Mecum Corvettes
- Thread starter GCorvette
- Start date
Mr. Cricket
Committee Member
Nice collection. Clearly pizza has been good for him..
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
A bit like the chap who owns papa johns.
Lots of money in Pizzas it seems.
teamzr1
Supporting vendor
Imagine having the spare cash to buy 18 Corvettes in auction last weekend
www.mecum.com
A collection of 18 Indy 500 Pace Cars and Festival Cars ranging from the first 1978 Corvette to pace the Greatest Spectacle in Racing to last year’s 2022 Corvette Stingray were offered during Dana Mecum’s Annual Spring Sale in Indianapolis.
The highly focused collection was assembled by an Indiana physician named Dr. Richard Foster over his lifetime, and it was offered as a single lot at the 35th Annual Spring Classic.
When it was all said and done, the 18 Corvettes sold for $1.375 Million!
The Indiana doctor says he began collecting the Indy 500 Pace Cars as a way to mark each Indy 500 he’s personally attended. “I’ve always been in love with that race,” he said. “I have many great memories of being there and seeing so many tremendous cars and drivers.”
Dr. Foster’s collection of Indy 500 Pace Cars and Festival Cars were mostly replicas, but among the more interesting in the lot included a 2005 Corvette that was one of the eight official pace cars for the race and the 2006 Corvette Z06 was one of six official pace cars of the Indianapolis 500. A 2004 model wearing the Pace Car Livery was also used as a Parade Car for the race. The collection featured eight IMS-authorized replicas and six Corvette Pace Car Editions, four of which have earned honors from Bloomington Gold and the NCRS.
One of the center points of any Indy 500 Corvette collection is the first Corvette to pace the Indianapolis 500. The Black/Silver 1978 Corvette Indy 500 Replica is number 2091 and has just 50 miles on the odometer since new and was Bloomington Gold Benchmark Certified.
The next Corvette to pace the 500 was the 1986 Corvette Convertible. This Yellow example matches the same color of the car used in the race and it’s a MCACN Triple Diamond Recipient with 17,342 miles on the clock.
Perhaps one of the most famous of the replica Indy 500 Pace Cars offered to the public was the outrageous 1998 Corvette Convertible in Radar Blue with Yellow wheels and seats. Dr. Foster purchased this 1998 Corvette Pace Car new and today it has just 17 miles.
The final Corvette in the collection is a bare 2022 Corvette that is still waiting to be customized with authorized replica decals. That car will be completed and sent to the buyer of Dr. Foster’s collection.
The Dr. Richard Foster Corvette Pace Car Collection | S159 | Indy 2022 | Mecum Auctions
The Dr. Richard Foster Corvette Pace Car Collection presented as Lot S159 at Indianapolis, IN
www.mecum.com
A collection of 18 Indy 500 Pace Cars and Festival Cars ranging from the first 1978 Corvette to pace the Greatest Spectacle in Racing to last year’s 2022 Corvette Stingray were offered during Dana Mecum’s Annual Spring Sale in Indianapolis.
The highly focused collection was assembled by an Indiana physician named Dr. Richard Foster over his lifetime, and it was offered as a single lot at the 35th Annual Spring Classic.
When it was all said and done, the 18 Corvettes sold for $1.375 Million!
The Indiana doctor says he began collecting the Indy 500 Pace Cars as a way to mark each Indy 500 he’s personally attended. “I’ve always been in love with that race,” he said. “I have many great memories of being there and seeing so many tremendous cars and drivers.”
Dr. Foster’s collection of Indy 500 Pace Cars and Festival Cars were mostly replicas, but among the more interesting in the lot included a 2005 Corvette that was one of the eight official pace cars for the race and the 2006 Corvette Z06 was one of six official pace cars of the Indianapolis 500. A 2004 model wearing the Pace Car Livery was also used as a Parade Car for the race. The collection featured eight IMS-authorized replicas and six Corvette Pace Car Editions, four of which have earned honors from Bloomington Gold and the NCRS.
One of the center points of any Indy 500 Corvette collection is the first Corvette to pace the Indianapolis 500. The Black/Silver 1978 Corvette Indy 500 Replica is number 2091 and has just 50 miles on the odometer since new and was Bloomington Gold Benchmark Certified.
