New Corvette to pace Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS - The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will serve as pace car at this year's Indianapolis 500.

The choice marks the 23rd time a Chevrolet has paced the race and the 11th time a Corvette has had the honor.

With 638 horsepower, the Corvette ZR1 will be the most powerful production car ever to serve as the pace car during the Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials said.

"Corvette embodies pure performance, so the ZR1 is a perfect car to pace the most prestigious auto race in the world," said IMS president and CEO Jeff Belskus.

The 2013 model year is historic for Corvette, which is marking its 60th anniversary and the final year of production for the current generation.

Our Scripps station in Indianapolis reported last week that celebrity chef Guy Fieri has been tapped to drive the pace car.

Speedway officials declined to comment on the speculation, but said a formal announcement would be made shortly.

Fieri rose to fame after winning "The Next Food Network Star" in 2006, and now hosts "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," "Guy's Big Bite" and "Tailgate Warriors" on the network.

He's visited Indianapolis with his "Diners" crew more than once, profiling several local eateries, including Zest, Steer-In Restaurant, the Tamale Place and Jerseys Café.

Fieri is also a known fan of fast cars. His $200,000 2008 yellow Lamborghini was recovered last week after it was stolen in a daring heist last year.

Fieri lives in northern California with his wife, Lori, and their two sons, Hunter and Ryder.