Seize the Opportunity to Acquire the Dullest Indy 500 Pace Cars

Indy 500 holds a special place in my heart. We find ourselves just a mere three weeks away from the grand event known as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Surprisingly, it seems that the folks at Team Penske are not as thrilled. They have made the decision to part with a selection of the Indy 500 pace car variations from their collection. Initially, I was taken aback, but upon perusing the catalog, my sentiment shifted to “Good riddance.”

The upcoming 2024 Mecum Indy auction will feature a total of 16 Chevy, Chrysler, Ford, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile models. It is worth noting that none of these vehicles actually led the Indy 500; they are labeled as “Indy 500 Edition” cars, mimicking the appearance of the authentic pace cars. Nonetheless, two standout cars, the Ford Mustang and Pontiac Fiero, were presented as trophy cars to Rick Mears following his triumphs in the 1979 and 1985 races.

Among the lineup, while the 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am, 1994 Mustang SVT Cobra, and a couple of Corvette Z06s exude coolness, some peculiar entries raise questions on their selection as Indy 500 pace car contenders.

2002 Oldsmobile Bravada

One cannot help but question the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. Its appearance is lackluster, uninspiring, and disappointingly unremarkable, adorned with decals externally and embroidered Indianapolis Motor Speedway logos internally. It even boasts Simpson racing belts, in case speed becomes a necessity.

Mecum

Equipped with a 4.0-liter inline-six engine producing 270 horsepower and a four-speed automatic transmission, this behemoth has traveled a modest 616 miles in its 22-year history. Credit where it’s due, the lowering of its suspension by three inches and the inclusion of stylish Budnik 19-inch wheels do give it a decent stance.

1988 Chrysler Lebaron

The 1988 Chrysler Lebaron Pace Car Edition, with a mere 227 miles logged over its 35-year lifespan, is indeed a fascinating find. Powering this marvel is a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that originally delivered 146 horsepower (no indications of modifications have been mentioned).