The next Corvette to pace the 500 was the 1986 Corvette Convertible. This Yellow example matches the same color of the car used in the race and it’s a MCACN Triple Diamond Recipient with 17,342 miles on the clock.
Perhaps one of the most famous of the replica Indy 500 Pace Cars offered to the public was the outrageous 1998 Corvette Convertible in Radar Blue with Yellow wheels and seats. Dr. Foster purchased this 1998 Corvette Pace Car new and today it has just 17 miles.
The final Corvette in the collection is a bare 2022 Corvette that is still waiting to be customized with authorized replica decals. That car will be completed and sent to the buyer of Dr. Foster’s collection.
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
What a lovely collection. I thought all the pace cars were replicas. Usually only 3 cars are classed as real. The winner of the race gets one, Chevrolet keeps one, the Indy people get one. Then Chevrolet commissions X amount of replicas. The largest amount produced was in 1978 as Chevrolet wasn’t sure of the legalities of producing same and distributing same so each dealer got one car. The rarest was the 2004 white convertible driven by Morgan Freeman. No official replicas were produced.
Festival cars are those used on the day of the race for various VIP’s to travel about in/on/around the track.
Our 1993 Camaro pace car was a festival car.
Festival cars are those used on the day of the race for various VIP’s to travel about in/on/around the track.
Our 1993 Camaro pace car was a festival car.
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Nassau65
CCCUK Member
Probably the most popular corvette pace car is the 1978 Black/silver one. Possibly because they made so many, but it sure does look good.
I also like the purple/white 1995 convertible and the purple 98 with the yellow interior and wheels.
Pace cars got very “visual” from 1993 with the new Z28, applying multi coloured ribbons and graphics. Before that they were plain with mainly just door graphics. In fact they reverted back to plain for the 1994 mustang convertible but the 1995 corvette was jazzed up after negative comments about the 1994 car.
I also like the purple/white 1995 convertible and the purple 98 with the yellow interior and wheels.
Pace cars got very “visual” from 1993 with the new Z28, applying multi coloured ribbons and graphics. Before that they were plain with mainly just door graphics. In fact they reverted back to plain for the 1994 mustang convertible but the 1995 corvette was jazzed up after negative comments about the 1994 car.
teamzr1
Supporting vendor
The 2022 Indy 500 pace car is the new-for-2023 Corvette Z06.
Acknowledging the Corvette’s 70-year history, it is a 70th Anniversary Edition variant, finished in a special white pearl tri-coat metallic paint, special Corvette cross flags, red brake calipers and with the 70th Anniversary Edition logo on seats, steering wheel and sill plates.
It is powered by a 5.5-liter engine that pumps out 670hp, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 to reach the U.S. market in a production car.
It is equipped with the Z07 Performance Package, featuring a carbon fiber rear wing, ground effects, carbon ceramic brakes.
As well as being the 33rd time that a Chevrolet has paced the Indy 500 field, dating back to 1948, it’s the 19th time in this role for a Corvette, the first being in 1978.
Acknowledging the Corvette’s 70-year history, it is a 70th Anniversary Edition variant, finished in a special white pearl tri-coat metallic paint, special Corvette cross flags, red brake calipers and with the 70th Anniversary Edition logo on seats, steering wheel and sill plates.
It is powered by a 5.5-liter engine that pumps out 670hp, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 to reach the U.S. market in a production car.
It is equipped with the Z07 Performance Package, featuring a carbon fiber rear wing, ground effects, carbon ceramic brakes.
As well as being the 33rd time that a Chevrolet has paced the Indy 500 field, dating back to 1948, it’s the 19th time in this role for a Corvette, the first being in 1978.
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
It’s not surprising the corvette has now paced the Indy 500 more than any other vehicle. In fact many people wondered why it took soo long to make its debut in 1978.
