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“See the USA in Your Chevrolet” Advertising Campaign

“See the USA in Your Chevrolet” Advertising Campaign

 A year of special Chevrolet promotions will honor America’s 250th anniversary and American culture.

  •  First up is the collaboration with country artist Brooke Lee singing (fearlessly?) atop Castle Rock in Utah.

the 1,400-foot peak of Castle Rock, Utah, with a helicopter hoisting a silverado pickup to the top

Chevrolet hoists a 2026 Silverado pickup to the peak of Castle Rock for its new “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” ad campaign. (Photos courtesy of Chevrolet)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Chevrolet has pulled from its archive of advertising ditties a re-energized version of “See the USA in Your Chevrolet.”

Reverberating in the echo of the 1951 rendition by Dinah Shore, country music star Brooke Lee sings a modern interpretation. Her passionate singing resonates almost as much as the setting. Castleton Tower at Castle Rock, Utah, is about 20 minutes from Moab.

The ad campaign is Chevrolet’s tribute to America’s 250th anniversary and a celebration of motoring in the USA.

Just as it did in the 1950s, the catchy melody seeps into your brain and won’t let go. Singing 1,400 feet up from the tailgate of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, Lee appears to shrug off the freaky-scary setting.

Rising country music artist Brooke Lee on the tailgate of the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 on top of Castleton Tower.

Rising country music artist Brooke Lee on the tailgate of the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 on top of Castleton Tower.

Trailblazing Dinah Shore

Those of a certain maturity will remember the original songstress Dinah Shore. Her heartfelt rendition debuted in 1951 during her prime-time TV show, “The Dinah Shore Show.” She closed the show by singing the “See the USA” anthem.

Shore is said to be the first woman to host her own TV show. Her musical variety show evolved from her earlier 15-minute programs, primarily on radio in the 1940s. Her hourlong TV show, “The Dinah Shore Chevy Show” (1956-1963), was the first major series broadcast in “Living Color” on NBC.

Her TV program established her iconic “See the U.S.A. In Your Chevrolet” theme and her signature “Mwah!” farewell kiss to the audience.

Shore had sung “See the USA” since the early 1950s, and the song was used in Chevrolet advertising after Shore’s show ended in 1963.

Singer and TV host Dinah Shore poses with the 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Corvair concept.

Singer and TV host Dinah Shore poses with the 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Corvair concept.

Towering Heights

Chevrolet’s ambition for the dramatic in advertising used the 1,400-foot Castle Rock location in 1964 and 1973. Then, as now, the ad team airlifted a Chevy Impala atop the towering precipice for TV and print advertisements.

View behind-the-scenes videos during the filming of the Stars and Steel campaign, special merch and apparel, and vehicle pricing here.

Singer Brooke Lee sitting on the tailgate of a 2026 blue Silverado pickup on Castle Rock

Country singer Brooke Lee atop the 1,400-foot Castle Rock peak,

2026 Chevrolet Stars & Steel Collection

The Brooke Lee commercial is part of a broader campaign to honor America’s semi-quincentennial. Chevrolet’s Stars & Steel Collection features modernized design elements, including the American flag and logos of the 250th.

The package, which goes on sale in spring 2026, will be available on five models in the 2026 Chevy lineup: Corvette, Silverado EV, Silverado LD, Silverado HD, and Colorado. Package pricing is to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

For every Stars & Steel vehicle sold, Chevrolet will donate $250 to nonprofits that support the veteran community.

Chevrolet’s Stars & Steel Special Collection will be available on five models in the 2026 Chevy lineup: Corvette, Silverado EV, Silverado LD, Silverado HD, and Colorado. Package pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Chevrolet’s Stars & Steel Special Collection will be available on five models in the 2026 Chevy lineup: Corvette, Silverado EV, Silverado LD, Silverado HD, and Colorado. Package pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Stars & Steel Appearance Packages

Chevrolet Corvette

The Corvette Stars & Steel Limited Edition will be an exclusive run of just 250 total units. It will be available on all models from Stingray to ZR1X, in coupe or convertible on 3LT and 3LZ trims only. Only the Corvette lineup will be limited to 250. Stingray 3LT to ZR1X 3LZ (AWD) coupe starting prices range from $84,245 to $223,195; convertible pricing ranges from $92,240 to $233,195. Retail prices include the $2,495 freight charge from Bowling Green, Ky.

