After what felt like years of buildup, Chevrolet finally revealed the Corvette ZR1 in November of last year. With 755 hp on tap and an extreme aero package, the ZR1 has already set a lap record at Virginia International Raceway. Based on our first ride impressions, we have a feeling that won’t be the last record it breaks. Next month, at the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500, the ZR1 will also hit the track as the race’s official pace car.
This will be the 15th time a Corvette has been the Indy 500’s pace car and the 29th time a Chevy has had the honor. Last year, a Corvette Grand Sport paced the race. The bowtie brand’s history supplying pace cars for the race dates back to 1948 when a Fleetmaster Six convertible led the pack. However, it wasn’t until 1978 that a Corvette was first used.
“Chevrolet is proud to once again pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, head of marketing for cars and crossovers, in a statement. “The ZR1 is the most powerful and fastest Corvette ever made. It’s the perfect choice to pace ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
The automaker is also proud to point out that one of its founders, Arthur Chevrolet, competed in the first 500-mile race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1911. A few years later, Gaston Chevrolet won the 1920 race.
This year, the Indy 500 takes place on Sunday, May 27, with coverage beginning at 11 am Eastern.
Source: Chevrolet
The post The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is This Year’s Indy 500 Pace Car appeared first on Motor Trend.
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