[PICS] The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is the Official Pace Car of the 102nd Indianapolis 500

With a dramatic entrance on the front straight of the Indianapolis 500 and flanked by previous honorees, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 was announced as the official Pace Car for the 102nd Indianapolis 500 which takes place on May 27, 2018. This is the 15th Corvette chosen to lead the famous race, more than any other car.

For 2018’s race, the Corvette ZR1 is outfitted in Blue with Red and White Door graphics. The Pace Car has the high-wing ZTK Performance Package. Red brake calipers are shown and the side rockers feature red accents on the sides much like the new Sebring Orange Design Package that is available exclusively on the ZR1. A small “wings and wheel” graphic representing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is affixed to the front canards. Other features on the Pace Car include:

• LT5 small block 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine with 755-hp and 715 lb.-ft. of torque
• 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission
• ZTK Performance Package, which features a stanchion-mounted adjustable carbon-fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and performance suspension
• Magnetic Selective Ride Control™
• Brembo® Carbon Ceramic brake system
• ZR1 chrome-aluminum wheels: 19-inch front and 20-inch rear
• Standard Performance Traction Management and Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
• Unique Indy 500 graphics package
• GM Design fully-integrated safety strobe system
• Performance Data and Video Recorder

“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.'”

Chevrolet’s Corvette first paced the iconic race in 1978 and fourteen times since then. It’s also the 29th Chevrolet to lead the field which dates back to 1948 when a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the race.

To celebrate the iconic supercar’s connection to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the 2019 Corvette ZR1 and the other 14 Corvettes that have paced the “500” were on display on the front straightaway today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

The Corvette ZR1 Pace Car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.85 seconds and reach a top track speed of 212 mph, the fastest Corvette in history.

Chevrolet has a storied history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-Mile Race, and company cofounder Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500 races. Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race, and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920.

“Chevrolet and IMS enjoy one of the longest-running and strongest bonds in motorsports,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “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.”

Source:
Chevrolet

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