NASCAR Pace Cars

NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is one of the most popular motorsports in the world. It is a high-speed, high-intensity competition that has been thrilling fans for over seven decades. One of the most important aspects of any NASCAR race is the pace car. This vehicle plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of the drivers and the fans. In this article, we will explore what a pace car is in NASCAR, the purpose of the pace car, its role on the track, and the history of the NASCAR pace car.

Also Read: The Official 2023 Nascar and 2022 Indy 500 Pace Car

What is a Pace Car?

A pace car is a vehicle used in motorsports to control the speed and flow of the race. It is a specially equipped car that leads the field of race cars around the track during caution periods and at the start of the race. In NASCAR, the pace car is typically a high-performance sports car, such as a Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, or Toyota Supra. The car is driven by a professional driver who is responsible for setting the pace and ensuring the safety of the drivers and fans.

The Purpose of the Pace Car in NASCAR?

The purpose of the pace car in NASCAR is to control the speed and flow of the race. It is used to regulate the speed of the cars on the track during caution periods and to bring the field of race cars to a safe and organized start at the beginning of the race. The pace car also plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the drivers and fans. It is responsible for leading the field of race cars around the track at a safe and consistent speed, and it is used to slow down the cars in the event of an accident or other emergency.

The Role of the Pace Car on the Track?

The role of the pace car on the track is to lead the field of race cars around the track at a safe and consistent speed. The pace car is typically used during caution periods when the race is slowed down to allow for the clearing of debris, the removal of disabled cars, or the cleanup of accidents. During these periods, the pace car will lead the field of race cars around the track at a reduced speed, usually around 55 miles per hour, to ensure that the drivers can safely navigate around any obstacles on the track.

In addition to its role during caution periods, the pace car is also used at the start of the race. The pace car will lead the field of race cars around the track for several laps to warm up the tires and engines of the cars. Once the pace car exits the track, the race will officially begin, and the drivers will be free to race at full speed.

What kind of car is the NASCAR pace car?

The type of car used as the pace car in NASCAR races varies depending on the track, the race, and the manufacturer’s agreement with NASCAR. In the past, NASCAR has used a variety of vehicles such as pace cars, including muscle cars, sports cars, and high-performance sedans.

Currently, the pace car used in NASCAR races is the Corvette Z06. The Corvette Z06 is powered by the each-new5.5 L LT6, creating 670 power, making it the loftiest- power naturally aspirated V- 8 in any product auto. Corvette Z06 is also equipped with the Z07 Performance Package, the Corvette Z06 features a carbon fiber hinder sect, aerodynamic ground goods, carbon ceramic thickets, and other performance features for maximum track capability.

Other manufacturers that have provided pace cars for NASCAR races in the past include Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge. Some notable pace cars used in NASCAR races include the Toyota GR 86, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang GT, and the Dodge Charger SRT8. These cars are typically high-performance vehicles that can keep up with the race cars on the track while also being safe and reliable for their role as pace cars.

NASCAR Pace Cars Since 2011

Year	Car
2023	Corvette Z06
2022	2022Toyota GR 86
2021	Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST
2020	Toyota GR Supra
2019	Silverado pace truck
2018	2018 Toyota Camry
2017	2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1
2016	Shelby GT350 Mustang
2015	2015 Ford Mustang GT
2014	2014 Chevrolet SS
2013	Ford Builds 2013 Escape
2012	2012 Ford Focus
2011	Ford Lends 2011 Mustang V-6

General Roles of Pace Cars

The pace car plays an essential role in NASCAR races by ensuring the safety of the drivers and fans. Here are some of the primary roles of the pace car during a race:

