INDIANAPOLIS – Guy Fieri, host of the Food Network’s hit show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” will drive the pace car at the Indianapolis 500.

Fieri will lead the 33-car field in a 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 on May 27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is the fastest production car ever offered by General Motors, with a top speed of 205 miles per hour.

There are races and then there are races,” Fieri said in a news release. “And without a doubt, the Indy 500 is the race that I’ve always wanted to attend. And now, to be driving the Corvette Pace Car … this is going to be unbelievable.”

Fieri, who owns seven restaurants and is a best-selling author, is an avid classic car collector. He owns a red 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible that is featured on his show. He also has a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible, 2007 Chevrolet Corvette, 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454, 1967 Chevrolet C10 pickup, 2006 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500 4×4, 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

“We look forward to welcoming Guy Fieri to the Indianapolis 500,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief executive officer. “He’s full of energy and is a longtime ‘car guy’ – a perfect match for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’ I’m sure he’ll remember forever the moment he fires up the incredible 2013 Corvette ZR1 and paces the field to the green flag.”

In 2011, Fieri officially launched CWK (Cooking with Kids), a program that encourages developing healthy eating habits to address the childhood obesity crisis.

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Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cliffbrunt_isl.