2017 Corvette Grand Sport – This Year’s Indy 500 Pace Car
It is that time of year again race fans! The 101st running of the Indy 500, presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, takes place Sunday, May 28. This year’s official pace car is a 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport. The Corvette model has earned this honor 14 times in the race’s long history, proving what fans already know – the Corvette is America’s sports car! What is your favorite Corvette model? Do you have a great Indy 500 story to tell? Share them in our comments section. We’d love to hear them.
The Perfect Pace Car
The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport has all the power and performance you expect. Featuring the Stingray’s LT1 6.2L V8 engine, this beauty generates 460 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. While toned down from the supercharged V8 Z06, this Corvette has plenty of muscle. With a top speed of 175 mph, the Grand Sport rockets from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. It is the perfect model to lead the Indy 500.
Red, White and Blue Leads the Way
This year’s Corvette pace car is appropriately decked out in red, white and blue for the Memorial Day holiday – traditionally when the Indy 500 runs. Not just a one-trick pony, the Grand Sport has a wide body and road gripping tires that keep it as comfortable on city streets as it is on the track. It is one ’Vette every car enthusiast would love to own.
1978 – Year of the First Corvette Pace Car
The first time a Corvette serves as an Indy pace car isn’t until the 1978 C3 (hard to believe the early ’Vettes didn’t get the chance!). The Corvette model with the most laps around the track is the C6, which earns the honor five times (2005-2008, 2012). The C7 is a three-time pace car selection (2013, 2015 and 2017).
(www.gmperformanceracingcenter.com)
Chevy is the Indy 500’s Choice for Pace Cars
Since 2002, the exclusive provider of Indy pace cars is Chevrolet, with either a Corvette or a Camaro leading the field to the green flag. The Corvette is honored 14 times and the Camaro is quickly catching up. It has officially led the charge nine times. GM dominance has reigned supreme for 21 years. Not since 1996 has a non-GM car served as the Indy 500 pace car (Dodge Viper GTS).
Chevy and Indianapolis – Great Teams Run at Indy
The connection between the car maker and the legendary race goes back to the beginning. The Chevy founders compete in the 1911 race and Gaston Chevrolet wins in 1920. “Chevy and Indianapolis are inextricably linked, sharing one of the longest racing heritages in all of motorsports,” says J. Douglas Boles, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Everyone knows great teams run at Indy.
The Blur of Red, White and Blue
Often called the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, we are among the throngs of fans anxiously awaiting the Indy 500 race day. From the IPL 500 Festival Parade to the infield concerts and meet-n-greets, it is a total sensory overload during the holiday weekend. Make sure in all the commotion, not to miss one of the stars of the show, the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport pace car. It will be the one racing by in a blur of red, white and blue.
Collector and Classic Car Insurance for Less
Whether your Corvette has been at the Indy 500 or not, Classic Auto Insurance can help you protect your favorite sports car with the right coverage. From tiered mileage plans to agreed value, our knowledgeable staff can answer all your questions and tailor the right policy to fit your needs. Visit our website at www.classicins.com or call and see how we can help safeguard your dream car.
