for damaged cars.
The point is that GM has been more than nice with Rupart. Heck, i've taken a class at Bragg-Smith! I LOVED IT! They were all very nice, and the instruction was great. Unfourtuantly, it sounds like Rupert pushed, and GM finally broke and said enough was enough
Posts: 12 | From: Weare, NH | Registered: Sep 2002
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