Chevrolet 2001 Corvette Owner's Manual page 276

If your fuel filler door release won't operate, there is a
manual release tab. The tab is located against the upper
trim on the driver's side in the rear compartment. Pull
the tab to manually release the fuel filler door.
While refueling, rest the tether across the tab on the fuel
filler door to prevent damage to your vehicle's finish.
To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let
go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.
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