The 102nd Indianapolis 500 has named its pace car, and it’s none other than the 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced on Thursday that the latest Corvette will take the honors on race day, May 27.
With the announcement, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 will become the 15th Corvette to pace the event and the 29th time a Chevrolet has led the field. Looking back, the first Chevrolet to do so was in 1948 when a Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the track.
“Chevrolet is proud to once again pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Cars and Crossovers. “The ZR1 is the most powerful and fastest Corvette ever made. It’s the perfect choice to pace ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'”
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 pace car will feature the optional ZTK performance package with adjustable carbon-fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and performance suspension, and the optional 8-speed automatic transmission. Of course, the 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8 engine provides power—755 horsepower, to be exact.
Unique Indy 500 graphics don the Corvette ZR1 pace car and a GM-designed safety strobe system is also onboard.
The brand has a deep connection to the Indy 500, too. Co-founder Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston raced the Indy 500 numerous times following its inception in 1911. Gaston Chevrolet won the race in 1920. This year, Chevrolet hopes to win its seventh consecutive IndyCar manufacturer championship.
Comments
That’s hot!
The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be the 14th Corvette picked to be the Indianapolis 500 pace car which has to be a record.
ZR1 Corvette as a pace car. Makes me wonder if those Hondas will be able to keep up with the pace car.
THIS ZR 1 SHOULD BE called GRAN SPORT,AS IT IS JUST ABOUT as HAIRY as Roger Penskes 1964 Nassau Bahamas WINNER !