Car Buyer's Notebook

The event is one of many programs GM has created to leverage its business involvement in motorsports to provide unique opportunities for current GM owners as well as prospective GM buyers.

“The premise for this program was to create an opportunity for our Corvette enthusiasts in the Indianapolis area to help us celebrate Chevrolet’s heritage pacing the Indianapolis 500,” said Terry Dolan, manager of Chevrolet Racing. “When our dealers approached five car clubs in the Indianapolis area about the idea there was unanimous support. Our 300 spaces to participate filled up very quickly.”

On Saturday, nearly 24 hours before the Indianapolis 500 gets underway, the Chevy owners will drive their personal Corvette or Camaro around the track and gather for a group photo at the speedway’s famed yard of bricks. Following the parade lap and photo, guests will spend the evening at the Chevy display where food, live entertainment and a full-display of Chevy race and production vehicles (including an exhibit of all nine Corvette Indianapolis 500 pace cars) will be on hand.

The Chevy owners will also participate in talks, plus question and answer sessions, with various members of Chevrolet’s race and production team, including Tom Wallace, Corvette’s chief engineer. This year’s Indianapolis 500 pace car driver Patrick Dempsey, a racing enthusiast and star of the TV hit series Grey’s Anatomy, will also make a stop at the Chevy display to visit the enthusiasts. The special events include a private tour of the basement museum at the speedway, known for its exclusive collection of historic race vehicles.

“Chevrolet has hosted several owners’ events at racing activities over the years – from inviting Corvette club owners to join us at the ceremony to turn over the keys for the Indianapolis 500 pace car, to Corvette Corral gatherings at American Le Mans Series events, to owner events at NHRA drag races,” said Dolan. “These programs are a great way to entertain Chevy enthusiasts who are passionate about motorsports and also great ambassadors for our product.”

Corvette enthusiasts will have the opportunity to have their own version of the Indianapolis 500 Corvette pace vehicle that Dempsey will drive this weekend. Five hundred production replicas of the official Corvette convertible pace car will be available for purchase this summer. Interested individuals can visit their local Chevy dealer for more information.