by Bill Neal, For New Pittsburgh Courier
The very second you hear the word Corvette… you’re already down the highway! And in your mind, at a rate of speed you’ve never reached before in your life! But slow your roll there daydreamer, there is more to the story than the roar of the engine. Let’s put this in reverse and bring you up to date as to how we got where we’re at.
Everything got revved up in or around 1977 when gearheads’ names that will never be forgotten established what will be forever named “The United Rays Corvette Club.” Names such as Cornell Oliver, Eddie Edwards, Charles Allie, Joe Davis and Milton Oliver; and the late greats, Herb Burton and the Grandmaster “Rocky” just to name a few!
Of course it was about the cars, but it was always about much more than that. It was about the community, representing not just the quality of the car, but the quality of the man behind the wheel, and without question it was about the car shows. Yes, showing off “America’s Car”… The Corvette! But showing the youth of the inner-city community that you can own these cars legitimately and on either side of the vehicle title you can have a great career and make a trunk full of money driving them, building them, painting them, fixing them, tricking them or sounding them out.
That first club would be the only Black club among 30 or so in Western Pennsylvania, but would always rank among the top of the list in most every category and that remains true to form to this very day. Now among 50 clubs in Western Pennsylvania, what was then “United Rays” has become “Elite Corvettes of Pittsburgh.” And as all your promotions have told you, it’s now “Elite Corvettes Against The World.” Based on the short but explosive history of the club, if I were you I would put my gas money on “Elite!”
Since their inception, “Elite” has roared out of the gate teaming with Achieving Greatness, Inc., a 47-year-old Pittsburgh-based nonprofit, to give away over 300 turkeys for the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday to families in need and over 1,200 toys to disadvantaged youth for the 2020 Christmas season in the face of the pandemic. In doing so, keeping alive the original objectives of days gone by on Washington Boulevard… “Go as fast as you can… But slow down so the people can see ya!”
No worries… I know you need to know the story behind the story that went from “United Rays” to “Elite.” Well you guessed it, the story is on a “need-to-know” basis. And trust me, you don’t need to know (hey, don’t kill the messenger)! All that being said, welcome back to the future. Here they sit ready to do battle as they welcome some of the most magnificent cars on the planet to Pittsburgh… most notably Monroeville, Pa. An estimated 20 to 25 cities will be represented this Memorial Day Weekend at the DoubleTree Hotel, Monroeville Mall and the race track in New Alexandria.
The weekend will include registration and “Meet & Greet” Friday, May 28, the Car Show and Picnic featuring a live broadcast of “Champions Live Sports Talk Show” on Saturday, May 29, both in Monroeville, and all the racing “The World” can handle on Sunday, May 30, at Keystone Raceway Park 538 Stone Jug Road in New Alexandria.
It’s a “come one, come all” weekend to be sure, including food and drinks, fun and games, awards and prizes, and an absolutely family environment that will still maintain a strict COVID-19 protection policy. All events will be held outside and masks must be worn at all times! And YES, it’s a rain or shine event.
For all additional information, contact “Elite” President Sheldon Oliver at 412-513-1150, Vice President Tia White at 412-584-3335 or the original “OG” Milton Oliver at 412-287-8610. For all drag racing information contact Greg Brown at 412-519-8291 or Herb Burton at 412-977-6714. See you at the event… Even if it’s a Mustang you drive!
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