Camaro returns to lead Indy 500 for the ninth time
Chevrolet's also rolling out a 50th Anniversary package for its ubiquitous pony car as part of its year of celebration.
This year marks the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, one of the most revered races in the US. Each year, the race has a different pace car, which doesn't participate in the race, and it's been that way since 1911. This year, the responsibility for leading the pack falls on Chevrolet, and it's using a Camaro for the ninth time.
This year's pace car will be a special version of the sixth-generation Camaro SS, which packs a 455-horsepower, 6.2-liter LT1 V-8 engine. Manning the pace car is Roger Penske, who's celebrating his 50th anniversary as a team owner. Aside from a special shade of white paint and some unique Indy 500 decals, the Camaro is largely the same as one you can buy from a dealership.
In fact, the unveiling of this pace car carries a second announcement with it. Chevrolet's rolling out a 50th Anniversary package for Camaro coupes and convertibles, in both 2LT and 2SS trims. That means you can have this package with all three available motors, including the new turbocharged inline-four.
The package includes special wheels, a new grille with satin chrome accents, a body-colored front splitter and orange brake calipers. The interior includes black leather seating with suede inserts and orange accent stitching, and a whole boatload of 50th Anniversary emblems and badges. You can only order this package with gray exterior paint, though.
The Indy 500 kicks off on May 29, and you can start buying up 50th Anniversary Packages later on this summer.
Update, 4:32 p.m. ET: This story has been amended to reflect that this year marks the 100th Indy 500, not the 99th.
