Badger State Vettes (BSV) was founded in 1984 with an emphasis on member participation in competitive and social events. Early club activities included a poker rallye, gimmick rallies, an autocross, a funkhana, a record drag, and a concours. BSV was the first Corvette club in the country to hold a sanctioned ice race. A local lake had a course plowed out over its ice mantle and both Corvettes and non-Corvettes competed for points in various classes. A driver drove sans-helmet lest their vehicle fell through the ice--none ever did. These points events were augmented by social gatherings; including an annual holiday party and “drive-outs” to area events and gathering spots during the fair-weather months. These and other social events continue today and add to the enjoyment of the club's participants. BSV holds monthly meetings the first Wednesday of each month where current and potential members can get to know each other. In addition, each March BSV participates in a chili cook-off with other Corvette clubs in the area and these events raise money which is given to local charities.
Badger State Vettes Club Logo BSV's consistently-high Midwest Region year-end standings belie its somewhat modest membership numbers, yearly ranging between 75 and 100 members. This performance is a tribute to the continuing emphasis our club places on engagement. Headquartered in the Milwaukee area its membership roster lists participants from the entire metropolitan region.
Badger State Vettes Club Event BSV has a long and proud record of charitable contributions. It was an early participant in the formation and funding of the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC) Mary Schultz Scholarship Fund in honor of one of BSV's charter members. BSV's Future Corvette Owners Association (FCOA) members prepare and sell food at various club-sponsored events and contribute money received to charitable associations. Over the years BSV has donated over $81,000 to more than 60 charitable causes and foundations. The National Corvette Museum has been the beneficiary of BSV largess as the club has donated commemorative bricks, tiles, and theater seats. BSV has helped organize and run various Midwest Region fund raisers including an annual Midwest Regional Championship Series, the 2011 NCCC Convention Concours, the 2025 National Convention, and participated in various Corvette Dream and Drive events.
Badger State Vettes Club Event BSV participates in NCCC's Youth Membership program to ensure a healthy future for Corvette clubs. In addition, a focus on family has always been a tenet of our club. BSV has seen its roster fortified through involvement of the children of existing members who go on to become Corvette owners and members themselves. BSV had the first NCCC Enthusiast Member come from its ranks. Also, we have seen younger members rise through our ranks to hold key positions in BSV, including editor of BSV's newsletter, Badger Tracks. A founding member of BSV received the NCCC President's Award for helming the FCOA's director position for over two decades; in recognition the club donated $800 to FCOA. BSV rewards its members as well. Our annual holiday party features the bestowing of “traveling” trophies to those members who have performed the best over the past year in such events as autocross, rallye, and concours. The club's most contributory new member gets a year's possession of the Rookie of the Year Award. BSV awards those members who have in autocross maintained the most consistent lap times Memorial Trophies. In addition, the holiday party features various auctions and raffles that attendees can participate in; the proceeds from these events are added to BSV's charitable-donations stream.
Badger State Vettes 40th Anniversary Celebration BSV members have participated in various NCCC regional and national administrative functions including NCCC Vice President of Competition, Treasurer, Sergeant of Arms, and FCOA Director. BSV also provided the Midwest Region Standing Rules which became part of the NCCC Handbook. Our club was also instrumental in creating and successfully testing the Group I Street and People's Choice judging formats that were added to the NCCC Rulebook. Regional posts held by members have included Regional Competition Director, Regional Executive, Regional Membership Director, Treasurer, and Newsletter Editor. BSV members have accumulated many awards and championships. Included among these are 10 Midwest Region Points Championships, two NCCC Points Championships, and Midwest Regional Champions in autocross, rallye, and concours. BSV consistently places second in the Midwest Region Points Championship, and, despite its relatively small membership, has placed as high as fifth in the NCCC National Points Championship. Our membership can lay claim to several national NCCC-level awards including 2 President's Awards, two Don Hoskin's Awards, a Roger Clancy Award, two Touch-of-Class Awards, a Dolphin Membership Award, Newsletter Contest Awards, and a number of 100% Raffle Ticket Sales-Club Awards.
Badger State Vette's Corvettes Badger State Vettes, among the first NCCC-sanctioned clubs to create an internet website, is committed to improving the Corvette ownership experience by utilizing, as they become available, all means and methods for both its own members and the national association as a whole. A good portion of our heritage and accomplishments can be credited to the work and dedication of our recently-deceased co-founder Gary Kelly. His dedication, generous giving of his time, and shared knowledge has set the tone for our club and we are grateful for all he did to ensure our success. With a proven record of enthusiastic contribution behind us, everyone in BSV looks forward to many more years of our club's participation in all things Corvette.
If you're a member of a Corvette Club, we'd love to hear from you! Contact us at clubs@mamotorworks.com with your club's history and we'll share your story.