I think attitudes to “pace cars” changed so that only sports cars would qualify in recent years. Why did they ever pick a Cadillac Eldorado convertible to pace a race. Something a little bit sporty is much better than a luxury Barge. ( don’t get me wrong, I love Eldorado convertibles, but don’t think they qualify as a pace car)
I think attitudes to “pace cars” changed so that only sports cars would qualify in recent years. Why did they ever pick a Cadillac Eldorado convertible to pace a race. Something a little bit sporty is much better than a luxury Barge. ( don’t get me wrong, I love Eldorado convertibles, but don’t think they qualify as a pace car)
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
If your into Diecast precision models The Franklin Mint done Quite a few “pace cars” including a lot of Corvettes. I think the only one they didn’t do was the 1995 one. I have them all ( including the non Corvettes) and found another make of 95 corvette to complete the collection. The last one they produced before they went out of business was the 2008 coupe and convertible.
teamzr1
Supporting vendor
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is the official Pace Car for the 2018 Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil and will lead drivers to the green flag on Sunday, May 27, for the 102nd running of the legendary race.
It marks the 15th time a Corvette has served as the official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29th time a Chevrolet has led the field dating back to 1948, when a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the race.
No other vehicle has served as the Pace Car more than the Corvette.
To celebrate the iconic supercar’s connection to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the 2019 Corvette ZR1 and the other 14 Corvettes that have paced the 500 were on display on the front straightaway today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Chevrolet is proud to once again pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Cars and Crossovers.
“The ZR1 is the most powerful and fastest Corvette ever made. It’s the perfect choice to pace ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car features:
LT5 Small Block 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine with 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque
8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission
ZTK Performance Package featuring a stanchion-mounted adjustable carbon-fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and performance suspension
Magnetic Selective Ride Control™
Brembo® Carbon Ceramic brake system
ZR1 chrome-aluminum wheels, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear
Standard Performance Traction Management and Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
Unique Indy 500 graphics package
GM Design fully integrated safety strobe system
Performance Data and Video Recorder
The Corvette ZR1 Pace Car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.85 seconds and reach a top track speed of 212 mph, the fastest Corvette in history.
Chevrolet has a storied history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race, and company cofounder Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500 races.
Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race, and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920.
“Chevrolet and IMS enjoy one of the longest-running and strongest bonds in motorsports,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president.
“Seeing all of the incredible Corvettes that have paced the Indianapolis 500 on the track today is an exciting reminder of the rich history of this great relationship.
This year’s Pace Car, the 2019 Corvette ZR1, is an incredible fast machine that is a perfect fit to lead the 500 field to the green flag.”
Chevrolet is pursuing its seventh consecutive IndyCar manufacturer championship this year, building on a successful 2017 season that saw 10 wins out of 17 races.
It marks the 15th time a Corvette has served as the official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29th time a Chevrolet has led the field dating back to 1948, when a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible paced the race.
No other vehicle has served as the Pace Car more than the Corvette.
To celebrate the iconic supercar’s connection to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the 2019 Corvette ZR1 and the other 14 Corvettes that have paced the 500 were on display on the front straightaway today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Chevrolet is proud to once again pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Cars and Crossovers.
“The ZR1 is the most powerful and fastest Corvette ever made. It’s the perfect choice to pace ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car features:
LT5 Small Block 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine with 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque
8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission
ZTK Performance Package featuring a stanchion-mounted adjustable carbon-fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and performance suspension
Magnetic Selective Ride Control™
Brembo® Carbon Ceramic brake system
ZR1 chrome-aluminum wheels, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear
Standard Performance Traction Management and Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
Unique Indy 500 graphics package
GM Design fully integrated safety strobe system
Performance Data and Video Recorder
The Corvette ZR1 Pace Car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.85 seconds and reach a top track speed of 212 mph, the fastest Corvette in history.
Chevrolet has a storied history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race, and company cofounder Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500 races.
Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race, and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920.
“Chevrolet and IMS enjoy one of the longest-running and strongest bonds in motorsports,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president.
“Seeing all of the incredible Corvettes that have paced the Indianapolis 500 on the track today is an exciting reminder of the rich history of this great relationship.
This year’s Pace Car, the 2019 Corvette ZR1, is an incredible fast machine that is a perfect fit to lead the 500 field to the green flag.”
Chevrolet is pursuing its seventh consecutive IndyCar manufacturer championship this year, building on a successful 2017 season that saw 10 wins out of 17 races.
teamzr1
Supporting vendor
The Corvette Grand Sport is the official pace car for the 2017 Indianapolis 500 and will lead drivers to the green flag on May 28 for the 101st running of the legendary race.
