The NASCAR Cup Series has been around for more than 65 years, but for a large majority of that there has been a staple of American culture missing from the raceway – but today, that all is changing!
In an event alongside drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR and Chevrolet unveiled a brand new addition to the track starting in 2018.
At an event held in Motor City just ahead of this weekend’s Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway, the two forces revealed that the all-new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will make its debut on the asphalt for 2018’s NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series.
Until now, there has not been a Chevrolet Camaro in the Cup Series for over four decades – and the new ZL1 model is a real monster…even Jimmie Johnson thinks so!
“It’s a monster. I love it,” Johnson said while hopping out of his new ride. “I so enjoy driving the car. The torque, the power, the handling — it is very fun to drive on the street. I know consumers are going to love and enjoy that.”
The new tricked-out beast will make its first run at the Daytona 500 and will crank out up to 650 horsepower with its supercharged engine that features a 90-degree V8 setup.
This isn’t NASCAR’s first foray into Chevy’s new Camaro line. Through its Xfinity series, the racing organization has seen the Camaro SS speeding around the track since 2013.
Check out The Detroit Free Press’ coverage of the press event and NASCAR’s official announcement in the videos below.