Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, will drive the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pace Car to lead the pack of 33 racers to the start of the Indianapolis 500 this weekend.
Harbaugh, who guided the 49ers to the Super Bowl last season, is no stranger to Indianapolis. He was a quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts from 1994 through 1997 and during his time with the team he was named AFC Player of the Year and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1995 according to ESPN.
"As a longtime racing fan and someone who has always followed the Indianapolis 500, the honor to drive the pace car comes as a tremendous thrill," said Harbaugh according to a GM press release. "Doing it in the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray makes it even better. It's an iconic car leading an iconic race."
It was revealed earlier this month that the new Corvette would pace the 97th annual Indy 500 after much speculation. This is the 12th time the Corvette has served as the Pace Car since 1978. This will be the 24th time that Chevrolet has served as the official Pace Car for the Indy 500, more than any other brand.
Standard features includes with the new Stingray includes a 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system according to GM.
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A new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching, Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, with next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera, and Keyless access with push-button start are all standard with the new Stingray.
The new model will be decked out in Laguna Blue Tintcoat for the race with official Indy 500 graphics on the doors according to GM.
"It's great to have a true racing fan like Jim Harbaugh drive the Corvette pace car," said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. "He personifies the Indianapolis 500's spirit of competition - and he's a true athlete, just like the all-new Corvette Stingray."
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale later this year and will be sold at a suggested starting retail price of $51,995. Price includes a $995 destination fee but excludes tax, title, and license according to GM.
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