50th Anniversary Camaro SS is Pacing the 100th Running of the Indy 500

By Tony Markovich - April 25, 2016

The year 2016 marks two completely separate but equally monumental milestones in the automotive sphere. For the Camaro, 2016 means the 2017 model year, which is the 50th anniversary of the model year for which the Camaro was released. For the Indianapolis 500, 2016 represents the 100th time the legendary race will take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Of course, neither of these are your typical anniversaries. The Camaro didn’t exist for the model years 2002 through 2009, so this is strictly a year anniversary, as there are not 50 versions of the Camaro. The Indianapolis 500 actually had it’s yearly anniversary back in 2011, because the first Indy 500 was held in 1911. But not every year held a 500, because of various reasons. You know, like wars. Regardless, Chevrolet made a special version of a special car for a special race.

This is the ninth time a Camaro will be the pace car, and it has some unique trimmings. The Abalone White car has 20-inch 50th Anniversary wheels, a new grille with satin chrome accents, a body-color front splitter, orange brake calipers, black leather interior with suede inserts and orange accent stitching, and 50th Anniversary branding all over the place. And Roger Penske is going to drive it.

“Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500 have a long, storied history and it’s an honor to mark the respective milestones of the Indy 500 race and the Camaro simultaneously,” executive vice president of Global Product Development and Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Mark Reuss said. “It’s also a privilege to have Roger Penske perform the driving duties, as his team has helped Chevrolet earn four consecutive IndyCar manufacturer titles since 2012.”

That 455-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 should fit right in on the track.