Chevy’s Quickest SS Ever Paces the Great American Race
The 2025 Daytona 500 will see history made. Chevrolet’s Blazer EV SS is set to pace the 67th running of the race, marking the first time an electric vehicle leads the field. While EVs remain divisive among fans, this move signals where the sport is headed.
Chevrolet’s Blazer EV SS is no slouch. With 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, it rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The production model leading the race will feature custom graphics and embedded strobe lights but no performance upgrades.
“Chevrolet has a long history with racing – it’s in our DNA,” said Scott Bell, Chevrolet’s vice president. “The Blazer EV SS is a testament to that.”
This year marks Chevrolet’s 16th time pacing the Daytona 500. It’s also the first time a Blazer holds the honor. While NASCAR purists may grumble, there’s no denying EVs are making their mark on motorsports.
Chevy isn’t stopping there. The brand will also unveil the Blazer EV.R NASCAR Prototype, a joint project with NASCAR and other OEMs. The goal? To explore emerging technologies in racing. Chevrolet Performance & Motorsports VP Jim Campbell reinforced the company’s commitment to combustion power. “Our Chevrolet V8 engines continue to be an important part of NASCAR.”
Chevrolet will also pace the Xfinity and Truck Series races at Daytona. A Corvette Stingray leads the United Rentals 300, while a Chevrolet Silverado RST paces the Fresh From Florida 250.
Chevy’s presence at Daytona is undeniable. The brand swept all three NASCAR Manufacturers’ Championships in 2024 and has 102 Daytona wins. Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron, last year’s 500 winner, will look to add another Chevrolet victory.
For fans attending the race, Chevrolet will display all four pace vehicles at Daytona International Speedway. Whether fans embrace EVs or not, they’ll be up close with the future of racing.
IMAGES: Chevrolet (General Motors USA)
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