Corvette to pace 2013 Indy 500

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Corvette to pace 2013 Indy 500

Almost as important as the race cars is the pace car that leads the field away for the race
May 3, 2013 11:43 AM AEST
The Indianapolis 500 is America's iconic motorsport event. Every May, tens of thousands gather to watch the race at America's 'brickyard' track. Almost as important as the race cars is the pace car that leads the field away for the race. This year, Chevrolet will provide the pace car the Indy 500, with the duty given to the upcoming 2014 model Corvette Stingray.

Corvette to pace 2013 Indy 500

The all-new, seventh-generation Corvette Stingray will lead the field to green at the start of the 97th running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," on Sunday, May 26, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 2013 Indy 500 will mark a record 12th time that a Corvette has served as the pace car. Somewhat surprisingly, the first time a Corvette served as the Indy pace car was in 1978, 25 years after "America's Sports Car" was first released.

"It is an honor to help inaugurate the all-new Corvette Stingray at the hallowed Brickyard and further the legacy between Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500," said Jim Campbell, GM vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. "The 2014 Corvette Stingray's performance was influenced by racing, making this prestigious assignment even more fitting."

Decked out in Laguna Blue Tintcoat with official Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors, the Corvette Stingray Pace Car differs from production models only its its fitment of track-mandated safety features and strobe lights.

No powertrain upgrades are required to run in front of the IndyCar pack, thanks to its all-new 6.2L LT1 engine, which features advanced technologies including direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). They help produce an estimated 450 horsepower more efficiently.

The Corvette Pace Car features the factory option Z51 package. This track-capable package includes an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.

Along with the Corvette Stingray Pace Car, Chevrolet (who also provide twin turbo V6 engines for IZOD IndyCar series racers), will also provide a fleet of the special 'Hot Wheels' edition Camaros to serve as official support and fleet vehicles.

"Chevrolet is a great partner of the Speedway," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "That connection is heightened this year with the next-generation Corvette in front of a very talented field of racers."

Images: Chevrolet

 


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