America’s Hypercar Takes the Lead at Indy

This May, all eyes will be on the front of the grid at Indianapolis Motor Speedway — and a Chevrolet will be leading the way. The 2026 Corvette ZR1X has been selected as the Official Pace Car for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, taking place Sunday, May 24.

The ZR1X isn’t just a showpiece. With 1,250 horsepower delivered across all four wheels, it combines a 186 hp electric front motor with a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 producing 1,064 hp at the rear. The result? A car capable of hitting 60 mph in under 2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 233 mph — putting it firmly in the company of the race cars it will lead.

For Pace Car duty, the ZR1X is outfitted with the full Carbon Aero package, complete with dive planes, underbody aero strakes, and a rear wing generating more than 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. This is no ordinary pace car.

Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary

The livery is as striking as the performance. Designed alongside the Stars and Steel Collection, the ZR1X features a bold stars-and-stripes treatment with a unique twist: the car appears Arctic White from the driver’s side and Admiral Blue from the opposite profile. A painted stripe runs the full length of the carbon fiber spine on the rear hatch, and the interior carries the theme through with Santorini Blue seats, red accent seat belts, and red stitched floor mats.

“Every element was deliberately crafted to honor this milestone while expressing a forward-looking vision of Chevrolet design,” said Chevrolet Global Executive Design Director Phil Zak.

Leading the field of 33 drivers to the green flag will be Indiana University Head Football Coach Curt Cignetti, honored for guiding IU Football to an undefeated National Championship season. It’s a fitting tribute to a historic year in Indiana sports.

The 2026 race marks the 37th time Chevrolet has paced the Indianapolis 500, dating back to 1948, and the 23rd time for the Corvette specifically. No other car has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more often, and with good reason. The Corvette is the longest-running nameplate in automotive history, and it continues to represent the very best of American performance and craftsmanship.

Come visit us at Maritime Chevrolet to see the latest from Corvette’s legendary lineup, including the all-electric E-Ray. 

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