Monte Carlo Heads The Field For NASCAR Brickyard 400

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Long before the first NASCAR race team transporter arrives at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or qualifying begins, Chevrolet has already been solidified in the lead position for the 2002 edition of the famed Brickyard 400. That’s because for the sixth consecutive year a Monte Carlo has been selected as the official pace vehicle for the event.

Kurt Ritter, general manager of General Motor’s largest marketing division, will be behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo that will bring the field of NASCAR Winton Cup’s finest to the green flag on August 4, 2002.

"The opportunity to lead the pack to the start is, for me, a true honor," said Ritter. "However, I know I’ll feel the pride of everyone associated with Chevrolet… our engineers, our dealers and our customers… as if they will be riding along with me."

"Chevy’s captured over 500 wins in NASCAR’s modern era and Monte Carlo is without question the most successful nameplate in NASCAR Winston Cup history," noted Ritter. "As a recognized leader on the track, it makes perfect sense for us to expand our motorsports heritage by putting it out in front of the pack as a pace car."

General Motors’ Special Vehicles team developed the pace car from a 2003 Monte Carlo SS fresh off the assembly line in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. The plant has consistently ranked at or near the top of GM’s list for initial product quality.

Few modifications were made to enable it to perform its pace car duties in the harsh environment of professional racing. Under-the-hood changes include a revised fresh air induction system, installation of a low-restriction exhaust and increased engine cooling capability which raise output of the normally-aspirated 3800 V6 to 230 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 250

lbs.-ft. of torque – an increase of 30 horsepower and 25 lbs.-ft. of torque compared to the production vehicle. The suspension system has been mildly lowered and the special cast aluminum wheels are wrapped with Goodyear Eagle GS/C P245/50ZR-17 performance tires.

"We’re very proud of this Brickyard 400 pace car," said Ritter. "On race day, it will represent Monte Carlo at its best, cruising around the track at the head of the pack. With a unique Superior Blue exterior paint complimented by Galaxy Silver ground effects, it really gives it that ‘classy-with-a-wild-streak’ look."

Among the pace car’s brightly colored graphics is the image of 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.

A limited-edition pace car replica will be available on the market later in the year, allowing consumers the opportunity to share in the heritage and passion long associated with Monte Carlo and Chevy’s motorsports heritage.

Chevrolet has paced every Brickyard 400 to date… a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to quality and dependability in its cars and trucks. Pace vehicle assignments have been Monte Carlo (1994, 1997-2002), C/K Pickup (1995), and Camaro (1996).

Ten of the most prestigious NASCAR Winston Cup races this season will be paced by similar Monte Carlo pace cars. Other than a wearing a Competition Yellow paint scheme and specific race event logos, they are identical to the Brickyard pace car.