As some of you may have already heard, the Chevrolet Corvette is yet again serving as the official pace car for the 2017 Indianapolis 500. This will mark the vehicles’ 14th time doing such, with participation dating all the way back to 1978, when the 25th Silver Anniversary Edition ‘Vette paced it for the first time.
Its a tradition of sorts– but, this time, the brand new 2017 Grand Sport will be the one running around the track.
“The Corvette Grand Sport’s performance capability and motorsports heritage make it the perfect choice to pace the Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for General Motors cars and crossovers. The 460-horsepower 8-speed automatic is equipped with the Z07 package and is said to accelerate from 0 to 60 in only 3.6 seconds.
But, who is the lucky person that gets to take the legendary position of sitting behind the wheel? None other than Indianapolis Colts legend Robert Mathis. According to IMS’ webiste, he will take part in kicking off the greatest month in racing history, leading the field for the race to the green flag on a 14-turn, 2.439-mile long road course– in just a few days from now.
Douglas Boles, President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, says Mathis is a perfect fit, “Robert Mathis is one of the most popular Colts ever, and his enthusiasm has made him a great ambassador for this city and its vibrant sports culture.”
“Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, the city known as the Racing Capital of the World grants me a bucket-list opportunity,” said Mathis.
The Grand Prix qualifying kicks off Friday, May 12, with the race starting Saturday at 3:30 p.m. eastern time.