A vehicle found in most forms of
auto racing. Its primary function is to keep the field of cars slow before the start of a race, or during a
caution flag. The car (or truck, in some cases) is usually a brand new
stock vehicle, with decals and flashing yellow
strobe lights added. Auto makers tend to sell replica versions of these vehicles (sans strobe lights), and they get a lot of
money since they become a
collector's item after the season is over.
The pace car leads the field around the track at a slow speed at the beginning of the race and during a caution period, thus setting a pace for the field. It is a safety precaution during a caution period since members of the track crew are usually on the track cleaning up after an accident, and the last thing they need is to be hit by a car or to have another accident occur.