To celebrate launch of the all-new 2014 Chevrolet SS, and also mark the success of its NASCAR racing version which brought Danica Patrick her first Sprint Cup pole position, Mark Reuss, General Motors North America president, will pace the 2013 Daytona 500 race in a civilian Chevy SS.

The honorary pace car driver of the 55th Daytona 500 race has been an instrumental part of the SS resurrection. The performance sedan is the first V8-powered, rear-drive saloon GM has made since 1996.

The car is powered by a 415 horsepower LS3 engine, and goes from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. The only odd thing is they don’t offer a manual gearbox for it in America.

“Leading the Daytona 500 starting field to green driving a 2014 Chevrolet SS pace car on one of the most famous race tracks in the world will be a special honor for me,” Reuss said. “I can’t wait to drive across the start/finish line and on into Turn 1. I know it will be difficult to turn down onto pit road when it’s over because I will want to make that moment last as long as possible.”