As RTV6's sports director Dave Furst reported in early May, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway confirms the Food Network star has been tapped to drive the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 pace car.

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Fieri rose to fame after winning "The Next Food Network Star" in 2006, and now hosts "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," "Guy's Big Bite" and "Tailgate Warriors" on the network.

An avid classic car collector, Fieri owns the red 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."

His garage also holds a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible, 2007 Chevrolet Corvette, 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454, 1967 Chevrolet C10 pickup, 2006 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500 4x4, 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

"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 has visited Indianapolis with his "Diners" crew more than once, profiling several local eateries, including Zest, Steer-In Restaurant, the Tamale Place and Jerseys Café.

"We look forward to welcoming Guy Fieri to the Indianapolis 500," said Jeff Belskus, IMS president and CEO. "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."

Fieri lives in northern California with his wife, Lori, and their two sons, Hunter and Ryder.