The Chevrolet Silverado will play a big part in this weekend’s Daytona 500.
No, that isn’t a typo.
As part of its marketing push for the new-generation pickup, Chevrolet is advertising the 2019 Silverado in a big way in Florida this week.
For starters, the 2019 Silverado is set to lead the Daytona 500 field to green for the first time ever on Sunday. Behind the wheel of the Silverado pace truck, which will be outfitted with Daytona 500 graphics and safety lights, will be NASCAR star and Chevy ambassador Dale Earnhardt Jr.
General Motors is also rather proud of the fact that the 420 hp 6.2-liter V8 Silverado won’t need any modifications whatsoever to pace a field of race cars – apart from the necessary safety lights and equipment.
Another interesting effort from the Silverado team will be the so-called ‘Hotel Silverado’ initiative, which will enable Joey Miller and his family to camp out at the Chevrolet Experience Center at the
Daytona infield in the bed of a Silverado. Miller has raised a significant amount of donations for cancer research for the American Cancer Society and is being hosted at Daytona as part of the Chevy Cares program.
This weekend will also mark the race debut of the first all-new NASCAR Truck Series body from Chevrolet since 2014. The new NASCAR body, which will race in the Gander Outdoors Truck Series this year, is styled after the 2019 Silverado RST. It will look to build on the 232 wins, nine manufacturers’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships the Silverado has won in the NASCAR Truck Series since the inaugural race in 1995.
“The Daytona 500 weekend is home to some of the most memorable moments in racing,” Chevy motorsports boss Jim Campbell said. “This is an exciting opportunity to introduce the strongest, most advanced Silverado ever to race fans all weekend long.”
GM Authority will be in attendance at the 2019 Daytona 500 and will be providing coverage of the race weekend, so stay tuned for more Daytona 500 news. The race will go green shortly after 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 17th.
Comments
They’re proud that a truck with an engine you can’t spec out won’t need any modifications? Are they aware you can’t can’t get a 6.2 in a RST????
Pretty big mod in my opinion.
Ah thanks! Mistake on my part, didn’t mean to call it an RST. Fixed now.
Should have been a reg cab short box with a ZQ8 suspension. Oh wait, they don’t make racy trucks anymore. The actual NASCAR truck is a shortbed reg cab.
Having been a contractor for over 20 years and now retired. I now tow a 16,000 lb 5th wheel RV on trips all over the US. I have to say that all the writers that give their opinions on pickups aren’t really qualified to do so. Since none of them do anything with a truck but drive it around town. until they actually start using one for what it’s really intended for or start hauling a load up steep grades in high elevation, they have no idea.
They can quote all kinds of specs. But that’s not the same as actually trying it out in all situations. The average Joe will never need those towing capacities. The closest thing they’ll come to that is if they tow a large RV camper like a 5th wheel toy hauler. And if they need to do that. There’s no 1/2 ton truck that can handle it. You have to get up into the 3/4 HD type of truck to do that. And only a diesel will tow one comfortably up a 6% or 10% grade in elevation. In my opinion, nothing touches diesel in any situation. Yes, diesel fuel is higher than gas but you get better gas mileage than with gasoline. And way more torque. And unlike a gas vehicle, you get the same gas mileage at 85 that you get at 55. Ford, Chevy, or Dodge
3/4 HDs will all tow good enough to get the job done. Pick the truck you like the best.
My 2006 6.0l gasser was going up 8% grades while towing an 11,000-pound trailer quite nicely. North Carolina Baby
Yeah, try doing that out west.
In the east, you’ve got foothills.
Try pulling that 11,000 lbs to Leadville, Co.
11,000 ft pass with 6 and 10% grades.
Let me know when your doing 35 miles an hour and overheating:)
My 2500 HD DURAMAX does it just fine with 16,000 lbs behind it.
just sayin
I like the color. With that being said, this event will presumably have quite a bit of press & attention…what does GM do, decides to dress the Silverado in a color that’s not even a factory option. Now they could have plans to release some special “Daytona edition” but I think consumers are over those cheesy packages. Simply put, put a product on the track the public can actually buy!
SWD got it right and I agree. He is also correct when he says those rating these trucks should be selling popcorn. If you have never experienced the situation, how can you comment on it so never believe anything written about something until you have tried it out.