Author Topic: Martinsville Speedway 1968 Camaro SS Convertible Pace Car for Modifieds Nov 1968  (Read 3371 times)

SMKZ28

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A white 1968 Camaro SS convertible (probable RS) was used as the pace car on the parade and opening pace laps of the second annual Cardinal 500 held at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia on Sunday, November 3, 1968.  This event was billed as "Virginia's Biggest Modified Race of the Season."  It was the first time Modifieds ever raced for 500 laps, or 250 miles.  It was won by Ray Hendrick.

The interesting thing about this event is that after the Camaro was used on the parade and pace laps prior to the start of the race a white 1968 full size Chevy station wagon was used as the pace car during caution periods.  This also occurred during the Old Dominion 500 NASCAR Grand National race held at the track earlier in September.  While the footage never shows the front of the Camaro, it is probably the same one used at the previous events held at the track during the 1968 season, so it is more than likely also an RS.   

I took these pictures while watching another 1968 episode of the automotive show entitled "Car and Track."  See the footage from the show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpuJv-m5_Pw

« Last Edit: February 08, 2022, 09:00:54 AM 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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The Camaro was also used to parade the winner, Ray Hendrick, around the track on a victory lap after the conclusion of the event.  Footage from the WSLS-TV (Roanoke, VA) News Film Collection shows that the Camaro had a gold interior and power windows.  See this footage here: https://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2220029

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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Here is the cover of the souvenir event program.  It came from www.worthpoint.com
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