This Z06 wears special graphics on its body. Former IndyCar racer Sarah Fisher will be driver.
The pace vehicle for the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29 will be a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 70th Anniversary Edition. Sarah Fisher, a former IndyCar driver, will take the wheel.
The 670-horsepower 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 in the 2023 Corvette Z06 pace car is the same as in the road-going version. It comes with the Z07 Performance Package, which includes Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations, carbon-fiber wheels with Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tyres, and carbon-ceramic brakes, among other things. Carbon parts are also included in the set.
The pace car is finished in White Pearl Metallic Tri-Coat and has the 70th Anniversary Edition package. It comes with red rimmed wheels and anniversary centre caps. The callipers on the brakes are red. The engine cover on coupes is red. Ceramic two-tone leather with suede inserts and red contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel are featured on the inside.
There are also some unique features on the pace vehicle that aren’t found in retail versions. A black stripe runs down the middle of the body, with a red band on the driver’s side. “70 1953 – 2023” is written on the roof, while “Z06” is written on the rear spoiler. Each door is adorned with Indy 500 images.
Chevy plans to start building the 2023 Z06 this summer. At this time, the automaker doesn’t yet have official pricing for the sporty model.
Since its debut in 1978, the Corvette has been the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 19 times. It’s also the sixth year in a row that a ‘Vette has been assigned to this job. In 2016, the post was filled by a Camaro. The Dodge Viper GTS was the last non-General Motors vehicle to serve as the pace car in 1996.
In her racing career, Sarah Fisher qualified for the Indy 500 nine times. In 2002, she set a new record for a female driver with a four-lap qualifying speed of 229.439 mph. Since 2017, she has driven the Indy 500 pace car during caution periods.
This marks the 19th time for the Corvette to be the Indy 500 pace car since its premiere appearance in 1978. It’s also the sixth consecutive year for a ‘Vette to have this duty. A Camaro had the job in 2016. The last time a non-General-Motors automaker had a vehicle as the pace car was the Dodge Viper GTS in 1996.
Sarah Fisher qualified for the Indy 500 nine times in her racing career. Her four-lap qualifying speed of 229.439 miles per hour in 2002 is still the record for a female driver. She has been the Indy 500 pace car driver during caution periods since 2017.
Source:Â IndyCar
