pace car

American  

[peys] / peɪs /

noun

1. (in auto racing) an automobile that leads the competing cars through a pace lap or laps and leaves the course before the actual start of the race.

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Etymology

Origin of pace car

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pace car

So once again, the field lined up behind the pace car, unable to do any passing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 25, 2026

National championship-winning Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti will drive the honorary pace car.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026

Grammy-winning artist and Trackhouse Racing co-owner Pitbull was the honorary pace car official.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 22, 2023

Robinson had gone from snowplow to pace car.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 27, 2022

Slugger Albert Pujols drove the pace car, while Los Angeles Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth was joined in his Grand Marshal duties by Matthew Stafford.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 27, 2022