It marks the 14th time a Corvette has served as the official pace car, starting in 1978, and the 28th time a Chevrolet has led the field, dating back to 1948. No other vehicle has served as the pace car more than the Corvette.
“Chevrolet is proud to once again pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Cars and Crossovers. “The Corvette Grand Sport’s performance capability and motorsports heritage make it the perfect choice to pace the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport pace car features:
460-hp (343 kW) LT1 direct-injected V-8 engine with dry-sump oiling and active exhaust
Eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission
Equipped with the available carbon-fiber ground effects package
Specific Grand Sport wheel design: 19 x 10-inch (front) and 20 x 12-inch (rear)
Standard magnetic ride control, specific stabilizer bars and unique springs
Standard electronic limited-slip differential
Includes the available Z07 package, with carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors and 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear) high-performance tires
Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system with 15.5-inch (394 mm) rotors with six-piston calipers in front and 15.3-inch (380 mm) rotors with four-piston calipers in rear
Unique Indy 500 graphics package.
The Grand Sport pace car equipped with the Z07 package can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, cover the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds and achieve 1.2 g cornering capability.
Chevrolet has a storied history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race, and company cofounder Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500 races. Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920.
“Chevrolet and Indianapolis are inextricably linked, sharing one of the longest racing heritages in all of the motorsports,” said J. Douglas Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “We are proud of the longstanding relationship between Chevrolet and the Speedway, and we love having the Corvette Grand Sport lead the 500 field to the green flag.”
Chevrolet is pursuing its sixth consecutive IndyCar manufacturer championship this year, building on a successful 2016 season that saw 14 wins out of 16 races.
FAST FACT: The first Chevrolet Indianapolis 500 pace car was a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible.
It marks the 14th time a Corvette has served as the official pace car, starting in 1978, and the 28th time a Chevrolet has led the field, dating back to 1948. No other vehicle has served as the pace car more than the Corvette.
“Chevrolet is proud to once again pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Cars and Crossovers. “The Corvette Grand Sport’s performance capability and motorsports heritage make it the perfect choice to pace the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport pace car features:
460-hp (343 kW) LT1 direct-injected V-8 engine with dry-sump oiling and active exhaust
Eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission
Equipped with the available carbon-fiber ground effects package
Specific Grand Sport wheel design: 19 x 10-inch (front) and 20 x 12-inch (rear)
Standard magnetic ride control, specific stabilizer bars and unique springs
Standard electronic limited-slip differential
Includes the available Z07 package, with carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors and 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear) high-performance tires
Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system with 15.5-inch (394 mm) rotors with six-piston calipers in front and 15.3-inch (380 mm) rotors with four-piston calipers in rear
Unique Indy 500 graphics package.
The Grand Sport pace car equipped with the Z07 package can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, cover the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds and achieve 1.2 g cornering capability.
Chevrolet has a storied history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race, and company cofounder Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500 races. Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920.
“Chevrolet and Indianapolis are inextricably linked, sharing one of the longest racing heritages in all of the motorsports,” said J. Douglas Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “We are proud of the longstanding relationship between Chevrolet and the Speedway, and we love having the Corvette Grand Sport lead the 500 field to the green flag.”
Chevrolet is pursuing its sixth consecutive IndyCar manufacturer championship this year, building on a successful 2016 season that saw 14 wins out of 16 races.
FAST FACT: The first Chevrolet Indianapolis 500 pace car was a 1948 Fleetmaster Six convertible.
teamzr1
Supporting vendor
INDIANAPOLIS – Known for their charismatic designs and superior performance, the pack-leading pace cars share a special place in Indianapolis 500 lore.
History will be made at the 2008 Indianapolis 500 when a pair of distinctive yet highly differentiated Corvette models will serve as the official pace cars – one highlighting Chevrolet's commitment to fuel solutions and the other marking 30 years of Corvette's pace car heritage.
Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials gathered at the Indianapolis Auto Show to make the historic announcement.
One of the pace cars is a customized Corvette Z06 E85 concept that runs on E85 ethanol fuel, a domestically produced alternative fuel similar to the E100 fuel that powers all the racecars in the IndyCar Series.
It will be driven during the race's pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi.
The other official pace car is a black-and-silver commemorative edition that marks the 30th anniversary of the celebrated 1978 pace car – the first Corvette to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500.
