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Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition to Pace Indy 500 Hollywood Star Jim Caviezel Revved Up To Drive
INDIANAPOLIS, IN –
A special 50th Anniversary Edition of Chevrolet’s upcoming
2003 Corvette was unveiled today as the Official Pace Car of this year’s
Indianapolis 500. Taking part in the announcement at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway was motion picture actor Jim Caviezel, who will serve as
driver of the Corvette pace car. The 86th running of the
Indianapolis 500 on May 26, 2002, will bring together three powerful
symbols that stir the imaginations of enthusiasts around the world:
Chevrolet, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hollywood. Corvette will perform Indy 500 pace car
duties for the fifth time. This also marks the 13th time a
Chevrolet vehicle has served as the official pace car – the most
appearances by any brand. "This year’s Memorial Day classic
will showcase America’s favorite sports car at the greatest spectacle
in racing," said Rick Baldick, Corvette brand manager. "It
will also be a milestone event for the history books, as it signals the
start of a yearlong celebration leading up to Corvette’s 50th
anniversary in 2003." The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been
the site of many memorable events since the facility opened in 1909. For
the fans, this year’s Indy 500 is anticipated to be one of the best
yet. "The Indianapolis 500 and Chevrolet
have had a longtime relationship," said Tony George, president and
CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "It’s an honor to have
the 50th Anniversary Edition Corvette make its world debut at
the head of the pack and to have Chevrolet return to open-wheel racing
with its new Chevy Indy V8 for the Indy Racing League. "Having an enthusiastic fan of
motorsports like Jim Caviezel at the wheel of the pace car adds to the
excitement for our fans," noted George. Caviezel plays the lead role of Tom
Chapman in "High Crimes," the soon-to-be-released 20th
Century Fox movie centered around an alleged military deserter charged
with participating in a mass killing in El Salvador. The Mount Vernon,
Wash., native can be seen in the title role of Edmond Dantes in
"The Count of Monte Cristo." To date, the closest Caviezel has
come to participating in any form of motorsports has been in the
starring role in "Madison," a true story about the community
of Madison, Ind., and its desire to win a Gold Cup hydroplane race. "Without a doubt about it,"
said Caviezel, "pacing the Indy 500 is certainly an opportunity of
a lifetime. From a Hollywood perspective, winning an Academy Award is
the ultimate honor one can received. For a race fan like me, being in
control of the Corvette pace car ahead of those 33 race machines will be
an adrenaline rush second to none." Does the future for the 33-year-old
actor ever see him capturing both Hollywood’s top honor and an IRL
checkered flag? "I know I could win a race," quipped a
confident Caviezel, "but only if it was written into a movie
script. For me, an Oscar™ would come easier." The 86th running of the
Indianapolis 500 marks the return of Chevrolet to the most hallowed
ground in motorsports. Chevrolet will compete in the Indy 500 for the
first time since 1993 with the all-new Chevy Indy V8 racing engine.
Chevrolet won 86 Indy-style races, including six Indianapolis 500
victories, and five series championships in 1986-93. "We’re proud that the 2003
Corvette has been named Official Pace Car of the 86th
Indianapolis 500," said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general manager.
"The excitement that builds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from
opening day until the checkered flag falls mirrors the excitement that
is building around Corvette’s 50th anniversary. "Chevrolet’s racing heritage
began with company co-founder Louis Chevrolet, who gained international
fame as an engineer and race car driver," Ritter noted. "I
wouldn’t be surprised if the bronze statue of him that stands outside
the Hall of Fame Museum was smiling at the news about Corvette and Chevy’s
return to the Brickyard." The Corvette that will serve as the Indy
500 Pace Car is virtually identical to the 50th Anniversary
Edition Coupe available for purchase later this summer through local
Chevrolet dealerships. It’s equipped with a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine
that produces 350 horsepower in production trim. Corvette incorporates
advanced technology such as hydroformed frame rails, Active Handling
System, driver-selectable suspension modes and optional Head-Up Display. Like every Corvette built since June
1981, the pace car was produced at General Motors’ Bowling Green, Ky.,
assembly plant. Few modifications to the vehicle were made to prepare it
for pace car duty. They include application of the special exterior
graphics wrapped over the "Anniversary Red" exterior and a
lower restriction muffler system. Inclusion of four-point racing-type
safety belts and a safety strobe light system have been made as required
by the Indy Racing League. Use of heavy-duty transmission and steering
coolers add further assurance of optimum performance in the harsh
environment of professional racing. "The cars that compete in the
Indianapolis 500 are finely built machines that are designed for maximum
speed," said Baldick. "Corvette is just as purposeful in its
own right. For 49 years, Corvette has remained true to its sports car
heritage. Corvette combines power, performance, handling and technology
– while delivering the maximum amount of driving pleasure to those who
value high performance. "When Corvette and Jim Caviezel
lead the field to the green flag on May 26, it will be the start of
something big for racing fans and for all Corvette enthusiasts around
the world," added Baldick. Chevrolet has paced the Indianapolis 500
a total of 12 times, more than any other brand:
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