Glossary of motorsport terms: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m Reverted edits by Knoper (talk) to last version by Debartolo2917
Tags: Rollback Reverted
(39 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Wikimedia list article}}
{{Short description|none}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2011}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2011}}
The following is a '''glossary of terminology used in [[motorsport]]''', along with explanations of their meanings.<!-- Feel free to add entries to this list. However, make sure that new terms cite references, are added in alphabetical order, begin with a capital letter and end with a full stop (period). -->
The following is a '''glossary of terminology used in [[motorsport]]''', along with explanations of their meanings.<!-- Feel free to add entries to this list. However, make sure that new terms cite references, are added in alphabetical order, begin with a capital letter and end with a full stop (period). -->
Line 7: Line 7:
==0–9==
==0–9==


;1–2 finish: When two cars/bikes from the same team finish first and second in a race. Can be extended to 1–2–3 or 1–2–3–4, etc. depending on a combination of racing series and team size.
;1–2 finish: When two vehicles from the same team finish first and second in a race. Can be extended to 1–2–3 or 1–2–3–4, etc. depending on a combination of racing series and team size.


;[[107% rule]]: Often used in [[Formula One]] or other racing series, it is a time which the driver must qualify the car within 107% of the polesitter's time to be allowed to compete. Variations of this may be used to monitor drivers and warn them to make the required threshold of speed or be parked (disqualified). Similarly, the [[IndyCar Series]] uses a 105% rule and [[NASCAR]] has a 115% rule, mainly for performance on track, though INDYCAR and NASCAR often adjust the rule for tracks with very abrasive surfaces (such as [[Atlanta Motor Speedway]]) where lap times can be considerably faster when a car has newer tires.<ref name=Crash-Gordon-FieldFiller-2004>{{cite web|title=NASCAR – Gordon questions 'field filler' role after shunt.|url=http://www.crash.net/nascar/news/88377/1/gordon-questions-field-filler-role-after-shunt.html|website=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|access-date=18 March 2015|date=March 2004}}</ref><ref name=USA2Day-JGordon-MinimumSpeed-Loudon-2014>{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Nate|title=Jeff Gordon says NASCAR should rethink minimum speeds|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2014/07/14/jeff-gordon-thinks-nascar-should-raise-minimum-speed-joey-logano-morgan-shepherd/12633809/|website=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[USA Today]]|access-date=18 March 2015|date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><ref name=Autoweek-Lotus-Indy-2012>{{cite web|title=IndyCar officials rule no extra boost for Lotus on race day at Indianapolis|url=http://autoweek.com/article/indycar/indycar-officials-rule-no-extra-boost-lotus-race-day-indianapolis|website=[[Autoweek|autoweek.com]]|publisher=[[Autoweek]]|access-date=18 March 2015|date=May 21, 2012}}</ref>
;[[107% rule]]: Often used in [[Formula One]] or other racing series, it is a rule where the driver must qualify the car within 107% of the polesitter's time to be allowed to compete. Variations of this may be used to monitor drivers and warn them to reach the required pace or be parked (disqualified). Similarly, the [[IndyCar Series]] uses a 105% rule, and [[NASCAR]] has a 115% rule, mainly for performance on track, though IndyCar and NASCAR often adjust the threshold for tracks with very abrasive surfaces (such as [[Atlanta Motor Speedway]]) where lap times can be considerably faster with less worn tires.<ref name=Crash-Gordon-FieldFiller-2004>{{cite web|title=NASCAR – Gordon questions 'field filler' role after shunt.|url=http://www.crash.net/nascar/news/88377/1/gordon-questions-field-filler-role-after-shunt.html|website=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|access-date=18 March 2015|date=March 2004}}</ref><ref name=USA2Day-JGordon-MinimumSpeed-Loudon-2014>{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Nate|title=Jeff Gordon says NASCAR should rethink minimum speeds|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2014/07/14/jeff-gordon-thinks-nascar-should-raise-minimum-speed-joey-logano-morgan-shepherd/12633809/|website=[[USA Today]]|access-date=18 March 2015|date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><ref name=Autoweek-Lotus-Indy-2012>{{cite web|title=IndyCar officials rule no extra boost for Lotus on race day at Indianapolis|url=http://autoweek.com/article/indycar/indycar-officials-rule-no-extra-boost-lotus-race-day-indianapolis|website=[[Autoweek|autoweek.com]]|publisher=[[Autoweek]]|access-date=18 March 2015|date=May 21, 2012}}</ref>


;200&nbsp;MPH Club: (Also known as the "2 Club" or "Dirty Two Club" for records taking place at [[El Mirage Lake]]<ref>{{cite book |author=Jeff Breitenstein |date=2004 |page=242 |title=Ultimate Hot Rod Dictionary: A-Bombs to Zoomies |publisher=MotorBooks International |others=illustrated by Troy Paiva |isbn=0-7603-1823-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OtKWmLLiuTgC&q=200+mph+club&pg=PA242}}</ref>) A lifetime "membership" awarded by the [[Southern California Timing Association|SCTA]] or another sanctioning body / circuit to any driver who drives over a specified distance at a minimum speed of {{convert|200|mph}}, while also breaking a record.<ref>url=http://www.bonneville200mph.org/bylaws.html</ref> Membership can stretch over from the more exclusive [[:Category:Bonneville 300&nbsp;MPH Club members|300]] to the elite 400.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Dan McCosh |date=April 1993 |pages=88–92,101 |title=Bonneville Salt Flats: Quest for Speed |others=Photos by John B. Carnett |journal=Popular Science |volume=242 |number=4 |publisher=Times Mirror Magazines |issn=0161-7370 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qg1TXHcJwgcC&q=%22200+mph+club%22&pg=PA91}}</ref>
;200&nbsp;MPH Club: A lifetime "membership" awarded by the [[Southern California Timing Association|SCTA]] or another sanctioning body or circuit to any driver who drives over a specified distance at a minimum speed of {{convert|200|mph}}, while also breaking a record.<ref>url=http://www.bonneville200mph.org/bylaws.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918040216/http://www.bonneville200mph.org/bylaws.html |date=2021-09-18 }}</ref> Membership can stretch over from the more exclusive 300 to the elite 400.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Dan McCosh |date=April 1993 |pages=88–92,101 |title=Bonneville Salt Flats: Quest for Speed |others=Photos by John B. Carnett |journal=Popular Science |volume=242 |number=4 |publisher=Times Mirror Magazines |issn=0161-7370 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qg1TXHcJwgcC&q=%22200+mph+club%22&pg=PA91}}</ref> Also known as the ''2 Club'' or ''Dirty Two Club'' for records taking place at [[El Mirage Lake]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Jeff Breitenstein |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OtKWmLLiuTgC&q=200+mph+club&pg=PA242 |title=Ultimate Hot Rod Dictionary: A-Bombs to Zoomies |date=2004 |publisher=MotorBooks International |others=illustrated by Troy Paiva |isbn=0-7603-1823-9 |page=242}}</ref>
;60-foot time: In [[drag racing]], the time taken for a vehicle to travel the first {{Convert|60|ft|m}} of the drag strip.


==A==
==A==
[[File:Race Action 2012 Geico 400 Chicagoland.jpg|thumb|alt=refer to caption|Drivers race on the apron at Chicagoland Speedway (the area between the white and yellow lines)]]
[[File:Race Action 2012 Geico 400 Chicagoland.jpg|thumb|alt=refer to caption|Drivers race on the apron at Chicagoland Speedway (the area between the white and yellow lines).]]
;aero cover: ''see [[#W|wheel shroud]]''
;aero cover: See ''[[#W|wheel shroud]].''
;[[Jack (device)|air jacks]]: Compressed air activated lifting cylinders strategically mounted to the frame of and near the wheels of a racing car which project downwards to lift the car off the ground during a [[pit stop]] so to more quickly change wheels and tires or provide mechanics access to the underside of the car for repairs.
;[[Jack (device)|air jacks]]: [[Pneumatic cylinder]]s strategically mounted to the frame near the wheels of a racing car, which project downwards to lift the car off the ground during a [[pit stop]] to allow for quick tire changes or provide mechanics access to the underside of the car for repairs.
;alphabet soup: In midget and sprint car racing, and in many short tracks, "alphabet soup" denotes the various preliminary races drivers will race through to advance to the feature. Such is named for the heat race format from the O main at the Chili Bowl to the N, M, L, K, J, I, H, G, F, E, D, C, B, and A main. A driver who runs through the alphabet soup is a driver who advanced from the lowest feature of the day and advanced to the A main.
;alphabet soup: In [[Midget car racing|midget car]] and [[sprint car racing]], and on many short tracks, ''alphabet soup'' denotes the various preliminary races drivers will race through to advance to the feature event. Such is named for the heat race format, from the O main at the [[Chili Bowl Nationals]] to the N, M, L, K, J, I, H, G, F, E, D, C, B, and finally A main. A driver who runs through the alphabet soup is a driver who has advanced from the lowest feature of the day and advanced to the A main.
;[[Apex (racing)|apex]]:The part of a corner where the racing line is nearest the inside of the bend.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.formula1-dictionary.net/corners.html|title=Corners|website=www.formula1-dictionary.net|access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref>
;[[Racing line#Apex|apex]]:The part of a corner where the racing line is nearest the inside of the bend.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.formula1-dictionary.net/corners.html|title=Corners|website=www.formula1-dictionary.net|access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref>
;apron: An area of asphalt or concrete that separates the racing surface from the infield.<ref>{{cite web|title=Glossary of Racing Terms|url=http://hometracks.nascar.com/nascar_101/Glossary_of_Racing_Terms|website=NASCAR.com|publisher=NASCAR Media Group, LLC.|access-date=June 1, 2016|date=August 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614113915/http://hometracks.nascar.com/nascar_101/Glossary_of_Racing_Terms|archive-date=June 14, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;apron: An area of asphalt or concrete that separates the racing surface from the infield.<ref>{{cite web|title=Glossary of Racing Terms|url=http://hometracks.nascar.com/nascar_101/Glossary_of_Racing_Terms|website=NASCAR.com|publisher=NASCAR Media Group, LLC.|access-date=June 1, 2016|date=August 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614113915/http://hometracks.nascar.com/nascar_101/Glossary_of_Racing_Terms|archive-date=June 14, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;[[auto racing]]: Alternative term for motorsport, largely American, although referring specifically to circuit and oval racing for cars and excluding sports such as motorcycling racing, rallying and drifting.
;[[auto racing]]: Alternative term for motorsport, largely American, although referring specifically to circuit and oval racing for cars, and excluding sports such as motorcycle racing, rallying and drifting.
;[[autotesting]]: see ''[[#G|Gymkhana]]''
;[[autotesting]]: See ''[[#G|gymkhana]].''


