Pacers in Motorcycle Racing: What They Are and How They Help You Win

Ever watched a pro rider glide around the circuit and wonder how they keep such steady lap times? The secret often lies in a pacer. A pacer is a rider or a specialized bike that sets a consistent speed, giving you a reference point to follow. Think of it as a moving treadmill: you match its pace, stay in the sweet spot, and avoid the temptation to push too hard or fall behind.

Why Pacers Matter for Every Rider

First off, pacers make your laps more predictable. By shadowing a bike that’s already dialed in for the perfect line, you can focus on braking points, corner entry, and throttle control without guessing. This consistency translates into faster overall times because you spend less energy correcting mistakes. It also boosts safety – riding at a steady speed reduces surprise braking and limits the risk of overheating your tires.

Second, pacers are great teachers. New racers can learn racecraft by feeling the rhythm of a seasoned rider. You start to sense the right moment to accelerate out of a turn or how long you can stay on the edge of grip. Over time, that intuition becomes second nature, and you’ll find yourself racing faster even when you’re not following a pacer.

How to Use Pacers Effectively on the Track

Pick the right pacer. If you’re a club rider, choose a teammate who runs a lap time slightly quicker than yours. Their speed should challenge you, not overwhelm you. For solo sessions, many tracks offer a “pacer mode” on timing systems that simulates a perfect lap line – use it as a virtual guide.

Stay close, but not too close. The sweet spot is usually one to two bike lengths behind the pacer. Too far away and you lose the drafting benefit; too close and you risk a collision if the pacer brakes unexpectedly. Keep your eyes on the rider’s rear wheel and watch for any sudden changes in speed.

Match the pacer’s line, not just their speed. The best pacers take the optimum racing line, which means a smooth entry, a wide apex, and a tight exit. By mimicking that line, you improve your own cornering technique. If you only copy the speed but cut corners, you’ll waste time and tire grip.

Use the pacer to train specific skills. Want to work on late braking? Have the pacer slow down a little in the final turn and try to follow, pushing your brake threshold safely. Want to perfect throttle control? Let the pacer accelerate out of a straight and practice smooth, progressive throttle application.

After each session, review your data. Compare your lap times to the pacer’s and note where you gained or lost seconds. Spotting consistent gaps helps you know which corners need more work. Over weeks, you’ll see steady improvement without the guesswork.

Remember, a pacer isn’t a magic shortcut. It’s a tool that, when used correctly, gives you a clear reference, sharpens your skills, and keeps you safer on the track. So next time you hit the circuit, line up behind a reliable pacer and let their rhythm guide your own. You’ll be surprised how quickly those lap times drop and how much more confident you feel behind the handlebars.