DRESSED FOR THE PARTY
Bowtie Brigade Ready to Take on Indy

DETROIT – (July 19, 2016) – History, fame, honor, prestige, these are the adjectives competitors use when talking about racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. No manufacturer has captured the essence of competition around the 2.5-mile track quite like Chevrolet. The brand has earned 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories at Indy, more than any other manufacturer; including 12 consecutive wins from 2003-2014. The link between Indy and Chevrolet began long before NASCAR Sprint Cup cars entered its hallowed grounds.

Louis Chevrolet, co-founder of the Chevrolet brand, began racing in 1905. Louis entered his first Indianapolis 500 as a driver in 1915. He and his brothers Gaston and Arthur won back-to-back Indy 500’s in 1920 and 1921. His love for racing, mechanics and innovation are the cornerstones of Chevrolet’s involvement in what is now known as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. To date, the brand has amassed 758 wins, 684 poles and over 220,000 laps led at NASCAR’s highest level.

Each driver whose car is adorned with the iconic Bowtie logo knows the rich legacy between the brand and the yard of bricks; making this crown jewel race on the schedule all the more critical. The challenges of Indy are far and wide. Winning at the Brickyard takes skill, strategy and luck. Last season the NASCAR Sprint Cup cars came to Indy with a high downforce package; this year they will be equipped with a low downforce configuration. Several Team Chevy drivers, including six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Jimmie Johnson, came to Indy just last week to participate in a test session.

“The test last week was good overall,” said Johnson. “We aren’t exactly where we need to be but got some good information. We opened up both days really strong but this track changes so much when it gets hot. We learned more on the second day. The late start of the race will bring some of the grip we need in the car back. Indy is really hard to get all four corners right. To win it means so much though. It’s a special race.”

There are a select few races on the 36-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule that lead a driver to being called a champion. One is the sport’s ‘Super Bowl’ race, the Daytona 500; the other is Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This week’s winner at Indy will either add to his victory count or kiss the bricks for the first time. With 16 victories to date, Team Chevy is dressed for the party and ready to celebrate again on Sunday.