==B==
==B==
;B main: See ''[[#S|semi-feature]]''
;B main: See ''[[#S|semi-feature]].''
;B-team: See ''[[#S|satellite team]]''
;B-team: See ''[[#S|satellite team]].''
;back half: In drag racing, referring to distance from the 1/8 mile mark to the 1/4 mark of the track.
;back half: In [[drag racing]], referring to distance from the 1/8-mile mark to the 1/4-mile mark of the track.
;backmarker: A slower car, usually in the process of being lapped by the leaders.<ref name=DailyTelegraphBackmarker>{{cite news|last=Cary|first=Tom|title=Lewis Hamilton warns that F1 backmarkers could cause 'a disaster' at Monaco Grand Prix|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7706581/Lewis-Hamilton-warns-that-F1-backmarkers-could-cause-a-disaster-at-Monaco-Grand-Prix.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7706581/Lewis-Hamilton-warns-that-F1-backmarkers-could-cause-a-disaster-at-Monaco-Grand-Prix.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|location=London|date=10 May 2010}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
;backmarker: A slower car, usually in the process of being lapped by the leaders.<ref name=DailyTelegraphBackmarker>{{cite news|last=Cary|first=Tom|title=Lewis Hamilton warns that F1 backmarkers could cause 'a disaster' at Monaco Grand Prix|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7706581/Lewis-Hamilton-warns-that-F1-backmarkers-could-cause-a-disaster-at-Monaco-Grand-Prix.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7706581/Lewis-Hamilton-warns-that-F1-backmarkers-could-cause-a-disaster-at-Monaco-Grand-Prix.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|location=London|date=10 May 2010}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
;backup car: See ''[[#S|spare car]]''
;backup car: See ''[[#S|spare car]].''
;bag of donuts: In drag racing, a perfect reaction time of .000 seconds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Andrew |date=2019-09-04 |title=Stock Eliminator Racers Throw The Kitchen Sink At Epic Heads-Up Final At The U.S. Nationals! |url=https://www.dragzine.com/news/stock-racers-throw-the-kitchen-sink-at-epic-heads-up-final-at-indy/ |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Dragzine |language=en-US}}</ref>
;bag of doughnuts: In drag racing, a driver cuts a perfect reaction time of .000 seconds.
;beam: In drag racing, the starting line electric eye controlling prestaged and staged lights.
;beam: In drag racing, the [[electric eye]] controlling the pre-stage and stage lights at the starting line.
;banking: A.) The angle at which a track inclines towards the outside of a corner or from the lower to the higher side of a straight, also referred to as camber, more so when modest or negative, B.) a corner that inclines towards the outside.
;banking: The angle at which a track inclines towards the outside of a corner (or from the lower to the higher side of a straight). Also referred to as camber (see below), more commonly when modest or negative (i.e. "off-camber"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patwardhan |first=Deepti |title=Check out this detailed guide to the Red Bull Ring by Jehan Daruvala |url=https://www.redbull.com/in-en/red-bull-ring-formula-racing-jehan-daruvala |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Red Bull |language=en}}</ref>).
;[[The Big One (NASCAR)|The Big One]]: A large pileup during a stock car race involving up to 30 cars. The term is largely reserved for [[restrictor plate]] racing at [[Daytona International Speedway|Daytona]] and [[Talladega Superspeedway|Talladega]].
;[[The Big One (motorsport)|The Big One]]: A large pileup during a [[Stock car racing|stock car race]] involving up to 30 cars. The term is largely reserved for [[restrictor plate]] racing at [[Daytona International Speedway|Daytona]] and [[Talladega Superspeedway|Talladega]].
;black flagged: To be ordered to the pits or penalty box, due to a rules infraction or unsafe car (loose parts, smoking, dropping fluid, etc.). A black flag is shown to the car that has to stop. Also known as "being posted".
;black-flagged: To be ordered to the pits or penalty box, due to a violation of the rules or an unsafe car (loose parts, smoking, leaking fluid, etc.). A black flag is shown to the car that has to stop. Also known as being "''posted''".
;blend line: A painted line defining the exit from pit lane where it rejoins the race track. It prevents emerging race cars from driving into race traffic travelling past the pits. Competitors are penalised for crossing the blend line, ensuring cars have attained full racing speed before rejoining the race.
;blend line: A painted line defining the area where the pit lane rejoins the race track, and prevents cars exiting the pit from driving into race traffic travelling past the pits, or vice versa. Competitors are penalised for crossing the blend line, ensuring that exiting cars have reached sufficient speed before rejoining the race.
;bleach box: In drag racing, an area where [[bleach]] is deposited for cars to perform burnouts (''q.v''). Gasoline (since discontinued for safety reasons), water, and [[PJ1 TrackBite|TrackBite]] are also used. Most organisations only permit water. This is done at the start of most drag races.
;bleach box: In drag racing, an area where [[bleach]] is deposited for cars to perform burnouts at the start of most drag races. Gasoline (since discontinued for safety reasons), water, and [[PJ1 TrackBite|TrackBite]] are also used; most organisations only permit water.
;blow: See ''[[#B|blown]]''
;blow: See ''[[#B|blown]].''
;blower: A [[supercharger]]; in the 1990s, generally grouped as "power adders" with turbocharger and [[nitrous oxide|nitrous]].
;blower: A [[supercharger]]; in the 1990s, these were generally labelled as "power adders" alongside [[turbocharger]]s and [[nitrous oxide|nitrous]].
;blown: A.) An engine that is supercharged (i.e. a "blown")<br>B.) An engine that has suffered catastrophic failure, is no longer running, or has sustained irreparable damage.
;blown: An engine that is supercharged (i.e. a blown engine). Alternatively, an engine that has suffered catastrophic failure, is no longer running, or has sustained irreparable damage.
;blowover: Flipping of a car or boat, due to excessive air under the chassis or hull, respectively.
;blowover: Flipping of a car or boat, due to excessive air under the chassis or hull, respectively.
;bottle: In drag racing, refers to the nitrous system, also a ''jug''.
;bottle: In drag racing, the [[gas cylinder]] containing nitrous. Also called a ''jug''.
;bottoming, bottoming out: When the bottom of the [[chassis]] hits the track.<ref name=itvannual1>{{cite book|title=The Official ITV Sport Formula One Annual 2008|last=Clayton|first=David|year=2007|pages=6–7|isbn=978-1-906211-02-8|publisher=Granada Ventures}}</ref>
;bottoming / bottoming out: When the bottom of the [[chassis]] touches the track.<ref name=itvannual1>{{cite book|title=The Official ITV Sport Formula One Annual 2008|last=Clayton|first=David|year=2007|pages=6–7|isbn=978-1-906211-02-8|publisher=Granada Ventures}}</ref>
;box: A mostly-European term used to by people on the pit wall to tell a driver to come into the pitlane for a pitstop. In NASCAR, it is rarely mentioned outside of earning a penalty for conducting work on the car while not within the bounds of the team's pit stall.
;box: A mostly European term used by people at the pit wall to tell a driver to perform a pit stop. In NASCAR, it is rarely mentioned outside of earning a penalty for conducting work on the car while not within the bounds of the team's pit stall.
;breakout: In drag racing, running quicker than dial-in; also "breaking out." Grounds for disqualification if opponent does not commit a foul start or cross boundary lines; also known as ''bustout''.
;breakout: In [[bracket racing]], a run quicker than the projected "dial-in" time (see [[Glossary of motorsport terms#D|''dial-in'']] below). Grounds for disqualification if opponent does not commit a foul start or cross boundary lines. Also known as a ''bustout''.
;[[Bump and run (auto racing)|bump and run]]: A move with origins in stock car racing, where a trailing car intentionally bumps the car in front in an attempt to pass.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=193211|title=The art of the bump and run|last=Crossman|first=Matt|date=April 1, 2007|publisher=[[Sporting News]]|access-date=18 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930115649/http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=193211|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref>
;[[Bump and run (auto racing)|bump and run]]: A move with origins in stock car racing, where a trailing car intentionally bumps the car in front in an attempt to pass.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=193211|title=The art of the bump and run|last=Crossman|first=Matt|date=April 1, 2007|publisher=[[Sporting News]]|access-date=18 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930115649/http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=193211|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref>
;burnout: Performed to heat the tires up for better traction. It is also used in stock car racing typically to celebrate a race win.
;burnout: The act of spinning the driven wheels in place to heat the tires up for better traction. It is also used in stock car racing, typically to celebrate a race win.
;[[buschwhacker]], claim jumper (2008–14), signal pirate (2015–), or Cup leech: In [[NASCAR]], a driver who regularly races in the first tier NASCAR series, the NASCAR Cup Series, who makes guest or semi-regular appearances racing in the second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series. The term was named originally for then sponsor of the second-tier series [[Anheuser-Busch]] brewery. Claim jumper was a reference to second-tier sponsor Nationwide Insurance (2008–14), and signal pirate references current second-tier sponsor Comcast [[Xfinity]], with Cup leech used as a sponsor-neutral term.
;[[Buschwhacker]] / claim jumper (2008–14) / signal pirate (2015–) / Cup leech: In [[NASCAR]], a driver who regularly races in the first-tier NASCAR Cup Series, but makes guest or semi-regular appearances racing in the second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series. The term was named originally for the then-sponsor of the second-tier series, the [[Anheuser-Busch]] brewery. ''Claim jumper'' was a reference to second-tier sponsor [[Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company|Nationwide Insurance]] (2008–14), and ''signal pirate'' references current second-tier sponsor [[Comcast]] [[Xfinity]], with ''Cup leech'' used as a sponsor-neutral term.


