Chevrolet Blazer EV SS makes history as first electric pace car at Daytona 500
Chevrolet made history at the 67th Daytona 500 by introducing the 2025 Blazer EV SS as the official pace car. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time an electric vehicle led the field at NASCAR’s most iconic race. The Blazer EV SS is not just any electric SUV; it is the quickest SS model Chevrolet has ever built, showcasing the brand’s dedication to performance and innovation.
The 2025 Blazer EV SS is a powerhouse of power and performance. With its Wide Open Watts mode, the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, delivering an impressive 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque through its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. This level of power puts it in the same league as some of the fastest electric crossovers on the market, rivaling models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and Tesla Model Y Performance.
Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the Blazer EV SS also offers practicality with an EPA-estimated 303 miles of range from its robust 102 kWh battery pack. This makes it suitable for both everyday driving and weekend adventures, showcasing its versatility as a high-performance electric SUV.
Chevrolet has not compromised on high-tech features and everyday usability with the Blazer EV SS. The SUV comes equipped with advanced technology such as a massive 17.7-inch color touchscreen with Google built in, an 11-inch driver display, a premium Bose audio system, ambient lighting, and Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology. These features enhance both comfort and safety for the driver and passengers.
The Blazer EV SS also stands out with its sporty design, featuring 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, a blacked-out roof, and illuminated accents that highlight its performance pedigree. The SS trim exudes a sense of sportiness and sophistication, making it a standout on and off the track.
Chevrolet’s presence at the Daytona 500 was not limited to the Blazer EV SS pace car. The brand also unveiled the Blazer EV.R NASCAR Prototype, an all-electric prototype designed to explore new automotive technologies and push the boundaries of what is possible on the racetrack. Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation and performance was evident throughout the NASCAR season-opener weekend, with the Corvette Stingray leading the Xfinity Series and the Silverado RST pacing the Truck Series.
The debut of the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS at the Daytona 500 signifies a future where electrification and high performance coexist. Chevrolet’s racing legacy continues to thrive, with the brand pacing the Daytona 500 17 times and achieving more wins at the Speedway than any other manufacturer. The Blazer EV SS leading the pack at this year’s race symbolizes the acceleration towards an electric future in the automotive industry, blending tradition with innovation.
As Chevrolet and NASCAR embrace electrification, it raises the question of whether the switch to fully electric vehicles will impact the traditional sound and atmosphere of the races. Despite the potential change in the \”roar of the engines,\” the excitement and innovation that come with electric racing are undeniable. The future of NASCAR is evolving, and the Blazer EV SS pace car at the Daytona 500 is a clear indication of the direction the sport is heading in.
