CRG Discussion Forum

Model Specific Discussions => Promotional Events and Concept Cars => Topic started by: SMKZ28 on February 15, 2023, 11:35:39 AM

Title: Silver Spring Speedway: 1968 Camaro RS Convertible Pace Car late 70s early 80s
Post by: SMKZ28 on February 15, 2023, 11:35:39 AM
Here are several recent photographs taken of a 1968 Camaro RS convertible that was used as the pace car at Silver Springs Speedway at some point in time.  This was a 3/8 mile, semi banked clay oval racing venue that operated between 1953 and 2005 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.  I'm not sure exactly when the Camaro was used as the pace car because I could not find a single period image of it at the track but it looks like it was modified into it's current condition sometime back in the late 1970's or early 1980's.  It must have been prior to the late 1980's because I have seen images of a 1987 Trans Am and a 1988 Grand Prix pacing events in the late 1980's. 

Notice the newer mirrors, front spoiler and wheel well spats that mimic a late 2nd generation Z28 or any 2nd generation Trans Am.   The Rally Wheels might have been added at this time as well.  It is powered by a 327 V-8 and it has a manual transmission with a Hurst T-Handle.  Notice the wording on the side that states, "Body Paint Work by Wittle and Webb." 

If anyone has any further information on when it was actually used or any additional photographs, please share.

I found the pictures on the Silver Spring Speedway Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/345145753890/ and here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064908331136&paipv=0&eav=AfYDO1sSrlmVJW0lINDd7pPyNuMnBR38rM8mx6IeGeqwYVcRcUvR4_uDazDquReA-RY
Title: Re: Silver Spring Speedway: 1968 Camaro RS Convertible Pace Car
Post by: SMKZ28 on February 15, 2023, 11:37:10 AM
Additional recent photos of the car.
Title: Re: Silver Spring Speedway: 1968 Camaro RS Convertible Pace Car
Post by: SMKZ28 on February 15, 2023, 11:41:22 AM
Notice the original light blue paint in the engine bay.  This original color would have matched the blue interior.
Title: Re: Silver Spring Speedway: 1968 Camaro RS Convertible Pace Car
Post by: SMKZ28 on February 15, 2023, 11:50:00 AM
My eyes might be playing tricks on me but it looks like the little green license plate sticker on the right side says that it expired in February 1983.  According to worldlicenseplates.com, this particular yellow Pennsylvania license plate came out in 1977 and was superseded by a blue one in 1983.  This time frame fits in perfectly with the modifications done to the car.

http://www.worldlicenseplates.com/usa/US_PAXX.html