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special 50th Anniversary Edition of Chevrolet’s upcoming 2003
Corvette was unveiled April 10 as the Official Pace Car of the 86th
Indianapolis 500, and motion picture star Jim Caviezel will lead the
field to the green flag for the start as the Pace Car driver for
“The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on May 26.
The 2002
Indianapolis 500 will bring together three powerful symbols that
stir the imaginations of enthusiasts around the world: Chevrolet,
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hollywood.
Corvette will
serve as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car for the fifth time. This also
marks the 13th time a Chevrolet vehicle has been the Official Pace
Car – the most appearances by any brand.
At the time of the
Indianapolis 500, the three 2003 Corvettes provided to the Speedway
for Pace Car duties will be the only models in existence.
“This year’s Memorial Day classic will showcase America’s
favorite sports car at ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’” said
Rick Baldick, Corvette brand manager. “It will also be a milestone
event for the history books, as it signals the start of a year-long
celebration leading up to Corvette’s 50th anniversary in 2003.”
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the site of many
memorable events since the facility opened in 1909. For the fans,
this year’s Indianapolis 500 is anticipated to be one of the best
ever.
“The Indianapolis 500 and Chevrolet have had a
longtime relationship,” said Tony George, president and CEO of the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “It’s an honor to have the 2003
Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition make its world debut at the head
of the pack and to have Chevrolet return to open-wheel racing with
its new Chevy Indy V8 for the Indy Racing League.
“Having an
enthusiastic motorsports fan like Jim Caviezel at the wheel of the
Pace Car adds to the excitement for our fans.”
Caviezel
plays the lead role of Tom Chapman in “High Crimes,” the hit 20th
Century Fox motion picture released April 5 that also stars Ashley
Judd and Morgan Freeman. The film’s plot is centered on an alleged
military deserter charged with participating in a mass killing in El
Salvador.
Caviezel, a native of Mount Vernon, Wash., can be
seen in the title role of Edmond Dantes in “The Count of Monte
Cristo.” He is also the star of the upcoming Premiere
Distributors/MGM release “Madison,” a true story about the 1971 Gold
Cup Power Boat championships at Madison, Ind. The motion picture
will hit theatres nationwide Aug. 23.
“Without a doubt about
it, pacing the Indy 500 is certainly an opportunity of a lifetime,”
Caviezel said. “From a Hollywood perspective, winning an Academy
Award is the ultimate honor one can receive. For a race fan like me,
being in control of the Corvette Pace Car ahead of those 33 race
machines will be an adrenaline rush second to none.
“I know
I could win a race,” quipped Caviezel, “but only if it was written
into a movie script. For me, an Oscar™ would come easier.”
The 86th running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race marks 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 in 1986-93. Chevy-powered drivers also
have swept the first three races of this Indy Racing League season.
The Corvette that will serve as the Indy 500 Pace Car is
virtually identical to the 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe available
for purchase later this summer through local Chevrolet dealerships.
It’s equipped with a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine that produces 350
horsepower in production trim.
Few modifications were made
to the 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition Pace Car to prepare it
for pacing duties. Modifications include application of the special
exterior graphics wrapped over the “Anniversary Red” exterior and a
lower restriction muffler system.
Inclusion of four-point
racing-type safety belts and a safety strobe-light system were made
as required by the Indy Racing League. Use of heavy-duty
transmission and steering coolers add further assurance of optimum
performance in the harsh environment of professional racing.
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Last modified: Wednesday May 16, 2007 12:46 AM