Author Topic: Darlington Raceway 1968 Camaro RS/SS 396 Conv. Pace Car for NASCAR Southern 500  (Read 1952 times)

SMKZ28

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A white 1968 Camaro RS/SS 396 convertible was used as the pace car for the 19th annual 1968 Southern 500 NASCAR Grand National event held at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina on Labor Day Monday, September 2, 1968.

In the first picture you can see the Camaro leading the NASCAR race cars behind the two full size Chevy convertibles.  The man waiving to the crowd in the first Chevy convertible is 1968 presidential candidate George Wallace.  The picture came from an article explaining his relationship with NASCAR in the late 60's and early 70's.  See the article here: https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=2705

The second picture is a cropped version of the first.
« Last Edit: December 21, 2019, 07:31:50 PM by SMKZ28 »
Scott
I don't have a 1st Gen but I have 1971 Z28 RS 4-spd, 1997 Z28 Z4C 6-spd, 2000 SS Convertible, 2010 RS 6-spd

SMKZ28

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A movie about the race was produced by the Raceway back in 1968.  See it here on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5TeQy9pj6w

I took a few photos of the Camaro pace car while watching the footage.
« Last Edit: February 08, 2023, 11:31:10 PM by SMKZ28 »
Scott
I don't have a 1st Gen but I have 1971 Z28 RS 4-spd, 1997 Z28 Z4C 6-spd, 2000 SS Convertible, 2010 RS 6-spd

SMKZ28

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more pics from the Youtube footage.

The third photo clearly shows that the Camaro had a black tail panel and red lettering on the side and rear spoiler.
Scott
I don't have a 1st Gen but I have 1971 Z28 RS 4-spd, 1997 Z28 Z4C 6-spd, 2000 SS Convertible, 2010 RS 6-spd

SMKZ28

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This picture shows the pace lap with the Camaro way out in front of the race cars.  It came from Getty Images.  The second photo is a cropped version of the second.
Scott
I don't have a 1st Gen but I have 1971 Z28 RS 4-spd, 1997 Z28 Z4C 6-spd, 2000 SS Convertible, 2010 RS 6-spd

SMKZ28

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Here are pictures of the cover of the race program and a used admission ticket.  Both came from worthpoint.com
Scott
I don't have a 1st Gen but I have 1971 Z28 RS 4-spd, 1997 Z28 Z4C 6-spd, 2000 SS Convertible, 2010 RS 6-spd

SMKZ28

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This color picture shows that the full size Chevy convertible that George Wallace was riding in during the parade lap was painted red.  You can see it sitting at the end of pit lane while the field goes by on the pace lap.  It came from Getty Images.

The second is a cropped version of the first.
Scott
I don't have a 1st Gen but I have 1971 Z28 RS 4-spd, 1997 Z28 Z4C 6-spd, 2000 SS Convertible, 2010 RS 6-spd

 

anything