Author Topic: Silver Spring Speedway: 1968 Camaro RS Convertible Pace Car late 70s early 80s  (Read 3072 times)

SMKZ28

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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
« Last Edit: February 15, 2023, 05:32:02 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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Re: Silver Spring Speedway: 1968 Camaro RS Convertible Pace Car
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2023, 04:37:10 PM »
Additional recent photos of the car.
« Last Edit: February 15, 2023, 05:28:45 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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Re: Silver Spring Speedway: 1968 Camaro RS Convertible Pace Car
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2023, 04:41:22 PM »
Notice the original light blue paint in the engine bay.  This original color would have matched the blue interior.
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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Re: Silver Spring Speedway: 1968 Camaro RS Convertible Pace Car
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2023, 04:50:00 PM »
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
« Last Edit: February 15, 2023, 05:37:06 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