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Automotive Traveler Magazine: 2013 05 1969 NASCAR Camaro Pace Car Page 3

President of the track," says Bruce. "Also sharing driving duties was his son Mike Staley. (The North Wilkesboro Speedway closed for NASCAR racing in 1996 and was subsequently purchased by Jack Roush in 2001 and is used for Round One of Roush's 'Race for the Ride' TV series used to find the next Roush Racing development driver.)"

"The North Wilkesboro Pace Car was not mechanically modified in any way for track use as neither a roll bar or 8-quart oil pan was installed, as was found on some of the other NASCAR Pace Cars," relates Bruce. "This car was used to pace both races on the 1969 schedule. The April 20th race was won by Bobby Allison while the October 5th race was won by David Pearson. This car has been owned now by six enthusiast, each apparently aware of the history of the car. The longest period of ownership was 21 years, from 1971 to 1992 where the car was used both as a family car and also for a daughter going to college!"

In an effort to learn more about his car's history, Bruce was able to speak directly with Mike Staley to authenticate the car. As Bruce was curious as to the selection of the 3-speed automatic instead of a 4-speed manual, the super-high rear end (2.56 12-bolt Positraction), and steel wheels with the poverty caps. "According to Mike, the NASCAR Pace Car drivers didn't want 4-speed transmissions since they had their hands full just pacing the race cars watching the mirrors and listening to their radios," remembers Bruce. "Mike said that if they had a stick-shift car they would

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