--- title: "Chevy Dealer Allegedly Wrecked a Racer’s Camaro ZL1 While Joyriding" date: "2024-07-09" modified: "2024-07-09" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/chevy-dealer-allegedly-wrecked-a-racers-camaro-zl1-while-joyriding" categories: - "Chevrolet News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Camaro" - "Chevrolet" - "Coupe" - "sports car" --- # Chevy Dealer Allegedly Wrecked a Racer’s Camaro ZL1 While Joyriding ![]() *Chevrolet* The [Chevy]() Camaro is no more. The bowtie brand recently killed off the iconic nameplate, never to return on a gas-powered pony car (though, [who knows what sort of electrified future]() it may have). So you can imagine the anger and frustration of racing driver Kenny Habul, when he found out that a dealership service technician allegedly crashed and totaled his [Camaro]() ZL1 1LE, reportedly worth $97,000. According to *[Automotive News]()*, Habul towed his ZL1 "Hendrick Edition" to H&L Chevrolet in Darien, Connecticut, since it wouldn't start. He reportedly instructed the dealership that "under no circumstances" could they drive it off the lot. Now Habul is reportedly suing the dealership because not only did service technicians drive it off the lot, but they supposedly crashed it, too. ![]() **Chevrolet** Service advisor Matthew Sebastian, along with a co-worker, were said to have taken the the Camaro ZL1 onto I-95 and struck a guardrail at 89 mph. The car only had 989 miles on it. The lawsuit alleges that the Camaro's factory track data recorder showed Sebastian accelerating hard right before the crash while also not wearing his seatbelt. Sebastian was also ticketed for failing to stay in his lane. Thankfully, it doesn't seem as if any other cars were involved in the crash, and no one was hurt. The lawsuit is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from the dealership, as it alleges that the dealership is responsible for its employees' behavior. However, even if Habul gets the monetary payout he desires in the lawsuit, he's still out a Camaro ZL1. And while he'll likely be able to buy another one, it'll have to be used. Of course, even with a payout equivalent to the car's value, Habul could buy a brand-new [Corvette](), which is faster and more exotic-looking. However, the Camaro holds a special place in many enthusiasts' hearts, as one of the last rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered, manual American sports cars. Especially the ZL1 1LE, with its 650-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V8, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and carbon-fiber aero. Vehicles like it are a rarity today, and losing one to sheer recklessness is the last thing anyone wants to see. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()