Official: Donald Trump to Pace 100th Anniversary Indy 500

What was only a rumor last month turned into reality today, as American business magnate Donald Trump was confirmed as the man who will get behind the wheel of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Pace Car at the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on May 29. Trump will lead the field of 33 drivers to the start of the race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"It's a great honor to be selected as the Pace Car driver for such an American institution as the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500," Trump said. "The Indianapolis 500 has been the gold standard of motorsports for a century, and I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the Camaro and bring the famous field of 33 drivers to the green flag."

The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Pace Car to be driven by Trump is equipped with a 400 horsepower V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, with no performance modifications necessary for the aforementioned task. The color combination used on the car is similar to the design used on 1969 Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replicas.

"We're thrilled to welcome Donald Trump as the driver of the Pace Car for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "He is an iconic American success story, a business leader without peer who is a fitting choice to bring the field for 'The Most Important Race in History' to the green flag."

On one of the parade laps, Trump will be joined by Addison Brown, who will drive a special-edition Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible 2011 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replica that she won at the Barrett-Jackson auction on January 22.