Pace Cars - A Visual History From Indianapolis to NASCAR - Over 100 Years of Leading the Race

The Indianapolis 500 pace car and Daytona 500 pace car are two of the most iconic symbols in American motorsport history. The Indianapolis 500, established in 1911, introduced its first pace car in the same year, a Marmon Wasp, setting the stage for a tradition that continues today. Over the decades, Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, and other major automotive brands have provided the pace cars, highlighting the latest in automotive technology and design. Celebrities and racing legends have often been chosen to drive the pace cars, adding to the event's prestige. Similarly, the Daytona 500 pace car, which debuted in 1959 with a Chevrolet Impala, has been a symbol of the race's grand start. Like the Indy 500, Daytona 500 pace cars have been driven by various celebrities and include models from top automotive brands, particularly Chevrolet. Both races continue to feature these specially designed cars, which play a key role in the history of motorsports and are highly sought after by collectors. The legacy of pace cars in racing not only celebrates speed and performance but also represents the close connection between racing events and automotive culture.

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