Daytona 500 Pace Car Reveals Fan-Inspired Design

DAYTONA, Fla. - In special ceremonies prior to the start of the 2003 Daytona 500, Pontiac unveiled the custom-designed pace car to be used in the race and the artistic handiwork of Bobbi Schrout of Maidsville, W.Va. Schrout's design was selected by NASCAR fans to be the first fan-designed pace car in NASCAR history.

"Bobbi's patriotic design obviously struck a chord with fans, who voted overwhelmingly for her car among five finalists," said Robert Kraut, Pontiac Marketing Director for the Grand Prix, GTO and Bonneville. "The idea was simple, yet powerful and Pontiac was pleased to be able to help bring it to life on the official Daytona 500 Grand Prix pace car."

After Schrout's winning entry was unveiled, she was treated to a special victory lap around the Daytona Speedway, courtesy of Vin Diesel, star of last summer's hit action movie, "xXx."

More than 33,000 potential pace car designs were entered in a unique on-line competition created through a partnership of Pontiac, NASCAR.com, and EA Sports. Five finalists were selected and submitted to an on-line vote. When the 190,124 votes were tallied, more than half were for Schrout's design.

In addition to Schrout, the finalists included Anthony Jasper of Mesquite, Tex.; Cheri Murphy of Clio, Ala.; Brett Nicholson of Jeffersonville, Ind.; and Kelly Shaner of Gilbertsville, Penn. All five finalists were the guests of Pontiac at the Daytona 500.

This year's Pontiac NASCAR racecars and pace cars are based on the design of the new 2004 Grand Prix, available in March at Pontiac dealers nationwide. With enhanced performance, superior ride and handling characteristics, and surprising versatility, the new Grand Prix continues the tradition of Pontiac performance and driving excitement.

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