2019 Indianapolis 500 Pacer Car Announced

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- The 2019 Corvette Grand Sport will be serving as the Official Pace Car for the 2019 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, leading 33 drivers to the green flag on May 26 for the 103rd running of the legendary race. 

This will mark the 16th time a Corvette has paced the race, and the 30th time a Chevrolet has led the field. No other brand or vehicle has served as the 500 pace car more than Chevrolet and the Corvette, and Steve Majoros, the director of Chevrolet passenger car and crossover marketing couldn't be happier about it. He released a statement saying: 

"Chevrolet is honored to lead the way for the 500 once again. The Grand Sport is a particularly excellent choice, as it's wide body and aerodynamic features are steeped in racing heritage." 

Indianapolis 500 fans will also see 33 2019 Corvette Stingrays on the roads of Central Indiana this spring and in the IPL 500 Festival Parade on May 25 in downtown Indianapolis. The popular cars are provided to central Indiana business leaders and dignitaries and serve an important promotional role for the race. 

Douglas J. Boles, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, spoke out about the long-running partnership as well, saying: 

"We continue to be grateful for our long-running partnership with Chevrolet...it's such a strong bond that has proven integral to the success of our events. The 2019 Corvette Grand Sport is a world-class machine that exudes speed, performance, and excitement, a perfect fit to lead the 500 field. Personally, there is nothing quite like driving an Indianapolis 500 Chevrolet Corvette around Indiana in May, and I know our fans will enjoy seeing the Corvette Stingray festival cars around town throughout the month of May." 

The 2019 Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car features the following: 

• Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat with unique GM Design Indy 500 decal package.
• Full-Length Racing Blade Silver Dual Stripes. 
• LT1 6.2-liter V-8 DI aluminum engine with 460 horsepower and 465 lb-fit of torque.
• 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission
• Dry-sump oil system
• Performance suspension with Magnetic Ride Control
• Brembo carbon ceramic brakes
• Grand Sport aluminum wheels: 19-inch front and 20-inch rear
• Carbon Flash painted Carbon Fiber Ground Effects Package
• Competition Sport Bucket Seats
• Performance Data Recorder

The Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and has an available cornering capability of 1.2 g thanks to advanced aerodynamic components. 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Chevrolet Powering Fernando Alonso in 2019 Indy 500

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Two time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso is competing in the 2019 Indianapolis 500 in a McLaren Racing entry powered by the beastly Chevrolet 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 IndyCar engine. Chevrolet and McLaren have a storied past together in the IndyCar series competition and staff and fans alike are excited to see these two partnered once again, Zak Brown the chief executive of McLaren racing said "Like McLaren, Chevrolet has racing in its heart. The company's reputation in IndyCar and at this special race is first-class and we will be powerful partners."

 Alonso, while a controversial public figure, has quite the list of achievements under his belt, he won F1 championships in 2005 and 2006, and is in 6th place of all time in the series with 32 victories and 97 podium finishes. Earlier this year he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making him one of only 13 drivers to win two legs of the Triple Crown of Motorsports (Monaco, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indianapolis 500). If he claims victory in the 2019 Indy 500, he'll become the second driver in history to complete the treasured triumvirate. 

Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports endorsed the Fernando/Chevrolet team-up by saying "It's exciting to partner with Fernando Alonso...he brings incredible driving talent and a passion for the sport. When Fernando is on the track, it's electric. He generates excitement among fans everywhere". 

The 2019 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday May 26, 2019 with practice beginning on Tuesday, May 14. Tickets are on sale now at IMS.com and the IMS ticket office. 

Are you excited for the Indy 500 yet? Do you think Alonso will pull off a win and become the second race driver in history to claim the Triple Crown of Motorsports? Comment and let us know. We love hearing from you!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

John Green Will Drive the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – On May 14th the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the Verizon IndyCar Series Angie’s List Grand Prix in Indianapolis, Indiana. The honorary pace car driver for the race is young adult fiction author John Green, who is well known for his 2012 novel A Fault in Our Stars. John Green will drive the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe at the famous racetrack this spring.

Green is an Indianapolis native and a fan of the Speedway. J. Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is excited for Green’s participation and is quoted by saying, “John is a huge IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway fan and we have been looking for the right opportunity to get him involved in one of the events. Having him drive the Chevrolet pace car for the Angie's list Grand Prix of Indianapolis is a great way for him to be part of this historic month.”

Author John Green may be new to the racetrack but Chevrolet is certainly not. Chevrolet has participated as the pace car for the speedway as far back as 1948. For the Verizon IndyCar Series Angie’s List Grand Prix they will be featuring the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe. The 2016 Stingray Coupe features a z51 Performance Package which includes a LT1 V-8 engine with 455 hp. The Stingray Coupe can go 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The Chevrolet Corvette also required no performance modifications for it’s speedway debut, the only modifications were a fire extinguisher and light bar.

Tune in on May 14th for the Verizon IndyCar Series Angie’s List Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. John Green will drive the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe as the pace car in his first speedway appearance. At Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant we want to get your car in racetrack condition. Take a look at our Spring Car Care Page for tips on how to get your car in top condition. Learn how to maximize your tires, fluids, wiper blades, alignments and suspensions. You can even learn car cleaning tips. If you have questions on how to get your car in the best condition call our service center today.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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