[PICS] Corvette Grand Sport to Pace This Weekend’s IndyCar Grand Prix

Before the IndyCar field takes the grid for the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend, racers will compete in the 5th annual INDYCAR Grand Prix this Saturday, May 12th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 was officially named the Pace Car for the 102nd running of the Indy 500, and this week we’ve learned that the ZR1’s little brother, the 460-hp naturally-aspirated Corvette Grand Sport, will be leading the IndyCars for the Grand Prix which takes place on the famous track’s 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course.

Driving the Corvette Grand Sport for the Grand Prix race is two-time Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Lilly King. The Indiana native from Evansville who is a junior at Indiana University won gold medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in the 100-meter breaststroke and as a member of the 4×100 medley relay team. She also is a world record holder in the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke and is an eight-time gold medal winner in the FINA World Championships.

“I’m super-excited to be able to drive the Pace Car for the INDYCAR Grand Prix,” King said. “As a homegrown Hoosier, there is nothing cooler than being able to drive at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!”

The Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car is Arctic White with red and black accents and blue door graphics, as well as red accents on the carbon fiber aerodynamics. The 460-horsepower Grand Sport includes the Z07 performance package and is also equipped with an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.

“We are proud that Olympic gold medalist Lilly King will be pacing the INDYCAR Grand Prix in the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport,” said Jim Campbell, vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “As a world-class athlete with a passion for competition, it will be great to have Lilly experience what it’s like to lead the field of the best IndyCar drivers from around the world across the famed Yard of Bricks.”

“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 J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “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.”

The IndyCar Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will take place this Saturday, May 12th at 3:30 PM ET.

Source:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Related:
[PICS] The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is the Official Pace Car of the 102nd Indianapolis 500
Colt’s Mathis to Drive the Corvette Stingray Pace Car at the IndyCar Grand Prix
2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible to Pace the Inaugural IndyCar Grand Prix of Indianapolis