Chevrolet Corvette Convertible to Pace 2021 Indianapolis 500

© Chris Owens/IMS2021 Indy 500 Pace Car
For the eighteenth time, a Corvette will lead the starting field to the green flag for the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 30, 2021. This year a 2021 mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette Stingray hardtop convertible finished in Arctic White with yellow and gray accents will have the honor of pacing the thundering field of open-wheel race cars — the first time since 2008 that a convertible has been selected.

© Chris Owens/IMSChevrolet’s Best
“The Chevrolet team is privileged every time we’re invited to pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “We are confident the track-capable Corvette Stingray Convertible will catch every race fan’s eye as it leads the pack toward the Yard of Bricks. From the color scheme, to the special race weekend decals and how the safety lighting is skillfully integrated into the nacelles of the hard-top convertible Corvette’s revolutionary appearance, we’re putting Chevrolet’s best on display for the fans,” noted Majoros.

© Chris Owens/IMSPace Car Modifications
In addition to Indianapolis 500 logos, an exclusive stripe package and other unique details, Corvette designers incorporated the race safety lighting into the design, particularly the aerodynamic tonneau cover over the stored roof that give the Corvette Stingray Convertible its unique shape. Strobe lights are integrated with the headlights, front louvers and taillights, as well as the tonneau cover. Inside, the Sky Cool Gray and Strike Yellow seat materials complement the exterior details.

© Chris Owens/IMSPower to Pace the Indy 500
The 2020 Corvette Stingray Convertible pace car is powered by a new LT2 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, delivered through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

© General Motors2020 Indy Pace Car
A Corvette has paced the Indy 500 field 17 times in the past — more than any other model — and 2021 marks the 32nd time a Chevrolet will lead the field, beginning in 1948 with a Chevrolet Fleetmaster Six convertible. Last year, the first year of the eighth-generation Corvette, the pace car was a Torch Red 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe driven by GM President Mark Reuss. The following photos document the generations of Corvette pace cars that have led 11 rows of race cars to the green flag for the start of a grueling 500-mile event known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

© General Motors2019 Indy Pace Car
2019 Corvette Grand Sport

© General Motors2018 Indy Pace Car
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

© Chris Owens/IMS for Chevy Racing2017 Indy Pace Car
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

© IMS for Chevy Racing2015 Indy Pace Car
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

© General Motors2013 Indy Pace Car
2014 Corvette Stingray

© General Motors2012 Indy Pace Car
2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

© Mike Harding/IMS2008 Indy Pace Car
2008 Chevrolet Corvette

© Ron McQueeney/IMS2007 Indy Pace Car
2007 Chevrolet Corvette

© Ron McQueeney/IMS2006 Indy Pace Car
2006 Chevrolet Corvette

© Michael Voorhees/IMS2005 Indy Pace Car
2005 Chevrolet Corvette

© Ron McQueeney/IMS2004 Indy Pace Car
2004 Chevrolet Corvette

© General Motors2002 Indy Pace Car
2003 Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary

© Indianapolis Motor Speedway1998 Indy Pace Car
1998 Chevrolet Corvette

© Indianapolis Motor Speedway1995 Indy Pace Car
1995 Chevrolet Corvette

© Indianapolis Motor Speedway1986 Indy Pace Car
1986 Chevrolet Corvette

© Indianapolis Motor Speedway1978 Indy Pace Car
1978 Chevrolet Corvette

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