Chevrolet’s Corvette Grand Sport to Lead Drivers in C7 2017 Indy 500 – the 14th Time a Corvette Has Served As Official Pace Car.
Today on our blog, we are looking back at the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport Indy Pace Car that was the official pace car for the 2017 Indianapolis 500. It led drivers to the green flag on May 28., 2017, for the 101st running of the legendary race. Read on to learn about this stunning car.
Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car History
It marks the 14th time a Corvette has served as the official pace car, starting in 1978, and the 28th time a Chevrolet has led the field, dating back to 1948. No other vehicle has served as the pace car more than the Corvette.
“Chevrolet is proud to once again pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Cars and Crossovers. “The Corvette Grand Sport’s performance capability and motorsports heritage make it the perfect choice to pace the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The C7 2017 Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car features:
- 460-hp (343 kW) LT1 direct-injected V-8 engine with dry-sump oiling and active exhaust
- Eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission
- Equipped with the available carbon-fiber ground effects package
- Specific Grand Sport wheel design: 19 x 10-inch (front) and 20 x 12-inch (rear)
- Standard magnetic ride control, specific stabilizer bars, and unique springs
- The standard electronic limited-slip differential
- Includes the available Z07 package, with carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors and 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear) high-performance tires
- Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system with 15.5-inch (394 mm) rotors with six-piston calipers in front and 15.3-inch (380 mm) rotors with four-piston calipers in the rear
- Unique Indy 500 graphics package.
The Grand Sport pace car equipped with the Z07 package can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, cover the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds and achieve 1.2 g cornering capability.
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 Indianapolis are inextricably linked, sharing one of the longest racing heritages in all of motorsports,” said J. Douglas Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “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.”
Chevrolet is pursuing its sixth consecutive IndyCar manufacturer championship this year, building on a successful 2016 season that saw 14 wins out of 16 races.
WRTV Indianapolis shared a video of the unveiling of the 2017 Indy 500 pace car.
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Photos from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Chevy Racing:
Corvette Grand Sport To Pace 101st Indianapolis 500. Photo Credits: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
FAST FACT: The first Chevrolet Indianapolis 500 pace car was a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible.
FAST FACT: 14th Corvette to pace the iconic race
So what is a valued at today (2023)
The 2023 Glendale Mecum Auction, a 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe, sold for $77,000.
This magnificent example is painted Arctic White with a blue center stripe and finished with a luxurious red interior, having clocked a mere 1,789 miles since new. As one of just 1,738 Grand Sport Coupes produced in 2017, this car is further distinguished as an Indy 500 Pace Car Edition, stored in an environment designed to regulate humidity and temperature.
Propelling the Grand Sport is the 6.2L/460 HP LT1 V-8, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and fitted with a speed-sensitive, variable-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering, Magnetic Ride Control, and Active Handling Stability. It also features the Z07 Ultimate Performance Package, providing an astonishing 1.2 G on the skidpad with specialty tires, upgraded suspension, and ceramic Brembo brakes with red calipers.
Visually, the Grand Sport stands out with its unique Heritage Package red front-fender hash marks and lightweight carbon fiber body components, such as the front splitter, hood, and rear spoiler. While the car’s exterior speaks to its impressive performance capabilities, its interior is deceptively opulent, featuring a carbon fiber interior package and 3LT Equipment Package for added comfort and elegance.
Technology assists in safe operation with the addition of backup and curb-view cameras, head-up Display (HUD), and HID Xenon headlamps, all on top of the striking chrome Grand Sport wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. Debuting as an instant collectible, the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, like this immaculate example, will no doubt be a highly sought-after car amongst passionate aficionados of America’s iconic Sports Car. At $77,000, someone got a really sweet car!
If you’re looking for something special, our classified ads feature a variety of Corvettes available for purchase. Check it out; you never know what you will find in our Corvettes for Sale ads.
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