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Corvette Pace Cars

The Ultimate Resource - Every Corvette Pace Car

Every Corvette Pace Car / The Pace Car Replicas / Pace Car Guides / Pace Car News

This page is your ultimate resource on all-things Corvette Pace Cars. We take a look at Corvette's long history of pace cars, festival cars, and pace car replicas. The Indianapolis 500 first used a Corvette pace car at the 1978 running of the event, Chevrolet then released an official pace car replica. Of a planned 2,500 cars there were actually 6,502 made – one for every Chevy dealer in the USA. Over the decades the Corvette has become the preferred Indy 500 pace car, a number of official pace car replicas have been offered by Chevrolet in that time, as well as festival cars.

Every Corvette Pace Car From All Indy 500 Runs

The iconic Chevy sports car has paced the Indy 500 more than any other car. We take a look at all the Corvette Indy cars from over the decades.

Corvette Pace Car Replicas

Over the years, Chevrolet has offered Indy 500 pace car replica Corvettes to the public in limited numbers with some cool and/or available features along with, of course, the requisite graphics. These cars make great collectibles today, particularly for enthusiasts who appreciate the Corvette’s racing heritage and the role of open-wheel racing in American motorsports history. Note, that the 1986 Corvette is not included in this list because the replica wasn't very limited. In fact, every 1986 Corvette convertible was shipped with a set of Official Pace Car door decals for owners to apply if they pleased, making each one a replica.

1978 Indy Pace Car Model

1978 was significant because it marked the cars 25th anniversary of production. Recognizing the achievement of manufacturing a car for a quarter-century, Chevrolet commemorated this accomplishment by introducing two special-edition Corvette that year.  The first of these was known as the "Silver Anniversary" edition Corvette.  It featured a two-tone silver over gray exterior with special pin-striping and special "25th Anniversary" badging.

1995 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car Replica

The actual Corvette Pace Car that served at the 79th running of the Indianapolis 500 was a near-stock LT1 Corvette Convertible, except for the mandatory safety features that were required by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  The Official Pace Car cam equipped with strobe lights, a special roll-bar, five-point safety harnesses for the driver and passenger and an on-board fire suppression system. Chevrolet built just three of the actual pace cars.

1998 Corvette Indy Pace Car Replica

While it was not the rarest Corvette Pace Car Replica ever manufactured by GM, the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Replica was – and remains – one of the most desirable pace car replicas ever made. This is primarily due to the fact that this replica is nearly identical to the actual pace cars that were used during the 1998 Indianapolis 500. It was fitting given that 1998 also marked the brand's 20th anniversary as "Official Pace Car" of this momentous race.

2007 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car Replica

One special-edition Corvette was introduced in 2007 was based on the Corvette Pace Car that was used at the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 driven by actor/racer Patrick Dempsey.  The significance of this car was the fact that GM had not produced a pace car replica since the 1998 model year, even though the Corvette had paced the prestigious event a bunch of times since then.

2008 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car Replica

Total Production for the 2008 Indy Pace Car replicas sold to the public was 500. The first replica rolled off the production line approximately March 4th, and the last was June 6th. There were 61 Corvettes built in early March, however only 60 cars shipped to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to be used as rack” and “festival committee" vehicles which were distributed to their lucky drivers on April 9th and in use thru May 31st.

Corvette Pace Cars - The Full List & In-Depth Guides

The Chevrolet Corvette has led fields of shrieking Indy cars over the bricks at the Indianapolis 500 more times than any other vehicle and, since 2002, Chevrolet has had an exclusive deal to provide pace cars and festival cars for the event. Over the years, Chevrolet has offered Indy 500 pace car replica Corvettes to the public in limited numbers with some cool and/or available features along with, of course, the requisite graphics. These cars make great collectibles today, particularly for enthusiasts who appreciate the Corvette’s racing heritage and the role of open-wheel racing in American motorsports history.

1984 PPG Indy Pace Car

1984 Corvette PPG Indy Pace Car

The 1984 PPG Indy Pace Car Corvette was special from the very beginning- in several ways. Initially, it was created as a one-off concept car that would be designated as one of the official Pace Cars for the PPG Indy Car World Series of races. It was custom-built by PPG in cooperation with the Chevrolet Division of General Motors. The 205 HP 350 was replaced by a 450hp, 401 cubic-inch V-8.

1986 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

The big news for 1986 was that a Corvette would pace the Indy 500 for the second time. Retired General Chuck Yeager was enjoying celebrity status as a result of the book and movie, “The Right Stuff.” But Chevrolet was still smarting from the heavy criticism over the ‘78 Corvette Pace Car debacle and decided that all 1986 Corvette convertibles were designated as “Pace Car Replica”.

1999 Corvette 24 Hours of Le Mans Pace Car

Millions of spectators, broadcast viewers and listeners from around the world will be focused on the western region of France as one of Chevrolet’s fifth-generation family of Corvettes (referred to as C5) will pace an international field of sports cars as the Official Pace Car of the 67th running of the Le Mans 24 Hour race on June 12-13, 1999.

