With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, new ways of living and adjustments have been made in order to slow down the spread of the virus, and one of those ways includes the absence of spectators at various sporting events, specifically in this year’s Indianapolis 500 race. However, fans will still see a familiar face, which is the Chevrolet Corvette acting as the 2020’s pace car for the fourth year in a row and the 17th time overall.
Simply put, the role of a pace car is to set the tone for the racers for at least a couple of laps before the race and then finally turning off to the pits prior to the drop of the green flag. They are also used in cases of caution on the track such as with some crash debris or difficult weather conditions. Therefore, it’s safe to say that this Corvette won’t get its wheels too dirty.
The specific model being used will be the Torch Red Z51 with a spoiler and ground effects package, it will also include exterior accents and available GT2 bucket seats. Unsurprisingly, this Corvette will sport (pun intended) a distinctive Indy 500 livery, however the automaker has not mentioned whether or not a replica package will be available to customers.
GM president Mark Reuss will act as the ceremonial pace car driver leading the field of racecars to the green flag, and said this in a statement:
“It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to be behind the wheel of the mid-engine Corvette Pace Car at such a historic race as the Indy 500. The 2020 Corvette Stingray is the result of a close collaboration between the Corvette Racing and production engineering teams, setting a new benchmark for supercars around the world.”
Remarkably enough, the C8 Corvette isn’t even the first mid-engine car that will grace the Indy 500 track, as that distinction was already given to the Pontiac Fiero in 1984. Furthermore, along with the 17 Corvette pacers in Indianapolis and a Chevrolet vehicle as performed as a pace car 31 times, which outranks any other automaker starting with the Fleetmaster convertible in 1948.
Initially scheduled for May 24th, organizers planned to postpone the race to the current race date of August 23rd and with a spectator capacity of 50 percent. Unfortunately in June, this number dropped to 25 percent, as the virus has not seen a significant slow down as of yet. Additionally, it was announced that all on-track activities will be inaccessible to the public.
Miami Lakes Chevrolet
For all of you vehicle enthusiasts, you’ll be pleased to know that Miami Lakes Automall has a great abundance of Chevrolet vehicles geared towards different wants and needs, and one of which happens to be a spanking new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray for around $86,000, (plus destination fee).
Another Chevy model that is slightly less pricey, but still just as sporty is our 2020 Chevrolet Camaro, with its highest trim going around $66,000, (plus destination fee). If you are interested in any of these models, feel free to view our online new car inventory and chat with a representative for further assistance.