ZR1 Corvette Selected as Prized Pace Car For 2018 Indy 500

A famed event that is bound to get everyone excited here in Knoxville is the coming of the Indianapolis 500. Billed as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, it is included as part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which comprises three of the most heralded events worldwide, including the Monaco Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of LeMans. It is very thrilling for all of us here at West Chevy to announce that the 2019 Corvette ZR1 will be the car chosen to lead drivers to the green flag that Sunday, in the high-octane and action-packed race sponsored by PennGrade Motor Oil.

This is the 15^th time that a Corvette has been awarded the duty of official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29^th time that a Chevy car has led the way, a tradition that dates way back to 1948. This was when a Fleetmaster six convertible was the selected leader. There has been no other vehicle at all that served as the front-running leader to the flag more often than the Corvette, and to celebrate this legacy, the 2019 ZR1 along with 14 other 'Vettes that have Paced during the Indianapolis 500 were on display there last week. It makes sense that the fastest Corvette ever made is going to proudly pace for the Indy once again, and many who are unfamiliar with the wide spectrum of this amazing car's potential will get an opportunity to witness it up close and personal.

The 2019 ZR1 Pace Car musters its muscle for the track from the LT5 Small Block 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, with 755 hp, and 715 lb-ft of torque. Shifting duties are completed by means of the 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission, slaying the task at hand while the ZR1 avidly handles every inch of the track. We can show you here at West Chevy how the performance package enhances the ZR1: it adds an adjustable stanchion-mounted carbon fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires, and the world-class performance-tuned suspension.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is the very first fast-reacting suspension ever built, originally presented to the high-performance market from Cadillac. This amazing system uses a specific fluid that is infused expertly with magnetized particles, that are put in place to respond to the rapid changes that occur during different driving conditions, and variances in speed on the track. It was engineered with such a high level of expertise, that it can respond and react quickly to every unique corner or bump in the road with amazing precision, and quickly make adjustments to perfect the ride.

The Performance Data and Video Recorder available for the ZR1 converts the vehicle into an advanced driving analysis tool. Every aspect of your driving is recorded, including real-time video and audio, along with 34 different channels of performance data, to help review your last drive. You can take an up-close look at your most thrilling moments from the track, and use the data to analyze how to hone in on lowering your time, or handling for your next run. Everyone on staff here at West Chevy of Knoxville will be watching the race this May, and we can't contain our excitement about once again offering up another Pace Car contender!