UPDATED
with pics from show and official release
Stuart has reported that Jay Leno made a surprise guest appearance
at GM’s press conference today at the L.A. auto show, and it was announced the chin-tastic comedian would be
driving the Z06 Daytona 500 Pace Car at the 48th annual running of the historic motorsport event. This is the second
year in a row for the Corvette (last year the “base” model Corvette was in charge of pacing).
The Corvette Z06 Daytona Pace Car wears a unique paint scheme that appears to be a modern artist’s version of a
classic flame job. There are, of course, special Daytona 500 logos everywhere on the car as well, though no mechanical
modifications have been made.
Because of Daytona’s restrictor plate rule, however, this will be the
first time in the history of the race that the pace car will be developing more power than the cars competing in the
race. Way to go, Z06.
More pics of this fire-breather after the jump…
CORVETTE Z06 TO PACE DAYTONA 500 WITH JAY
LENO AT THE WHEEL
LOS ANGELES – A specially outfitted 2006 Corvette Z06 will serve as the official
pace car of the 48th running of the Daytona 500, on Feb. 19. “Tonight Show” host and auto enthusiast Jay
Leno will drive the pace car.
The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s premier race and traditionally kicks off
the Nextel Cup racing season. Selection of the Z06 model marks the second consecutive year that a Corvette has been
selected as the Daytona 500 pace car.
“It is a wonderful honor to have Corvette serve once again as
the Daytona 500 pace car,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Chevrolet has a long, successful
history at Daytona and there’s no better vehicle to showcase our performance legacy than the Corvette Z06 –
a car that was born on the race track.”
The Corvette Z06 that will serve as the Daytona 500 pace car is
mechanically identical to those available at Chevrolet dealerships. It is the fastest vehicle ever offered by Chevrolet
and General Motors. With 505 horsepower (377 kw) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm) from its 7.0L all-aluminum,
racing-inspired engine, the Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 198 mph. It also
differs from other production Corvette models with extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fiber front
fenders and a chassis comprised of aluminum and magnesium. A racing-ready suspension and large, 18-inch front wheels and
19-inch rear wheels help keep it glued to the tarmac, so it requires no drivetrain modifications to satisfy its role in
front of the racing pack. In its official capacity, however, the pace car is outfitted with a variety of safety
equipment and highly visible strobe lights.
Interestingly, the Corvette Z06’s 505-horsepower (377 kw)
output is actually more than the power produced by the race cars that will compete in the Daytona 500 – a first
for a pace car. This is because of the unique “restrictor plate” rule established for the Daytona and
Talladega, Ala. racetracks. On these 2.5-mile-long super speedways, the restrictor plate reduces airflow into the
engine to limit horsepower and keep race car speeds below 200 mph. With a restrictor plate, racing engine power is
reduced from about 750 horsepower to about 450 horsepower. Race cars can still average more than 190 mph on
Daytona’s long straights.
The Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 wears a unique paint scheme, inspired by the
hot-to-cool color transition of a space capsule entering Earth’s atmosphere at a high rate of speed. The paint
scheme is carried out with an elaborate, interlocking scallops design – a twist on hot rod-style flames –
that blends “hot” Lemon Drop yellow at the nose of the Corvette with Lemon Glow, Amber Ecstasy, Blazing
Copper and Hot Poppy. The colors culminate with a cool Sapphire Trance blue color at the rear of the vehicle. DuPont,
the sponsor of Jeff Gordon’s No. 24 Monte Carlo, supplied the colors, which are from the company’s
“Hot Hues” line of automotive paint.
“As if the Corvette Z06 needed help in looking fast,
the intricate paintwork of the pace car gives it the appearance of tremendous speed,” said Peper. “It is one
of the most elaborate and stunning vehicle designs we’ve created.”
Leno behind the wheel
Jay
Leno, host of the “Tonight Show” and an unabashed auto enthusiast, will drive the Corvette Z06 during
opening ceremonies and the pace laps that start the race. Leno, who has a large collection of vintage automobiles and
motorcycles, has previous experience as a pace car driver.
Chevrolet returns to the Daytona 500 with 18
victories – the most of any manufacturer – including last year’s champion Jeff Gordon. Chevrolet also
returns as the defending manufacturer’s cup champion, an award that has been bestowed 29 times. Also, defending
Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart drives the No. 20 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for Joe Gibbs Racing.
“The
Corvette Z06 already is a performance legend and the fans will enjoy seeing it lead their favorite drivers around
Daytona’s famous tri-oval,” said Robin Braig, president of Daytona International Speedway. “It
promises to be a great race, and kicking it off with a Corvette at the head of the pack is the best way to
start.”
The Daytona 500 is one of the largest events in motorsports, drawing more than 168,000 fans to
the track and attracting nearly 11 million American television viewers. It also is broadcast around the world.