The 2017 Indianapolis 500 race is just around the corner, and the race organizers have just announced that the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is the race's new pace car. The Grand Sport is the 14th Corvette and the 28th Chevrolet to lead the field at Indy, both of which are records.

"Chevrolet is proud to once again pace the Indianapolis 500,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Chevrolet 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."

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Suited to Lead a Pack of Wild Race Cars

Equipped with the available carbon-fiber ground effects package and the 6.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 460 horsepower, the Corvette Grand Sport is more than capable of leading the pack at Indianapolis. This specific version is also fitted with the optional Z07 package, which adds carbon-ceramic matrix brake rotors and high-performance tires. Charging from 0 to 60 mph takes only 3.6 seconds in this configuration, so performance isn't an issue during yellow flags.

On top of the factory-fitted features, the pace car sports unique "Indy 500" graphics. The package includes blue stripes on the engine hood and roof, red accents on the splitter, front fenders and side skirts, and blue and red lettering on the doors.

Why it Matters

This is a very important event for Chevrolet at Indianapolis. Not only is the Grand Sport the 14th Corvette and 28th Chevrolet to lap Indy, it's also doing it as the company is pursuing its sixth consecutive IndyCar manufacturer championship this year. It's also worth noting that the Grand Sport is the 16th consecutive Chevy and the 21st consecutive GM car to lead the field at Indianapolis. Impressive achievements to say the least!

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport here.