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Napoleon, Ohio -- September 10, 2002 -- ProTeam Corvette Sales, Napoleon, Ohio announces the acquisition of the "Restoration Celebration" 1953 Corvette at Corvettes at Carlisle. ProTeam President Terry Michaelis had the winning bid of $170,000.00 on the first year Corvette with all proceeds going to charity.

Chip Miller, co-owner of Carlisle Productions, and Al Wiseman, co-owner of Classic Car Restorations, set out to restore the most perfect 1953 Corvette ever built. Of the only 300 Corvettes turned out by GM in 1953, a very few have survived to see the 21st century let alone an extensive restoration. Chip and Al were up for the challenge and dubbed their project "Restoration Celebration" honoring Corvette's 50th anniversary. They didn't stop there. The car was then offered for auction at the Corvettes of Carlisle event held in August. All moneys from the sale were to be given to the Victory Junction Gang Charity with legend Richard Petty on hand for the event. Petty helped motivate the crowd and raised awareness for this most personal of causes.

The Victory Junction Gang is a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. The charity was set up by Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in memory of their son Adam.Victory Junction is more than just another charity to Richard Petty, it's a way of honoring the life of his grandson. Victory Junction Gang has become a compelling force in the life of this NASCAR legend. "I've looked at this car, and I think it's one of the greatest 1953s there has been. - - Okay guys," Petty said to the crowd, "Get your heart right. You guys who are bidding on this thing can probably afford a little bit -- I don't see why you can't give a little to the kids."

That's where ProTeam President Terry Michaelis entered the picture with a bid of $150,000.00 and subsequently raised his own bid to $170,000.00. "At $170,000.00, the Corvette is a bargain. I believed this car would have gone for more than $500,000.00." Michaelis shared the same enthusiasm as Petty had about the 1953 restoration, "I've never seen anything like it before in my lifetime. It's definitely one of a kind and will be the centerpiece of our collection and it's gratifying to know that every single dime of my investment goes to a great cause." The over restored classic was just one of the 17 Corvettes purchased by ProTeam Corvette at the 3 day event in Carlisle, Pa. The 1953 will join the Classic Corvettes already on display at the Napoleon, Ohio location.

After the auction, Petty was all smiles and gave Michaelis a hug before posing for photos while autograph seekers closed in. When the dust cleared for another year at Corvettes at Carlisle, it was the record breaking bid on the 1953 Corvette that was the lasting memory from a great event.

For more information on the most dynamic collection of classic Corvettes in the world at ProTeam, please contact Beth Waisner at (888) 592-5086. ProTeam's world famous Corvettes include many Bloomington Gold, NCRS certified, and award winning Corvettes. ProTeam is opened Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday by appointment.