Camaro SS: The official vehicle of The Yas Drag Racing Academy

In a move that demonstrates Chevrolet’s passion for motorsports, Chevrolet and Yas Marina Circuit have signed an agreement marking Chevrolet Camaro as the official vehicle of the Yas Drag Racing Academy.

The academy has received six Camaro SS that will form the basis of the training programme for aspiring drag racers across the region.

The Yas Drag Racing Academy was set up in 2010 to give eager drag racing drivers the training and skills they need to gain a coveted National Hot Rod Association competition license and to drive and race one of the four Super Comp dragsters on the Yas fleet. The six Camaro SS will be used to train upcoming drag race future champions before they are able to drive 1,200-horsepower Super Comp dragsters.

“We are delighted to have Chevrolet Camaro as our partner in our training programme,” said Rashed Al Qubaisi, Head of the Yas Drag Racing Centre. “The Chevrolet Camaro is not only an iconic performance car highly regarded in the Middle East but is also ideal for teaching drivers the skills of drag racing. We have now added the Camaro Drag Racing Experience to the range of driving options available at the circuit, and I know it’s going to be hugely popular with local drivers.”

All Camaros given to the Drag Racing Academy are equipped with a 6.2L V8 SFI engine with six-speed automatic transmission.

All Chevrolet Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission features aggressive first gear ratios that delivers strong launches, but also provides tall overdrive ratios that decreases engine rpm and provides better fuel efficiency. The automatic transmission also includes driver shift control, allowing the driver to take control via controls located on the steering wheel after selecting the “M” mode on the console-mounted shifter. 

The high-performance 6.2L V8 SFI engine, available only on the SS with six-speed manual transmission, generates 426 hp at 5,900 rpm and 567.0 Nm of torque giving it a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

“The Camaro is designed to compete with the best and this deal cements Chevrolet’s leading position in the Middle East region,” said Luay Alshurafa, Chevrolet regional brand manager at General Motors Middle East Operations. “With a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension system, this spectacular car delivers excellent balance between a smooth, controlled ride and a 21st century sports car’s sharp, responsive handling.”

As part of the four-year agreement, Chevrolet is also supplying two Silverado pick-ups to support Yas’ operations of the Drag Racing Centre.

Yas Marina Circuit is one of the most technologically advanced motor racing facilities ever developed. Located on Yas Island, the circuit debuted on October 30, 2009 with the final race of the FIA Formula One World Championship - the inaugural Formula 1  Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to a capacity crowd of around 50,000. Year round, Yas Marina Circuit hosts an extensive programme of leading international and national motorsport racing series as well as major entertainment events and corporate activities. Supplementary facilities include the Yas Drag Racing Centre, the Yas Drag Racing School, the Yas Racing School and the Yas Kartzone.