Indianapolis, Indiana – The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will take the spotlight as the official Pace Car for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, set for Sunday, May 25, at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). With its record-breaking capabilities and stunning performance features, the Corvette ZR1 is the perfect car to lead the field of 33 drivers in one of the world’s most prestigious racing events.
Known for its unrivaled power and sleek design, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is poised to showcase its impressive top speed of 233 mph, the highest of any car ever made in the United States. This vehicle’s combination of speed and elegance makes it an ideal choice to guide the Indianapolis 500 drivers onto the track, setting the stage for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Michael Strahan, the celebrated Pro Football Hall of Fame member and two-time Daytime Emmy Award winner, will serve as the honorary Pace Car driver for this momentous occasion. Strahan, who is a longtime analyst for “FOX NFL Sunday” and co-host of “Good Morning America,” is no stranger to high-profile roles, and now, he adds this incredible milestone to his impressive list of achievements. Strahan will have the honor of pacing the field in the Corvette ZR1, leading the drivers toward the green flag at the start of the legendary race.
“We are proud that the 2025 Corvette ZR1, our fastest Corvette ever, will be the Official Pace Car for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Scott Bell, global Chevrolet vice president. “With a top speed of 233 mph, the Corvette ZR1 is the perfect fit to lead the Indy 500 field to green.”
The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is not just a car; it’s a statement of performance. With a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 engine, the Corvette ZR1 delivers an astonishing 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, making it the most powerful V8 ever produced in the U.S. and the most powerful factory Corvette to date. This incredible power enables the Corvette ZR1 to achieve remarkable acceleration: it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, completing a quarter-mile run in 9.6 seconds at 150 mph. These statistics make it the quickest Corvette ever produced.
For its duties as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, the Corvette ZR1 has been fitted with the Carbon Aero package, which includes dive planes on the front bumper, underbody aero strakes, and a rear wing. Together, these enhancements create over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speeds, ensuring the vehicle remains stable and agile, even when navigating the high-speed demands of the racetrack.
The exterior of the Corvette ZR1 features Arctic White paint, complemented by Jet Black interior accents. These colors are highlighted by the distinctive Indianapolis 500 logos, which are emblazoned on the car’s exterior. The emerald green and gold of the logo are showcased with racing stripes and additional exterior design elements, making the car as striking as it is powerful. Carbon fiber wheels further enhance the car’s performance-driven aesthetic, completing its race-ready look.
“As we anticipate another iconic Indianapolis 500, we are once again excited to have the incredible American sports car Corvette pacing the field,” said J. Douglas Boles, president of IMS and INDYCAR. “The race car-like performance of the Corvette ZR1 makes it the perfect car to pace the Indianapolis 500, and the distinctive sound of the Chevrolet V8 engine will echo brilliantly inside the walls of IMS.”
The Corvette has an undeniable connection to the Indianapolis 500. As the longest-running car nameplate in automotive history, it’s no surprise that Corvette has paced the Indianapolis 500 more times than any other car. This year marks the 36th time that Chevrolet has been the official Pace Car for the race, a tradition that dates back to 1948. Out of those 36 appearances, the Corvette has paced the field 22 times since 1978, a testament to the deep-rooted relationship between Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500.
As the anticipation for this year’s race builds, the Corvette ZR1 continues to embody the innovation and dedication to performance that have made it an iconic symbol of American automotive engineering. The 109th Indianapolis 500 will not only celebrate the athletes who race on the track but also the powerful machines that make the event possible. The Corvette ZR1, with its unmatched speed and performance, will undoubtedly add to the grandeur of this legendary race.
Chevrolet’s involvement in the Indianapolis 500 highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional performance vehicles to enthusiasts worldwide. Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest and most respected car brands, available in 80 countries. The company continues to innovate, offering a range of vehicles that feature advanced safety features, cutting-edge technology, and remarkable performance.
With a legacy of producing vehicles that are as exciting to drive as they are reliable, Chevrolet has long been synonymous with American sports car culture. The Corvette ZR1’s appearance as the official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 is just one example of how the brand continues to push the boundaries of automotive performance.
The excitement surrounding the 109th Indianapolis 500 is palpable, and fans can expect a thrilling event filled with high-speed action, unforgettable moments, and the unmistakable roar of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 leading the way. For more information on the race, tickets, and the full list of events during the Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, visit IMS.com.
As Chevrolet celebrates its 36th time pacing the iconic race, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is more than just a car – it’s a symbol of innovation, speed, and the spirit of competition that defines the Indianapolis 500.
