Shad Balch
Shad Balch is General Motors' resident spokesman for vehicles that don't run on gasoline - or at least those that use much, much less.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in California and am a self-proclaimed policy wonk. I spend much of my time helping the West Coast get ready for GM's plug-in electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
What are you currently working on?
I've been drumming up public support for the Chevrolet Volt EV.
What do you do outside of the office?
I'm an avid motor sports enthusiast and have competed regularly for more than ten years in professionally-sanctioned off-road desert races in Southern California, Nevada and Mexico.
What’s your favorite racetrack in the country and how many miles have you logged on it?
The desert course of the Baja 1000
What’s your most memorable racing/automotive moment?
My Dad let me be his co-driver at the 1989 Nevada 500. I knew he was a good driver but had no idea he was so incredibly fast!
What future auto innovations are you most excited about?
Flying cars
What’s your favorite classic GM vehicle?
1973 Corvette Stingray
What’s your favorite new GM vehicle?
Corvette ZR1
What was your first GM vehicle?
1996 Chevy Silverado
What’s your #1 LA driving tip?
Get comfy seats!
You’ve got no plans for the weekend and a full tank of gas/fully charged Volt, where are you headed?
Las Vegas
What’s your favorite stretch of road in the western region?
Pearblossom Highway between Valencia and Barstow.
What are your top 3 western region food spots?
Buttonwillow Truck Stop at the 5/58 junction (for the biscuits and gravy)
Tapa The World on J Street in Sacramento
Miceli's in Hollywood
You can follow Shad on Twitter @ShadBalch.
