Chevrolet, with more than a century of motorsports success, reunites with Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) in a multiyear deal as the official vehicle and pace car of the iconic short track.
Beginning with this weekend’s first race, Drive to Stop Diabetes 300, a red Chevrolet Camaro 1LE pace car will lead the field of 40 NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers down to the green flag. The Camaro will be the front-runner throughout the 160-mile contest as drivers duke it out at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile.
For the first time since 2008, a Chevrolet will serve as the pace car of the Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes and Stand Up To Cancer. A sleek white Chevrolet SS will lead the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars to the start of the race and pace the field throughout the battle of the high banks.
“We’re thrilled that Chevrolet, the most successful manufacturer in NASCAR, is back at Bristol,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway. “Team Chevy strives for excellence on and off the track and like us, they are driven and fueled by passionate fans. Our mutual commitment to enhancing fan and customer experiences while looking for innovative ways to grow our businesses will make this a great partnership.”
Over the course of its NASCAR history, Chevrolet has won the Sprint Cup Manufacturers’ Championship 38 times, including the last 12 consecutive seasons. And no brand has powered more Sprint Cup Series championships than the Bowtie.
“We are very happy to be back as the official vehicle of Bristol Motor Speedway,” said Jeff Chew, manager, strategic planning and operations for Chevrolet Racing. “This effort was all made possible through collaboration with our Southeast Region. Bristol is a special place on the NASCAR circuit with some of the most passionate fans and loyal Chevrolet enthusiasts. We are proud to support them and partner with the Southeast Region on this multiyear endeavor. We hope everyone enjoys time at our display in the midway area, as well as watching our Chevy Camaro and SS pace cars during the races.”
Team Chevy is the most successful manufacturer at the 0.563-mile facility earning 43 victories over the course of the 108 races held in Thunder Valley.
The Chevrolet pace car for the Food City 500 will be adorned with Steve Byrnes’ name above the driver and passenger doors.
Byrnes, co-host of NASCAR Race Hub and play-by-play announcer for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, is on a medical leave of absence while he undergoes treatment. Byrnes, who turned 56 this week, has been part of the FOX NASCAR broadcast team since its inaugural year of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series coverage in 2001.
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