Track workers extinguish a fire that started in the pace car during the NASCAR Sprint Unlimited auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014. (AP Photo/Jim Topper) (The Associated Press)
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Chevrolet says a fire in the trunk, which contains a purpose-built auxiliary electrical kit to operate the numerous caution lights during the race, is to blame for the pace car bursting into flames during Saturday night's exhibition race at Daytona International Speedway.
Chevrolet says a full review is underway.
Black smoke began billowing from the Chevrolet SS right before the third segment of the Sprint Unlimited race. Flames could be seen shooting from the rear of the car as it sat on the apron. The pace car driver and passenger safely exited the vehicle.
A replacement pace car was brought out to finish the race.
Race winner and Toyota driver Denny Hamlin quipped, "Should have been driving a Camry."
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