Mid-Michigan Section of SAE, Dinner and Program
Monday, April 26, 2010
6:00 PM Social Hour 7:00 PM Dinner, 7:45 Program
Baker College
Technology Center Building – Room S 128
1050 West Bristol Rd Flint, MI 48507
Students: $18, Retirees: $20, Members: $25, Guests: $30
This meeting is open to all SAE, ESD, SVEC Member Societies.

The Mid-Michigan Section of

 Speaker Bio:

     Thomas F. Wallace was appointed to his “dream job” for the last three years of his career. In November of 2005, he was named Corvette Vehicle Line Executive and Corvette Chief Engineer. In three years, he and his team were able to expand the volume and scope of Corvette models, including 2 Indy 500 pace cars, 3 “niche” specialty models, the planning of 2 more “niche” models, and the planning and approval of the 2010 Grand Sport Model. But the most noteworthy accomplishment was the introduction of the ZR1 in 2008, taking Corvette into the world acclaimed “super car” market with a bang. 638 horsepower, 200+ mph top speed, and 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds sends notice to top end Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Aston Martins. It is no coincidence that he and his team were also closely associated with the highly successful Corvette Racing Team, which dominated the GT1 class in the American Le Mans Series, and 24 hours of Le Mans race in France. Wallace retired from General Motors on November 1^st, 2009.
     Wallace started his career by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute (GMI subsequently named Kettering University) in 1971. He began as a cooperative student with Buick Motor Division in February 1996. He held several engineering positions focusing on engine technology and played a key role in the development of the Turbocharged Buick Grand Nationals of the early 80’s. In 1980 he earned a master of business administration from Stanford University under the Sloan Fellowship Program. Throughout the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Wallace held several Chief Engineer and Platform Manager positions within the former Chevrolet Pontiac GM of Canada(C-P-C) and Buick Oldsmobile Cadillac (B-O-C) group.

In November of 1995, Wallace was named Vehicle Line executive for Mid-size Trucks. Over the next 10 years, he and his team introduced many midsize SUVs, pickup trucks and H3 Hummers. From midsize trucks he was appointed the Corvette Vehicle Line Executive and Chief Engineer position.      Wallace has participated in several forms of racing, including drag racing, autocross, IMSA, Sebring 12 hour, Daytona 24 hour, SCCA Road Racing in GT1 (including several trips to the SCCA National Championship Runoffs), and Waterford Hills Road Racing. His Sons are also quite active in SCCA Road Racing. Wallace is a longstanding member of SAE.