We’re not sure what prompted GM to disclose the fact that they would be launching a new performance sedan sometime in the next year. Was it the constant wave of leaks, the automotive media’s serious focus on patent and trademark applications, or did GM decide to simply put the constant speculation to rest?

For whatever reason, GM did officially announce that a new Chevy performance sedan was coming, and it would make its debut on the NASCAR track sometime in 2013. Well thanks to Australia’s The Age, we now know that sometime is actually the 2013 Daytona 500.

The Chevrolet SS has all but been confirmed to be a Holden VF Commodore, the same car that police departments across the country call the Caprice PPV. GM hopes the exposure to the still-huge crowds of NASCAR fans might give the new performance sedan and kickstart into the new market, and what better race to launch it at than the famed Daytona 500?

So far we’ve only seen a heavily camouflaged version of the Chevy SS NASCAR on the track, which is why we wonder if GM wasn’t forced to reveal the new vehicle sooner than it hoped. Perhaps this is all just a calculated move to build up anticipation and excitement for the main event, which is still almost a whole year away.

But there you have it folks. The Chevrolet SS will debut on Sunday, February 24th, 2013 at the Daytona 500. Mark your calendars…