Chevy's SSR Truck at Indy

On May 25, 2003, a pre-production version of Chevy's Super Sport Roadster (SSR) paced the field at the Indianapolis 500. The SSR Pace Vehicle is nearly identical to the 25 Signature Series units on display at a variety of high-profile events during the same year.

Chevy created two SSR trucks for pace duties>

• After the race, SSR number one will be on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

• SSR number two is a truck from the SSR Signature Series, a roadster-truck spent time at some of America's favorite racetracks before being auctioned with other Signature Series pickups.

A third SSR that's very similar to the pace trucks was on display at the Indy Museum during leading up to the race, and later became part of GM's historic collection in Detroit.

Chevy modified SSR trucks to create the pace vehicle:

• A silver ghost-flame paint scheme appears across the hood, front fenders and doors
• A safety strobe light bar is recessed into the tailgate
• Special cast aluminum wheels and race event graphics were added
• Racing safety belts were installed
• An upgrade to heavy-duty engine and transmission oil coolers
• Higher rate springs and shocks were added to improve handling
• A lower restriction exhaust system increases performance needs

Herb Fishel, executive director of GM racing, drove the SSR Pace Truck to start the race.