2014 Corvette Stingray named official pace car for 97th Indy 500
Chevrolet's new-generation Corvette Stingray will lead the field at the 2013 Indianapolis 500, marking the twelfth time a Corvette has served as the event's pace car.
Chevrolet has confirmed that the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe will serve as the official pace car for the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, set for 26 May 2013. This marks a significant milestone for the new-generation Corvette, which is scheduled to reach showrooms later in the autumn. The assignment gives the Stingray its first public appearance in a high-profile motorsport setting, drawing considerable attention from enthusiasts and industry observers alike.
2014 Corvette Stingray to Lead the Field at Indy 500
Special Features of the Pace Car
The 2014 Corvette Stingray pace car is finished in Laguna Blue Tintcoat and displays distinctive 'Indianapolis 500' graphics on its doors and bonnet. Chevrolet has equipped the car with the Z51 Performance Package, which enhances its capability for track use. This package includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oil system, upgraded brakes, cooling systems for both the transmission and differential, and an aerodynamic kit. The car will run with its standard 6.2-litre LT1 V8 engine, delivering a claimed 450bhp and 450lb ft of torque, paired to a seven-speed manual gearbox. These features ensure the car is well-prepared to handle the unique demands of leading the field at the Brickyard.
Corvette’s History at the Indianapolis 500
This year’s event marks the twelfth occasion that a Corvette has been chosen as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500. The tradition began in 1978, and since then, Corvettes have become a familiar sight at the front of the Indy 500 field. Chevrolet’s involvement with the race dates back even further, with the brand first providing a pace car in 1948, when the Fleetmaster was selected for the role. Over the decades, both Corvettes and Camaros have led the field, solidifying Chevrolet's connection to the event and to American motorsport more broadly.
The 2014 Corvette Stingray will be the first of its generation, known as the C7, to pace the Indy 500. Its selection continues a long-standing relationship between Chevrolet and the iconic race, reinforcing the brand’s presence at one of the most-watched motorsport events in the United States.
Showcasing the C7 Corvette Before Launch
For Chevrolet, assigning the new Stingray to pace car duties is more than a ceremonial gesture. It provides an early opportunity to demonstrate the car’s capabilities to a large audience before it reaches customers. The company emphasises that the Stingray’s performance has been influenced by racing experience, and the Z51 package is designed for those who want track-ready features straight from the factory. The pace car will remain close to production specification, with the additional cooling and aerodynamic improvements ensuring reliability and stability during the parade and restart laps of the race.
The event also serves as an important marketing platform. By showcasing the new Corvette at the Indianapolis 500, Chevrolet aims to build excitement and anticipation among potential buyers. The Z51 Performance Package featured on the pace car is not unique to this event; it will be available to customers when the Stingray arrives at dealerships later in 2013. This approach allows fans and future owners to see the production model in action under demanding conditions, highlighting the car’s connection to motorsport heritage.
Technical Specifications of the Pace Car
| Model | 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe (C7) |
|---|---|
| Finish | Laguna Blue Tintcoat |
| Engine | 6.2-litre LT1 V8 |
| Power | 450bhp |
| Torque | 450lb ft |
| Transmission | Seven-speed manual |
| Performance Package | Z51 (includes electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oil system, upgraded brakes, transmission and differential cooling, aerodynamic kit) |
| Special Livery | Indianapolis 500 graphics |
Significance for Chevrolet and Motorsport Fans
Corvette’s repeated selection as the Indy 500 pace car highlights its status as Chevrolet’s flagship performance model. The 2014 event will strengthen the association between the new Stingray and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, linking the latest generation of the car to a long tradition of American racing. For motorsport fans, the spectacle of the new Corvette leading the field offers a preview of what to expect when the car becomes available to the public.
The use of the 2014 Corvette Stingray as the pace car also demonstrates Chevrolet’s ongoing commitment to motorsport and innovation. By bringing together advanced engineering and a celebrated racing legacy, the company continues to appeal to enthusiasts and reinforce the Corvette’s reputation as a symbol of American performance.
- 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe to debut as Indy 500 pace car
- Laguna Blue Tintcoat finish with special event livery
- Z51 Performance Package included for enhanced track performance
- First public outing for the C7 generation ahead of showroom launch
- Twelfth time a Corvette has paced the Indianapolis 500 since 1978
