Corvette Named Pace Car For Indy 500
For the 15th time, a Corvette will lead the field to start the Indianapolis 500. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway unveiled Thursday the 2019 Corvette ZR1 as the official Pace Car for this year’s race.
It will be the 29th time a Chevrolet vehicle has led the field, the first one taking place in 1948 when a Fleetmaster Six convertible served as the pace car. The first Corvette to hold the distinction came in 1978.
The relationship between Chevy and IMS dates back to the first Indy 500 in 1911, the same year the company was founded. Co-founder Louis Chevrolet and his brothers Arthur and Gaston competed in the early years of the race, which Gaston winning in 1920.
"Chevrolet and IMS enjoy one of the longest-running and strongest bonds in motorsports," said IMS President Doug Boles. "Seeing all of the incredible Corvettes that have paced the Indianapolis 500 on track today is an exciting reminder of the rich history of this great relationship. This year’s Pace Car, the 2019 Corvette ZR1, is an incredible, fast machine that is a perfect fit to lead the ‘500’ field to the green flag."
IMS says the ZR1 is the fastest Corvette in history with the ability to reach a top track speed of 212 mph. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.85 seconds. The driver for this year’s pace car has not yet been announced.