Experience the Thrill of the C7 2019 Corvette ZR1 As the Official Pace Car at the 2018 Indianapolis 500
In 2018, the 102nd running of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway chose the Chevrolet Corvette to be its official pace car for the Indy 500. This was the fifteenth time the car had been given this honor since its debut selection in 1978. Chevrolet created a one-of-a-kind 2019 Corvette ZR1 specifically for the event. The car’s 6.2L/755 HP LT5 V-8 engine with 715 lb-ft of torque was equipped with an 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission with traction management and electronic limited-slip differential. Magnetic Selective Ride Control, Brembo carbon-ceramic brake system, GM Design fully integrated safety strobe system, performance data and video recorder, and ZTK Performance Package with stanchion-mounted, adjustable, carbon-fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and performance suspension all increased the car’s power and performance.
The car featured numerous other components such as pace car graphics, speed-sensitive, variable-ratio, power rack-and-pinion steering, Active Handling stability, a back-up camera, removable carbon fiber roof panel, carbon fiber hood with visible window, head-up display, Premium Bose audio system, high-gloss carbon fiber instrument panel, HID xenon headlamps, advanced theft deterrent system, and ZR1 chrome-aluminum wheels, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear.
2019 C7 Corvette ZR1: Official Pace Car for the 102nd Indianapolis 500 | Get a Closer Look at the Fastest Corvette Ever Made
Below is a press release dated 2018-04-2019
Iconic supercar is 15th Corvette to lead ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’
INDIANAPOLIS — The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is the official Pace Car for the 2018 Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil and will lead drivers to the green flag on Sunday, May 27, for the 102nd running of the legendary race.
It marks the 15th time a Corvette has served as the official Pace Car since 1978 and the 29th time a Chevrolet has led the field dating back to 1948 when a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the race.
No other vehicle has served as the Pace Car more than the Corvette. 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.
“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.’”
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car features:
• 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 featuring 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
The Corvette ZR1 Pace Car can accelerate from 0 to 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 co-founder 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 the 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 incredibly fast machine that is a perfect fit to lead the 500 field to the green flag.”
Chevrolet is pursuing its seventh consecutive IndyCar manufacturer championship this year, building on a successful 2017 season that saw ten wins out of 17 races.
Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the 102nd Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on Sunday, May 27, and for more information on the complete month of May IMS schedule.
The race also will be televised live on ABC, with the pre-race show starting at 11 a.m. EDT. Advance Auto Parts IndyCar Radio will provide live coverage of the race to its affiliates and on Sirius 214, XM 209, www.indycar.com, www.indycarradio.com, and the INDYCAR Mobile app.
Here are some more articles you might enjoy:
Unveiling the C4 1991 Corvette: Specs, Brochure, and Rare Photos
2019 Corvette ZR1 Photo Gallery
2015 Indianapolis 500 Corvette Pace Car Photo Gallery
https://vette-vues.com/2017-corvette-grand-sport-indianapolis-500-pace-car-photo-gallery/
Did you see the Corvette Pace Car collection that went to auction?
Keith Busse Corvette Pace Car Collection Offered at 2018 Mecum Auction Indy
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