Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST Unveiled as 2026 Indianapolis 500 Festival Vehicle

The iconic trucks will serve as rolling ambassadors for the race across Indiana in the lead-up to the big event.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:39pm

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An abstract, motion-blurred image of a fleet of Chevrolet Silverado trucks in vibrant colors, conveying the speed and energy of the Indianapolis 500 festival.The iconic Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST trucks will serve as rolling billboards for the Indianapolis 500 across Indiana in the lead-up to race day.Indianapolis Today

Thirty-seven identical 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST trucks were unveiled at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marking the start of the countdown to the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The 'Festival Event Vehicles' have been a tradition since the 1960s, serving as rolling billboards to build excitement for the race throughout the state of Indiana.

Why it matters

The Indianapolis 500 is a crown jewel event for the state of Indiana, and the Festival Event Vehicles help drive awareness and enthusiasm in the lead-up to race day. As one of the most visible automotive brands in the world, Chevrolet's involvement as the provider of these trucks further cements their longstanding partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the broader Month of May festivities.

The details

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST 4WD Crew Cab models feature a 5.3-liter V-8 engine producing 355 horsepower, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and custom Indianapolis 500 graphics celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Built at the Fort Wayne Assembly plant, the trucks have a Summit White exterior, Jet Black leather interior, and 20-inch high-gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels.

  • The trucks were unveiled on April 7, 2026 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
  • The 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The players

J. Douglas Boles

INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway president.

Dave Neff

500 Festival president and CEO.

Alyssa Haba

Chevrolet motorsports marketing and activation senior manager.

Chevrolet

One of the world's largest car brands, founded in 1911 in Detroit.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The iconic racetrack that hosts the annual Indianapolis 500 race.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to unleash all 33 of the 500 Festival board members and the 500 Festival Princesses to serve as brand ambassadors for the Indianapolis 500 across the state these next couple months. This is our state's crown jewel, and there is no better time of year in the state of Indiana.”

— Dave Neff, 500 Festival president and CEO

“The tradition of providing Festival Event Vehicles is a hallmark in the countdown to the Month of May and the Indianapolis 500. Seeing these Silverados on the road throughout Central Indiana will embody the passion Chevrolet, IMS and the 500 Festival have for the Indianapolis 500.”

— Alyssa Haba, Chevrolet motorsports marketing and activation senior manager

What’s next

The 33 Festival Event Vehicles will be deployed across central Indiana in the coming weeks to serve as rolling billboards and build excitement for the 110th Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Chevrolet's continued partnership with the Indianapolis 500 and the 500 Festival demonstrates the automaker's deep roots in Indiana and commitment to supporting one of the state's most iconic annual events. The Festival Event Vehicles will help capture the passion and energy of the race throughout the region in the lead-up to the big day.