NASCAR 2024: What is the role of the pace car in NASCAR? All you need to know about pace cars

NASCAR referred to as National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing was started in 1948. Since then a pace car has been used in the races. A pace car also called a safety car pulls out to the track with its yellow strobe lights to limit the speeds of competing race cars during a time of caution. If a pace car is not there things can go haywire as drivers will take it upon themselves. It plays a huge role in maintaining order under a yellow flag providing restart procedures that are safer. 

What Pace Car does every Race week?

The Car paces the field justifying its name, when it is deployed on track under a yellow flag before the green flag is waved. NASCAR Cup cars don't have a speedometer so the pace cars watch that a specific speed is being followed (average around 45mph).

When a severe crash takes place and the competing race cars cannot be driven but must be cleared out then the race control deploys the pace car in these situations to slow the field down while the crew clears the other cars. It is important to know that overtaking is not allowed and race cars can't drive past the pace car under a yellow flag.

NASCAR pace car models

F1 uses one or two pace car models in a year but NASCAR has various models from different manufacturers. The manufacturers sponsor the tracks that are hosting the races with an allowance of them providing a pace car from their model lineup. The most common pace cars included the Toyota Camry, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro. 

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Who Drives the Pace Car?

In prominent NASCAR events, a celebrity is often chosen to drive the pace car for the initial lap. In 2023, Kal Penn took on this role at Watkins Glen, while Nick Cannon drove the pace car at the Las Vegas race. Over the years, other well-known figures have had the honor, including Irish wrestler Sheamus and Hollywood icon Tom Cruise. After the celebrity completes the ceremonial lap, the pace car is then handed over to a professional driver who will handle it for the remainder of the race. From 2008 to 2018, Brett Bodine was the primary pace car driver for NASCAR, overseeing numerous races. In 2019, Kip Childress succeeded him as the main pace car driver. Pace Cars guide the field safely at the start of each race. This practice adds a touch of glamour and excitement to these high-profile NASCAR events.

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