==C==
==C==
[[File:DirtTrackRacingLateModels.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Cars race around a dirt course behind a tall metal fence.|Catch fence at an American [[dirt track racing|dirt track]]]]
[[File:DirtTrackRacingLateModels.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Cars race around a dirt course behind a tall metal fence.|Catch fence at an American [[dirt track racing|dirt track]]]]
;[[Camber angle|camber]]: A.) The angle at which wheels are set up to tilt in or out, measured in degrees in or out from 90 degrees. "Positive camber" means the top of the tyre is angled outwards from the car; "negative camber" means that the top tilts inwards. Negative camber assists cornering performance as the outside tires lean into the corner (like a motorcycle) which keeps the lateral forces on the tire lower and causes less flex in the sidewall, although it does also have the effect of increasing tire wear. B.) Banking, the angle at which a corner inclines towards the outside or a straight from its lower side to its higher side. Sometimes specified as positive camber and negative camber, the latter indicating a decline from the inside of a corner.
;[[Camber angle|camber]]: A.) The angle at which wheels are set up to tilt in or out, measured in degrees in or out from 90 degrees. Positive camber means the top of the tyre is angled outwards from the car; negative camber means that the top tilts inwards. Negative camber assists cornering performance, as the outside tires lean into the corner (like on a motorcycle), which reduces lateral forces on the tire and causes less flex in the sidewall, although it does also have the effect of increasing tire wear.: B.) Banking (see above), the angle at which a corner inclines towards the outside (or a straight from its lower side to its higher side). Sometimes specified as positive camber and negative camber, the latter indicating a decline from the inside of a corner.
;{{visible anchor|catch fence}}: A series of and combination of [[chain-link fencing]], welded grid fencing, and cables used to slow or stop out of control cars and prevent debris from hitting the crowd. They are common on short tracks, street and permanent circuits.
;{{visible anchor|catch fence}}: A fence made of [[chain-link fencing]], welded grid fencing, and/or cables used to slow or stop out-of-control cars and prevent debris from hitting the crowd. They are common on short tracks, [[street circuit]]s, and permanent circuits.
;{{visible anchor|catch tank}}: Also known as a recovery tank. A receptacle placed in a go kart to capture the liquids like water and oil that would otherwise drop onto the track.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kartpartsdepot.com/Go_Kart_Catch_Cans_and_Tanks_s/2079.htm|title = Go Kart Catch Cans and Tanks}}</ref>
;{{visible anchor|catch tank}} / catch can: A receptacle placed in a [[go-kart]] to capture liquids, like water and oil, that would otherwise drop onto the track. Also known as a ''recovery tank''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Go Kart Catch Cans and Tanks |url=https://www.kartpartsdepot.com/Go_Kart_Catch_Cans_and_Tanks_s/2079.htm}}</ref>
;caution / caution period: See ''[[#F|full course yellow]]''
;caution / caution period: See ''[[#F|full-course yellow]].''
;chase vehicle: In off-road racing, a non-competitive vehicle that follows a competing vehicle to assist with repairs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/23/sports/othersports/23baja.html?scp=7&sq=baja%201000&st=cse|title=On Dirt Roads of Mexico, Racers' Toughness Is Tested |last=Sigal|first=Peter|date=November 23, 2006|work=[[New York Times]]|access-date=18 January 2009}}</ref>
;chase vehicle: In off-road racing, a non-competitive vehicle that follows a competing vehicle to assist with repairs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/23/sports/othersports/23baja.html?scp=7&sq=baja%201000&st=cse|title=On Dirt Roads of Mexico, Racers' Toughness Is Tested |last=Sigal|first=Peter|date=November 23, 2006|work=[[New York Times]]|access-date=18 January 2009}}</ref>
;[[chicane]]: An artificial feature added to the natural course of a track to slow cars<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pps.org/info/placemakingtools/casesforplaces/livememtraffic|title=Traffic Calming 101 |publisher=Project for Public Spaces|access-date=18 January 2009}}</ref> or create a passing zone.
;[[chicane]]: An artificial corner or set of corners added to the natural course of a track to slow cars<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pps.org/info/placemakingtools/casesforplaces/livememtraffic|title=Traffic Calming 101 |publisher=Project for Public Spaces|access-date=18 January 2009}}</ref> or create a passing zone.

[[File:Tree counting down.JPG|thumb|225px|alt=a car sits at a set of lights waiting for a signal| The "Christmas tree" counting down at [[Saskatchewan International Raceway|SIR]]]]
;{{va|choose cone}}: The cone (or painted chevron) at which drivers have to pick if they want to take inside or outside in oval racing during a restart.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blackstock |first1=Elizabeth |title=NASCAR's Choose Cone Rule, Explained |url=https://jalopnik.com/nascars-choose-cone-rule-explained-1844658208 |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=Jalopnik |date=8 August 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
;Christmas tree: The series of lights in drag racing that signal the approach and start of a race in addition to showing starting violations.
;[[Christmas tree]]: The series of lights in drag racing that signal the approach and start of a race, in addition to showing starting violations.
;clean air: Air that has not been affected by turbulence from other cars.<ref name=itvannual1 /> The opposite of ''dirty air''.
;[[course record]]: Fastest recorded lap at a circuit.
;[[Clerk of the Course|clerk of the course]]: The official responsible for all on-track activities including demonstrations and parades. They oversee the track conditions, supervise the marshals and emergency services, control the deployment of the safety car and decide upon suspending a session. If a race director is appointed the clerk is junior and the race director has ultimate authority; if not they are often the most senior official at a racing event.
;clean air: Air that has not been affected by turbulence from other cars.<ref name="itvannual1" /> The opposite of ''dirty air''.
;closing/shutting the door: A driver takes an early defensive [[racing line]] into a corner to block the car behind from overtaking along the preferred line.
;[[clerk of the course]]: The official responsible for all on-track activities, including demonstrations and parades. They oversee track conditions, supervise [[Motorsport marshal|marshals]] and emergency services, control the deployment of the [[safety car]], and decide upon suspending a session. If a race director is appointed, the clerk is junior and the race director has ultimate authority; if not, they are often the most senior official at a racing event.
;[[co-driver]]: In [[Rallying|rally racing]], a co-driver directs the driver through the course by reading [[pacenotes]] which describe the turns and obstacles ahead. Also called a ''navigator'' historically when the reading of maps played a larger part in rallies prior to the widespread adoption of pacenoting. The term is also used in long-distance sports car and touring car racing where more than one driver is sharing the same vehicle.
;closing/shutting the door: An early defensive [[racing line]] taken into a corner to block the car behind from overtaking along the preferred line.
;competition caution: A preplanned full course yellow, mandated by the sanctioning body, where drivers bring their vehicles into the pits. Frequently done to change tires because of excessive tire wear or to prevent teams from having to hire specialised pit crews (see ''[[#C|controlled caution]]''). In some cases, the safety car only is applied after a set number of consecutive green-flag laps or time has been run without a safety car (typically 50-100 laps). A cash or points bonus may be paid to the team leading at the time of the period (such as end of stage competition cautions in NASCAR's national series).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NASCAR_may_throw_competition_caution_to_address_tire_concerns_at_Indy.html|title=NASCAR may throw competition caution to address tire concerns at Indy|last=Gluck|first=Jeff|date=July 27, 2008|publisher=Scene Daily|access-date=9 April 2010}}</ref>
;[[co-driver]]: In [[rallying]], a co-driver directs the driver through the course by reading navigational instructions from the road book, and [[pacenotes]] on special stages which describe the turns and obstacles ahead. Also historically called a ''navigator'', the co-driver is also permitted to drive the car. The term is also used in long-distance [[Sports car racing|sports car]] and [[touring car racing]] (particularly [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance racing]]), where multiple drivers share the same vehicle.
;control: Where a series organisers specify that all competitors in the race must use an identical part; as in ''control tire'' or ''control engine''.
;{{va|competition caution}}: A preplanned full-course yellow, mandated by the sanctioning body, where drivers bring their vehicles into the pits. Frequently done to change tires because of excessive tire wear, or to prevent teams from having to hire specialised pit crews (see ''[[#controlled caution|controlled caution]]''). In some cases, the safety car only is applied after a set number of consecutive green-flag laps or time has been run without a safety car (typically 50-100 laps). A cash or points bonus may be paid to the team leading at the time of the period (such as end-of-stage competition cautions in NASCAR's national series).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NASCAR_may_throw_competition_caution_to_address_tire_concerns_at_Indy.html|title=NASCAR may throw competition caution to address tire concerns at Indy|last=Gluck|first=Jeff|date=July 27, 2008|publisher=Scene Daily|access-date=9 April 2010|archive-date=23 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223171232/http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NASCAR_may_throw_competition_caution_to_address_tire_concerns_at_Indy.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;controlled caution: During a safety car period, teams can change tires and add fuel, within a limited time (2-5 laps or five minutes) to make adjustments. Depending on the series, teams will either not lose any track position (if it is an interval break) or will not lose track position relative to the cars that pitted during the caution (for example, if the third, fourth, and eighth place cars pit during the caution, they will be the first, second, and third place cars coming off pit lane, and will start behind lead-lap cars that did not pit, in the same relative order as before the safety car.
;control: Where series organisers specify that all competitors in the race must use an identical part; as in ''control tire'' or ''control engine''.
;[[Automobile engine replacement|crate motor]]: An engine that is ready-built and sealed by an independent company. Crate motors are sometimes mandated and sometimes optional. They are commonly used in regional touring series down to local tracks in divisions from [[late model]]s on down. Crate motors are implemented to limit costs and it ensures that the entire field has the same equipment. The [[ARCA Racing Series]] and [[NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series]] have an optional [[LS-based GM small block engine]] 396 ci crate engine option.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asalatemodelsnorth.com/?p=1596|title=The ASA Late Model Series Road to Success|date=February 14, 2009|publisher=[[ASA Late Model Series]]|access-date=11 March 2009}}</ref>
;{{va|controlled caution}}: During a safety car period, teams can change tires and refuel within a limited time window (2-5 laps or five minutes) to make adjustments. Depending on the series, teams will either not lose any track position (if it is an interval break) or will not lose their position relative to the cars that pitted during the caution (for example, if the third-, fourth-, and eighth-place cars pit during the caution, they will be the first-, second-, and third-place cars exiting the pit lane, and will start behind lead-lap cars that did not pit, in the same relative order as before the safety car).
;crossed sticks: Two curled up flags held out in form of a cross signal the halfway mark in many American racing series.
;[[Automobile engine replacement|crate motor]]: An engine that is ready-built and sealed by an independent company. Crate motors are sometimes mandated and sometimes optional. They are commonly used in regional touring series down to local tracks, and in divisions from [[late model]]s on down. Crate motors are implemented to limit costs and ensure that the entire field has the same equipment. The [[ARCA Racing Series]] and [[NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series]] have an optional {{Convert|396|cuin|L|abbr=unit}} crate [[General Motors LS-based small-block engine|small-block engine]] option.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asalatemodelsnorth.com/?p=1596|title=The ASA Late Model Series Road to Success|date=February 14, 2009|publisher=[[ASA Late Model Series]]|access-date=11 March 2009|archive-date=24 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224044005/http://www.asalatemodelsnorth.com/?p=1596|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;curb: ''See [[#C|cushion]]'' - A dirt-oval cushion that has formed into a harder dirt-ledge with a similar shape to a sidewalk [[curb]]. Often, curbs are harder and more treacherous to run than the softer cushions and can easily flip a racecar should the car hits it improperly.
;crossed sticks: Two curled up flags held out in the form of a cross that signal the halfway mark in many American racing series.
;cushion: In off-road racing, when dirt is kicked up from the track that lands near the edges of the track after trucks drift through the corners. The dirt builds up after time and can slow a driver down if they slide too deep into it while sliding through the turn. In dirt-oval racing, when dirt is kicked towards the wall, it builds into a short mound that cars will lean on in order to gain speed and momentum.
;curb: A dirt oval cushion (see below) that has formed into a harder dirt ledge with a similar shape to a sidewalk [[curb]]. Often, curbs are harder and more treacherous to run across than the softer cushions, and can easily flip improperly approaching cars over.
;customer car: When a racing team uses a car built for them, either by another team, or by a specialist racing chassis manufacturer. Primarily a Formula One term where the majority of teams build their own cars. The practice has since been banned from F1. In some short track late model and modified teams, "customer cars" are standard, while the opposite is the "house car," which is the works cars built by a chassis builder.
;cushion: In dirt racing, when dirt is kicked up and lands near the edges of the track after cars drift through the corners. The dirt builds up after time and can slow a driver down if they slide too deep into it while drifting through the turn. In dirt oval racing, when dirt is kicked towards the wall, it builds into a short mound that cars will lean on in order to gain speed and momentum.
;customer car: A car externally sourced by a racing team, either from another team or from a specialist racing chassis manufacturer. Primarily a Formula One term, where the majority of teams built their own cars; customer cars have since been banned from F1. In some short track late model and modified series, customer cars are standard, while the opposite is the ''house car'', which is the works cars built by a chassis builder.


