Chuck Hutton In-Depth Racing Report: Corvette Grand Sport's Indy Appearance

Everyone that works here in sales and service is always apt to get excited when the best of a car line is scheduled to make an appearance just where it deserves: at a world-class racing event. The Corvette Grand Sport is slated to be the official pace car for the 2017 Indianapolis 500, and will lead the way to the green flag on May 28, for the 101st running of this important event. This is the 14th time that a 'Vette has been selected to serve as the signature pace car; the first time was just two years after the bicentennial year of 1976. No other vehicle has put in the time for the job of pace car more often tan the Corvette, and Chevy is proud to once again pace the Indy 500. The race itself along with the brand have shared a rich and robust partnership since the 1920's, and this year's event promises to be exciting.

The Indy 500 truly is the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, with a permanent seating capacity of over 250,000. The 100th anniversary was celebrated 6 years ago, and Alexander Rossi is currently the defending champion. As many diehards know, drivers race 200 laps around the track counterclockwise, covering a total distance of 500 miles. Always scheduled on or near Memorial Day, this is one of the true tests of durability and agility for car and driver. During 1912, the purse for this event was $50,000... and limited to 33 as well as a mandatory mechanic. Technical specs for the Indy 500 are currently written by IndyCar, and the Corvette will once again proudly lead the pack for all of the participants involved.

There are many reasons why everyone here at Chuck Hutton feels that the Corvette is the best pick to lead the pack as far as the Indy 500 is concerned. Its 460-hp LTI Direct-injected V-8 engine under the hood is a great means of power for the vehicle, and 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission guides the way in terms of shifting. The Grand Sport is also able to be purchased with a carbon-fiber ground effects package, and has top-notch standard magnetic ride control as well as unique springs that help with suspension and ride. The optional Z07 package provides carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors, and the 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 High-performance tires will provide you the best navigation possible in any location.

The Grand Sport's Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system has 15.5-inch rotors with six-piston calipers in the front, and 15.3-inch rotors with four-piston calipers in rear. You can also opt for the unique Indy 500 graphics package, which will allow you as the driver to aptly display your pride for this landmark event. When equipped with the Z07 Package, this Corvette can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just 3.6 seconds, and cover the all-important quarter mile in just 11.8. One thing that we as a dealership are incredibly proud of is that Chevy was founded in the same year that the Indy 500 blazed its original path, over a century ago in 1911. We will be more than happy to show you the bells and whistles of any model made by a brand that sells more than 4 million units a year, and is destined to continue branching out as strong as ever.