NASCAR Backing Chevrolet’s Money – Making Tactic Triggers Brutal Backlash From Fans

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is set to make history as the first all-electric vehicle to take center stage at the legendary Daytona 500. According to a recent announcement from General Motors, the high-performance EV will lead the pack, setting the tempo and guiding the field to the green flag at the start of the race.

The 67th running of the Daytona 500 embraces a new era of automotive innovation. The introduction of an electric pace car marks a significant shift in the event’s long-standing traditions. While some celebrate this milestone as a step toward the future of motorsports, many die-hard NASCAR fans have voiced their skepticism toward this shift.

Chevrolet and NASCAR join hands to promote EVs

The new launch from Chevrolet is indeed a powerhouse. It can easily reach 60 mph from zero in a matter of just 3.4 seconds. That’s not just it! The car boasts a horsepower of 615 and 650 pound-feet of torque. When the car is so powerful, and it is an exhibition of electronic advancements, then why the backlash?

The answer is simple! NASCAR fans are extremely territorial when it comes to the sport, and accepting new changes means altering the core theme that is so close to their hearts. The addition of EVs as a pace car has further added to the fire. Many purists argue that EVs will never match the adrenaline-pumping thrill of V8 engines roaring across the asphalt and the smell of burning gas.

Announcing the EV, Bob Pockrass posted on X, “Chevrolet is using the Daytona 500 to promote its new electric vehicle — 2025 Blazer EV SS will be the pace vehicle for the Daytona 500.” 

It’s clear that Chevrolet is using NASCAR’s biggest race as a marketing tool for their latest innovation. While this might seem harmless on the outside, it does not sit right with fans who feel NASCAR is promoting a shift to EVs. The essence of the sport was built on modifying cars and engines to achieve peak performance. With electric vehicles coming into the fold, the level of innovation possible from the garage is significantly reduced, ruining decades of tradition in the sport.

In addition to the 2025 Blazer EV SS, Chevrolet is showcasing two more vehicles at Daytona this weekend. The Corvette Stingray will lead the field as the pace car for Saturday’s Xfinity Series United Rentals 300. Adding to that, the Chevrolet Silverado RST will take on pace vehicle duties for Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series race.

Now, with an electric pace car leading the charge at Daytona, the EV conversation has reignited, sparking further discussion about the direction NASCAR is headed toward.

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Fans showcase their frustration with the new development 

The marketing alliance between NASCAR and Chevrolet is quite evident, given that the move is aimed at increasing sales and visibility of EVs. Showcasing non-support for the move, a fan took to the post and commented, “Boooooo! Booooooooo!!!” Citing the sentiments that NASCAR fans hold for the sport, another comment read, “Speaking for myself, I will never watch any race involving electric vehicles. The thought of that is insulting to NASCAR fans.”

Another fan pointed out how NASCAR consistently fails to feel the pulse of its fanbase when it comes to making changes, commenting, “When will they learn that nobody wants EVs”. For years, fans have expressed their dislike towards EVs and so have prominent NASCAR entities. Kevin Harvick said in 2024, “If it does not make noise and smell like it’s burning gas, there is no freaking way that people are tuning in.”

The ‘Great American Race’ has always remained very special to NASCAR fans. Hinting at how the EV pacer acts as a major deterrent, a fan pointed out the same saying, “Good Lord! What has happened to the Daytona 500?” This highlights the community’s disappointment in NASCAR’s shift from tradition to innovation in a way that destroys the essence of the sport. Superspeedways are all about the engines whizzing on the tight banked ovals, but electric cars would silently pass by every lap.

Given how the EV addition has been met with staunch criticisms, another fan commented, “Yuck. No EVs.” While innovation is inevitable, the reaction from die-hard NASCAR fans makes one thing clear—when it comes to the Daytona 500, tradition still holds the topmost priority. What are your thoughts on EVs in NASCAR? Let us know in the comments below.