1999 Corvette Rolex 24 of Daytona Pace Car

Corvette’s decision to become the official pace car of the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona is a key component of Chevrolet’s strategy to reinforce Corvette’s image as "America’s Performance Icon." Jim Campbell, Corvette brand manager, is responsible for developing this strategy, and he’s the guiding force behind Corvette’s return to the racetrack.

2002 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

For 50 years, Chevrolet Corvette has represented American performance. In 2002, Corvette also led the pack at two important racing venues: the Indy Racing League (IRL) and the 86th running of the Indianapolis 500. In its IRL pace duties, Corvette wore a two-tone white and Millennium Yellow paint scheme with checkered-flags graphics forming a V for victory.

2004 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

Corvette performed Indianapolis 500 Pace Car duties for a record sixth time. It marks the third consecutive year and 15th time overall that a Chevrolet product has served as the Official Pace Car – the most appearances by any brand. The 2004 Corvette that will serve as the Indy 500 Pace Car is virtually identical to the Convertibles available today through local Chevrolet dealerships.

2005 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Daytona 500 Pace Car

In 2005, the Corvette was chosen as the official pace car of the 47th Daytona 500. The car was based on a 2005 production model Corvette and it presented an excellent opportunity for the 2005 Corvette to showcase its true capabilities. The pace car was designed to honor the heritage of the historic Corvette race cars of yesteryear. It was finished in millennium yellow with over-the-top black racing stripe that runs from the hood to the trunk lid. It is powered by a 6.0L V-8 LS2 engine with 400 horsepower.

2005 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

The 2005 Corvette Pace Car paced at the 89th Annual Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2005. It was driven by Retired Army General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. There were three Pace Cars produced. Eight Track/Festival convertibles painted Victory Red Corvette were used on race day. These Track/Festival Pace Cars did not have the center silver stripe, logo-embroidered headrest, and graphics that were on the actual pace car. There were two replica pace cars produced.
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 Pace Car

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 Pace Car

The Corvette Z06 that served as the Daytona 500 pace car was mechanically identical to those available at Chevrolet dealerships. It was the fastest vehicle ever offered by Chevrolet and General Motors. With 505 horsepower (377 kw) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm) from its 7.0L all-aluminum, racing-inspired engine, the Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 198 mph. The Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 wears a unique paint scheme.

2006 Corvette Z06 Brickyard 400 Pace Car

A 2006 specially outfitted Corvette Z06 served as the Official Pace Car of the 13th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday, Aug. 6 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet cars have paced the prestigious NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at each of the 12 previous events, but the Corvette has never before been the Chevrolet brand chosen to lead the field to the green flag at the historic 25-mile IMS oval track. There's a first time for everything.

2006 Corvette Z06 Indy 500 Pace Car

Two racing icons will unite when Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner, drives the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 pace car to lead the field to the start of the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2006. For a record 17th time, a Chevy will pace the race, and it's the eighth time for a Corvette to be leading the pack. The only changes made to prepare it for this year's role were the addition of strobe lights and racing safety gear.

2007 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

A 2007 Chevrolet Corvette convertible paced the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, 2007. As it was selected as the Official Pace Car, Chevrolet supplied several identically prepared and uniquely trimmed Corvette convertibles – in new Atomic Orange paint with distinctive gold ribbon graphics – that served in the official pace duties of the race, as well as supporting activities. This year, the driver of this Pace Car was Patrick Dempsey.

2007 Corvette Z06 Brickyard 400 Pace Car

A Chevrolet Corvette Z06 paced the field for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday, July 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A Chevrolet has performed pace car duties for all 14 editions of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, one of NASCAR's most highly anticipated events since the inaugural in 1994. Also, Chevrolet once again supplied event support vehicles, including Silverado pickup trucks, for on track activities.

2007 Daytona 500 Pace Car

NEXTEL Cup drivers Tony Raines and Jeff Green, along with hundreds of fans in Daytona Intemational Speedway's acclaimed NEXTEL FANZONE, got the first look at the 2007 Daytona 500 pace car with a special unveiling during the NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason ‘Thunder Fan Fest. Corvettes were also used as Track cars and other support vehicles during the event activities at that years Daytona Speed Weeks. Corvettes were also used as Track cars and other support vehicles.

2008 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

Known for their charismatic designs and superior performance, the pack-leading Pace Cars share a special place in Indianapolis 500 lore. History was made at the 2008 Indianapolis 500 when a pair of distinctive yet highly differentiated Corvette models served as the Official Pace Cars — one highlighting a commitment to fuel solutions and the other marking 30 years of Corvette's Pace Car heritage.