==D==
==D==
[[File:IMCA Modifieds doing Delaware Style restart.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a single car leads a group of other cars which are being driven in double-file|Delaware start]]
[[File:IMCA Modifieds doing Delaware Style restart.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a single car leads a group of other cars which are being driven in double-file|Delaware start]]
;deep braking: Applying the brakes later than normal when entering a turn.
;deep braking: Applying the brakes later than normal when entering a turn.
;deep staging: In drag racing, when a dragster pulls so far forward that they leave the pre-stage area and turn off the pre-stage lights on the Christmas tree, but not far enough to leave the staged area. This is legal in drag racing. This may give the driver a few inches of advantage.
;deep staging: In drag racing, when a dragster pulls so far forward that they leave the pre-stage area and turn off the pre-stage lights on the Christmas tree, but not far enough to leave the staged area. This may give the driver a few inches of advantage, and is legal in drag racing.
;Delaware start: A style of restart where the race leader starts in the first row by themselves and the other drivers start two-wide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theracersresource.com/racingnewsdetail.php?racing_news_item=8982|title=65th season of the United Racing Company is quickly approaching|publisher=The Racers Resource|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> The leader can choose which lane they want for the restart, which can be an advantage, with a clear advantage over second place. Compare that to [[#L|Lane choice]].
;Delaware start: A style of restart where the race leader starts in the first row by themselves and the other drivers start two-wide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theracersresource.com/racingnewsdetail.php?racing_news_item=8982|title=65th season of the United Racing Company is quickly approaching|publisher=The Racers Resource|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> The leader can choose which lane they want for the restart, which can offer a clear advantage over second place.
;delta time: The entire time it generally takes a driver to enter the pit lane, make a full pit stop, and exit the pit area to resume racing at optimum pace. Also referred to as the ''pit-stop delta''.
'''delta time''' (also ''pit-stop delta'')
;density altitude (DA): A term in drag racing which often refers to atmospheric air pressure decreasing as altitude above sea level increases. All supercharged internal combustion engines produce less power as air pressure drops, as each intake stroke draws in less air per volume than normally. This may require the engine to be "tuned" to optimize power. Because a supercharger pressurizes intake air at a fixed mechanical ratio to engine speed, the engine suffers a proportionate loss in power, but not as severe as a naturally aspirated engine does. Turbocharged engines are largely unaffected, as the lower density of the intake air is offset by the lower [[Back pressure|backpressure]] resisting exhaust flow through the turbo.
: The entire time it generally takes a driver to enter the pit lane, make a full pit stop, and exit the pit area back to the track to resume racing at optimum pace.
;dial-in: In bracket racing, drivers must estimate or "dial in" the time in which they expect to run, allowing two unmatched cars in weight and power to compete via a handicap system. If one runs a faster time than is dialed in, it is called a breakout.
'''density altitude''' (often '''DA''')
;did not attend (DNA): Denotes a driver who was entered for a race but did not attend the circuit. Sometimes referred to as ''did not arrive'' or simply a ''no-show''.
: A term in drag racing which often refers to the quality of air. Technically "quality of air" refers to the pressure drop as altitude above sea level increases. Atmospheric air pressure is lower at a race track higher above sea level. All non-turbocharged internal combustion engines produce less power as air pressure drops, as each intake stroke draws in less air per volume than normally. This may require the engine to be "tuned" to optimize the power. Because a supercharged engine pressurizes intake air at a fixed mechanical ratio to the engines RPMs, it suffers a proportionate loss in power, but not as severe as a naturally aspirated engine does. A turbocharged engine is largely unaffected, as the lower density of the intake air is offset by the lower backpressure resisting the exhaust flow through the turbo.
;[[did not finish]] (DNF): A driver who did not finish the race. Some sanctioning bodies do not classify a driver in the final results if they did not complete a certain number of laps; for example, in Formula One, a driver must complete 90% of the winner's completed laps to be classified as a finisher.
;dial-in: In drag racing, when bracket racing, drivers must estimate or "dial in" the time in which they expect to run. Therefore, two unmatched cars in weight and power can compete, by a handicap system. If one runs a faster time than dialed in, it is a breakout.
;{{visible anchor|did not qualify}} / did not pre-qualify (DNQ / DNPQ): A failure to qualify or pre-qualify for a race, most often because the driver was too slow to make it into a limited number of grid positions, or was slower than the 107% rule.
'''did not attend''' (often '''DNA''')
;{{visible anchor|did not start}} (DNS): A driver who attended but did not attempt to compete in a race, even though they may have competed in practice sessions or qualifying.
: Denotes a driver who was entered for a race but did not attend the circuit. Sometimes referred to as ''did not arrive'' or simply a "no show."
;digger: A non-bodied [[dragster (car)|dragster]], as distinct from a ''[[Funny Car|funny car]]'' or ''flopper'' (a drag car with a doorless single-piece body) or other bodied dragster.<ref>Emmons, Don, "R&C Modelrama" in ''Rod & Custom'', 9/00, p.147.</ref> May also be referred to as a ''rail'' (see below).
'''[[did not finish]]''' (often '''DNF''')
;dirty air: The disrupted air left in a car's [[Wake (physics)|wake]] when it moves at speed, which can cause aerodynamic difficulties for a car following closely behind, such as reduced downforce. The opposite of ''clean air''.
: A driver who did not finish the race. Some sanctioning bodies do not classify a driver in the final results if they did not finish completed a certain number of laps, for example in Formula One a driver must complete 90% of the completed laps to be classified as a finisher.
;dogleg: A shallow-angle turn or kink on a racing circuit, usually associated with road courses, but also present on oval tracks (an example being [[Phoenix Raceway]]). On road courses, a dogleg may be present on a long straightaway, curving the straight slightly, but usually not enough to require drivers to slow down much for the turn. On an oval, a dogleg can be located on the front stretch, creating an oblong shape, adding a challenge, increasing sightlines for fans, and again, usually not requiring drivers to slow down for the extra curve. A [[Oval track racing#Quad-oval|quad-oval]] is also referred to as a "double dogleg". Some tracks classify the dogleg as a numbered turn while others do not
'''{{visible anchor|did not qualify}} / did not pre-qualify''' (often '''DNQ''' / '''DNPQ''')