Chevrolet will produce a total of 500 pace car replicas in both coupe and convertible form, each signed personally by Fittipaldi at the Corvette's Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant.
"Although not a production FlexFuel vehicle, the Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is a high-performance example of Chevrolet's gas-friendly to gas-free initiative, demonstrating viable fuel solutions," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.
"As an ethanol refiner in his native Brazil, Emerson Fittipaldi is the fitting Chevrolet champion to help support GM's efforts with E85 and celebrate 30 years of the Corvette pacing the Indianapolis 500."
The 92nd Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2008. It will be the Corvette's 10th appearance as the official pace car – a record unmatched by any other vehicle.
"It's only fitting that Corvette will be the first car to earn the distinction of having two models pace the Indianapolis 500 in the same year," said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer.
"Chevrolet and Corvette are a vital part of the rich history of 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,' and we're honored to have a great champion of the race and of alternative fuels, Emerson Fittipaldi, as this year's pace car driver."
Corvette Z06 E85 concept
The Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is based on the production Z06 – already one of the fastest and most powerful cars on the market – and blends its performance with the high-octane, renewable alternative fuel that is derived from a variety of crops grown across the United States.
E85 is blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Its benefits include reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and a reduced dependence on petroleum. GM is the leader in E85 production models, with more than 2.5 million E85-capable cars, trucks and SUVs on the road – with more on the way. Chevrolet offers seven E85-capable models in 2008.
Apart from the fuel system and powertrain controller revisions required to run E85, the Z06 concept pace car is mechanically stock. It is distinguished by a unique Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint scheme that changes between hues of green and gold when viewed from different angles and in different light. A subtle checkered flag pattern also is part of the paint scheme. Safety equipment and strobe lights are the only other equipment added to the car.
Emerson Fittipaldi: ambassador of racing and ethanol
After winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1989 and 1993 while driving for Chevrolet – and spending 30 years in his native Brazil as a refiner of ethanol – Emerson Fittipaldi is the perfect ambassador to lead the Indianapolis 500 in an E85-powered Corvette Z06.
"Most of the vehicles in Brazil are powered by ethanol produced from crops grown in the country, so I understand how a domestically produced renewable fuel can help the energy solutions of a nation," Fittipaldi said. "And the E85-powered Z06 concept pace car proves economic and environmental consciousness can be fun and exhilarating. I can't wait to get it on the racetrack."
Fittipaldi, whose personal cars include a Corvette Z06 and a Camaro awarded after winning the 1993 Indianapolis 500, resides in both Florida and Brazil. He has interests in several Brazilian ethanol companies and is an ardent champion of ethanol as a viable alternative to gasoline.
Brazil – the fifth-largest country in the world – is a global leader in ethanol usage in automobiles. Approximately 70 percent of Brazilian new cars are equipped with FlexFuel systems that allow the use of a gasoline/ethanol mix or pure ethanol. Ethanol production has grown tremendously during the last three decades and has allowed the country to practically wean itself completely from imported oil.
30th Anniversary commemorative edition
Commemorating one of the most recognizable Indianapolis 500 pace cars, the Corvette 30th Anniversary Pace Car features a black exterior with silver graphics that honors the 1978 model – the production replicas of which became instant collectibles and continue to stand as an iconic symbol of Corvette's heritage at the front of the Indy field.
In addition to the exterior color scheme, the anniversary models are equipped with a special, two-tone titanium-color interior, with the Indianapolis 500 logo embroidered on the seats. Coupe and convertible models are available. Each replica will be personally signed and numbered by Emerson Fittipaldi.
Both the coupe and convertible come equipped with Corvette's 3LT option package, Z51 performance package and dual-mode exhaust. Additional features include:
Choice of six-speed manual or six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions
LS3 small block V8 with 436 hp
New-for-2008 forged chrome five-spoke aluminum wheels
Corvette Z06 rear spoiler
Silver checkered flag graphics
Indy 500 logo fender badges
More information on pricing and availability will be announced a later date.
