Chevrolet Test Drive
by Fred Lutger

As a sportsman one of the things that I appreciate is the corporations that stand behind the hunting industry. One of the sponsors for the National Wild Turkey Federation is Chevrolet.

When we arrived at the convention I saw signs annoncing a test track for Chevrolet. I went with Donald Duck to the Test Drive area. There was a selection of different Chevrolet vehicles that could be test driven by show attendees. I picked out a 2007 model Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 pickup truck. I own their 2002 model and was anxious to see what improvements the new Silverado had.

A Driving Course was set up in a huge outside parking lot. A Chevrolet representative rode with the Duck and I as I drove through the course. The first exercise was a full throttle, from a standing start, to test the truck's accelleration -- followed by a quick stop to test the brakes and stopping characteristics. The truck took off very fast and when I braked the truck came to a sudden and smooth, controlled stop.

The second test was Turning Radious. The rep asked me to cut the wheels real tight. I was surprised at the sharp turning radious. It was a great improvement over my 2002 truck.
We then went over a course with staggered speed bumps. The Chevy rep told us this would show how the truck would handle Chicago's winter pot holes. (Actually the speed bumps were worse than any of the infamous pot holes I've experienced in Chicago.)  The truck's suspension handled it well. The ride was as smooth as riding in a car.

We then drove onto the nearby expressway. I was delighted at the quietness at freeway speeds, it was as quiet as any car I've been in.

The biggest surprise was after the test drive, the rep gave us both a new limited edition 65th anniversery Lynch box call bearing Chevrolet and NWTF logos. I collect box calls and receiving this special edition call was a big thrill to me.

This test drive, I'm sure, is to get people fired up to buying a new vehicle. There is no doubt in my mind after driving this 2007 Silverado that Chevrolet's promotion at the NWTF show has fired me up for a new Chevy truck when it's time to replace my 2002 model.

And I want to support a company that supports my hunting lifestyle. Thank you Chevrolet.

Fred receives the special edition Chevrolet NWTF Lynch box call.

And here is another much appreciated hunting supporter, Miller Brewing Company.