When you think of iconic pace cars leading the pack at the Indianapolis 500, the Chevy Corvette is hard to ignore. Throughout its history, the Corvette has established itself among the most well-regarded pace cars. On and off the track, the Vette has showcased impressive performance and cultural significance.
From its debut as an Indy 500 pace car in 1978 to the most recent C8 Corvette pace cars, every model has brought something special to the party, whether it was daring designs, advanced technology, or memorable drivers behind the wheel.
In this article, we bring you the most epic Corvette pace cars and what made each unique. Be it a 25th-anniversary edition, a Le Mans-liveried racing machine, or a modern exhibition of seven decades of Corvette ingenuity, these cars mean more than performance; they stand within American automotive history. Discover how these seminal Vettes have shaped the Indy 500 tradition.
1978 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car
In 1978, Chevrolet celebrated the Corvette’s 25th anniversary with two special editions that have since become iconic. One was the “Silver Anniversary” edition, a striking model featuring a two-tone silver-over-gray paint scheme and unique 25th-anniversary badging. The other was the 1978 Corvette Indy Pace Car, marking the first time a Corvette served as the official pace car of the Indianapolis 500.
The Pace Car stood out with its black-and-silver paint job, red pinstriping, and distinctive spoilers. It also introduced new features like glass T-tops, upgraded seats, and a decal set for owners who wanted to fully embrace the car’s racing spirit. Initially planned as a limited run of 300 units, Chevrolet ramped up production to over 6,500 to meet dealership demand.
Priced significantly higher than the base C3 Corvette, the Indy Pace Car quickly became a collector’s item, fueling both genuine demand and counterfeit attempts. Today, these cars remain prized, often commanding upwards of $40,000 for well-preserved examples.
1984 Corvette PPG Indy Pace Car
The 1984 PPG Indy Pace Car Corvette was a one-of-a-kind creation, designed as an official pace car for the PPG Indy Car World Series. Built through a collaboration between PPG and Chevrolet, this custom Corvette boasted extraordinary modifications to keep ahead of the fast-paced Indy cars.
The standard 205-horsepower engine on this C4 Corvette was swapped for a 450-horsepower, 401-cubic-inch V8 from Katech, paired with a BorgWarner T5 five-speed transmission. A bespoke chassis by George Foller, coil-over shocks, and long-tube headers completed its high-performance overhaul. The car’s striking appearance featured a custom body and PPG’s Deltron Acrylic Urethane Orange Glow Candy paint, making it as visually commanding as it was powerful.
After serving as a pace car, it was donated to the National Corvette Museum (NCM) in 1994. Tragically, in 2014, a sinkhole beneath the museum caused the car to fall, suffering irreparable damage. Today, the PPG Corvette remains on display in its damaged state, a testament to its storied history and unique place in Corvette lore.
1999 Corvette 24 Hours of Le Mans Pace Car
In June 1999, the Corvette joined the ranks of racing legends by serving as the official pace car for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Held in Le Mans, France, this endurance race tests the limits of engineering and human resilience. Chevrolet’s decision to feature the fifth-generation Corvette (C5) highlighted the car’s evolution into a world-class sports car, showcasing its capability on a global stage.
Jim Campbell, Chevrolet’s Corvette brand manager, called it an honor, emphasizing that this opportunity allowed Corvette enthusiasts worldwide to see why the Corvette C5 inspires such passion. Alongside its pace car duties, Chevrolet’s return to road racing with the C5-R underscored its commitment to pushing boundaries, with a focus on blending performance with reliability.
The Le Mans pace car boasted minimal modifications—custom wheels, a unique exhaust system, and safety lights—proving that the production Corvette, with its 345-horsepower LS1 V8 and precision-tuned suspension, was already a global contender, ready for any challenge.
2006 Corvette Z06 Indy 500 Pace Car
Two legends collided at the 2006 Indianapolis 500 when Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France champion, led the field in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 pace car. This marked the 17th time a Chevy paced the Indy 500 and the eighth time a Corvette took center stage.
Both Armstrong and the Z06 are no strangers to endurance. Armstrong’s incredible comeback from cancer to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles mirrors the Corvette’s dominance at Le Mans, where its C6.R racer clinched four victories in five years. The Z06, boasting 505 horsepower, a top speed of 198 mph, and a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, needed only minor tweaks—strobe lights and safety gear—to fulfill its pace car duties.
Adorned in a patriotic red, white, and blue livery, the Z06 symbolized Chevrolet’s rich heritage in American motorsport. As Indy Speedway president Joie Chitwood put it, Armstrong piloting the Corvette was “one American icon driving another” on one of racing’s biggest stages.
2022 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car
The 2023 C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 70th Anniversary Edition proudly led the field at the 106th Indianapolis 500 on May 29, with former IndyCar racer Sarah Fisher behind the wheel. This marked the 19th time a Corvette served as the Indy 500 pace car and its sixth consecutive year in the role.
Powered by a 670-horsepower 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8, the Z06 pace car featured the Z07 Performance Package, boasting Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, carbon-fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires, and carbon-ceramic brakes. Its striking White Pearl Metallic Tri-Coat finish was complemented by exclusive 70th Anniversary touches, including red-rimmed wheels, a special roof logo, and distinctive “Z06” and Indy 500 graphics.
Sarah Fisher, a nine-time Indy 500 qualifier and holder of the fastest qualifying speed for a female driver, added her own legacy to this iconic car. Since 2017, she has expertly guided pace cars during caution periods, making her the perfect fit for Chevrolet’s storied pace car
