Chrysler's 300C is set to continue in its role as 'pace car', with the company announcing, yesterday, that it will extend its relationship with the V8 Supercar Championship Series for a further two years as the official safety car provider.

To celebrate the announcement, which comes on the eve of Australia's biggest V8 Supercar race - the Bathurst 1000 (5th-8th October), Chrysler have launched the 300C SRT8 into the safety car role.

The deal builds on the success of the previous two years in which the 300C has dutifully served the popular series.

Chrysler's V8 Supercar involvement has helped the company gain exposure for its big sedan in front of motor racing enthusiasts.

"Like the car itself, the 300C V8 Supercar initiative has been an outstanding success," said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Group Australia.

"We have received incredibly positive feedback from countless motoring enthusiasts and now passionate performance fans can keep track of the crème of our brand with the 317 kW 300C SRT8 leading the way," he said.

To further strengthen its presence at the V8 Supercar Championship Series Chrysler will also showcase the brand's growing vehicle range and sell Chrysler merchandise from a Chrysler trailer at key rounds during the season.

In 2005 the Chrysler 300C safety car was in action for over 100 official laps. In its duties so far in 2006 it has seen 87 official laps.

"The 300C has been invaluable to the sport this year and plays an essential role in maintaining track safety for our drivers," V8 Supercars Australia Chief Executive Officer Wayne Cattach said.

"The partnership with Chrysler has been an outstanding success for the sport. Chrysler is a wonderful partner as the official supplier of the safety car for the WPS Safety Car Programme. And the 300C with its bold design, makes a very good fit for our sport," said Cattach.