The 2026 Corvette with rear spoiler showing in red the 250th logos

Black and “250” flag graphics on Corvette doors and spoiler ends.

Paint and interior choices will be Arctic White with a Santorini Blue interior or Black with an Adrenaline Red interior.

Each limited edition includes:

  • American Flag-inspired full-length stripes in Satin Silver or Satin
  • Black and “250” flag graphics on doors and spoiler ends
  • Unique sill plates and interior plaque featuring the build sequence number
  • Black Gloss, Carbon-Flash, or optional carbon fiber wheels (depending on model)
  • Red accents: Edge Red Calipers, Red Seat belts, Floor Mats with Red Stitching, and Edge Red Engine Cover on select models
  • Black exhaust tips and select accessories by model.

Chevrolet Silverado EV

The Silverado EV Stars & Steel Special Edition will be available on the RST Crew Cab trim. It features a Summit White or Black exterior colors, and a Sky Cool Gray interior with bucket seats.

Each special edition includes:

  • American Flag-inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics
  • 24-inch high-gloss black wheels
  • Brembo heavy-duty brake system with red six-piston front calipers and larger 15.7-inch brake discs
  • Black nameplates.

Silverado Light Duty

The silver-gray hood decal on the 2026 Silverado Stars & Steel collection.

The hood decal on the 2026 Silverado Stars & Steel collection.

The Silverado LD Stars & Steel Special Edition is available on the RST Crew Cab Short Box 4WD. It pairs a 6.2-liter V-8 engine in Summit White or Black paint and a Jet Black interior.

Each special edition includes:

  • American Flag-inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics
  • 22-inch high-gloss black wheels
  • Brembo performance brake system with red six-piston front calipers
  • Black exhaust tips
  • Performance air intake
  • 6-inch black rectangular assist steps
  • Protection Package including spray-on bedliner and wheelhouse liners
  • Dark Essentials blacked-out badging
  • Soft roll bed cover with logo
  • Convenience Package II and sunroof.

Silverado Heavy Duty

The Silverado HD Stars & Steel Special Edition is available on the LTZ Crew Cab Trail Boss 4WD. It pairs a 6.6-liter Duramax Diesel V-8 with Summit White or Black paint and a black interior with bucket seats.

A 2026 Chevy Silverado HD with flag hood graphic

The 2026 Silverado HD with hood flag graphic.

Each special edition includes:

  • American Flag-inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics
  • Trail Boss Package w/ Spray In Bedliner
  • 20-inch high-gloss black wheels
  • Z71 Off-Road Package
  • LTZ Convenience Package II
  • Off-road high clearance assist steps
  • LTZ Plus Package
  • Power sunroof
  • Max trailering package
  • Gooseneck and fifth-wheel prep package
  • Soft roll bed cover
  • Floor liner package

Chevrolet Colorado

The Colorado Stars & Steel Special Edition is available on the Trail Boss Crew Cab. It pairs a 2.7-liter V-8, 4WD, and Summit White or Black paint with a black interior and bucket seats.

A Chevrolet Colorado showing the Dark Essentials badging

The America 250 logo on the 2026 Colorado Stars & Steel Special Edition.

Each special edition includes:

  • American Flag-inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics
  • Midnight Package with sport bar and light bar
  • Dark Essentials badging
  • 20-inch high gloss black wheels
  • Convenience Package 2
  • Technology Package
  • Skid Plate Package
  • Black exhaust tip
  • Red tow hooks
  • Black rocker protectors
  • Spray-on bedliner
  • Soft roll bed cover
  • Floor liners.

2026 San Diego International Auto Show

2026 San Diego International Auto Show

• The annual auto show opens in the San Diego Convention Center on Thursday, Jan. 1, and runs through 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

• Ticket prices remain the same as last year, $18 for adults.

• Technology, design, and an expanded, multi-brand indoor EV Test Track.

