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

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

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 • May 10, 2022

Drivers would recognize her, and she and Dave would meet many at post-race parties and on pace car drives.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2022

The same arms that have produced 679 home runs will be used to man the steering wheel of a Toyota Camry TRD pace car.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2022