Joe Biden participated in the 2026 Audrain Newport Concours in Rhode Island on Sunday, where his 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible earned the Spirit of Audrain Award. The gathering at Fort Adams State Park attracted automotive fans, including the former president alongside his grandson, Robert Hunter Biden II. Biden joined the event after an invitation from Jay Leno, the former host of The Tonight Show, and spent the day examining vehicles with attendees.
The green Corvette, originally given to Biden by his father as a wedding present, has remained a lifelong centerpiece. He once claimed to have driven it at 132 mph and shared a viral clip from a 2016 appearance on Leno’s show, where he executed a dramatic burnout. The car’s engine had been rebuilt as a holiday surprise by his sons, Beau and Hunter, years earlier.
Biden’s involvement reflected his enduring interest in classic automobiles. In an Instagram post, he shared: “Enjoyed spending Sunday in Newport with my grandson Hunter, my friend Jay, and some incredible vehicles during Audrain Newport Concours Motor Week. The green 1967 Corvette from Wilmington was looking especially nice. I appreciate Nick Schorsch and his team for having me and for hosting such a great event,” The message also expressed gratitude to the event organizers for the invitation.
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In addition to the award, Biden received a quilted ACMW jacket personalized with his name and a lifetime membership to the Audrain Automobile Museum, marking him as member number 46. The organizers described his visit as “an honor,” praising his shared appreciation for automotive heritage.
Photographer Larry Chen described meeting Biden, who joked about his reputation as the only president to perform a burnout. Chen wrote on Instagram that Biden asked him if he had seen the video of him doing one, and Chen replied, “Yes, we have all seen it and we love it.” The exchange highlighted Biden’s informal connection to his hobby, blending political life with his enthusiasm for classic cars.
During a video shoot for Jay Leno’s Garage in 2016, Biden told Leno that he had only driven his Corvette three times since taking office as Vice President in 2008. The Delaware native then put his foot down and did a massive, smoky burnout in the 327 small-block V-8-powered convertible.
