The Daytona 500 is arguably the most prestigious race on NASCAR's seemingly endless yearly racing schedule and for the last four years, Corvette has led the pack of race cars as the Official Pace Car. 2007 Daytona 500 winner Kevin Harvick, flanked by representatives of the Daytona International Speedway and General Motors, made a surprise appearance at last week's Central Florida International New Car Show in Orlando, Florida to announce that Corvette would be back for the fifth consecutive year as Pace Car for the 2008 Daytona 500. Next year's race will be even more special as 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500. The 2008 Corvette Z06 Pace Car pays tribute to Daytona's golden anniversary by being decked out in a stunning "Anniversary Gold" exterior paint with Red, White and Blue racing stripes. Like previous years, the Daytona 500 logo adorns the doors while the Chevrolet bowtie graces the hood in red. The current top-of-the-line Corvette is ideally suited for the pace car duties at Daytona. The Corvette Z06, with 505 horsepower, has more horsepower than the NASCAR sprint cup race cars it will pace. Other than the integrated light bar and strobe system, the Corvette Z06 Pace Car is nearly identical to the street version.
"Chevrolet has been inextricably linked to NASCAR from its inception and we are honored to support the golden anniversary of the sport's premier race ? the Daytona 500 ? with a very special Corvette Z06 Pace Car," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The Corvette Z06 has established a tradition in leading the pack at Daytona, which reflects Chevrolet?s commitment to racing and the fans." "Talk about a 'wow-factor,'" said Speedway President Robin Braig. "It's the perfect piece of machinery to help pace a star-studded field at 'The World Center of Racing' for the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500."
The 50th Anniversary running of the Daytona 500 will be held Sunday February 17, 2008.
Source:
Daytona International Speedway
Related:
Video: 2007 Daytona 500 Z06 Corvette Makes TV Appearance
Corvette to Pace 2007 Daytona 500
Technorati Tags:
Corvette |
Daytona 500 |
Pace Car |
NASCAR |
Racing
More...
Corvette Z06 Chosen to Pace 50th Daytona 500 in 2008
Linear Mode
