IMS Unveils Indy 500 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 NowThe Indianapolis Motor Speedway has unveiled the official pace car for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500. The field of 33 will be led by the Corvette Grand Sport. It will be the 14th time a Corvette has served as the pace car.
It is also the 28th time a Chevrolet vehicle has led the field. IMS says no other car has served as the pace car more than the Corvette, which first appeared on the famed oval track in 1978.
This year’s pace car adds to the long and storied history between Chevrolet and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The auto company was founded in 1911, the same year as the first 500-mile race in Indianapolis. Co-founder Louis Chevrolet and his brothers, Arthur and Gaston competed in several Indy 500 races, with Gaston winning in 1920.
"Chevrolet and Indianapolis are inextricably linked, sharing one of the longest racing heritages in all of motorsports," said IMS President Doug Boles. "We are proud of the longstanding relationship between Chevrolet and the Speedway, and we love having the Corvette Grand Sport lead the ‘500’ field to the green flag."
IMS says the Grand Sport Pace Car has the ability to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and can complete one full lap in 11.8 seconds. The speedway has not yet said who will drive the pace car to start the May 28 race.