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GIVEAWAY #32 WINNER PROFILE:

Chad & Dana Hertzog and the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06

Dana Hertzog had been telling her husband, Chad, to stop entering vehicle giveaways. She’d given him “heck for spending money on them.” Then she secretly bought a 717 Supply entry pack herself for a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 and won. “You weren’t winning. Someone had to win,” she jokingly reminded Chad during their interview. The couple lives in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, close to 717 Supply’s Harrisburg-based headquarters.

 

Entrants in 717 Supply’s giveaways typically follow one of two paths: regulars who participate in every prize opportunity and those who take a strategic approach by targeting specific vehicles. Dana fell into the latter category. She also opted for only entry packs instead of merchandise. “I didn’t buy any items just because I knew he always wanted a Corvette,” she said. Dana added, “I only ever entered for Corvettes because he’s only ever raved about how much he wanted a Corvette.”

The windfall was preceded by a challenging series of phone calls for 717 Supply Founder Mike Hysong, who was attempting to inform the Hertzogs of their good fortune. Mike said it was the craziest winner call he’s ever made because Chad kept hanging up. Eventually, after reaching a friend, the phone was passed to Chad for a conversation with Mike. “I am so speechless right now,” exclaimed Chad. 

 

During the interview, Chad revealed that he still had some doubts about winning the Z06. “I was trying to keep it a little more secretive because I was still unsure whether it was real or not,” he admitted. However, he did initially share the news only with his coworkers and his father. “I was keeping it a secret until it actually was legit enough,” he remarked. Dana agreed: “Until you drive it home, it’s not quite real.”

However, Chad wasn’t a complete skeptic. “I had a [golf] simulator in my garage that I pretty much tore down and returned into a garage,” he explained. “I was like, I hope this is real because if it’s not, I’m going to have to rebuild the whole thing.”

When the couple arrived at 717 Supply’s headquarters, the reveal exceeded expectations. "My God, it’s so beautiful,” Chad exclaimed. “It looks so much better than it did in the pictures.”

 

Examining the Z06 in detail, Chad’s enthusiasm was hard to contain. The carbon fiber wheels impressed him immediately. “I love the wheels.” Seeing the engine bay added to his excitement: “Dude, that looks amazing.”

Chad was happy to learn that the C8 could complement his golfing lifestyle, thanks to a space in the engine bay for a bag of clubs. He was also impressed by the nose-lift system that raises the car’s front end to accommodate angled pavement and curbs. “That’s perfect for going up my driveway.” Chad also learned that this feature could be automatically engaged through GPS settings. 

 

When Chad fired up the Z06 and cycled through the drive modes, his reaction was simple, but spot-on. “Holy crap,” he said as the Fabspeed exhaust roared to life. Testing the sound by pulling both paddles and revving drew an even stronger reaction: “This is just insane.” When told he could keep the exhaust quiet for neighbors, Chad’s response was immediate: “Oh, no. I want to wake up the neighbors. I do.”

Processing the reality proved difficult even with keys in hand. “It feels like I’ve never felt this way before. This is intense,” Chad admitted. “Never in a day did I think this would ever happen.”

 

While some 717 Supply winners opt for the cash prize or plan to sell the car down the road, Chad’s intentions are quite the opposite. “I’m never getting rid of it.” His advice to potential entrants reflects his wife’s proven strategy: “If you’re not trying, you’re not going to have a chance.”

About the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06

The Hertzogs’ C8 Z06 showcases Chevrolet’s naturally aspirated 5.5-liter LT6 V8, producing 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The flat-plane crankshaft design delivers an 8,600-rpm redline, offering what General Motors calls “the highest horsepower, naturally-aspirated V-8 to hit the market in any production car, ever.” Each LT6 is hand-assembled at the Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with a builder’s signature plaque on the intake manifold.

717 Supply’s modifications upgrade an already remarkable supercar. The Fabspeed full exhaust system with carbon fiber tips replaced the factory setup, creating a distinctive sound signature across the Z06’s multiple drive modes. ALT Forged wheels add another custom touch without compromising the Z06’s performance.

Meanwhile, the interior features Adrenaline Red leather throughout, from the seats to the Alcantara-wrapped headliner and A-pillars. Carbon fiber trim covers nearly every non-red surface, creating what’s described as “an evil space shuttle” aesthetic. A JLT cold air intake rounds out the modifications.