Corvette at Indy
The 2008 edition of the Indianapolis 500 represents Corvette's 10th time as the official pace car – and a record fifth-consecutive year – and Chevrolet's 19th time as the manufacturer selected to lead the field. Corvette's pace years and details include:
1978 – Driven by 1960 race winner Jim Rathmann; Chevrolet produced 6,502 production replicas
1986 – Driven by famed pilot Chuck Yeager; all 7,315 production convertibles were considered pace car convertibles and included official graphics (to be installed at the owner's discretion)
1995 – Driven by then Chevrolet General Manager Jim Perkins; 527 production replicas produced
1998 – Driven by 1963 race winner Parnelli Jones when an injury prevented golfer Greg Norman from performing the duty; 1,158 production replicas produced
2002 – Driven by actor Jim Caviezel; no production replicas produced but graphics were available through SPO – approximately 300 sets sold
2004 – Driven by actor Morgan Freeman; no production replicas produced
2005 – Driven by General Colin Powell; no production replicas produced
2006 – Driven by cycling champion Lance Armstrong; first Corvette Z06 pace car; no production replicas produced
2007 – Driven by actor Patrick Dempsey; 500 production replicas – all convertibles
2008 – Driven by Emerson Fittipaldi; 500 production replicas – coupes and convertibles
The Indianapolis 500 is the largest single-day spectator sporting event and the most prestigious auto race in the world.
"The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" has been run every year since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, except for the periods during the United States' participation in world wars in 1917-18 and 1942-45. The winner of the 92nd Indianapolis 500 will earn racing immortality, a spot on the famed Borg-Warner Trophy and a record winner's purse of at least $2.5 million.
History will be made at the 2008 Indianapolis 500 when a pair of distinctive yet highly differentiated Corvette models will serve as the official pace cars – one highlighting Chevrolet's commitment to fuel solutions and the other marking 30 years of Corvette's pace car heritage.
Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials gathered at the Indianapolis Auto Show to make the historic announcement.
One of the pace cars is a customized Corvette Z06 E85 concept that runs on E85 ethanol fuel, a domestically produced alternative fuel similar to the E100 fuel that powers all the racecars in the IndyCar Series.
It will be driven during the race's pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi.
The other official pace car is a black-and-silver commemorative edition that marks the 30th anniversary of the celebrated 1978 pace car – the first Corvette to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500.
Chevrolet will produce a total of 500 pace car replicas in both coupe and convertible form, each signed personally by Fittipaldi at the Corvette's Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant.
"Although not a production FlexFuel vehicle, the Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is a high-performance example of Chevrolet's gas-friendly to gas-free initiative, demonstrating viable fuel solutions," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.
"As an ethanol refiner in his native Brazil, Emerson Fittipaldi is the fitting Chevrolet champion to help support GM's efforts with E85 and celebrate 30 years of the Corvette pacing the Indianapolis 500."
The 92nd Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2008. It will be the Corvette's 10th appearance as the official pace car – a record unmatched by any other vehicle.
"It's only fitting that Corvette will be the first car to earn the distinction of having two models pace the Indianapolis 500 in the same year," said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer.
"Chevrolet and Corvette are a vital part of the rich history of 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,' and we're honored to have a great champion of the race and of alternative fuels, Emerson Fittipaldi, as this year's pace car driver."
Corvette Z06 E85 concept
The Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is based on the production Z06 – already one of the fastest and most powerful cars on the market – and blends its performance with the high-octane, renewable alternative fuel that is derived from a variety of crops grown across the United States.
E85 is blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Its benefits include reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and a reduced dependence on petroleum. GM is the leader in E85 production models, with more than 2.5 million E85-capable cars, trucks and SUVs on the road – with more on the way. Chevrolet offers seven E85-capable models in 2008.
Apart from the fuel system and powertrain controller revisions required to run E85, the Z06 concept pace car is mechanically stock. It is distinguished by a unique Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint scheme that changes between hues of green and gold when viewed from different angles and in different light. A subtle checkered flag pattern also is part of the paint scheme. Safety equipment and strobe lights are the only other equipment added to the car.
Emerson Fittipaldi: ambassador of racing and ethanol
After winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1989 and 1993 while driving for Chevrolet – and spending 30 years in his native Brazil as a refiner of ethanol – Emerson Fittipaldi is the perfect ambassador to lead the Indianapolis 500 in an E85-powered Corvette Z06.
