The all-new, seventh-generation 2014 Corvette Stingray will serve as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, leading 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.
This marks a record 12th time the Corvette has served as the pace car, first starting in 1978.
"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."
Along with Chevrolet’s return in 2012 as an engine supplier, the Corvette Stingray Pace Car extends a legacy at the Brickyard that dates to the racetrack’s early days.
"Chevrolet is a great partner of the Speedway," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. president and CEO. "That connection is heightened this year with the next-generation Corvette in front of a very talented field of racers."
Decked out in Laguna Blue Tintcoat with official Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors, the Corvette Stingray Pace Car differs from production models with only 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 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale this fall, with a convertible model – featuring a fully electronic top that can be operated remotely with the key fob – coming a few months later. The Corvette Pace Car features the track-capable Z51 package.
Tickets are on sale for the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 26 at IMS. Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.ims.com/tickets. Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2013 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.