Nascar Blog

Changing subjects for a moment (though still on a tangent of one of our current subjects, the Daytona 500) - in honor of Chevy’s release of the 638 HP supercharged ZR-1, we’ll jump back in time one year to remember their 2008 Z06 Daytona pacecar. Since its inception, Chevy has been linked to NASCAR, and 2008 and 2009 are no exceptions. Though Chevy chose a Camaro to pace the Daytona 500 this year, the 50th anniversary of the running of the Daytona 500 in 2008 was marked by Chevrolet fielding a special edition Z06 for NASCAR’s biggest, richest, and most prestigious race.

In honor of this historic event, the 2008 Chevrolet Z06 Daytona 500 pace car sported a custom white, gold, red, and blue flame-style paint scheme and, of course, a integrated light bar and strobe system. It also had the notable characteristic of being purely powered by E85 ethanol. But regardless of its power source, under the hood, the Z06 remained almost identical to the version available directly to consumers - and no wonder, seeing as its specs put it already in the realm of supercars. In fact, its horsepower topped that of the NASCAR Sprint Cup cars that it paced. With its trademark Corvette Z06 wheels, this head-turning pacecar was a marvel of engineering and style.

Off the track, Chevrolet made sure that consumers were able to obtain a commemorative edition Corvette for themselves. For those lucky enough to want to own the car and have the means to do so, the "base" Z06 represented a hefty $25,000 price premium over the base coupe. The Indy pace car that was made available to the public, however, was not a Z06; but in exchange, its pricetag of $59,090 for the coupe was significantly less than the $71,000 required for an entry-level Z06. Each commemorative edition was number, featured titanium seats, and sported a Z06 Corvette spoiler.

The Corvette, the Z06, and especially the newly released ZR1 are the embodiment of American ingenuity and muscle car might; and Chevrolet’s clear dedication to high performance through their continuing relationship with NASCAR is something that we can all enjoy, and should. Even cars such as the commemorative Corvette from 2008 are something we NASCAR fans can be proud of, even if we don’t own one. So after this little stroll down NASCAR muscle car memory lane, if you’re a fan of the Corvette, don’t forget to wear your Corvette t shirt out this summer to the track to show your support for our American car companies. Lucky enough to own an actual Corvette, as well as a full closet of Corvette t shirts? Then drive it loud and proud - with a nice loud exhaust from an American aftermarket Corvette parts company - and show your support for Chevrolet - and by extension, your love for motorsports such as NASCAR.