Olympian to Drive INDYCAR GP Pace Car
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn Olympic gold medalist and Indiana University student will lead the field to start this weekend’s INDYCAR Grand Prix. Lilly King, who won two gold medals in swimming at the 2016 Summer Olympics, will drive the pace car on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Evansville native will drive a Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport through the 14-turn, 2.4-mile course. IMS says the pace car has the capability of going from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds.
"Lilly King is one of the greatest athletes ever from the state of Indiana, and we’re honored to welcome her to drive the Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car in the INDYCAR Grand Prix," said IMS President Doug Boles. "She knows all about speed in the pool, and we think she’ll enjoy the incredible performance of the Corvette on track at the Racing Capital of the World."
King won gold in the 100-meter breaststroke and as part of Team USA’s 4×100 medley relay team. She also holds world records in the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke.
This year’s pace car isn’t the only Corvette that will take to the track at IMS this month. The Speedway previously announced the 2019 Corvette ZR1 will serve as the official pace car for the 102nd Indianapolis 500. A driver for that car has not been announced.