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GIVEAWAY #27 WINNER PROFILE:

Robert Hughes and the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Robert Hughes never intended to become a 717 Supply winner. The Broomfield, Colorado, resident was simply “doom scrolling on Instagram” when an advertisement caught his eye, a Velocity Yellow 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with everything he'd ever wanted in a performance car. “Just randomly saw a car I genuinely like, and it had everything I wanted. A manual Z06, that was kind of just the main criteria,” Hughes recalled about his initial attraction to the giveaway.

The decision to enter wasn't complicated. Hughes purchased a $15 entry pack during a dual giveaway featuring a C8 Corvette and the C7 Z06, though he admitted his expectations were realistic. “Did I ever see myself winning one of these? Probably never. It’s always been a 99.9% chance of losing,” he said. The mindset helped him approach the giveaway realistically rather than building false hope.

 

What made Hughes’s entry particularly interesting was his complete unfamiliarity with 717 Supply beforehand. “I never heard of 717. This was just a random Instagram advertisement that popped up, and I was just like, I should try and hop on it. Now I’m here,” he explained. 

Unlike many winners who share their entries widely, Hughes kept his participation quiet. He told only three people: his mother, “a girl,” and best friend. The doubtful reactions were predictable. “My mother and the girl were both very skeptical about it. My mother only then believed me when it was posted that I won,” Hughes noted, highlighting a common experience among 717 Supply giveaway winners.

When the moment came to see the gleaming Vette in person, Hughes’s composure impressed even 717 Supply Founder Mike Hyssong. Standing before the 900-horsepower Z06, Hughes maintained his calm demeanor while processing the magnitude of his prize. “I’m actually kind of shaking,” he admitted when handed the keys, one of the few moments his controlled exterior cracked.

The reveal showcased a car that exceeded Hughes's expectations in person. “Everything looks different on camera,” he observed, noting how much more substantial the vehicle appeared than in photos. The Z06’s extensive modifications and carbon ceramic brakes impressed him, especially after he'd spent considerable time researching the platform. “I spent way too long. The moment you said ‘win,’ I was like, ‘find everything out,’” he told Hyssong about his preparation for picking up the car.

 

Hughes's plans for the car reflect his genuine enthusiasm for driving. “I very heavily plan on probably dailying it,” he said, while also expressing interest in drag racing and track use once local facilities become available.

His advice for potential entrants comes from direct experience rather than speculation. “If it’s money that you're willing to kind of part with, like $15, maybe even less, it doesn't ever hurt to put your name in the hat,” Hughes suggested. He emphasized the low barrier to entry, noting that previous 717 Supply winners had succeeded with purchases as simple as keychains.

For Hughes, the experience proved that sometimes taking small chances pays off. “The algorithm worked,” he said simply. “It pushed me to where I could get something quite amazing.”

About the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Hughes’s new ride shows off the C7 Corvette at its most extreme. The 2015 Z06 brought back supercharged V8 power after Chevrolet had briefly stuck with naturally aspirated engines. Even in stock form, the Z06 was a huge step up from the Stingray, but this particular car has been taken far beyond factory specs thanks to a long list of upgrades directed by Hyssong.

At the heart of the build is a Magnuson 2650 supercharger, replacing the factory blower on the LT4. Paired with a Complete Street Performance camshaft, the engine now makes close to 900 horsepower, well above the Z06’s original 650 ponies. Other supporting parts include a Roto-Fab cold air intake, a bigger throttle body, and an aftermarket pulley setup.

 

The exhaust has been overhauled with Kooks headers, high-flow catalytic converters, and a Corsa rear section that lets the boosted V8 breathe and sound as wild as it looks while still keeping things reasonable for street use. The Z06’s factory carbon ceramic system handles braking, which is more than capable of managing the added power.

Cosmetic touches set this Z06 apart, too. Metallic-flake custom valve covers match the Velocity Yellow paint, and Mickey Thompson wheels with rear drag radials help put power down. Up front, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires balance the setup. Black chrome exhaust tips and beadlock rear wheels round out the aggressive stance.

 

Even with all the upgrades, the car still runs its seven-speed manual and feels usable on the street. The mods build on the Corvette’s core strengths instead of completely changing its character. The result is a car that can tear up a track but still makes sense for daily driving, which is exactly what Hughes has in mind.