Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car Unveiled
CORVETTE 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION TO PACE INDY 500
INDIANAPOLIS, April 10, 2002 -- A special 50th Anniversary Edition
of Chevrolet's upcoming 2003 Corvette was unveiled today as the Official
Pace Car of this year's Indianapolis 500. Taking part in the announcement
at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was motion picture actor Jim Caviezel,
who will serve as driver of the Corvette pace car.
The 86th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, 2002, will
bring together three powerful symbols that stir the imaginations of
enthusiasts around the world: Chevrolet, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
and Hollywood.
Corvette will perform Indy 500 pace car duties for the fifth time.
This also marks the 13th time a Chevrolet vehicle has served as the
official pace car -- the most appearances by any brand.
"This year's Memorial Day classic will showcase America's favorite
sports car at the greatest spectacle in racing," said Rick Baldick,
Corvette brand manager. "It will also be a milestone event for the history
books, as it signals the start of a yearlong celebration leading up to
Corvette's 50th anniversary in 2003."
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the site of many memorable
events since the facility opened in 1909. For the fans, this year's Indy
500 is anticipated to be one of the best yet.
"The Indianapolis 500 and Chevrolet have had a longtime
relationship," said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway. "It's an honor to have the 50th Anniversary Edition
Corvette make its world debut at the head of the pack and to have Chevrolet
return to open-wheel racing with its new Chevy Indy V8 for the Indy Racing
League.
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"Having an enthusiastic fan of motorsports like Jim Caviezel at the
wheel of the pace car adds to the excitement for our fans," noted George.
Caviezel plays the lead role of Tom Chapman in "High Crimes,"
the soon-to-be-released 20th Century Fox movie centered around an alleged
military deserter charged with participating in a mass killing in El
Salvador. The Mount Vernon, Wash., native can be seen in the title role of
Edmond Dantes in "The Count of Monte Cristo." To date, the closest Caviezel
has come to participating in any form of motorsports has been in the
starring role in "Madison," a true story about the community of Madison,
Ind., and its desire to win a Gold Cup hydroplane race.
"Without a doubt about it," said Caviezel, "pacing the Indy 500
is certainly an opportunity of a lifetime. From a Hollywood perspective,
winning an Academy Award is the ultimate honor one can receive. For a race
fan like me, being in control of the Corvette pace car ahead of those 33
race machines will be an adrenaline rush second to none."
Does the future for the 33-year-old actor ever see him capturing
both Hollywood's top honor and an IRL checkered flag? "I know I could win a
race," quipped a confident Caviezel, "but only if it was written into a
movie script. For me, an Oscar would come easier."
The 86th running of the Indianapolis 500 marks the return of Chevrolet
to the most hallowed ground in motorsports. Chevrolet will compete in the
Indy 500 for the first time since 1993 with the all-new Chevy Indy V8
racing engine. Chevrolet won 86 Indy-style races, including six
Indianapolis 500 victories, and five series championships in 1986-93.
"We're proud that the 2003 Corvette has been named Official Pace Car
of the 86th Indianapolis 500," said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general manager.
"The excitement that builds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from opening day
until the checkered flag falls mirrors the excitement that is building
around Corvette's 50th anniversary.
"Chevrolet's racing heritage began with company co-founder
Louis Chevrolet, who gained international fame as an engineer and race car
driver," Ritter noted. "I wouldn't be surprised if the bronze statue of him
that stands outside the Hall of Fame Museum was smiling at the news about
Corvette and Chevy's return to the Brickyard."
The Corvette that will serve as the Indy 500 Pace Car is
virtually identical to the 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe available for
purchase later this summer through local Chevrolet dealerships. It's
equipped with a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine that produces 350 horsepower in
production trim. Corvette incorporates advanced technology such as
hydroformed frame rails, Active Handling System, driver-selectable
suspension modes and optional Head-Up Display.
Like every Corvette built since June 1981, the pace car was produced
at General Motors' Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant. Few modifications to
the vehicle were made to prepare it for pace car duty. They include
application of the special exterior graphics wrapped over the "Anniversary
Red" exterior and a lower restriction muffler system. Inclusion of
four-point racing-type safety belts and a safety strobe light system have
been made as required by the Indy Racing League. Use of heavy-duty
transmission and steering coolers add further assurance of optimum
performance in the harsh environment of professional racing.
"The cars that compete in the Indianapolis 500 are finely built
machines that are designed for maximum speed," said Baldick. "Corvette is
just as purposeful in its own right. For 49 years, Corvette has remained
true to its sports car heritage. Corvette combines power, performance,
handling and technology -- while delivering the maximum amount of driving
pleasure to those who value high performance.
"When Corvette and Jim Caviezel lead the field to the green flag on
May 26, it will be the start of something big for racing fans and for all
Corvette enthusiasts around the world," added Baldick.
Chevrolet has paced the Indianapolis 500 a total of 12 times, more
than any other brand:
1999 Monte Carlo (Jay Leno)
1998 Corvette (Parnelli Jones)
1995 Corvette (Jim Perkins)
1993 Camaro Z28 (Jim Perkins)
1990 Beretta (Jim Perkins)
1986 Corvette (Gen. Chuck Yeager)
1982 Camaro Z28 (Jim Rathmann)
1978 Corvette (Jim Rathmann)
1969 Camaro (Jim Rathmann)
1967 Camaro (Mauri Rose)
1955 Bel Air (T.H. Keating)
1948 Fleetmaster (Wilbur Shaw)
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E-mail from: Rick Voegelin, 09-Apr-2002
