There is generally some leading of the shot involved. It depends on the distance of the shot and the relative speeds of each moving individual. Just takes some practice to get the feel for it.
Yes, you will need to lead, along with the things other players have said. Pretty much with all weapons in tribes 2, you'll have to lead farther than you'd originally think to hit. For example, if you get "rubber bullets" (you see them hit, but no damage) with the chaingun you're probably not leading far enough.
However, sniping with that ping at long distances is no different than how much you will have to lead at short distances, so don't dumb down your play. Find out how much you have to lead your shot, and then that will be your guideline fir how far you have to lead, regardless of the distance.
You also have to lead with the shocklance; try aiming it like a disc to get into the habit at first.
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The laser rifle is the only hitscan weapon in T2, but higher ping will introduce trigger lag, hence the need to lead.
edited to add: Yeah, the shocklance is hitscan as well, so sue me.
However, sniping with that ping at long distances is no different than how much you will have to lead at short distances, so don't dumb down your play. Find out how much you have to lead your shot, and then that will be your guideline fir how far you have to lead, regardless of the distance.
You also have to lead with the shocklance; try aiming it like a disc to get into the habit at first.