The 2024 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 - Paced by a 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-RAY Coupe!

             

The quickest production Corvette in history, which also featured electrified All-Wheel Drive (eAWD), led the field to the green flag Sunday, May 26 at IMS driven by Baseball legend Ken Griffey, Jr. The first overall pick in the 1987 draft and a 13-time All-Star, Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history.

From the announcement on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

Designed for year-round performance, the Corvette E-Ray and its electrified All-Wheel Drive (eAWD) capability is up for any challenge, and the exterior and interior of the Corvette E-Ray will be on full display as the car fulfills responsibilities on and off the track.

“We are proud to announce the E-Ray, which is the first electrified and quickest production Corvette ever, will be pacing the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Scott Bell, global Chevrolet vice president. “As we often say, Chevrolet and INDYCAR share the same spirit of competition and performance-oriented, cutting-edge technology, making E-Ray the perfect fit to pace this year’s race.”

The Corvette E-Ray is the only sports car pairing two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD, making it one like none. A 6.2L V-8 is complemented by the electric motor that channels an additional 160 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels for 655 combined horsepower.

The addition of the electric drive unit helps the E-Ray achieve incredible acceleration – from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds before breezing through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. Stealth Mode enables the Corvette E-Ray to drive on electric power for up to 4 miles at speeds up to 45 mph.

The Corvette E-Ray features a host of functional design elements, adding wider fenders, quarter panels and fascias. The result is a sleek, sculpted presence with a number of aerodynamic and performance benefits. Standard ground effects and spoiler contribute further to its aerodynamic prowess, while matching body-color accents provide a refined look.

Arctic white exterior paint and two-tone jet black and natural interior accents, inspired by fighter jets, pair nicely with the Indianapolis 500 logos on the Pace Car. Carbon fiber wheels, with exclusive standard all-season tires, complete the car’s iconic, race-ready look and provide sure-footed performance in a variety of conditions.

“As we anticipate another record-breaking Indianapolis 500, it’s only fitting that the quickest production Corvette will pace the field,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The performance enhancements tested on the track make their way to the street, and the Corvette E-Ray is a prime example of that Chevrolet innovation.”

Corvette is the longest-running car nameplate in automotive industry history, so it’s no surprise Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2024 race marks the 35th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 21st time overall, since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in 80 countries. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Photos below courtesy of the Speedway.

In addition to the Corvette ZR1 Pace Cars, there were the usual Festival and Event support vehicles provided by Chevrolet. This year eleven Corvette Stingray Hardtop Convertibles were onsite at the track to assist with supporting the race activities.  They were introduced at the annual "Driveaway" event at the Speedway on March 31st when this year's 500 Festival vehicles (White Silverado Pickup Trucks) took their ceremonial pace lap and were then driven off by their assigned Festival Director.  

The Corvette's were identically equipped and were Red Mist Metallic with Carbon Flash painted nacelles and roof.  The cars were equipped with a Natural interior along with the event graphics applied at the Speedway.  They were assigned to IMS/ICS /Penske Entertainment VIP's to use this year.  Eight cars were also used on the first pace lap, leading the Official Pace Corvette E-RAY and the race field before turning that duty over to the E-RAY.

	Lissania Perez Diaz was this year's 500 Festival Queen Scholar.