The 86th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, 2002, will bring together
two powerful symbols that stir the imaginations of enthusiasts around the world.
Chevrolet’s Corvette, an international performance icon, has been named Official
Pace Car of this year’s Indianapolis 500, the world’s most prestigious
open-wheel race.
Chevrolet will pace the Indianapolis 500 a record 13th time, and Corvette will
perform the Pace Car duties for the fifth time since 1978 – the most appearances
by a single brand.
“This year’s Memorial Day classic will showcase America’s favorite sports car at
the Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” said Corvette Brand Manager Rick Baldick.
“This is a milestone event because it will signal the start of a yearlong
celebration leading up to Corvette’s 50th anniversary in 2003.”
Said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
“Chevrolet and Corvette have a proud and storied history with the Indianapolis
500. We look forward to having the 2002 Corvette pacing the greatest race in the
world.”
The 86th running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race also will mark the return of
Chevrolet to the most hallowed ground in motorsports. Chevrolet will compete in
the Indianapolis 500 for the first time since 1993 with the all-new Chevy Indy
V8 racing engine. Chevrolet won 86 Indy-style races, including six Indianapolis
500 victories, and five series championships from 1986-93.
“We are proud that Corvette has been named Official Pace Car of the 86th
Indianapolis 500,” said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general manager. “The excitement
that builds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from opening day until the checkered
flag falls mirrors the excitement that is building around Corvette’s 50th
anniversary.
“Chevrolet’s racing heritage began with company co-founder Louis Chevrolet, who
gained international fame as an engineer and race car driver. I wouldn’t be
surprised if the bronze statue of Louis Chevrolet that stands outside the Hall
of Fame Museum was smiling at the news about Corvette and Chevy’s return to the
Brickyard.”
Events celebrating Corvette’s golden anniversary are planned from coast to
coast. The Historic Motorama coordinated by the National Corvette Museum (www.corvettemuseum.com)
on June 24-28 will consist of one example from each production year to honor the
more than 1.2 million Corvettes that have been produced since 1953.
Corvette will be the honored marque at the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile
Races on Aug. 16-18, 2002, at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif. (www.montereyhistoric.com).
The Corvette that provides the platform for the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car is
equipped with a standard 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine that produces 350 horsepower in
production trim. Corvette incorporates advanced technology such as hydroformed
frame rails, Active Handling System, driver-selectable suspension modes and
optional Head-Up Display.
“The cars that compete in the Indianapolis 500 are finely built machines that
are designed for maximum speed,” Baldick said. “Corvette is just as purposeful
in its own right. For 49 years, Corvette has remained true to its two-seat
sports car heritage. Corvette combines power, performance, handling and
technology – while delivering the maximum amount of driving pleasure to those
who value high performance.”
When Corvette leads the field of 33 drivers to the green flag May 26, it will be
the start of something big -- for racing fans and for Corvette enthusiasts
around the world.
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Last modified: Wednesday May 16, 2007 12:46 AM