• Control the Field: The pace car leads the field of race cars around the track during caution periods, setting a safe and consistent speed. This helps to control the flow of traffic and prevent collisions on the track. The pace car driver communicates with the drivers using hand signals or radio to let them know when they can accelerate and when they need to slow down.
• Clear the Track: During caution periods, the pace car is also responsible for clearing any debris or obstacles from the track. This can include removing debris from a crash or cleaning up spilled fluids. Once the track is clear, the pace car will lead the field of cars around the track to ensure that it is safe to resume racing.
• Monitor Safety: The pace car driver also monitors the safety of the drivers and fans during the race. They are responsible for reporting any safety concerns to the race officials, including track conditions or other hazards that could impact the safety of the drivers.
• Start the Race: The pace car is also responsible for starting the race by leading the field of cars around the track during the pace laps. Once the pace laps are completed, the pace car will pull off the track, and the race will officially begin.
• Manage Pit Road: During caution periods, the pace car also manages the cars on the pit road. The pace car will lead the cars down the pit road at a controlled speed, ensuring that the cars enter and exit their pits safely. This helps to prevent collisions and accidents on pit roads and keeps the race running smoothly.
• Manage Restarts: After a caution period, the pace car also manages the restart of the race. The pace car will lead the field of cars around the track until the green flag is waved, indicating that the race has resumed. The pace car then pulls off the track, and the drivers are free to race again.
• Provide Medical Assistance: In the event of an accident or other emergency on the track, the pace car can also provide medical assistance. The pace car driver is often a trained medical professional and can provide emergency medical attention to drivers or fans in need.
• Highlight Innovation: The pace car is also an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their latest technology and innovation. Many pace cars feature high-performance engines and cutting-edge safety features, making them a showcase for the latest advancements in automotive technology.

In addition to these primary roles, the pace car also serves as a visual and symbolic representation of the race. The car is often adorned with sponsor logos and another race-related branding, making it a prominent feature on the track. The pace car also signals to the fans that the race is about to begin and adds to the overall excitement and energy of the event.

The History of the NASCAR Pace Car

The pace car has been a part of NASCAR since its inception in 1948. The first pace car used in NASCAR was a 1948 Ford, driven by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. The pace car was used to regulate the speed of the race and to ensure the safety of the drivers and fans. Since then, the pace car has evolved to become a high-performance sports car that is driven by a professional driver.

Over the years, the pace car has become an important part of the NASCAR experience. Fans eagerly await the arrival of the pace car at the beginning of each race, and many collectors seek to acquire pace cars as part of their collections. In recent years, NASCAR has also introduced a new type of pace car, the “Pace Truck.” This is a specially equipped pickup truck that is used on road courses, where the speeds are typically lower than on oval tracks.

Are the Pace Cars the Same for Every Race?

No, the pace cars used in NASCAR races are not the same for every race. The type of pace car used can vary depending on the race, the track, and the sponsor. Typically, the pace car is provided by the sponsor of the race, which can vary from race to race.

In addition, the type of car used as the pace car can also vary depending on the track. For example, on short tracks or road courses, a smaller vehicle like a pickup truck or a sedan may be used, while on larger ovals, a high-performance sports car like a Chevrolet Camaro or a Ford Mustang may be used.

It’s worth noting that while the pace car used may vary, there are certain rules and regulations that the car must meet. The car must be equipped with safety features such as lights and sirens, and the driver must be a trained professional with experience in high-speed driving. The car is also typically adorned with sponsor logos and another race-related branding.

Who Drives the NASCAR Pace Car?

The NASCAR pace car is typically driven by a professional driver who is experienced in high-speed driving and is familiar with the track. The driver of the pace car is responsible for setting the pace of the race and ensuring the safety of the drivers and fans.

The pace car driver is often a member of the track safety team or a professional driver who is contracted to drive the pace car for the race. The driver is chosen based on their experience and skill, and they must pass a rigorous training program that includes both classroom instruction and on-track driving experience.

The pace car driver is also responsible for communicating with race officials and drivers during caution periods. They will typically use hand signals or a radio to communicate with the drivers, letting them know when they can accelerate and when they need to slow down.

It’s worth noting that the driver of the pace car is not allowed to race with the other drivers. Their role is strictly to lead the field of race cars around the track at a safe and consistent speed.

Conclusion

The pace car is a critical component of NASCAR racing. It is used to regulate the speed and flow of the race, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the drivers and fans. During caution periods in a race, the pace car takes charge as a safety vehicle, leading the pack of race cars around the track. It also determines the speed for the restart of the race and manages the pit road, offering medical assistance as needed. Additionally, the pace car serves as a symbolic representation of the race.

For the upcoming 2023 Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 19, a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has been selected to lead the racers, marking the 15th time that a Chevrolet has served as the pace car for this significant event.

The type of pace car used in NASCAR events varies depending on the race and the agreement between the manufacturer and NASCAR.