First Sergeant Jeff Winstead
Highway Patrol Public Information Officer

In early July, the Highway Patrol will begin conducting high-speed vehicle training for the troopers selected to be assigned the new Chevrolet Camaro Patrol cars. We understand that the media and the public are very interested in these cars, and we look forward to working with you on your news stories as the Camaros are deployed around the state. Because safe training and operation of the cars have to be the Highway Patrol's first priorities, we have made special arrangements for reporters and photographers to get their first look at the Camaros on the road.

On Friday, June 29th at 10:00 a.m., members of the media are invited to the Highway Patrol Precision Driving Facility in Raleigh to see the cars on the track and interview Training Academy staff on the training process. During this time, you will be able to ride in the Camaro at normal speeds to get your interior video/photos.

On Monday, July 2nd at 10:30 a.m., we invite you to join us in Chatham County where the high-speed portion of the training will be conducted. Through a special arrangement with the Department of Transportation and the highway contractor, S.T. Wooten, we will be doing the training on a new, unopened portion of U.S. 64 north of Pittsboro. We have set up two places along the training lanes for reporters and photographers to see the Camaros in action: one area for high speed, another where skills training will be conducted. You will also have an opportunity to interview Col. R.W. Holden, commander of the Highway Patrol, on this day.

These will be the ONLY opportunities for reporters to cover this story during the high speed training sessions. We hope you understand that for the safety of our troopers and the public, the Highway Patrol will need to concentrate fully on this training after July 2nd. We will not be able to accommodate reporters' requests for interviews or photos of the training after that date. There will be ample opportunity for stories once the Camaros are deployed throughout the state.

Directions to both locations are attached. If you have any questions, please call our office at 919-733-5027. Thank you.

Directions to Precision Driving Facility - Friday, June 29th - 10:00 a.m.

From downtown Raleigh: Take Wilmington Street toward Garner. Turn left on Tryon Road just before the US 401/ US 70 split. Follow Tryon Road for about a mile until you see the track on the right. Turn in at the entrance and follow the road to the classroom building and control tower.

From the Beltline (I-440): Take Exit 299 onto Hammond Road. Cross Rush Street and take the next left at Tryon Road. Follow Tryon Road for about one half mile until you see the track on the right. Turn in at the entrance and follow the road to the classroom building and control tower.

Directions to the new section of US 64 north of Pittsboro - Monday, July 2nd - 10:30 a.m.

From Raleigh, take US 1 South to the exit for US 64 West in Cary. Follow US 64 West for 25 miles into downtown Pittsboro. Go around the Chatham County Courthouse on the traffic circle and continue on US 64 West. About one-half mile from the Courthouse, turn right on NC 87 North (at the Phillips 66 station). Follow NC 87 North for about two miles until you come to the ramp for the new portion of US 64. We will meet you there and take everyone to the training area at one time. You should give yourself at least 45 minutes to make this trip from Raleigh. Please be there at 10:30 sharp. Anyone who is late may miss the opportunity to view the training.