The cars are the stars at the San Diego International Auto Show. Image shows a big gold star on royal blue carpet with a stacked three-row icon for San Diego International Auto Show

The cars are the stars at the San Diego International Auto Show. (Mark Maynard image from 2025)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The annual San Diego International Auto Show opens in the San Diego Convention Center on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, and runs through 6 p.m. Jan. 4. The convention center is at 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, 92101.

I got the low-down on the highlights of the 2026 show from Scott Webb, president of the New Car Dealers Association San Diego County, which owns and operates the auto show.

“We partner strategically with vehicle manufacturers so they bring their best to San Diego. We’re excited that show visitors will have the opportunity to get to know several new brands, which, previously, haven’t exhibited in San Diego.”

Webb shared these show insights:

Stellantis

“Stellantis is bringing the heat this year with a 15,000 square foot exhibit, and there will be a Ram world debut unveiled on Jan. 1,” Webb said in an email. A sampling of all Stellantis brands will be on display: Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, and Ram. And he said they are even bringing several of their recent debut vehicles to the show, including:

  • The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack
  • 2026 Jeep Cherokee and 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee;
  • 2026 Jeep Recon, an all-new, fully electric SUV that serves as Jeep’s first “Trail Rated” EV. The Jeep Recon draws heavily on the Wrangler’s design — including removable doors and windows. It is a unibody vehicle built on the STLA Large platform, intended to balance off-road capability with daily on-road comfort.
  • 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI.

Stellantis is providing show-goers with the opportunity to test-drive 10 vehicles: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV, Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, Dodge Durango SRT, Fiat 500e, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and Ram 2500.

The electric 2026 Jeep Recon shown with side doors removed and a pair of mountain bikes mounted on a roof top carrier.,

The electric 2026 Jeep Recon. (Stellantis)

Toyota

I am especially interested in the redesigned and re-engineered 2026 Toyota RAV4. The entire lineup is either gasoline-electric or PHEV, plug-in hybrid.

Webb gave these updates on the Toyota display (and Toyota always packs one of the large auto-show displays.

“As for Toyota, they will have the all-new 2026 RAV4 on display in two trim levels, Woodland and Limited. They’ll also have the new 2026 C-HR and 2026 bZ EVs in the exhibit, the latter of which will be available for test drives, along with the Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE, Toyota Prius PHEV XSE Premium, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland (2025), and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland all-wheel drive in the new paint color or UrbanRock

2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland all-wheel drive. (Toyota)

Debuts & New Releases

Webb also teased cool vehicles on the show’s Debuts & New Releases list. Among those, he said, include: the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, 2026 Honda Prelude, 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback, 2027 Kia Telluride (now with an available 329-hp turbo-hybrid), 2026 Nissan Leaf, 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid, and 2026 Nissan Sentra.

Other updates, he said, include: “Cadillac and Ford are back on the EV Test Track. Cadillac will offer thrill rides in the Escalade IQ, VISTIQ, OPTIQ, and LYRIQ. Ford will provide rides in the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E.”

The 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ electric SUV. in Argent Silver.

The 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ electric SUV, in Argent Silver. (Cadillac)

VinFast and Lucid have just confirmed to bring their latest EVs for Street Test Drives. The VinFast VF8 and VF9 (two- and three-row SUVs), the Lucid Air (four-door sedan), and the Gravity (an 800 hp family three-row SUV) will be available for test drives.

2026 Lucid Gravity SUV and the Air sedan, both models are battery electric vehicls

2026 Lucid Gravity SUV and the Air sedan. (Lucid)

Enduring Showgoer Favorites

Toyota Military Appreciation: The auto show has partnered with the San Diego County Toyota Dealers to offer free show tickets to honor active and retired military personnel. Tickets will be available (while supplies last) at San Diego County Toyota Dealers. Toyota is also providing $500 rebates to eligible U.S. military personnel, including their household members (and Gold Star families), U.S. military retirees, and U.S. military veterans (within 2 years of discharge). Learn more here.

Mobility Zone: Golden Boy Mobility in Poway will again provide accessibility-modified vehicles and expert information on special features to promote and provide accessibility.

Family Day: On Sunday, Jan. 4, children are admitted free with an accompanying paid adult admission. Family Day has become a great tradition to spend a few hours of the holiday season at the auto show. Typically, multiple generations enjoy the auto show, Webb said.

