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

It wasn’t for “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson, who was to drive the pace car.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 16, 2025

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

From Washington Times ● Oct. 22, 2023

The lengthy yellows took such a toll on the race that the pace car ran out of gas and needed to be refueled with more than 35 laps remaining.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 10, 2023

Robinson had gone from snowplow to pace car.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 27, 2022