Image: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

A few weeks ago, it was announced that the all new 2014 Camaro Z/28 would be the official pace car of the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May. But in addition to an official pace car, event coordinators name a specific car model to make up the race’s official fleet of Festival Cars. For this honor, the 2014 Camaro SS convertible was chosen this time around, according to GM Authority.

The official 2014 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car- a ’14 Camaro Z/28. Image:  GM

“Seeing the Indianapolis 500 Festival cars around the city and state is one of the surest signs every year that the Indianapolis 500 is just around the corner,” J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, said in a recent news release from the speedway. “This year’s Chevrolet Camaro SS bears a striking resemblance to the beautiful Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 that will lead the 33 drivers to the green flag on May 25 and once again pays tribute to the longstanding relationship between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 500 Festival and Chevrolet.” 

With a black exterior (including the convertible top) and Indy 500 livery to match the 2014 Z/28 Indy 500 Pace Car, the fleet of new Camaro SS models will carry race officials and other VIPs around the grounds of Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well as around the city, working both as stylish transporters and extra advertisement for the May 25th race. The cars will also be on display at area 500 Festival events, including the official American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day on Wednesday, May 21st.

This year, a total of 33 Festival Cars will be at the beck and call of anyone with exclusive rights to the fleet’s perks.

Image: Chris Widlic/WishTV.com

Since the 1960s, Indianapolis 500 Festival Cars have been a staple in the famed race’s stable. Treating special persons who come out for the race to specialty rides is just one of the reasons the Festival Car trend has continued on for so long, but in the end, it’s all about the traditions that surround one of the country’s biggest and most well-known races.

Carrying on with traditions, three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti was named the official pace car driver this year, bringing a legend back to the track. This is the eighth time that a Camaro has paced the Indy 500 and the 25th time a Chevy has paced the race.