: A failure to qualify or pre-qualify for a race. Most often because the driver was too slow to make it into a limited number of grid positions, or was slower than the 107% rule. See ''[[#0–9|107% rule]]''.
;doped / dope: In drag racing, a [[Diesel engine|diesel]]-powered car using nitrous or propane injection. Commonly used in the [[Dixie|southern United States]].
'''{{visible anchor|did not start}}''' (often '''DNS''')
;door-slammer: A drag racing term used to group vehicles, usually [[Sedan (automobile)|sedans]], that still have functional doors for driver access to the vehicle, as opposed to ''funny cars'' or ''floppers'' (see below), which have a lightweight single-piece body draped over a racing chassis.
: A driver who did not attempt to compete in a race, even though they may have competed in practice sessions or qualifying. Not the same as a DNA.
;[[downforce]]: Increased grip created by the aerodynamics of a vehicle via an upside-down [[Lift (force)|lift]] effect. Downforce allows a vehicle to travel faster through corners at the cost of a reduced top speed on straights due to [[Drag (physics)|drag]].
;digger: A [[dragster (car)|dragster]] (as distinct from a bodied car or flopper).<ref>Emmons, Don, "R&C Modelrama" in ''Rod & Custom'', 9/00, p.147.</ref>
;[[Drafting (aerodynamics)|drafting]]: A technique where multiple vehicles align end to end, reducing the overall effect of [[drag (physics)|drag]] due to exploiting the lead vehicle's [[slipstream]]. See also ''[[Glossary of motorsport terms#S|slipstreaming]]''.
;dirty air: The air disrupted by a car when it moves at speed, which can cause aerodynamic difficulties for a car following closely behind. The opposite of ''clean air''.
;[[Drag Reduction System]] '''(DRS)''': A mechanically activated element of the rear wing of modern Formula One cars, which can be used at specific areas on the circuit. The wing element rotates from steeply inclined to relatively flat, thus reducing the amount of drag generated by the rear wing and increasing top speed. DRS also makes cars less susceptible to dirty air. [[File:Team Drift.jpg|thumb|right|alt=five sports cars slide sideways around a corner|A drift competition]]
;dogleg: A gentle turn or kink on a racing circuit, usually associated with road courses, but also present on oval tracks. On road courses, a dogleg may be present on a long straightaway, curving the straight slightly, but usually not enough to require drivers to slow down much for the turn. On an oval, a dogleg can be located on the frontstretch, creating an oblong shape, adding a challenge, increasing sightlines for fans, and again, usually not requiring drivers to slow down for the extra curve. A [[Oval track racing#Quad-oval|quad-oval]] is also referred to as a "double dogleg". Some tracks classify the dogleg as a turn while others do not. Also known as a ''sweeper''.
;[[Drifting (motorsport)|drifting]]: Drifting is a form of motorsport in which drivers intentionally [[Understeer and oversteer|oversteer]] their cars while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed. In motor racing, the ''four-wheel drift'' is a cornering technique where a car takes a high-speed corner held at an angle without major steering inputs, balancing natural understeer with power oversteer.
[[File:Team Drift.jpg|thumb|right|alt=five sports cars slide sideways around a corner|A drift competition in progress]]
;{{visible anchor|drive-through penalty}}: A penalty applied by race officials while the race is underway, where a competitor is directed to drive into the pit lane and travel its length at low speed (pit lanes are speed-limited to protect the pit crew and marshals), losing significant time in the process. When the driver is serving their drive-through penalty, they are not allowed to stop anywhere in the pits.<ref name=itvannual1 /> See also ''[[#S|stop-go penalty]]''.
;doped (or dope): In drag racing, acommonly used word in the southern states if the car is using nitrous or propane injection on diesels.
;door-slammer: Drag racing term used to group vehicles, usually sedan bodied, that still have functional doors for driver access to the vehicle, as opposed to ''funny cars'' which have single lightweight outer bodies draped over the racing chassis.
;[[downforce]]: Increased force holding the car onto the track. This is created by the aerodynamics or aerodynamic aids of a vehicle which causes a "reverse lift" effect. That is, creating an area of low pressure (suction) under the car or under the wings or other aids fixed to the car, the higher pressure above forcing the tires harder to the ground, effectively increasing the static friction. This allows it to travel faster through a corner, at the cost of having a reduced overall top speed, since drag is proportionate to lift and downforce is caused by lift.
;[[Drafting (aerodynamics)|drafting]]: A technique where multiple vehicles align in a close group reducing the overall effect of [[drag (physics)|drag]] due to exploiting the lead object's [[slipstream]].
;[[Drag Reduction System]] (DRS): A mechanically-activated element of the rear wing of modern Formula One cars, where in a predetermined position on the circuit a wing element will open, moving from steeply inclined to flat, thus reducing the amount of drag generated by the rear wing, increasing its top speed on a straightaway. The mechanism artificially assists overtaking with additional benefit of overcoming '''dirty air''': Present while following cars closely.
;[[Drifting (motorsport)|drifting]]: Drifting is a form of motorsport in which drivers intentionally provoke constant oversteering slides while preserving vehicle control and a high exit speed. In motor racing, drifting is a cornering technique (also called a four-wheel drift) where a car takes a high-speed corner held at an angle on the track without major steering inputs, balancing natural understeer with power oversteer.
;{{visible anchor|drive-through penalty}}: A penalty applied by race officials while the race is underway. A competitor is directed to drive into the pit lane and travel its length at much reduced speed (pit lanes are mostly speed-limited to protect the pitcrew and marshals) losing significant track position in the process. When the driver is serving their drive through penalty they are not allowed to stop anywhere in the pits.<ref name=itvannual1 /> See also ''[[#S|stop-go penalty]]''.
[[File:DriversMeetingMotocross2009.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a group of people stand on a hill|Drivers' meeting before a [[motocross]] race]]
[[File:DriversMeetingMotocross2009.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a group of people stand on a hill|Drivers' meeting before a [[motocross]] race]]
;drivers' meeting: A meeting where drivers and officials meet before a race to discuss the upcoming event. Also referred to as ''drivers' briefing'' or ''driver and crew chief meeting''', as in some series, the driver and their crew chief must attend.
;drivers' meeting: A meeting where drivers and officials meet before a race to discuss the upcoming event. Also referred to as a ''drivers' briefing'' or ''driver and crew chief meeting'', as in some series, the driver(s) and their crew chief must attend.
;dry line: On a drying circuit, the racing line that becomes dry first as the cars displace water from it.
;dry line: On a drying circuit, the racing line that becomes dry first as the cars displace water from it.
;due time: The time that a rally crew is due at the next time control. If the crew arrive on or before their due time, they will incur no time penalty. In practice, because determining a winner depends on being able to sort finishers in order of accrued penalty points (those with the fewest wins), due times are often set to be very difficult if not impossible to attain.
;due time: The time that a rally crew is due at the next time control. If the crew arrive on or before their due time, they will incur no time penalty. In practice, because determining a winner depends on being able to sort finishers in order of accrued penalty points (those with the fewest wins), due times are often set to be very difficult if not impossible to attain.
Line 107: Line 104:
==E==
==E==
[[File:Road atlanta esses.JPG|thumb|alt=race cars driving through a series of alternating right and left corners|The esses at [[Road Atlanta]]]]
[[File:Road atlanta esses.JPG|thumb|alt=race cars driving through a series of alternating right and left corners|The esses at [[Road Atlanta]]]]
;esses: Sequences of alternating turns on a road course, resembling the letter ''S''.
;esses: A sequence of alternating turns on a road course, resembling the letter [[S]].
;E.T. (elapsed time): A term used in drag racing about the total time the run took, from start to finish.
;E.T. (elapsed time): In drag racing, the total time a run has taken from start to finish.
;E.T. slip: In drag racing, a slip of paper turned in by the race timer which denotes elapsed time for both drivers, and who won the race; it may also include reaction time and "60 foot" time. This is an official document, used for timekeeping. Also known as a timeslip.
;E.T. slip: In drag racing, a slip of paper turned in by the race timer which denotes elapsed time for both drivers, and who won the race; it may also include reaction time and [[Glossary of motorsport terms#0–9|60-foot time]]. This is an official document used for timekeeping. Also known as a ''timeslip''.
'''excluded''' (often '''EXC''' or '''EXCL'''): Removed from competition before the race has started, generally due to an infringement during practice or qualifying.
;excluded (EXC / EXCL): Removed from competition before the race has started, generally due to an infringement during practice or qualifying.
;ERS (energy recovery system): Part of the [[Hybrid vehicle|hybrid]] engines used in Formula One since 2014, that recovers energy from the brakes and heat and stores it in batteries, which is then used to boost power. It combines both a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), known officially as the ''motor generator unit – kinetic'' (MGU-K), and a system recovering heat from the turbocharger, officially known as the ''motor generator unit – heat'' (MGU-H).
;ERS (energy recovery system): Part of the [[Hybrid electric vehicle|hybrid]] powertrain systems used in Formula One since 2014, that recovers energy from the brakes and heat and stores it in batteries, which is then used to boost power. It combines both a [[kinetic energy recovery system]] (KERS), known officially as the ''motor generator unit – kinetic'' (MGU-K), and a system recovering heat from the turbocharger, officially known as the ''motor generator unit – heat'' (MGU-H).


