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IMS to sport Camaro convertible for 500 festival

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – The Indianapolis 500 “Festival Event Cars” presentation and community launch took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Friday morning.

The Festival Event Cars is an annual tradition that has reminded Indianapolis-area residents of the upcoming Indianapolis 500 since the 60’s.

This year, 33 directors of the 500 Festival received 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertibles on the IMS main straightway.

The 500 Festival Cars are based off the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SSS convertible and are powered by the LT1 6.2L V-8, which offers 455 horsepower and 455 Ib-ft of torque. This vehicle is the most powerful Camaro SS ever.

In honor of the race, the Festival cars will also be seen driving around central Indiana.

“You know the Month of May is almost here when the Indianapolis 500 Festival cars are seen around the streets of Indianapolis and beyond,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “Once again, our friends at Chevrolet have delivered a fleet of beautiful Chevrolet Camaro SS convertibles that will get fans even more excited for our historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500.”

The Festival cars feature a Hyper Blue exterior and a white stripe accent with a black convertible top and black leather interior. The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 graphic is featured on the doors and includes the IMS wing and wheel on the quarter panels.

(WISH) Photo

“Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is such a big part of Chevrolet’s history and we are proud to continue to have such a strong relationship with the track,” said Jeff Chew, senior manager of strategic planning and operations for Chevrolet Racing. “It is a pleasure for Chevrolet to support the efforts of the 500 Festival board members with these special Camaros, as they serve as ambassadors in their communities and generate excitement ahead of the big race.”

The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 29.

For 24-Hour News 8’s complete coverage of the Indianapolis 500, click here.