For the 14th time in the history of the Indianapolis 500, the Chevrolet Corvette will pace the iconic motorsport event.
This time, a 2017 C7 Corvette Grand Sport has been selected for pace car duties at the 101st Indy 500.
“Chevrolet is proud to once again pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Cars and Crossovers. “The Corvette Grand Sport’s performance capability and motorsports heritage make it the perfect choice to pace the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The first Corvette was fielded as a pace car in 1978, but Chevrolet has been pacing the event since 1948.
Chevrolet has a history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, too. The brand itself was founded the same year of the inaugural 500-mile race. Co-founder Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500 races and Gatson took home the win in 1920.
Chevrolet is looking for a win at the Indy 500 as it hopes to build on a successful 2016 season that saw 14 wins out of 16 races. The 2017 Indianapolis 500 takes place on May 28.
Comments
The Corvette and Camaro should switch back and forth every other year at indy! Screw the other manufacturers!
Well it goes to the highest bidder for the contract.
With only Honda and Chevy involved and the lower rating GM really has little competition as they once had.
They had a rule no imports as pace cars. I am not sure if it is still in place but it may be and prevents the NSX from doing the duity.
Also Chevy can provide for the 500 and 400.
Possibly the last year of a front-engine rear wheel drive Corvette being the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car given that 2019 Corvette will be feature a mid-engine layout.
Almost reminds me of when the front engine roadsters began to retire for rear engine cars