Leno to drive Daytona pace car.

Chat show host and motorsports fan Jay Leno will drive the ceremonial pace car for this year's Daytona 500.

Leno will drive a specially outfitted 2006 Corvette Z06, a car that serves as the official pace car for the second straight year.

"It is a wonderful honour to have Corvette serve once again as the Daytona 500 pace car," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Chevrolet has a long, successful history at Daytona and there's no better vehicle to showcase our performance legacy than the Corvette Z06 - a car that was born on the race track."

The Corvette Z06 that will serve as the Daytona 500 pace car is mechanically identical to those available at Chevrolet dealerships. It is the fastest vehicle ever offered by Chevrolet and General Motors. With 505 horsepower (377 kw) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm) from its 7.0L all-aluminium, racing-inspired engine, the Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 198 mph. It also differs from other production Corvette models with extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fibre front fenders and a chassis comprised of aluminium and magnesium.

Interestingly, the Corvette Z06's 505-horsepower (377 kw) output is actually more than the power produced by the racecars that will compete in the Daytona 500 - a first for a pace car. This is because of the unique "restrictor plate" rule established for the Daytona and Talladega racetracks. On these 2.5-mile-long super speedways, the restrictor plate reduces airflow into the engine to limit horsepower and keep racecar speeds below 200 mph. With a restrictor plate, racing engine power is reduced from about 750 horsepower to about 450 horsepower.

Leno, host of the "Tonight Show" and an unabashed auto enthusiast, will drive the Corvette Z06 during opening ceremonies and the pace laps that start the race. Leno, who has a large collection of vintage automobiles and motorcycles, has previous experience as a pace car driver.

"The Corvette Z06 already is a performance legend and the fans will enjoy seeing it lead their favourite drivers around Daytona's famous tri-oval," said Robin Braig, president of Daytona International Speedway. "It promises to be a great race, and kicking it off with a Corvette at the head of the pack is the best way to start."