General Motors Heritage Is On Track At Indy
DETROIT - When the green flag waves over the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series field for this year's 400 at the Brickyard, the small-block V-8 engine that powers the series-leading 2005 NASCAR Chevy Monte Carlo will be competing in its 50th year in the most competitive stock car racing series in the world.
To emphasize that remarkable accomplishment, a re-creation of the 1955 Chevrolet NASCAR stock car that Herb Thomas drove to victory at Darlington 50 years ago will run a parade lap on the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway and appear on display in the GM exhibit in the midway for the entire race weekend.
While the original car has been lost forever this replica mirrors the original Smokey Yunick-prepared car closely while making concessions to modern safety requirements with the inclusion of a roll cage, five-point safety harnesses, fire suppression system and dual circuit brake system.
'"Bringing back a re-creation of the car that captured Chevrolet's first super speedway win is a natural" says Scot Keller, staff director of GM Corporate Brand Communications. "Putting good old number 92 on the Brickyard track and then putting it on display where racing fans can see where it all started is the perfect role for GM's Heritage Collection."
This lightweight "150" model utility sedan was originally produced without a back seat, just like the original, and retains the standard "three on the tree" manual transmission, drum brakes and bias-ply tires, complete with inner tubes. The engine is tuned the way it's believed Smokey would have done it.
The small block V-8 found under the hood of a current NASCAR Monte Carlos is a direct descendant of the engine found in Thomas' 1955 racer. In the 50 years since that first victory, this small-block V-8 has captured more NASCAR wins than any other power plant in the sport.
For additional information and specifications on this 1955 Chevrolet NASCAR replica please click on:
Established in 2004, the General Motors Heritage Center, located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, brings together vehicles from the GM Heritage Collection, artifacts and archives that reflect and project the Corporation's passion and excellence in its products and the pride and passion of its people. The 81,000 square-foot Heritage Center provides an inspiring environment for business meetings and special events.
General Motors Corp. , the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 324,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company's history. GM's global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.