pace car

noun

: an automobile that leads the field of competitors through a pace lap but does not participate in the race

Examples of pace car in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Speaking of Midwest natives, the race began with a local legend driving the pace car — former Joliet Catholic star and longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback Mike Alstott. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2026

Villeneuve drives to victory after fellow Canadian Scott Goodyear is penalized for passing the pace car on the final restart. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026

Even the pace car, which leads the field through several warm-up laps prior to the start of the race and also leads the field during caution periods to slow the cars on the track, drives at about 110 mph. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 24 May 2026

Fisher is a former IndyCar driver with nine Indianapolis 500 appearances under her belt and has also worked for the driver as a pace car driver. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pace car

• abattoir
• alcazar
• autocar
• avatar
• belshazzar
• caviar
• caviare
• cinnabar
• commissar
• condylar
• deodar
• handlebar