Detroit, Mich. (31
May 2019) – A Chevrolet Corvette will lead a field of nearly 20 Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli TA2 cars through the streets of Belle Isle this weekend. Provided by Chevrolet, located in Clarkston, Mich., the Watkins Glen Gray Metallic Corvette Grand Sport was designated as the official pace car for the series 21 st showing at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear.
Former GM Design sculptor and professional driver Jeff Nowicki will steer the field to the green flag in both TA2 powered by AEM races. Nowicki, who owns Nowicki Autosport Design, is a design and consulting company, based in Birmingham, Mich., for the automotive aftermarket, including specialized driver training and support for track events (www.nowickiautosport.com)
“Racing has played a significant role in Chevrolet’s history and continues to influence the brand’s performance lineup,” said Katie Bowman Coleman, president, Bowman Chevrolet. “As a Chevrolet dealer in Metro Detroit, it’s exciting for us to provide the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport pace car for the Trans Am Series race and to be part of the iconic Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.”
With the power of the legendary Corvette LT1 V8 engine and many of the aerodynamic components found on Z06, the Grand Sport provides the perfect combination of power and handling to whip around the 13-corner 2.35-mile Motor City street course.
The Corvette Grand Sport can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and boasts a LT1 6.2-liter V-8 DI aluminum engine with 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, 8-speed paddle-
shift manual transmission and a dry-sump oil system.
It also features performance suspension with magnetic ride control, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, grand sport aluminum wheels -- 19-inch front and 20-inch rear -- carbon flash painted carbon fiber ground effects package, competition sport bucket seats and a performance data recorder.
The TA2 powered by AEM doubleheader begins on Friday with a pair of practices and a late afternoon qualifying session. On Saturday, the TA2 double points weekend starts with the 36 laps (or 60 minutes whichever comes first) Muscle Car Challenge followed by Sunday’s Motor City Dash. The grid for
Sunday’s event will be determined by fast lap, quickest to slowest, from Saturday’s Muscle Car Challenge results. For live Timing and Scoring visit GoTransAm.com