Pace Car

A Pace Car is a vehicle that leads race cars around the track at controlled speeds during caution periods to ensure safety following accidents, debris, or bad weather conditions.

Also known as a Safety Car in some racing series, the Pace Car bunches competitors together while maintaining their relative positions. Drivers must follow the Pace Car and are typically prohibited from passing it or other competitors during these caution periods.

Pace Cars are prominent in NASCAR, Formula 1, and IndyCar racing. At the Indianapolis 500, which has used a Pace Car annually since 1911, the vehicle leads the field for parade laps before the race begins and returns during caution flags. The selected vehicle and its driver often receive significant publicity.