Official: 2014 Corvette Stingray to pace Indy 500

On Thursday, the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 was announced, and if you are one to get excited about pace cars, it's time to get excited.

This year, "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" will be paced by the 2014 Corvette Stingray. That's right, the seventh-generation Corvette Stingray will be leading the field to green.

This is good news for all the Corvette fans, boys and girls, who will no doubt love to see the new Vette rolling around Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 97th running of the big race.

It's not the first time the car has been in the Midwest, though, as Corvette enthusiasts will remember it was unveiled at the Detroit International Auto Show back in January.

This will mark the 12th time a Corvette has served as the pace car.

“It is an honor to help inaugurate the all-new Corvette Stingray at the hallowed Brickyard and further the legacy between Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports. “The 2014 Corvette Stingray's performance was influenced by racing, making this prestigious assignment even more fitting.”

Along with Chevrolet's return in 2012 as an IndyCar engine supplier, the Corvette Stingray pace car extends a legacy at the Brickyard that dates to the racetrack's early days.

“Chevrolet is a great partner of the Speedway,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “That connection is heightened this year with the next-generation Corvette in front of a very talented field of racers.”

By Mike Larson