==F==
==F==
;[[factory-backed]]: A racing team/driver that competes with official sanction and financial support from a manufacturer. In Europe, known as a works team.
;[[factory-backed]]: A racing team or driver that competes with official sanction and financial support from a manufacturer. See also ''[[Glossary of motorsport terms#W|works team]]''.
;factory team: A more specific version of [[factory-backed]] referring to racing teams run directly from the factory of the vehicle manufacturer.
;factory team: A more specific version of ''factory-backed'', referring to racing teams run directly from the factory of the vehicle manufacturer.
;[[fan car]]: Usually refers specifically to the [[Brabham BT46]] Formula One car, although the concept was actually pioneered by sports car manufacturer [[Chaparral Cars]] on the [[Chaparral 2J]]. The placement of a large fan at the rear of the chassis driven either independently or by the engine with the purpose of creating negative air-pressure underneath the car to create additional [[downforce]] for increased cornering speed.
;[[fan car]]: The placement of a large fan at the rear of the chassis driven either independently or by the engine with the purpose of creating negative air-pressure underneath the car to create additional [[downforce]] for increased cornering speed. Usually refers specifically to the [[Brabham BT46|Brabham BT46B]] Formula One car, although the concept was actually pioneered by the [[Chaparral Cars|Chaparral 2J]].
;[[fastest lap]]: Fastest time in which a lap was completed by a driver during a race. Sometimes rewarded with bonus championship points.
;[[fastest lap]]: Fastest time in which a lap was completed by a driver during a race. Sometimes rewarded with bonus championship points.
;field: The competing cars in an event.
;field: The competing cars in an event.
;field-filler: A driver or team usually slower than the majority of the field that only participates if there are open spots.<ref name=Crash-Gordon-FieldFiller-2004 /> See also ''[[#S|start and park]]''.
;field-filler: A driver or team usually slower than the majority of the field that only participates if there are open spots.<ref name=Crash-Gordon-FieldFiller-2004 /> See also ''[[#S|start and park]]''.
;first or worse: In drag racing, if both drivers commit a foul, the driver who commits the foul first loses, unless it is two separate fouls, where the loser is the driver who committed the worse foul.
;first or worse: In drag racing, if both drivers commit a foul, the driver who commits a foul first loses (unless it is two separate fouls, where the loser is the driver who committed the worse foul).
;flag-to-flag coverage: Television or radio coverage that consists of the ''entire'' race start-to-finish rather than highlights, [[Broadcast delay|tape delayed]], "packaged" coverage, or highlights of the first portion of the race before broadcasting the final portion of the race live. Derives from green ''flag'' (start) ''to'' checkered ''flag'' (finish). Instituted largely in the late 1970s, with the [[1979 Daytona 500]] being the first major 500-mile race with live, flag-to-flag coverage.
;{{va|flag-to-flag coverage}}: Television or radio coverage that consists of the ''entire'' race start-to-finish rather than highlights, [[Broadcast delay|tape delayed]], "packaged" coverage, or highlights of the first portion of the race before broadcasting the final portion of the race live. Derives from green ''flag'' (start) ''to'' checkered ''flag'' (finish). Instituted largely in the late 1970s, with the [[1979 Daytona 500]] being the first major 500-mile race with live, flag-to-flag coverage.
;flying lap: A lap, usually in qualifying, started by a competitor at optimum speed, as opposed to a lap from a standing start.
;flying lap: A lap, usually in qualifying, started by a competitor at optimum speed, as opposed to a lap from a standing start.
;flying start: (See ''[[#R|rolling start]]'')
;flying start: See ''[[#R|rolling start]]''.
;formation lap: The lap cars make before forming up on the grid for the start.<ref name=itvannual1 />
;formation lap: The lap cars make before forming up on the grid for the start.<ref name=itvannual1 />
;[[formula racing]]: A type of racing, generally open wheeled, where the conditions of technical entry comply with strict rules or formulae.
;[[formula racing]]: A type of racing, generally open-wheeled, where the conditions of technical entry comply with strict rules or formulae.
;free practice: When drivers or riders learn the circuit and/or teams experiment with race settings for the track.
;free practice: When drivers or riders learn the circuit and teams experiment with race settings for the track.
;[[Fuel tank#Racing fuel cell|fuel cell]]: A fuel tank with a flexible inner liner to minimize the potential for punctures in the event of a collision or other mishap resulting in serious damage to the vehicle. Mandatory in most forms of motorsport.
;[[Fuel tank#Racing fuel cell|fuel cell]]: A fuel tank with a flexible inner liner to minimize the potential for punctures in the event of a collision or other mishap resulting in serious damage to the vehicle. Mandatory in most forms of motorsport.
;fueler: In drag racing, any car running fuel or in fuel class (most often, TFD or TF/FC).
;fueler: In drag racing, any car running [[Top Fuel#Fuel|specialized fuel]] or in a "fuel" class (most often, [[Top Fuel|Top Fuel Dragsters]] or Top Fuel [[Funny Car]]s).
;full course yellow: When yellow flags are deployed at every flag point around a race circuit and a ''safety car'' leads the field until a hazard is cleared.
;full-course yellow: When yellow flags are deployed at every flag point around a race circuit and a ''safety car'' (see below) leads the field until a hazard is cleared.
[[File:MickeyThompson1971dragster.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a chassis with a large engine has its body lifted off|[[Funny car]]]]
[[File:MickeyThompson1971dragster.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a chassis with a large engine has its body lifted off|[[Funny car]]]]
;[[funny car]]: In drag racing, a vehicle with a single-piece body draped over the chassis which is lifted off or rear-hinged to allow the driver access to the cabin; a race class for such a car
;[[Funny Car|funny car]]: In drag racing, a vehicle with a single-piece body on the chassis, which is lifted off or rear-hinged to allow the driver access to the cabin, or a race class for such cars. May also be referred to as a ''flopper''.


==G==
==G==
;gap: A: (in drag racing) Beating an opponent in a heads-up drag race with a visible distance between the two competitors; or B: (not in drag racing) Distance in time between two drivers
;gap: In drag racing, beating an opponent in a heads-up drag race with a visible distance between the two competitors. Outside of drag racing, the distance in time between two drivers.
;[[wikt:garagistes|garagiste]]: Also called ''garagistas'', disparaging term given by [[Enzo Ferrari]] to describe the new wave of British racing cars such as [[Cooper Car Company|Cooper]] and [[Team Lotus]] that challenged his team with a smaller budget.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atlasf1.autosport.com/99/mar31/horton.html|title=The Return of the Enzo's|website=atlasf1.autosport.com|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1-grandprix.com/?page_id=923|title=The British Era|date=24 April 2010|website=f1-grandprix.com|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
;[[wikt:garagistes|garagiste]] / garagista: A disparaging term used by [[Enzo Ferrari]] to describe the new wave of British racing cars (such as [[Cooper Car Company|Cooper]] and [[Team Lotus|Lotus]]) challenging his team with a smaller budget.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atlasf1.autosport.com/99/mar31/horton.html|title=The Return of the Enzo's|website=atlasf1.autosport.com|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1-grandprix.com/?page_id=923|title=The British Era|date=24 April 2010|website=f1-grandprix.com|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
;[[Gasser (car)|gasser]]: A bodied [[drag racing|drag racer]] running on gasoline (before [[pro stock]] was introduced).
;[[Gasser (car)|gasser]]: A bodied [[drag racing|drag car]] running on gasoline, from before the [[pro stock]] class was introduced.
;gentleman driver: in sportscar racing, typically refers to a driver who is not a professional racing driver.
;gentleman driver: In [[sports car racing]], typically refers to a driver who is not a professional racing driver.
;{{visible anchor|graining}}: When small grains of rubber start coming off a tyre.<ref name=itvannual1 /> See also ''[[#M|marbles]]''.
;{{visible anchor|graining}}: When small grains of rubber start coming off a tyre.<ref name=itvannual1 /> See also ''[[#M|marbles]]''.
;{{anchor|Grand slam}}grand chelem / grand slam: To qualify on pole, set the fastest lap, win, and lead every lap of a Grand Prix.
;{{anchor|Grand slam}}grand chelem / grand slam: To qualify on pole, set the fastest lap, win, and lead every lap of a [[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]] race.
;grand marshal: Ceremonial marshaling role at a race meeting. Largely held by celebrities or retired notable drivers with no actual duties or responsibilities beyond the waving of a flag to commence activity or to announce the traditional ''start your engines'' prior to some races.
;grand marshal: Ceremonial marshalling role at a race meeting. Largely held by celebrities or retired notable drivers, with no actual duties or responsibilities beyond the waving of a flag to commence activity or to announce the traditional "start your engines" prior to some races.
;[[gravel trap]]: Off-track [[run-off area]], usually positioned on the outside of corners, filled with gravel intended to slow down and stop cars that have left the track at speed. Generally there are tyre barriers between a gravel trap and the catch fencing, in order to protect the spectators.<ref name=itvannual1 /> Sometimes nicknamed "[[kitty litter]]" for its visual resemblance.
;[[gravel trap]]: Track [[run-off area]] usually positioned on the outside of corners and filled with gravel, intended to slow down and stop cars that have left the track at speed. Generally, there are tyre barriers between a gravel trap and the catch fencing, in order to protect spectators.<ref name=itvannual1 /> Sometimes nicknamed "[[Litter box|kitty litter]]" for its visual resemblance.
;green track: A paved race course that is clean from rubber buildup, oil/grease, [[#M|marbles]], and debris, typically cleansed by means of a recent rain shower. Depending on the track and/or racing series, a green track may be favorable or unfavorable. Track crews may use jet blowers to remove marbles and debris from the surface, to mimic favorable "green track" conditions. However, a green track may be unfavorable due to reduced traction.
;green track: A paved race course that is clean from rubber buildup, oil and grease, [[#M|''marbles'']], and debris, typically cleansed by means of a recent [[Shower (precipitation)|rain shower]]. Depending on the track and/or racing series, a green track may be favorable or unfavorable. Track crews may use jet blowers to remove marbles and debris from the surface and mimic favorable green track conditions. However, a green track may be unfavorable due to reduced traction.
;[[green-white-checker finish]]: When a full-course caution comes out right before the end of a race, the race is extended beyond its scheduled distance. Depending on sanctioning body, there may be either one or multiple attempts at a restart, between one and five laps, before the race is declared officially over. NASCAR's national series will have a maximum of three attempts if the penultimate lap only under caution, while some short track races have unlimited attempts at a span between one and five consecutive green-flag laps. In [[British Superbike Championship]] motorcycle racing, if a caution is called in the final third of the race, three additional laps will be added on the ensuing restart in a green-white-checker style finish.<ref>[http://www.britishsuperbike.com/technical.aspx Error<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724161649/http://www.britishsuperbike.com/technical.aspx |date=2009-07-24 }}</ref>
;[[Green–white–checker finish|green-white-checker finish]]: When a full-course caution occurs right before the end of a race, the race is extended beyond its scheduled distance. Depending on the sanctioning body, there may be either one or multiple attempts at a restart, between one and five laps, before the race is declared officially over. NASCAR's national series will have a maximum of three attempts if only the penultimate lap is under caution, while some short track races have unlimited attempts at a span between one and five consecutive green-flag laps. In [[British Superbike Championship]] motorcycle racing, if a caution is called in the final third of the race, three additional laps will be added on the ensuing restart in a green-white-checker style finish.<ref>[http://www.britishsuperbike.com/technical.aspx Error<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724161649/http://www.britishsuperbike.com/technical.aspx |date=2009-07-24 }}</ref>
;grenade: Wreck an engine (the engine "grenaded") so violently that internal parts of the engine break through the block and / or bolt on parts (cylinder heads, oil pans, etc.) to blow up the engine. Distinct from "[[#P|popping the blower]]". A '''hand-grenade engine''' is a usually derogatory term for an engine tuned to maximise engine power at the cost of low mechanical reliability, or an engine design that is known for failing on a regular basis.
;grenade: To wreck an engine so violently that internal parts of the engine break through the block and/or bolted-on parts (cylinder heads, oil pan, etc.), blowing up the engine. Distinct from [[#P|''popping the blower'']]. A ''[[hand grenade]] engine'' is a usually derogatory term for an engine tuned to maximise engine power at the cost of low mechanical reliability, or an engine design that is known for failing on a regular basis.
;grid: The starting formation of a race, generally in rows of two for cars and three or four for bikes. The [[Indianapolis 500]] traditionally has a unique grid of three cars per row.
;grid: The starting formation of a race, generally in rows of two for cars and three or four for bikes. The [[Indianapolis 500]] traditionally has a unique grid of three cars per row.
;grip: The total cornering envelope of a race car by the friction component of the tire, the mass of the machine and the downforce generated.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grip|url=http://www.formula1-dictionary.net/grip.html|access-date=2021-09-03|website=www.formula1-dictionary.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Formula One Dances Out of the Groove|date=2008-10-24 |website=Bridgestonemotorsport on F1 tires |url=http://www.bridgestonemotorsport.com/Bridgestone/en-gb/Championships/Formula1/Features/Formula+One+Dances+Out+of+the+Groove.htm|archive-date=2008-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113091957/http://www.bridgestonemotorsport.com/Bridgestone/en-gb/Championships/Formula1/Features/Formula+One+Dances+Out+of+the+Groove.htm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-22|title=Understanding Grip - Driver's Uni Video Tutorial #4|url=https://driver61.com/uni/grip/|access-date=2021-09-03|website=Driver61|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Hatton|first1=Gemma |date=2020-01-02|title=Tyre grip|url=https://www.racecar-engineering.com/tech-explained/tyre-grip/|access-date=2021-09-03|website=Racecar Engineering|language=en-US}}</ref>
;grip: The total cornering [[Envelope (mathematics)|envelope]] of a race car by the friction component of the tire, the mass of the machine and the downforce generated.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grip|url=http://www.formula1-dictionary.net/grip.html|access-date=2021-09-03|website=www.formula1-dictionary.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Formula One Dances Out of the Groove|date=2008-10-24 |website=Bridgestonemotorsport on F1 tires |url=http://www.bridgestonemotorsport.com/Bridgestone/en-gb/Championships/Formula1/Features/Formula+One+Dances+Out+of+the+Groove.htm|archive-date=2008-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113091957/http://www.bridgestonemotorsport.com/Bridgestone/en-gb/Championships/Formula1/Features/Formula+One+Dances+Out+of+the+Groove.htm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-22|title=Understanding Grip - Driver's Uni Video Tutorial #4|url=https://driver61.com/uni/grip/|access-date=2021-09-03|website=Driver61|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Hatton|first1=Gemma |date=2020-01-02|title=Tyre grip|url=https://www.racecar-engineering.com/tech-explained/tyre-grip/|access-date=2021-09-03|website=Racecar Engineering|language=en-US}}</ref>: [[File:Grooving Off Road Racing Tires Crandon 2012.jpg|thumb|right|alt=two people use knives to cut grooves in tyres|Crew members grooving tires]]
;groove: The optimal path around the track for the lowest lap time. In drag racing it is about the center portion of the lane, where the cars can gain traction quicker.
;groove: The optimal path around the track for the lowest lap time. In drag racing, it refers to the center portion of the lane, where cars can gain traction quicker.
;grooving: The process of cutting grooves into a tire to adjust traction.
;groove a tire: see ''[[#S|sipe]]''
;[[Ground effect in cars|ground effect]]: A method of creating [[downforce]] by the shape of the car's body, notably by shaping the underside of the car in combination with the car's lateral edges in order to trap and dramatically slow the airflow running underneath the car, effectively turning the entire car into a wing.
;[[Ground effect (cars)|ground effect]]: A method of creating [[downforce]] using the shape of a car's body, notably by shaping the underbody to speed up airflow between it and the ground and effectively turn the entire car into an [[airfoil]].
;Gurney, [[Gurney flap]]: A small lip placed at the trailing edge of a race car's aerodynamic wing. Despite its relative size, often only millimetres tall, it can double the downforce achieved by the wing, although at the premium of increasing drag, hence the small size. Named for the man commonly attributed to its proliferation, [[Formula One]] driver and constructor [[Dan Gurney]]. Also known as a ''wickerbill''.
;[[Gurney flap]] / Gurney: A small lip placed at the trailing edge of a race car's wing. Despite its relative size, often only millimetres tall, it can double the downforce achieved by the wing, although at the premium of increasing drag, hence the small size. Named for the man commonly attributed to its proliferation, [[Formula One]] driver and constructor [[Dan Gurney]]. Also known as a ''wickerbill''.
;[[gymkhana]]: A form of motorsport which consists largely of an obstacle course of tight turns, spins and reversing. The winner is the one who completes all prescribed manoeuvrers in the shortest possible time. The course is usually marked out with traffic cones or similar devices and hitting them with the car usually acquiries a time penalty. Also known as '''autotesting''' or '''motorkhana'''.
;[[gymkhana]]: A form of motorsport which consists largely of an obstacle course of tight turns, spins and reversing. The winner is the one who completes all prescribed manoeuvrers in the shortest possible time. The course is usually marked out with traffic cones or similar devices, and hitting them with the car usually acquiries a time penalty. Also known as ''autotesting'' or ''motorkhana''.