2008 Corvette Z06 Brickyard 400 Pace Car

2008 marks the 15th time that Chevrolet has paced the Alstate 400 at the Brickyard and the fourth consecutive time Corvette has led the pack. Chevrolet's pacing tration at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway also extends to the Indianapolis 500 where Chevrolet has paced that esteemed race 19 times with Corvette leading the field 10 times.
2008 Corvette Daytona Pace Car

2008 Daytona 500 Pace Car

With defending Daytona 500 Champion Kevin Harvick at the unveiling, surrounded by Chevrolet, General Motors and Daytona International Speedway officials, hundreds watched the much-anticipated unveiling of the 2008 Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 Pace Car ~ the Official Pace Car of The Daytona 500, NASCAR's biggest race. Apart from its special paint and the addition of a integrated light bar, it is almost identical to the street version.

2009 Corvette Z06 Brickyard 400 Pace Car

2009 marked the 16th time that Chevrolet has paced the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and the fifth consecutive time Corvette has led the pack. Chevrolet's pacing tradition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway also extends to the Indianapolis 500 where Chevrolet has paced that esteemed race 20 times with Corvette leading the field 10 times.

2010 Corvette Brickyard 400 Pace Car

It was announced on July 23rd, 2010 that the 2010 NASCAR Brickyard 400 will be paced by this Green and White Corvette Grand Sport Coupe while Arctic White Corvette Grand Sport Convertibles wil serve as Festival (parade) cars. Camaro Coupes will also be used as support vehicles. The color is reminiscent of Bowling Green Metallic, last seen in 2001. This marked the 17th time that Chevy paced the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

2012 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

A 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 led the starting field of the 96th Indianapolis 500 to the green flag Sunday, May 27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With 638 horsepower, the Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful production car ever to serve as the Pace Car during the Indianapolis 500. Restaurateur, best-selling author and host of the Food Network’s hit show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” Guy Fieri was the driver.

2013 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

The all-new, seventh-generation 2014 Corvette Stingray served as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, leading the field to green at the start of the 97th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” on Sunday, May 26 2013. It marked a record 12th time the Corvette served as the Pace Car, starting in 1978. Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, drove the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pace Car

2015 Corvette Z06 Indy 500 Pace Car

The Corvette skipped a year and returned to the Indy 500 in 2015. NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon drove the 'Vette for the first lap, and the car had a fairly simple body with the race decals on the doors and sponsor stickers at the front end. Gordon, who grew up in nearby Pittsboro, Indiana, is no stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He won the first NASCAR race in the history of the famed 2.5-mile oval and has won four more times.

2017 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport served as the official Pace Car for the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil and led drivers to the green flag on May 28. 2017 marked the 14th time a Corvette has served as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, starting in 1978, and the 28th time a Chevrolet has led the field, dating back to 1948, when a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the race.

2018 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 was the official Pace Car for the 2018 Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil and led drivers to the green flag on Sunday, May 27, for the 102nd running of the legendary race. It marks the 15th time a Corvette has served as the official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29th time a Chevrolet has led the field dating back to 1948, when a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the race.

2019 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 was the official Pace Car for the 2018 Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil and led drivers to the green flag on Sunday, May 27, for the 102nd running of the legendary race. It marks the 15th time a Corvette has served as the official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29th time a Chevrolet has led the field dating back to 1948, when a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the race.

2020 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

A Torch Red 2020 Corvette Stingray coupe will serve as the Official Pace Car for the 104th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, continuing Chevrolet’s tradition of leading the field to the green flag. The Pace Car will be driven by GM President Mark Reuss. This marks the 17th time a Corvette has served as the Pace Car, starting in 1978, and the 31st time a Chevrolet has led the field dating to 1948 when a Fleetmaster Six convertible held the honor.

2021 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

The Chevrolet Corvette has served as the official pace car of the Indy 500 18 times since 1978. That accounts for half of the 32 times that Chevrolet has been given the honor since 1948, which only highlights the sports car’s endearing legacy. Interestingly enough, this C8 Corvette convertible is the first Indy 500 pace car to have a drop-top since the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro.

2022 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

The 2023 Corvette Z06 pace car uses the same 670-horsepower 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 as the road-going version. It has the Z07 Performance Package that has additional features like Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations, carbon-fiber wheels with Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires, and carbon-ceramic brakes. The pack also adds carbon pieces to the body.

Corvette Pace Car News & Updates

All the latest and greatest news and updates from the world of Corvette pace cars. We celebrate the special Corvette Pace Cars in our Corvette of the Day features, follow Pace Car auctions and sales, plus we tell you all about the upcoming Pace Car news around the time of every Indianapolis announcement.

The 1978 Special Edition Corvettes

While the redesign gave the Corvette a fresh look for the new model year, Chevrolet also recognized the importance of commemorating the car's quarter-century of production.  For the first time in the brand's history, two special-edition Corvettes were introduced for the 1978 model year: the Silver Anniversary Edition and the Indy Pace Car coupes. On March 15, 1977, the 500,000th Corvette rolled off the assembly line at Chevrolet's St. Louis manufacturing plant. 
2021 Corvette

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