Chevy Rock and Roll 400 returns to Richmond.

Chevrolet has confirmed that the popular Chevy Rock and Roll 400 will revisit Richmond International Raceway during the current NASCAR Nextel Cup season, revealing at the same time that legendary act KISS will be the first to be featured in the race. The unique 'rock and roll' inspired event, which features a fleet of artist-themed Chevrolets, will take place on Saturday 11 September.

The first vehicle confirmed to compete in the race will be #29 GM Goodwrench Monte Carlo driven by Kevin Harvick, which is to feature the KISS paint scheme. The KISS car will come to life through a joint programme between Chevrolet, GM Service and Parts Operations, the rock band and Action Performance Inc.

"We're in the midst of our most aggressive product renaissance in history, with ten new products in 20 months, and the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 allows us to bring awareness of these new vehicles to the public," said Mac Whisner, director of Chevrolet promotions and sponsorships, "By showcasing our new vehicles at the Richmond Fan Fest during the race weekend, we are able to offer unprecedented access to Chevy products and race cars in a festival atmosphere with family oriented games, entertainment and music."

This is the fifth consecutive year that Chevrolet will be the title sponsor of the autumn race at Richmond and, with over 110,000 fans attending, the race is expected to mark the 26th consecutive sell-out of a Cup Series event at the track. To add extra spice to he proceedings, the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 will also be the final race of the 'regular season' which determines the participants in the new "'Chase for the Championship'.

"Chevrolet always creates a top notch racing experience when they come to our track and this year should be no different," said Richmond president Doug Fritz, "The Rock and Roll concept is great for all parties involved and will only create more excitement for the race leading up to the championship run."

KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were at the track to help unveil three Chevrolets featuring a band-related paint scheme. In addition to the KISS-themed Monte Carlo to be driven by Harvick, two other drivers will also carry a similar livery leading up to the Chevy Rock and Roll 400.

Ron Hornaday will compete in the #2 ACDelco Monte Carlo during the Emerson 250 Busch race on 10 September, while Matt Crafton will drive the #6 GM Goodwrench Silverado during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 200 a day earlier. All three of the vehicles are sponsored by GM Service and Parts Operations.

GM Service and Parts Operations began its relationship with the rock band in 2002, when the KISS logo appeared on the hood of Kurt Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier during a Las Vegas NHRA event. The relationship has continued to evolve and expanded to GM Goodwrench this year with its three distinct sponsorships in each of NASCAR's touring series.

"Our past experiences in working with KISS for racing initiatives has been a positive one," said GM event marketing manager Sue Seaglund, "We are glad to be continuing our relationship with the group and expanding our affiliation with KISS to include the Chevy Rock and Roll 400."

All three of the specially painted KISS Chevrolets were designed by renowned motorsport artist Sam Bass, best known for dramatic paint schemes on both the NASCAR and NHRA circuits. A devoted member of the KISS Army, Bass relished the opportunity to design the vehicles for the Chevy Rock and Roll 400.

One additional Chevrolet will appear on the track, as a specially designed 2005 Monte Carlo pace car will feature a vibrant red, yellow and blue paint scheme complimented with racing flames and a large guitar graphic featuring the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 logo. The race name stretches across the hood of the vehicle while the Chevy bowtie covers the trunk lid.