==H==
==H==
[[File:Haarspeldbocht.jpg|thumb|alt=refer to caption|Hairpin turn on the [[Mont Ventoux]] in France]]
[[File:Haarspeldbocht.jpg|thumb|alt=refer to caption|Hairpin turn on the [[Mont Ventoux]] in France]]
;[[Halo (safety device)|'''halo''']]: The halo is a driver crash-protection system used in open-wheel racing series, which consists of a curved bar placed to protect the driver's head.
;[[Halo (safety device)|'''halo''']]: A driver crash protection structure used in open-wheel racing series, which consists of a curved bar around the driver's head.
;[[Hairpin turn|hairpin]]: A tight 180 degree corner that twists back on itself.
;[[Hairpin turn|hairpin]]: A tight, approximately 180-degree corner that twists back on itself.
;handicap: Where cars start a race in the reverse order of qualifying, or perceived race pace, usually with timed gaps between cars starting a race. More common in racing's early days than today, the effect was to produce a race result in which all cars would arrive at the race finish together, regardless of the performance of the race vehicle. Another form of handicapping is success ballast, where more successful cars are assessed a weight penalty for every win, and ''balance of power'' in sportscar racing.
;handicap: Where cars start a race in the reverse order of qualifying, or perceived race pace, usually with timed gaps between cars starting a race. More common in racing's early days than today, the effect was to produce a race result in which all cars would arrive at the race finish together, regardless of the performance of the race vehicle. Another form of handicapping is success ballast, where more successful cars are assessed a weight penalty for every win, and ''balance of power'' in sportscar racing.
;Handford device: A spoiler attached across the back of the rear wing to greatly increase drag. The result is a massive increase in the slipstream, which improves wheel-to-wheel competition as well as multiple lead changes per lap.
;Handford device: A vertical spoiler piece attached across the back of the rear wing that pushes air down, increasing drag and creating a larger slipstream for the car behind. Used in the [[Championship Auto Racing Teams|CART FedEx series]] to slow cars down and improve passing on superspeedways.
;[[HANS device]] (head and neck support device): Also known as a head restraint, is a safety item compulsory in many car racing sports. It reduces the likelihood of head and/or neck injuries, such as a basilar skull fracture, in the event of a crash.
;[[HANS device|HANS (head and neck support) device]]: A safety item compulsory in many auto racing series. It reduces the likelihood of head and/or neck injuries, such as a [[basilar skull fracture]], in the event of a crash.
;heads-up racing: In drag racing, where both drivers leave at the same time and is used in all professional ("pro") classes.
;heads-up racing: In drag racing, where both drivers leave at the same time; used in all professional classes.
;heat: A shorter race which decides the participants of the main race and sometimes starting order as well, usually there are more heats in which only a part of the drivers from the entry list take part. Can also mean part of the main race, when it consists of two or more parts.
;heat: A shorter preliminary race which decides the participants of the main race, and sometimes starting order as well. Usually, there are more heats in which only a segment of drivers from the entry list take part. Can also refer to a part of the main race, when it consists of two or more parts.
;heavy: Opposite of ''slick'' - used to describe a dirt-oval trackstate in which the surface is wet and fast.
;heavy: Opposite of ''slick'' - used to describe a dirt-oval trackstate in which the surface is wet and fast.
;happy hour: the last practice before a [[NASCAR Cup Series]] race.
;happy hour: the last practice before a [[NASCAR Cup Series]] race.
;[[holeshot]]: In motorcycle, off-road, and powerboat racing, the driver or rider who is first through the first turn at the start of a race, following a standing start. In drag racing, getting a starting line advantage due to a quicker [[reaction time]]. The other driver gets "holeshotted", "welded to the line", or "left at the tree." A "holeshot win" is any win in a heads-up class where a car wins because of better reaction time, despite having a slower elapsed time.<ref name="IHRA Holeshot">{{cite web|title=Drag Racing Basics|url=http://media.ihra.com/drag-racing-basics|publisher=[[International Hot Rod Association]] (IHRA)|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608225805/http://media.ihra.com/drag-racing-basics|archive-date=8 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;[[holeshot]]: When beginning a race from a standing start:

