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 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 30 laps remaining.

From Washington Times

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

Robinson had gone from snowplow to pace car.

From Washington Post

“We are the pace car. That helps other people go faster and faster.”

From Seattle Times

The series returns to action with Saturday’s Indy Grand Prix on the speedway’s road course, and race organizers are scheduled to announce the pace car driver for that race later this week.

From Seattle Times