"Most of the vehicles in Brazil are powered by ethanol produced from crops grown in the country, so I understand how a domestically produced renewable fuel can help the energy solutions of a nation," Fittipaldi said. "And the E85-powered Z06 concept pace car proves economic and environmental consciousness can be fun and exhilarating. I can't wait to get it on the racetrack."
Fittipaldi, whose personal cars include a Corvette Z06 and a Camaro awarded after winning the 1993 Indianapolis 500, resides in both Florida and Brazil. He has interests in several Brazilian ethanol companies and is an ardent champion of ethanol as a viable alternative to gasoline.
Brazil – the fifth-largest country in the world – is a global leader in ethanol usage in automobiles. Approximately 70 percent of Brazilian new cars are equipped with FlexFuel systems that allow the use of a gasoline/ethanol mix or pure ethanol. Ethanol production has grown tremendously during the last three decades and has allowed the country to practically wean itself completely from imported oil.
30th Anniversary commemorative edition
Commemorating one of the most recognizable Indianapolis 500 pace cars, the Corvette 30th Anniversary Pace Car features a black exterior with silver graphics that honors the 1978 model – the production replicas of which became instant collectibles and continue to stand as an iconic symbol of Corvette's heritage at the front of the Indy field.
In addition to the exterior color scheme, the anniversary models are equipped with a special, two-tone titanium-color interior, with the Indianapolis 500 logo embroidered on the seats. Coupe and convertible models are available. Each replica will be personally signed and numbered by Emerson Fittipaldi.
Both the coupe and convertible come equipped with Corvette's 3LT option package, Z51 performance package and dual-mode exhaust. Additional features include:
Choice of six-speed manual or six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions
LS3 small block V8 with 436 hp
New-for-2008 forged chrome five-spoke aluminum wheels
Corvette Z06 rear spoiler
Silver checkered flag graphics
Indy 500 logo fender badges
More information on pricing and availability will be announced a later date.
Corvette at Indy
The 2008 edition of the Indianapolis 500 represents Corvette's 10th time as the official pace car – and a record fifth-consecutive year – and Chevrolet's 19th time as the manufacturer selected to lead the field. Corvette's pace years and details include:
1978 – Driven by 1960 race winner Jim Rathmann; Chevrolet produced 6,502 production replicas
1986 – Driven by famed pilot Chuck Yeager; all 7,315 production convertibles were considered pace car convertibles and included official graphics (to be installed at the owner's discretion)
1995 – Driven by then Chevrolet General Manager Jim Perkins; 527 production replicas produced
1998 – Driven by 1963 race winner Parnelli Jones when an injury prevented golfer Greg Norman from performing the duty; 1,158 production replicas produced
2002 – Driven by actor Jim Caviezel; no production replicas produced but graphics were available through SPO – approximately 300 sets sold
2004 – Driven by actor Morgan Freeman; no production replicas produced
2005 – Driven by General Colin Powell; no production replicas produced
2006 – Driven by cycling champion Lance Armstrong; first Corvette Z06 pace car; no production replicas produced
2007 – Driven by actor Patrick Dempsey; 500 production replicas – all convertibles
2008 – Driven by Emerson Fittipaldi; 500 production replicas – coupes and convertibles
The Indianapolis 500 is the largest single-day spectator sporting event and the most prestigious auto race in the world.
"The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" has been run every year since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, except for the periods during the United States' participation in world wars in 1917-18 and 1942-45. The winner of the 92nd Indianapolis 500 will earn racing immortality, a spot on the famed Borg-Warner Trophy and a record winner's purse of at least $2.5 million.
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
Was always surprised the Pontiac Trans Am didn’t do more Indy pacing. I think it was only twice 2nd generation in 1980 and 3rd generation in 1989. Both editions were white. Those 1989 editions have really increased in price. Nice cars, but very plain. As was the norm in those days only had very plain door graphics.
Considering what a great car the 4th generation Trans Am was, and the fact that a 1993 Camaro was chosen to pace the 93 Indy, I was always surprised the T/A wasn’t selected. Thought it might make it for 2002 as that was the last year for the F body, but it didn’t.
Considering what a great car the 4th generation Trans Am was, and the fact that a 1993 Camaro was chosen to pace the 93 Indy, I was always surprised the T/A wasn’t selected. Thought it might make it for 2002 as that was the last year for the F body, but it didn’t.
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