pace car

[ peys ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pace car¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The use of a pace car has been well-established in the US, but for much of F1's existence, the sport relied on trackside, flag-bearing marshals to control or neutralize a race in the event of a crash.

From Ars Technica