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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the cones out of place, the leading four female runners arrived — led by a race pace car and police motorcycle — and made a wrong turn, off the race's route. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 5 Mar. 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 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 Former captain John Tavares has led them in goals, points and game-winning goals, with pace car William Nylander also hitting double digits in that span. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pace car

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pace car was in 1936

Rhymes for pace car

See All Rhymes for pace car

Browse Nearby Words

paceboard
pace car
paced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pace car.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pace%20car. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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