by For the twenty-second time, the Indy 500 race will be led by a Corvette ZR1 in the role of the pace car. However, this year is a special case – the new 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has become the most powerful pace car in the history of the competition. Its characteristics even surpass those of the race cars, as it has 300 more horsepower. A true display of might.
The 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers an incredible 1064 hp and 1121 Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels. Such power allows it to accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, with a top speed reaching 375 km/h (233 mph). This monster will be driven by former NFL player and current TV host Michael Strahan, who will have to resist the urge to floor the gas pedal.
The special pace car version of the ZR1 is equipped with a carbon fiber aero package featuring a massive rear wing and aggressive front spoilers. The car is painted in Arctic White with green and gold Indy 500 logos, and also has carbon fiber alloy wheels.
An Unforgettable ZR1 Pace Car Incident
During the last use of a Corvette ZR1 as a pace car, a mishap occurred. In June 2018, GM Executive Mark Reuss was driving the 2019 model at the Detroit Grand Prix but overestimated his abilities. Losing control, the car slid into a concrete barrier, forcing the race start to be delayed by 27 minutes.
Since this is likely Strahan’s first experience driving the new Corvette ZR1, he should keep the stability control system on and be careful with the throttle. Otherwise, he risks repeating the unfortunate record and becoming the second pace car driver to crash a ZR1.
