The 2005 89th Running of the Indianapolis 500 - Paced by a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible!

For a record seventh time, Corvette paced the Indianapolis 500. General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State, drove a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette convertible pace car to lead the field to the start of the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2005.

FOR RELEASE: 2005-04-05

Neither Powell nor the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a stranger to Corvette. For a record seventh time, Corvette will pace the Indianapolis 500, and Powell owns a 2005 Corvette coupe.

This race will be the track debut of the sixth-generation Corvette convertible. It marks the fourth consecutive year and 16th time overall that a Chevrolet has served as the official pace vehicle-the most appearances by any brand.

"We're honored that such a distinguished American as Gen. Powell will drive the Corvette pace car since honoring the sacrifice of America's military heroes is such an important part of the tradition of this event and Memorial Day weekend," said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. "It's also gratifying to continue the long relationship between the Indianapolis 500 and Chevrolet with such an exciting, performance-bred vehicle as the Corvette convertible pacing the field for what should be a thrilling race."

As Secretary of State from January 2001 to January 2005, Powell led the State Department in major efforts to solve regional and civil conflicts. Prior to this position, Powell served as the chairman of America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth, a national crusade to improve the lives of the nation's youth, and wrote "My American Journey," his best-selling autobiography. Before that, he served as a key aide to the Secretary of Defense and as national security adviser to President Reagan. He also served 35 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of four-star general and serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-93). During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including the Panama intervention of 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Powell is the recipient of numerous U.S. military awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart. He has received awards from more than two dozen countries, including a French Legion of Honor and an honorary knighthood bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. Powell was born in New York and grew up in the South Bronx.

"We're proud that this year's Indianapolis 500 will showcase the new sixth-generation Corvette convertible and honored that it will be driven by the highly distinguished and decorated Gen. Powell at this Memorial Day classic," said Rick Scheidt, Chevrolet executive director for product and brand development. "The 2005 Corvette is infused with technology derived from GM Racing and to have it pace this important event acknowledges the significance the vehicle has played in American culture for more than 50 years." 

Photos below courtesy of the Speedway and Chevrolet.

As noted above, for 2005 Chevrolet Corvette was again chosen to perform "Official Pace Car" duties. A Red and Silver Corvette Convertible with painted graphics was used for this role.

Yellow Chevrolet SSR's were used for Festival Committee and Parade duties.

Additionally, eight Red Corvette Convertibles, with simple graphics (event logo on door, "An American Revolution" windshield header, and several IMS Wing and Wheel decals) were at the Speedway.

These Corvettes played a minimal role in the race this year, but were part of a promotion called the "An American Revolution - Chevrolet Dealership Sales Challenge". They were used for laps on the track, then awarded to the eight winning dealers in the country who exceeded their sales challenge.

This year's 500 Festival Queen was Deven Wayman.