The 2004 88th Running of the Indianapolis 500 - Paced by a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe!

The 88th running of the Indianapolis 500 held on May 30, 2004, brought together two powerful symbols that stir the imaginations of enthusiasts around the world...Chevrolet and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway...as a 2004 Corvette Convertible served once again as the Official Pace Car of this year's Indianapolis 500. Actor Morgan Freeman was the Honorary Starter and drove the Official Pace car leading the field to the start of the 88th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

Corvette performed Indy 500 pace car duties for a record sixth time, being driven by the actor, Morgan Freeman. This also marked the third consecutive year and 15th time overall that a Chevrolet product has served as the official pace vehicle - the most appearances by any brand.

As the 2004 model year was the last of Corvette's current "C-5" design, pacing the Indy 500 acknowledged the significance the vehicle played in American culture.

The 2004 Corvette that served as the Indy 500 Pace Car was virtually identical to the Convertibles available through local Chevrolet dealerships.

Like race cars, the duties of a pace car can be long and strenuous. During the last two races, for example, the Chevy pace vehicle cars led the field for a combined 84 laps (210 miles) of the total 400 race laps (1,000 miles) run, at an average lap speed of 75 mph. Even during green flag race conditions, the pace cars patiently run at idle, ready for action at a moment's notice.

Very few modifications were made to the Corvette to prepare it for it's duties this year: heavy-duty transmission and power steering coolers, a lower restriction muffler system, four-point racing-type safety belts and a safety strobe light system.

A white and blue two-tone paint treatment incorporates Americana-themed graphics, tying into Chevrolet's new "An American Revolution" marketing theme. The theme captures Chevrolet's pride and passion for innovation, and for success not only in motorsports, but also as it launches 10 new car and truck products in 20 months.

Chevrolet produced no replicas of this year's Pace Car to sell to the public, although some Pace Car diehard enthusuiasts have gone thru the trouble to recreate one of these beauties.

The winner of this year's race was Buddy Rice, driving his Rahal Letterman Racing Panoz G Force/Honda.                        

Photos below courtesy of the Speedway and Chevrolet.

During the 2004 Indianapolis 500 race, Corvettes (and Chevrolet SSR vehicles) were used as Official support vehicles, more commonly referred to as "Festival" or "Track Vehicles".

Red Chevrolet SSR's (33) were used as the Official Festival Vehicle, being assigned to the 500 Festival Committee this year. White Corvettes (30) and the SSR's were also used for Sponsor / VIP laps which were done at 10:30 am prior to the start of the race on race day. Each VIP was introduced individually and had their chance to wave to the camera. After their introduction they proceeded to the vehicles in Pit Lane for their lap. 

Once loaded, each car proceeded through Pit Lane exit onto the track. They lapped at 35 mph and then entered pit lane from the north and proceeded to the start/finish line where they unloaded.

Five Corvettes were sent to Bloomington where they were used for the "Little 500". The "Little 500" is a bike race between the frat houses on the campus of Indiana University. The movie "Breaking Away" is based on this event. The Speedway has been taking cars from the track to the event for the past four years.

There were also Lemans Blue Corvettes used for the "Dealer drive-away" program that was sponsored by the North Central Region of Chevrolet.  On race day, 44 Corvettes and 22 Colorado's, driven by 66 proud dealers from Chevy's North Central sales region had a parade lap. These were white and red so with the Corvettes on track it was a red,
white and blue lap, with the vehicles sent out in order. Riding in these Chevrolet vehicles were some very special guests for the 2004 race. They included almost 100 members of the military representing all branches of military service.

Below is a mix of photos of the White Track support cars, and Blue Dealer drive-away cars.  Pace car driver Morgan Freeman is seen getting his track lap in, as well as Country Singer Lee Ann Womack, who sang God Bless America during pre-race ceremonies. The Red SSR's can be seen on track prior to the drive-away festivities the next morning when they were picked up by the 500 Festival Committee Directors. 

Some of the White Corvettes were carried over to the Brickyard 400 race later that year.  The event logo graphics from the Indy 500 were removed and replaced with those from the Brickyard.  These cars were used as track support vehicles during the race and carried drivers on their Driver Introduction laps prior to the race, as well as carrying race winner Jeff Gordon on his Winner's lap.

This year's 500 Festival Queen was Jennifer McConnell.