Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Unveiled As Pace Car For 109th Indy 500
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Pace Car for the 109th Indianapolis 500 in 2025 can equal the speed that Scott McLaughlin achieved in last week's two-day Indy 500 Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Corvette ZR1 is capable of 233 mph, the highest top speed of any car ever made in America by an auto manufacturer. It will lead the field to the green flag for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This year's Indy 500 Pace Car was unveiled on Tuesday, April 29 at the IMS, continuing an impressive tradition for the Chevrolet Corvette and the world's most famous race.
'As we anticipate another record-breaking Indianapolis 500, it's only fitting that record- breaking Corvette will pace the field,' IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. 'The performance of the Corvette ZR1 is second to none and is a prime example of that Chevrolet innovation.'
Corvette is the longest-running car nameplate in automotive industry history, so it's no surprise Corvette has paced 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing' more times than any car. The 2025 race marks the 36th time for Chevrolet to pace the Indianapolis 500 dating back to 1948 and the 22nd time overall, since 1978 for America's favorite sports car.
Designed for speed and performance, the Corvette ZR1 is up for any challenge, and the exterior and interior of the Corvette ZR1 will be on full display as the car fulfills responsibilities on and off the track.
Michael Strahan, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member, two-time Daytime Emmy Award winner, longtime 'FOX NFL Sunday' analyst and 'Good Morning America' co-host, has been named honorary Pace Car driver and will pace the field of 33 drivers in the Corvette ZR1 to start this year's Indianapolis 500.
'Chevrolet is proud that the 2025 Corvette ZR1, our fastest Corvette ever, will be the official pace car for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500,' said Scott Bell, Global Chevrolet Vice President. 'With a top speed of 233 miles per hour, the Corvette ZR1 is the perfect fit to lead the Indy 500 field to green."
By comparison, Team Penske driver and last year's Indy 500 pole winner Scott McLaughlin, had the fastest speed in last week's two-day Indy 500 Open test at 232.686 miles per hour around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.
Speeds are expected to surpass that when Indianapolis 500 practice and qualifications begin on May 13 with Fast Friday on May 16, and qualification weekend on Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18.
The Corvette ZR1 delivers 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm from a 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8, which is the most power ever from a factory Corvette and the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer.
For Pace Car duty, the ZR1 is equipped with the Carbon Aero package, including dive planes on the front bumper, underbody aero strakes and the rear wing, which creates more than 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speeds.
The Corvette ZR1 achieves incredible acceleration – capable of zero to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds before rushing through the quarter mile in 9.6 seconds at 150 mph, making it the quickest Corvette ever.
Arctic White exterior paint and Jet Black interior accents pair with the Indianapolis 500 logos on the Pace Car. The jewel tone, emerald green and gold of the logo are highlighted in racing stripes and additional exterior design elements. Carbon fiber wheels complete the car's iconic, race-ready look.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in 80 countries. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heartbeat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value, according to General Motors.
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