Chevrolet And Jay Leno To Set The Pace... Again!
FOR RELEASE: June 1, 2001Chevrolet And Jay Leno To Set The Pace... Again!
2001 Monte Carlo To Pace Brickyard 400
INDIANAPOLIS - Two years ago, it was a winning combination at the Indianapolis 500. So this year, Chevrolet and comedian Jay Leno will be teaming up once again to pace a race at the most prestigious race track in the world.
Leno will be behind the wheel of a specially modified 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, as he leads the field at the start of this year's Brickyard 400 on August 5, 2001 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"We're delighted that Jay has agreed to drive the pace car once again," said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general manager. "Jay is far more than just the host of the Tonight Show... he's also a car fanatic. And he's a tremendous racing fan... so teaming up with Chevrolet and Monte Carlo is a natural fit."
Leno has been getting plenty of "tutoring time" for his next pace mission from one of the premier drivers in NASCAR - three-time Winston Cup champion and Indiana's own Jeff Gordon.
"During my time in the car with Jay, he asked me how close I drive my DuPont Monte Carlo to the wall," Gordon quipped. "I said a couple of inches away. But I'm glad he stayed off by a couple of feet."
"Jeff's a nice guy and a great NASCAR driver, but boy he needs some help in the joke department," joked Leno about his world-famous coach.
Leno and Gordon have become "fast friends" and both are looking forward to the eighth annual Brickyard 400.
"I had hoped to give him a tip or two on driving this track," Leno remarked. "But like a good student, I listened to his advice."
"I'm thrilled that Chevrolet invited me to be a part of the program and proud to have this opportunity to support them," commented Leno.
"He takes his cars and his driving very seriously," Gordon said. "Thank goodness because I was a little nervous in the passenger seat."
"Monte Carlo is the most successful nameplate on the NASCAR circuit," said Don Parkinson, Monte Carlo brand manager. "As a recognized leader on the track, it only makes good sense that we put it out in front of the pack as a pace car."
General Motors' Special Vehicles department developed the new Monte Carlo pace car from a 2001 model-year production car. According to Parkinson, the pace car is a stock Monte Carlo SS with few modifications (e.g., increased engine cooling, air induction and horsepower, and a lowered suspension) that enables it to perform its pace car duties in the harsh environment of professional racing.
"We're very proud of this Brickyard 400 pace car," Parkinson said. "On race day, it will represent Monte Carlo at its best, cruising around the track at the head of the pack. With a unique DuPont 'Smoooth Yellow' (editor's note: spelled with three "o's") exterior paint, it really gives it that classy-with-a-wild-streak look."
Among the brightly colored decals on the pace car is Taz - the Warner Bros cartoon character recognized around the world. Taz is along for the ride as Team Monte Carlo's official mascot and represents how much more fun driving can be in a Monte Carlo.
Chevrolet has paced the Brickyard 400 every year since its inception in 1994... a testament to Chevrolet's commitment to quality and dependability in its cars and trucks.
1994 - Monte Carlo
1995 - C/K Pickup
1996 - Camaro
1997 - 2001 - Monte Carlo
Eleven of the most prestigious NASCAR Winston Cup races this season will be paced by similar 2001 Monte Carlo pace cars. Other than a black and silver paint scheme and specific race event logos, they are identical to the Brickyard pace car.
2001 Monte Carlo Pace Car Schedule:
| Date | Event |
| March 25 | Food City 500, Bristol Motor Speedway |
| April 1 | Harrah's 500, Texas Motor Speedway |
| May 19 | The Winston, Lowe's Motor Speedway |
| May 27 | Coca-Cola 600, Lowe's Motor Speedway |
| July 22 | New England 300, New Hampshire International Speedway |
| August 5 | Brickyard 400, Indianapolis Motor Speedway |
| August 25 | Sharpie 500, Bristol Motor Speedway |
| September 8 | Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400, Richmond International Speedway |
| September 16 | New Hampshire 200, New Hampshire International Speedway |
| October 7 | UAW-GM Quality 500, Lowe's Motor Speedway |
| October 28 | Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500, Phoenix International Speedway |