pace lap

American  

[peys] / peɪs /

noun

1. a lap before the beginning of an auto race for warming up the engines and giving the field a moving start.

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Etymology

Origin of pace lap

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Mark Reuss was driving the Corvette during a pace lap shortly before the race’s scheduled start time when it spun and crashed.

From Seattle Times

The race Sunday was delayed over a half-hour because the pace car crashed during a pace lap.

From Los Angeles Times

He was seventh at Milwaukee, spun on the pace lap at Iowa but rebounded to finish 16th and was 10th at Toronto.

From Seattle Times