A Golden Boy modified four-door Chevrolet Silverado. Both passenger side doors are open and showing a lift system to the front seats.

A Golden Boy modified four-door Chevrolet Silverado. (Mark Maynard)

IF YOU GO

Ticket Prices:

Auto show tickets are on sale now and are only available online at www.sdautoshow.com/. Purchased tickets may be printed at home or shown and scanned on smartphones at the show entrance.

  • Adult, ages 13-61, $18;
  • Military (active-duty w/ID) $15 (one ticket per ID);
  • Seniors, 62 and older, $15
  • Child, ages 7-12, $12;
  • Children 6 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult.
  • Children 12 and younger will be admitted free on Family Day, Sunday, Dec. 29, when accompanied by a paid adult.

Show Hours:

  • 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, through Saturday, Jan. 4;
  • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4

About the San Diego International Auto Show

Owned, produced, and presented by the New Car Dealers Association San Diego County, the San Diego International Auto Show remains the second-largest auto show in California and one of the best-attended public events at the San Diego Convention Center.

The dealership association provides critical community support. Among its efforts is a dealership sales training course. Participants are taught professionalism through education with an emphasis on product knowledge, ethical behavior, and customer service.

The Auto Outlook Report is also of interest to consumers. The quarterly report provides an expanded look at new-vehicle registrations, sales trends and projections, and pre-owned-vehicle sales throughout the county.

Learn more online at NCDA.com.

Nissan Family Cookbook

Nissan Family Cookbook

The first Nissan Family Cookbook has 140 recipes, ranging from appetizers and soups to main dishes and desserts

The cover of the Nissan Family Cookbook

BY MARK MAYNARD

Holiday celebrations are different this year, but that doesn’t stop our cravings for our favorite and festive seasonal recipes. Sweet or savory, Nissan’s U.S. manufacturing team has introduced the “Nissan Family Cookbook,” the first such collaborative to assemble good things in the kitchen — and it’s free to download.

There are 140 recipes in the cookbook, ranging from appetizers and soups to main dishes and desserts. The team’s hope was to help people feel connected to one another and to break up the pandemic-induced monotony and make new memories, said Steve Marsh, senior vice president, manufacturing, Nissan North America, Inc.

“The kitchen is typically the center of holiday activity. It’s where everybody wants to be, and there’s no reason why this can’t continue, even during these unprecedented times,” Marsh said in a statement.

Family traditions

Several recipes included in the cookbook carry special meaning:

Christy Boisseau, Nissan Smyrna [Tenn.] Vehicle Assembly Plant. She chose her dad’s “Boss Hogg’s Tennessee Swamp Cabbage” (in the soups and salads section).

“My dad, Tim ‘Boss Hogg’ Boisseau, retired from the Smyrna plant a few years ago. His recipe is well-known and I’m happy to keep the family tradition going by sharing it with our Nissan family and neighbors,” said Boisseau.

Bill Thompson, Nissan Canton (Miss.) Vehicle Assembly Plant. He shared a favorite of his son: “Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast” (Entrees section).

“I have a son with special needs who loves to help me cook. He loves bacon and chicken so much that we had to put it together,” said Thompson.

Arthur Snyder, Nissan Decherd [Tenn.] Powertrain Plant. Snyder dedicated his favorite “Apple Crisp” from childhood (Desserts section).

“Born and raised in Rochester, N.Y., I grew up surrounded by apple orchards, so I ate a lot of apples. This is my favorite way to enjoy them,” said Snyder.

Many of the recipes reflect a Southern spiciness, but all connect with a long family tradition — though not as remembered by Hank Williams Jr.

Among some of the dishes I found interesting:

  • Balsamic Garlic Pork Tenderloin
  • Tuscan Butter Shrimp
  • Fresh Turnip, Mustard or Collard Greens
  • Pocketknife Coleslaw
  • $250 Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Southside Blueberry Peach Cobbler
  • Thai Curry Wings
  • Pepperoni Stew

The Nissan Family Cookbook is free to download here.

