CYCLING LEGEND ARMSTRONG TO DRIVE CORVETTE Z06 PACE CAR AT INDIANAPOLIS 500

Two racing icons will unite when cycling legend Lance Armstrong, the seven-times winner of the Tour de France, drives the 2006 Corvette Z06 pace car at the Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2006.  For the 8th time, a Corvette will lead the field to the start of the race.

Neither Armstrong nor the Corvette is a stranger to elite endurance racing. Armstrong’s seven consecutive Tour de France titles are the work of a legend.  In 1996, when he was the No.1-ranked cyclist in the world, Armstrong was diagnosed as suffering from cancer.  He formed the Lance Armstrong Foundation within months of his diagnosis to help others with their cancer struggles.  Following successful treatment, Armstrong then staged an incredible comeback, winning his first Tour de France title in 1999.  After another six consecutive victories, Armstrong retired following the 2005 race and continues to be a leader and activist on behalf of cancer survivors around the world.

The 2006 Corvette Z06 is imbued with technology from the four-time Le Mans winning C6.R Corvette race car and the Indy 500 pace car is virtually identical to the 2006 Corvette Z06 that is available across Europe today.  With its 512 hp (377 kW) V8 engine and 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds, the only changes necessary to prepare the Z06 for its prestigious pace car role were the addition of strobe lights and racing safety gear. 

The Indianapolis 500 is America’s most prestigious motor race and in keeping with such an occasion, the Corvette Z06 pace car will feature an American red, white and blue theme.  The 2006 Indy 500 logo will be on each door and the red racing “Chevy Bowtie” will appear on top of the engine cover.  The car’s key role at the Indy 500 acknowledges the significance the vehicle has played in American culture for more than 50 years. 

“The Hulman-George Family and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway staff are honoured that Lance Armstrong will pace the field for the start of the 90th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. “Lance is a sports icon and it's only fitting that he'll be driving another American icon on Race Day as he takes the wheel of the Corvette Z06. It’s also gratifying to continue the long relationship between the Indianapolis 500 and the brand with such an exciting, performance-bred vehicle as the Corvette Z06.”