Jeff Gordon to Pace Indy 500 in Corvette Z06

The iconic Chevrolet Corvette will serve as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 for the 13th time.

The American automaker has announced the Corvette Z06 will be driven by Jeff Gordon as the pace car for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500, marking the 26th time a Chevy has led the pack. The Corvette nameplate has served as the pace car more than any other vehicle in the race’s history and this year’s event will take place on May 24. Gordon, who is a five-time Brickyard 400 winner and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, is no stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and is one of only two five-timer winners at Indy in any series. The other driver? None other than Michael Schumacher, who won five Formula One races at the track.

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The pace car will boast an Arctic White exterior and Adrenaline Red interior, while the unique Indy graphics package and safety strobe lights are the only things that distinguish it from a standard production model.

“Indy is hallowed ground for racers like me and I couldn’t be more thrilled to drive the Corvette Z06 pace car around the track that helped drive my success over the years,” Gordon said. “The Indianapolis 500 is one of the most celebrated races of the year and an event I always dreamed of racing while growing up in California and in nearby Pittsboro. I’ve won five NASCAR races at IMS and the track will always be a special place for me, so to be able to participate in such a historic day will be something I remember for the rest of my life.”

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