Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

GIVEAWAY #29 WINNER PROFILE:

Travis Johnson and the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06

Travis Johnson had a feeling his $40 t-shirt might be special, but he didn’t expect it to arrive the very same day as the most important phone call of his life. The Virginia resident was holding his brand-new 717 Supply shirt when he learned he’d won a 2024 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06—his dream car in his favorite color. He wore the same shirt to pick up his prize.

 “It actually came in the mail the day he called me,” Johnson recalled about the timing. The shirt he’d bought for its own sake suddenly became priceless memorabilia. “Yeah. It's going in a frame. The most valuable shirt ever,” he added.

Johnson first came across 717 Supply through social media rather than as a gearhead, he explained. Unlike many winners who already followed the brand and its giveaways, he was a newcomer who decided to take a chance after seeing an ad online. “I saw that and I had to enter, man.”

Johnson’s reasoning was down-to-earth. “I figured I'd have a cool shirt if nothing else,” he said. The modest cost seemed worth it regardless of the odds. Asked if he thought he’d actually win, he didn’t hesitate: “No.” 

 

That doubt carried over when he shared the news. Johnson told only his wife and brother at first. His wife thought it was a scam, he recalled. He also admitted to some disbelief on his part, given the size of the prize. However, the call from 717 Founder Mike Hyssong quickly removed any lingering concern. 

After arriving at 717 Supply’s headquarters in Pennsylvania for the reveal, Johnson was awe-struck at seeing the Rapid Blue Z06. “That’s better than I even imagined,” he remarked. Hyssong pointed to the significance of this color, as Chevrolet dropped Rapid Blue from the Corvette lineup after the 2025 model year. 

Hyssong also acknowledged the scale of the prize. “This car MSRP’d at like $130. Then, you're going to get your $30,000 check, too. So, $40 t-shirt, 160 grand. It’s a pretty good return,” he shared with Johnson.

Johnson was also overwhelmed by the car’s 700 horsepower. “I’m going to be so nervous driving this,” he said while sliding into the driver’s seat for the first time. He’s also realistic about what comes next. “I’m going to try to keep it for at least a year,” he said. “I’d like to keep it longer, but it’s going to draw a lot of attention.”

For anyone doubting the giveaways, Johnson offered his own thoughts. “If you have any doubts, don’t. 717 is legit. Just buy something. Get entered, man. You might get the best phone call of your life. I know I did.”

About the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06

While every Corvette is special, Travis Johnson’s 2024 Z06 separates itself from the base Stingray with a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter LT6 V8 producing 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The LT6 incorporates high-rev engineering that enables an 8,600-rpm redline, enabling the Z06 to stand out among other American performance cars on the market. 

The powerplant uses dual overhead camshafts and a flat-plane crankshaft, giving it a distinctive exhaust sound. Each LT6 is hand-built at Chevrolet’s Performance Build Center, underscoring the car’s exclusivity. Performance numbers include a zero-to-60 mph sprint of 2.6 seconds and lateral grip of 1.22g when paired with the Z07 Performance Package.

Johnson’s car has the 3LZ trim, which is the top version in the range. Features include heated and ventilated seats, wireless Apple CarPlay, a Bose premium audio system, and a suite of driver assistance technologies. In addition, the convertible body style adds a retractable hardtop that can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 20 mph.

 

Of course, 717 Supply Founder Mike Hyssong had to add his own touches to make this Z06 more distinctive. A Fabspeed exhaust with carbon fiber tips replaces the stock system, bringing a sharper tone and higher volume. Renzo Forged Light wheels in raw aluminum contrast against the Rapid Blue finish, while factory-option yellow brake calipers tie the look together.

Inside, the cabin has blue stitching and a carbon fiber steering wheel accented by a blue center marker. Brushed aluminum trim complements the wheel design, giving the interior a cohesive theme.

With only 1,400 miles on the clock, Johnson’s Z06 is essentially in new condition. Its discontinued color, very low mileage, and fully optioned specification make it a rare build.