U.S. prepares for 1940 “Arsenal of Democracy”

U.S. prepares for 1940 “Arsenal of Democracy”

A Veterans Day tribute in vintage photography of General Motors’ support for “The great arsenal of democracy”

Tanks being assembled in a GM factory to support the U.S. war effort

During WWII, General Motors converted all of its plant facilities to support the “Arsenal of Democracy.” (Photos courtesy of GM)

BY MARK MAYNARD

It was Dec. 29, 1940, when U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt warned of the impending wartime threat to national security. In a radio broadcast, he galvanized the country when he used the term “Arsenal of Democracy” and urged preparations.

According to Wikipedia, it was nearly a year before the United States entered the Second World War (1939-1945.) Nevertheless, Roosevelt’s address was a call to arms for supporting the Allies in Europe in total war against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

The Allied War Effort

“The great arsenal of democracy” came to specifically refer to the industry of the U.S. as the primary supplier of material for the Allied war effort.

A 1943 photo of a GMC Duck used in WWII

GMC delivered its first “Ducks” to the U.S. Army in 1943. A unique central tire inflation system allowed the driver to adjust tire pressure from inside the cab.

Roosevelt promised help to the United Kingdom to fight Nazi Germany. The U.S. would sell the U.K. military supplies while the United States stayed out of the actual fighting. The president announced that intent a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941), when Germany had occupied much of Europe and threatened Britain.

A vast parking area of completed GMC Ducks

Completed military “Ducks” and trucks built by GMC await deployment. In 1944, GMC received the Army-Navy “E” Award for Excellence in the war effort. The U.S. Army considered the GMC 2½-ton 6x6s the best trucks in service and the GMC Duck the most outstanding of new ordnance weapons.

GMC Ducks on the assembly line in 1943

GMC built these military “Ducks” at its Truck & Coach Division plant in Pontiac, Mich. After the war, surviving vehicles were used for military training and others landed in the tourism industry.

The arsenal for support came from more than 40 U.S. industries. Among the transportation manufacturers were:

  • General Motors: trucks, tanks, and aircraft parts
  • Ford Motor Co.: trucks and aircraft
  • Chrysler: tanks, electronics, and trucks
  • Packard: aircraft engines
  • Nash-Kelvinator: parts
  • Studebaker: trucks
  • Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.: tires
  • International Harvester: trucks
  • Convair (San Diego-based): aircraft
  • Caterpillar Inc.: tanks
  • Allis-Chalmers: parts
A GMC magazine ad showcased its amphibious military “Ducks”

During WWII, GMC showcased its amphibious military “Ducks” in popular magazines of the day. The campaign encouraged patriotic readers to “invest in victory” and buy war bonds and stamps. From 1942 to 1945, sales of vehicles to civilians all but ended as manufacturing was redirected toward the war effort.

GM Wartime Support

On this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2021, I found these General Motors’ wartime photos.

GM has supported the U.S. military since 1917 when 90 percent of its truck production went toward WWI manufacturing. During WWII, GM converted all of its plant facilities to support the “Arsenal of Democracy.”

GM claims to have produced more U.S. military vehicles than any manufacturer in history.

Between 1942 and 1945, GM’s Chevrolet division manufactured:

  • 60,000 Pratt & Whitney bomber and cargo plane engines;
  • 500,000 trucks;
  • 8 million artillery shells;
  • 3,000 90mm cannon barrels;
  • 1 million tons of aluminum forgings;
  • 1 million tons of gray-iron castings;
  • 2,850 tons of magnesium forgings, and;
  • 3,800 T-17 Staghound armored scout cars.

17 Historic Corvette and Camaro Pace Cars

17 Historic Corvette and Camaro Pace Cars

The 2025 Indianapolis 500 marks the 36th time for Chevrolet to pace the Indy 500, dating back to 1948, and the 22nd since 1978.

The Chevrolet Brothers entered two cars in the 1915 Indy 500.

The Chevrolet Brothers entered two cars in the 1915 Indianapolis 500. (Chevrolet)

BY MARK MAYNARD

General Motors’ Chevrolet division has a storied history at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race. Company co-founder and namesake Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500s. Arthur competed in the 1911 race and Gaston won in 1920.

Since then, nine drivers with Chevrolet engines have combined to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” 11 times — Rick Mears, Emerson Fittipaldi, Arie Luyendyk, Al Unser Jr., Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Will Power and, most recently, Simon Pagenaud in 2019.

A Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2023 race marks the 34th time for Chevrolet to pace, dating back to 1948.

Visit IMS.com for more information about this year’s schedule.

A Lineup of Historic Pace Cars

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Convertible Indy 500 pace car.

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Convertible Indy 500 pace car. (Chevrolet)

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. (Chevrolet)

The 2020 Corvette pace car for the Indy 500 race.

The 2020 Corvette pace car.

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car.

The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 pace car.

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport pace car.

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport pace car. (Chris Owens/IMS for Chevy Racing)

The Corvette pace car for the 2016 Indy 500 race.

The Corvette pace car for 2016.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 pace car was piloted by three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, the 98th running of the race. It was the eighth time a Camaro had paced the race.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 pace car was piloted by three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti for the 98th running of the race.

Retired General Chuck Yeager with the 1986 C4 Corvette pace car he drove for the race.

Retired General Chuck Yeager with the 1986 C4 Corvette pace car he drove for the race.

The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car.

The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car.

The 1969 Camaro Z28.

The 1969 Camaro Z28.

The first-year 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS paced the 51st Indianapolis 500.

The first-year 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS paced the 51st Indianapolis 500.

The 1993 Chevrolet Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car.

1993 Chevrolet Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car.

Nine generations of Camaro Indy 500 pace cars.

Nine generations of Camaro Indy 500 pace cars. (Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Chevy Racing)

A Torch Red metallic 2023 Corvette Z06 will pace the 107th Indianapolis 500 race on May 28

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 paces the 107th running of the Indy 500. (Photo by Chris Owens)

2024 Indy 500 Corvette E-Ray pace car

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe paced the 108th Indianapolis 500.

The Corvette E-Ray pairs two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD.

A 6.2L V-8 is complemented by the electric motor that channels an additional 160 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque through the front wheels for 655 combined horsepower.

The addition of the electric drive unit helps the E-Ray accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds before breezing through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. Stealth Mode enables the Corvette E-Ray to drive on electric power for up to 4 miles at speeds up to 45 mph.

2025 Indy 500 Corvette ZR1 pace car

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will pace the field to the green flag Sunday, May 25 with pro football legend Michael Strahan behind the wheel. Chevrolet says the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is capable of 233 mph, the highest top speed of any car ever made in America by an auto manufacturer. (IMS photo)

2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible Pace Car

17 Historic Corvette and Camaro Pace Cars

Danica Patrick will pace the 33-car field in an Arctic White Corvette Stingray convertible

Leading the 33-car field to the green flag will be an Arctic White 2021 Corvette Stingray hardtop convertible.

The Arctic White pace car will be the first Corvette convertible since 2008 to pace the Indianapolis 500. (Photo by Joe Skibinski/IMS for Chevrolet)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Chevrolet is in its open-wheelhouse battlegrounds for the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge, on May 30, 2021.

Leading the 33-car field to the green flag will be an Arctic White 2021 Corvette Stingray hardtop convertible. It will be the first Corvette convertible since 2008 to pace “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

The Chevrolet Brothers entered two cars in the 1915 Indy 500.

The Chevrolet Brothers entered two cars in the 1915 Indy 500. (Chevrolet)

The race will be televised live on NBC and the pre-race show will start at 11 a.m. The INDYCAR Radio Network  will cover the race for affiliates and on Sirius 211, XM 205, Indycar.com  and the INDYCAR app.
Piloting the pace car will be racing icon Danica Patrick — a veteran to the Indy 500. Leading the pack to the green flag is even more special, she said in a release, “because of the past year we have all endured, and it will be so nice to see fans back in the stands.”

Racing icon Danica Patrick.

Danica Patrick. (Chevrolet)

Patrick, who grew up in Roscoe, Ill., achieved numerous milestones during her eight Indianapolis 500 starts, which took place from 2005-11 and in 2018. According to IMS statistics, she achieved the best starting spot for a female driver, fourth, as a rookie in 2005 and went on to be the first female driver to lead laps in the race. She finished third in 2009 — the best result ever for a woman in the “500” — and holds the race record for laps led by a female, 29.

When not performing pace car duties, Patrick will serve as a studio analyst for NBC’s live race broadcast with host Mike Tirico and fellow analyst Jimmie Johnson.

