If you think your race car is the most important vehicle in your stable, you may be mistaken. In order to finish the race, you have to get to the race. That's where your tow vehicle rises in importance. If your truck can't do its job, you're stuck at home.
We at Circle Track realize the importance of this vehicle, and we think it's time to pay attention to the workhorses that haul the race cars week in and week out. The miles over the road add up, often to more miles than the race car sees each week. Maintaining a good tow vehicle should be obvious, but these trucks and trailers often get neglected.
With our Southern Force Chevrolet Monte Carlo Late Model project, we were looking for a reliable, dependable truck. Alright, we wanted one with style and comfort, too. In shopping around, we found the truck that fits our needs perfectly. It's the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD Crew Cab. Since the car already had a name, the truck had to have one as well. We call it "Silverado P3" (pronounced "P cubed"). Its name pays homage to the three P's-Power, Pulling, and Payload, each important to today's racer.
The chosen truck has plenty of features, but the most exciting part of it is the Quadrasteer. Developed by Delphi, the Quadrasteer offers enhanced steering ability. Inside the cab, the driver controls the switch from conventional two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive with the touch of a button. In the "4WD TOW" mode (used when towing), there's even greater stability and handling.
With the Quadrasteer package, lane changing while towing is made easier. The wheels on the truck turn at the same angle, allowing the tow vehicle to bring along the trailer in the same direction. Essentially, the trailer moves with the truck.
The wheels are turned in the same direction at speeds in excess of 40 mph. In addition to lane changes, this helps when passing and those unforeseen evasive maneuvers needed in times of potential trouble.
At low speeds, the Quadrasteer allows the wheels to turn in the opposite direction to a maximum turning angle of 12 degrees. This is extremely helpful in backing up, especially into tight places. With the Quadrasteer in place, a Silverado can utilize the same turning radius as a midsize sedan.
Quadrasteer is offered on selected models. Contact your local Chevrolet Truck dealer for details.
To achieve the P3 status, the power has to be right. The Silverado comes with a selection of V-8 engines, up to the Vortec 6000, which can generate more than 300 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. It has a standard four-speed, heavy-duty automatic transmission. The Silverado is designed with a hydroformed front frame and independent front torsion bar suspension.
You'll need a place to store that pit equipment, and the Chevrolet Silverado is designed to accommodate that need. The payload feature is right up the alley of today's racer, and the truck is stylish enough to make an impression in the parking lot, should you decide to be a spectator for the night.
Inside, there's comfortable seating for five. Other features include eight-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, power window and door locks, and an AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and Bose speakers
It's easy to see why we chose the Silverado for our P3. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo, muscle in its own right, is a perfect fit. We're planning on putting plenty of road beneath the tires, and we'll do it in comfort and style in our Chevrolet Silverado.
Special thanks to:Bartow Chevrolet, Bartow, Florida.
Where To See P3
* November 22-24
National Parts Peddler Show-Syracuse, NY
* December 5-7
Performance Racing Industry Show-Indianapolis, IN
* January 10-12
Motorsports Expo-Philadelphia, PA
* February 12-14
Stock Car Racing Fan Fest-Daytona Beach, FL(Watch for moredates to come.)