What race(s) did the SVX Pace Car perform in?

[JaySVX]

This came up between me and a buddy from work this weekend in a heated drunken debate. It seems I have lost. I called a few people, OT and YT, to search for answers. OT came up with the Daytona 500, YT and Mike came up with the Indy 500. Sadly, it's neither.

Here's a list of the Daytona 500 pace cars:
http://www.daytonapacecars.com/id25.html

Here's a list of the Indy 500 pace cars:
http://www.indypacecars.com/faq.html#q3

The SVX is not on either list. When I searched for SVX pace car, it came up with nothing more than vague references. If someone could come up with the races that the SVX pace car performed in, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[huck369]

It was a PPG Indy Car World Series...

[scottsvx]

It was colorful too...

http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache...&ct=clnk&gl=us

[Crazy_pilot]

Originally Posted by scottsvx

It was colorful too...

http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache...&ct=clnk&gl=us

The interior hurts my soul.

[s'ko]

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

The interior hurts my soul.

So this is what "Barney" skined seats would look like... hmm.... might be worth it to kill that stupid dinosaur.

[shelfy]

it would have been nice to see it at our auto show this weekend, but that didn't happen.

[JaySVX]

Thanks Huck, i d the crap out of it but somehow came back with nothing but Indy races, nothing more specific than that.

[crazyhorse]

I can't be specific, but I do know that the pics of the pace car in the R&T guide are at Phoenix Int'l Raceway. I remember reading somewhere that the SVX pace car was used almost exlusively by women pace drivers. I Know Lynn St.James piloted it as well as Janet Guthrie.

It wouldn't have paced "The 500" itself, as those pace cars have exclusive rights. It would have been at any other PPG sponsored race though.

Wether it actually paced the field is debatable. They kept a pretty good fleet of pace cars. Google PPG pace car under images and you'll see what I mean.

[SURTEESS]

what's with all those switches above the radio bit (and where is the audio door) - there may be other differences between this and the production car - did it have a roll cage?

[svxcess]

Originally Posted by SURTEESS

what's with all those switches above the radio bit (and where is the audio door) - there may be other differences between this and the production car - did it have a roll cage?

From DrivePerformance Magazine Vol 4.2

Preparation for racetrack duties came at the hands of Roush Industries in Michigan. “The car remained amazingly stock,” explained Roger Banowetz. “FHI provided struts and springs for a tighter and lower handling package.

The brakes, wheels, engine, and transmission received no modifications. The muffler was changed to add to the excitement factor. Other changes were for safety and the attention-getting appearance.”

Safety is always a concern in racing, and pace cars receive comprehensive modifications to that end. Banowetz listed the work done for the SVX:

“Safety enhancements included an unobtrusive, tightly integrated roll cage. A lot of work was devoted to the cage construction. In addition to providing accident protection, the cage was to be as transparent as possible to the PPG guests. The idea was not to look like a racecar. Also, the cage needed to be out of the way for entry and exit. The time allotted for on-track pace car activities was limited, and PPG wanted to have as many guests experience the ride of a lifetime as possible. Climbing through a myriad of roll-cage tubes was not an option. The cage was hardly noticeable in the headliner.

“Other safety equipment included a means to shut off the electrical system in the event of a rollover, replacement stainless braided fuel lines, racing-style seatbelts, and a fuel cell. PPG added the roof-mounted strobe, replaced the tail and headlights with strobes, and added a crowd-warning beeper for transits through the paddock.”

.

[Nevin]

Does anyone here have a copy of that "Road & Track" mentioned in the bottom of that link??

[svxcess]

Originally Posted by Nevin

Does anyone here have a copy of that "Road & Track" mentioned in the bottom of that link??

You can find the complete 100 page version at the SVX Information Warehouse HERE

Copies show up on ebay from time to time as well.

.

[svxpert]

<<“Safety enhancements included an unobtrusive, tightly integrated roll cage. A lot of work was devoted to the cage construction. In addition to providing accident protection, the cage was to be as transparent as possible to the PPG guests. The idea was not to look like a racecar. Also, the cage needed to be out of the way for entry and exit. The time allotted for on-track pace car activities was limited, and PPG wanted to have as many guests experience the ride of a lifetime as possible. Climbing through a myriad of roll-cage tubes was not an option. The cage was hardly noticeable in the headliner.>>

crap, i never new there was a roll cage in it. when my friend took me for a ride in it years ago, it never felt small inside. they were right when they said transparent! as for the switches, i had a pic of them on another pace car post, one is for the siren, lights, and i believe to stop the engine in an emergency situation. i'll have to try to find those pics again.

[kwren]

Don't know about a roll cage but I certainly am aware of this...

Liberalism is a disease. When you can stare at facts and ignore them anyway, you have it. Good point!

Really need to get the word out to warn America!

Keith