“We’re happy to welcome back Danica to the place where she made motorsports history as the first female driver to lead ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ ” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said.

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Convertible Indy 500 pace car.

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Convertible Indy 500 pace car. (Chevrolet)

Pace Car Design

The 2021 race marks the 32nd time Chevrolet has paced the race dating back to 1948, and the 18th time since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car. Chevrolet and Corvette have led the starting field more than any other manufacturer and nameplate, respectively.

Sky Cool Gray and Strike Yellow

The pace car’s Sky Cool Gray and Strike Yellow interior. (Chevrolet)

“From the color scheme to the special race weekend decals and how the safety lighting is skillfully integrated into the nacelles of the hard-top convertible Corvette’s revolutionary appearance, we’re putting Chevrolet’s best on display for the fans,” said Steve Majoros, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.

The pace-car interior — Sky Cool Gray and Strike Yellow upholstery — influenced the exterior appearance of the pace car, Majoros said. The car is clad in Indianapolis 500 logos, a special stripe package and Stingray decals and the highly visible safety lighting.

The 2021 Indy 500 pace car has safety strobe lights in the rear taillights and headlights.

Strobe lights are positioned in the headlights, front louvers and taillights. (Chevrolet)

Corvette designers prioritized form and function of the safety lighting by incorporating four lights into each of the tonneau cover nacelles. There also are strobe lights in the headlights, front louvers and taillights. The lighting array eliminates need for a traditional lightbar.

Inspired By Fighter Jets

The mid-engine Stingray was engineered first as a convertible, Chevrolet says. Its architecture maintains the tunnel-dominant structure and high-integrity die-cast parts found in the Stingray coupe.

The Stingray design for both body styles was inspired by fighter jets. The tonneau cover features aerodynamically shaped nacelles influenced by the housing used for jet engines. The nacelles, which were also used as inspiration on the Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle (CERV) I and II, and the Corvette SS and SR2 concepts, help reduce air recirculation into the cabin and provide a remarkably exotic profile with the top up or down.

The tonneau integrates a power-adjustable rear window and a vent for engine cooling. The 2021 Stingray convertible is powered by the 6.2-liter small-block V-8 LT2 engine,  naturally aspirated. The engine is rated for 495 horsepower with a peak torque of 470 foot-pounds at 5,150 rpm, when equipped with performance exhaust. In stock form, the engine has 490 hp and 465 ft.-lb. torque, also at 5,150 rpm.

The LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first eight-speed, dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. The double-paddle de-clutch feature allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control.

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. (Chevrolet)

Indianapolis 500 History

General Motors’ Chevrolet division has a storied history at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race. Company co-founder and namesake Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500s. Arthur competed in the 1911 race and Gaston won in 1920.
Since then, nine drivers with Chevrolet engines have combined to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” 11 times — Rick Mears, Emerson Fittipaldi, Arie Luyendyk, Al Unser Jr., Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Will Power and, most recently, Simon Pagenaud in 2019.

Visit IMS.com for more information about this year’s schedule.

And see more Indy pace cars here.

Archived Pace Car Images

Following are Chevrolet archive photos of significant pace cars. Photos courtesy of Chevrolet.

The 2020 Corvette pace car for the Indy 500 race.

The 2020 Corvette pace car.

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car.

The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 pace car.

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport pace car.

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport pace car. (Chris Owens/IMS for Chevy Racing)

The Corvette pace car for the 2016 Indy 500 race.

The Corvette pace car for 2016.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 pace car was piloted by three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, the 98th running of the race. It was the eighth time a Camaro had paced the race.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 pace car was piloted by three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti for the 98th running of the race.

Retired General Chuck Yeager with the 1986 C4 Corvette pace car he drove for the race.

Retired General Chuck Yeager with the 1986 C4 Corvette pace car he drove for the race.

The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car.

The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car.

The 1969 Camaro Z28.

The 1969 Camaro Z28.

The first-year 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS paced the 51st Indianapolis 500.

The first-year 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS paced the 51st Indianapolis 500.

The 1993 Chevrolet Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car.

1993 Chevrolet Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car.

Nine generations of Camaro Indy 500 pace cars.

Nine generations of Camaro Indy 500 pace cars. (Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Chevy Racing)