Chevy SSR To Pace NASCAR Nextel Cup Race For First Time

SSR Will Serve As The Official Pace Vehicle For The Chevy American Revolution 400

DETROIT - Chevrolet has announced that the SSR will pace the Chevy American Revolution 400 held "under the lights" at Richmond International Raceway on May 15. The 2004 Chevy SSR, a unique blend of an open-air roadster and pickup truck, will make its first appearance at a NASCAR Nextel Cup event as the Official Pace Vehicle.

"We are very excited for Chevrolet's entitlement of this year's first NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Richmond and equally as excited for the debut of the SSR to pace in this series," said Brent Dewar, Chevrolet general manager. "We chose this SSR to pace the Chevy American Revolution 400 as the ultimate example of our enthusiasm for this great event as well as to showcase our ongoing commitment to racing."

The SSR pace vehicle features a striking red, white and blue DuPont paint scheme with the American Revolution logo displayed on both door panels. The entire upper surface of the vehicle is Torch Red, complemented by a pearlized white lower body and blue accents. A large Chevrolet bowtie is centered on the rear cargo cover.

The Chevy SSR pace vehicle is virtually identical to the vehicles available in dealer showrooms today. A highlight of the SSR's design is the unique one-button, power operated retractable hardtop that stows vertically and out of sight in a compartment located between the passenger and rear-cargo area. Like the production SSR, the pace vehicle is powered by GM's Vortec 5300 small-block V-8 that develops 300 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. Rounding out the SSR's sporty appearance are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear tires and wheels.

The Chevy American Revolution 400, broadcast on FX at 7 p.m., will be the first of a limited number of appearances the SSR will make to pace NASCAR Nextel Cup events in 2004; the Monte Carlo continues as Chevy's primary pace vehicle for the series. The Chevy SSR made its debut performing pace vehicle duties at the Indianapolis 500 in 2003 and currently serves as the Official Pace Vehicle of the Indy Racing League.

On and off the track, Chevrolet offers products with great design, innovative features and commitment to both quality and technology. The "American Revolution" marketing campaign captures Chevrolet's pride and passion for innovation and success, not only in motorsport but also as the brand launches 10 new cars and trucks in 20 months.

General Motors Corp. , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, employs about 325,000 people globally. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 192 countries. In 2003, GM sold nearly 8.6 million cars and trucks, about 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM's global headquarters is at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM and its products can be found on the company's consumer website at www.gm.com.