* (motorcycle, off-road, powerboat racing), the rider who is the first one through the first turn at the start of a race
;[[Homologation (motorsport)|homologation]]: The process by which a new vehicle or part of a vehicle is approved by organizers for usage in racing. It also refers to the majority of the world's road racing sanctioning bodies having a racing class following the FIA's [[Group GT3]] formula. This was done to allow a car to be raced in multiple series with no changes.
* (drag racing) getting a starting line advantage due to a quicker [[reaction time]]. The other driver gets "holeshotted" "welded to the line" or "left at the tree." A "holeshot win" is any win in a heads-up class where a car wins because of better reaction time, despite having a slower elapsed time (e.t.).<ref name="IHRA Holeshot">{{cite web|title=Drag Racing Basics|url=http://media.ihra.com/drag-racing-basics|publisher=[[International Hot Rod Association]] (IHRA)|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608225805/http://media.ihra.com/drag-racing-basics|archive-date=8 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;hook-up / hooking up: In drag racing, good traction between the tires and the track, resulting in increased acceleration and reduced [[wheelspin]].
;[[Homologation (motorsport)|homologation]]: Process by which a new vehicle or part of a vehicle is approved by organizers for usage in racing. It also refers to the majority of the world's road racing sanctioning bodies having a racing class following the FIA's [[Group GT3]] formula. This was done to allow a car to be raced in multiple series with no changes.
;hot lap: See ''[[#F|flying lap]]''.
;hook up: In drag racing, good traction between tires and track resulting in increased acceleration and reduced slipping or smoking of tires.
;hot laps: A series of practice laps, common on oval tracks, before heat races. Used to help drivers with their cars and improve the track's condition before racing.
;hot lap: (See ''[[#F|flying lap]]'')
;house car: A chassis manufacturer's [[research and development]] car.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shelton |first1=Ben |title=Lowe Lands CVR House Car Ride |url=https://www.onedirt.com/features/lowe-lands-cvr-house-car-ride/ |website=OneDirt - The Dirt Track Magazine |access-date=16 September 2020 |date=21 December 2017 |archive-date=16 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916133416/https://www.onedirt.com/features/lowe-lands-cvr-house-car-ride/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;hot laps: A series of practice laps, common on oval-tracks, before the heat races. Used to help drivers with their cars and help the track's condition before racing.
;[[hydrolocking]]: Excessive fuel entering ("flooding") one or more cylinders due to abnormal operating conditions. Being liquid, the fuel cannot be compressed, causing damage to the motor and possibly [[#G|''grenading'']] it. Most common in drag racing. May also happen if a motor ingests water through the air intake.
;house car: A chassis manufacturer's research and development car<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shelton |first1=Ben |title=Lowe Lands CVR House Car Ride |url=https://www.onedirt.com/features/lowe-lands-cvr-house-car-ride/ |website=OneDirt - The Dirt Track Magazine |access-date=16 September 2020 |date=21 December 2017}}</ref>
;[[hydrolocking]]: Excessive fuel entering (flooding) one or more cylinders due to abnormal operating conditions. The fuel can not be compressed, causing damage to the motor. Most common in drag racing. May cause the motor to [[#G|grenade]]. May also happen if a motor ingests water through the air intake.


==I==
==I==
;IHRA: An acronym referring to the drag racing sanctioning body [[International Hot Rod Association]].
;IHRA: An acronym referring to the [[International Hot Rod Association]].
;impound rule: General term for ''[[#P|parc fermé]]'', used at certain tracks where teams are not allowed to work on cars between qualifying and the beginning of the race. See also: ''[[Impound race (NASCAR)]]'' and ''[[#P|parc fermé]]'')
;impound rule: General term for ''[[#P|parc fermé]]'', used at certain tracks where teams are not allowed to work on cars between qualifying and the beginning of the race. See also ''[[Impound race (NASCAR)]]'' and ''[[#P|parc fermé]]''.
;in-lap: Any lap which concludes with a visit to the pits, especially a pre-arranged pit stop, either during a race or during practice or qualifying. Often drivers push hard to drive fast on their in-lap (despite perhaps having worn out tires) in order to gain time during the pit stop sequence. See also: ''[[#D|delta time]]''
;in-lap: Any lap which concludes with a visit to the pits, especially a pre-arranged pit stop, either during a race or during practice or qualifying. Often drivers push hard to drive fast on their in-lap (despite perhaps having worn out tires) in order to gain time lost during the pit stop. See also ''[[#D|delta time]]''.
;incident officer (often IO or I/O): A [[motorsport marshal]] who is in charge of other marshals on the track, allocating duties to them. Second in rank to observer. In hillclimbing, they are responsible for the radio communication.
;incident officer (IO or I/O): A marshal who is in charge of other marshals on the track, allocating duties to them. Second in rank to observer. In [[Hillclimbing|hillclimb]] events, they are responsible for radio communication.
;independent: A competitor (team or driver) taking part with no or very little backing from a manufacturer. They have their own championship within the [[World Touring Car Championship]], where there is a strong manufacturer presence.
;independent: A competitor (team or driver) taking part with very little backing from a manufacturer or none at all. They have their own championship within the [[World Touring Car Championship]], where there is a strong manufacturer presence.
;inspector: See ''[[#S|scrutineer]]''
;inspector: See ''[[#S|scrutineer]]''.
;installation lap: A lap which can take place in practice or qualifying, which is intended simply to gain data and [[telemetry]] for the driver or team, rather than any intention of setting a competitive time.
;installation lap: A lap which can take place in practice or qualifying, intended simply to gain data and [[telemetry]] for the driver or team, rather than setting a competitive time.
;intermediate: A wet weather tire of lighter grooving than a ''wet weather tire''. Sometimes an intermediate is a slick tyre with grooves cut into it. It is used for conditions between dry and wet conditions, most often when the track is wet but it is not actually raining.
;intermediate: A tire with lighter grooving than a ''[[Glossary of motorsport terms#W|wet weather tire]]'' (see below). Sometimes an intermediate is a slick tyre with grooves cut into it. It is used for conditions between fully dry and fully wet, most often when the track is wet but it is not actually raining.
;International season: In Australia and New Zealand [[midget car racing|midget]] and [[sprint car racing]], the time generally between December and February. Because of Australia being in the Southern Hemisphere, some drivers in North America will fly down to Australia during the time and participate in various meetings before the [[World of Outlaws]] season starts in Barberville, Florida, in February. The recognised International Season typically runs from Christmas Day (because of the time difference, it usually is Christmas night in the United States where the international drivers are based, when the Boxing Day races start), until the week before the Barberville meeting. The most notable races on the international season there include Australian Speedweek at various Australian tracks starting on Boxing Day and the [[Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic]] in January.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://valvolineraceway.com.au/release.asp?NewsId=51096|title = Valvoline Raceway - Ultimate Sprintcar Championship}}</ref>
;International season: In Australia and New Zealand [[midget car racing|midget]] and [[sprint car racing]], the time generally between December and February. Because of Australia being in the Southern Hemisphere, some drivers in North America will fly down to Australia during the time and participate in various meetings before the major series have Florida-based meetings in February. The recognised International Season typically runs from Christmas Day (because of the time difference, it usually is Christmas night in the United States where the international drivers are based, when the Boxing Day races start), until the week before the Florida meetings. The most notable races on the international season there include Australian Speedweek at various Australian tracks starting on Boxing Day and the [[Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic]] in January.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://valvolineraceway.com.au/release.asp?NewsId=51096|title=Valvoline Raceway - Ultimate Sprintcar Championship|access-date=2019-10-10|archive-date=2020-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301125102/http://valvolineraceway.com.au/release.asp?NewsId=51096|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;invert: The portion of the field which is started by reverse qualifying speed. With an invert of five, the fifth-fastest qualifier starts first and the fastest qualifier starts fifth. The rest of the field starts by their qualifying speed (sixth fastest starts sixth). The invert is often not announced before qualifying or a [[dice]]/die roll happens after qualifying.<ref name="LasVegasReview07161999">{{cite news|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-16-Fri-1999/sports/11566823.html|title=Speedway is 'inverting' to multiply fun for fans|last=Wolf|first=Jeff|date=July 16, 1999|publisher=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|access-date=17 January 2009}}</ref>
;invert: The portion of the field which becomes ordered by reverse qualifying speed. With an ''invert'' of five, for example, the fifth-fastest qualifier starts first and the fastest qualifier starts fifth. The rest of the field starts by their qualifying speed (sixth-fastest starts sixth). The invert is often not announced before qualifying, or a [[dice|die]] roll happens after qualifying.<ref name="LasVegasReview07161999">{{cite news|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-16-Fri-1999/sports/11566823.html|title=Speedway is 'inverting' to multiply fun for fans|last=Wolf|first=Jeff|date=July 16, 1999|publisher=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|access-date=17 January 2009}}</ref>


==J==
==J==
;James Bond (red): A driver's reaction time is .007 seconds. A "James Bond Red" is -.007 seconds (a red light foul) and loses unless the opponent commits a worse foul.
;[[James Bond]] (red): When a driver's reaction time is .007 seconds. A James Bond red is -.007 seconds (a red light foul), resulting in a loss unless the opponent commits a worse foul.
[[File:JetDryerTruckMountedRoadAmerica2010b.jpg|thumb|right|alt=refer to caption|Jet dryer mounted on a pickup truck]]
[[File:JetDryerTruckMountedRoadAmerica2010b.jpg|thumb|right|alt=refer to caption|Jet dryer mounted on a pickup truck]]
;jet dryer: A helicopter turbine engine or small airplane jet engine mounted on a pickup truck or trailer. The exhaust from the engine is used to blow debris or evaporate moisture from the racing surface.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://galleries.nascar.com/gallery/Las_Vegas_Motor_Speedway/slideshow/LAS_VEGAS_-_FEBRUARY_27%3A_A_jet_dryer_dries_the_track_after_rain_delayed_the_start_of_the_NASCAR_Nationwide/00Sy7SG7EL5ao |title=Sam's Town 300 |date=February 27, 2010 |publisher=[[NASCAR]] |access-date=26 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714154241/http://galleries.nascar.com/gallery/Las_Vegas_Motor_Speedway/slideshow/LAS_VEGAS_-_FEBRUARY_27:_A_jet_dryer_dries_the_track_after_rain_delayed_the_start_of_the_NASCAR_Nationwide/00Sy7SG7EL5ao |archive-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;jet dryer: A helicopter turbine engine or small airplane jet engine mounted on a pickup truck or trailer. The exhaust from the engine is used to blow debris or evaporate moisture from the racing surface.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://galleries.nascar.com/gallery/Las_Vegas_Motor_Speedway/slideshow/LAS_VEGAS_-_FEBRUARY_27%3A_A_jet_dryer_dries_the_track_after_rain_delayed_the_start_of_the_NASCAR_Nationwide/00Sy7SG7EL5ao |title=Sam's Town 300 |date=February 27, 2010 |publisher=[[NASCAR]] |access-date=26 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714154241/http://galleries.nascar.com/gallery/Las_Vegas_Motor_Speedway/slideshow/LAS_VEGAS_-_FEBRUARY_27:_A_jet_dryer_dries_the_track_after_rain_delayed_the_start_of_the_NASCAR_Nationwide/00Sy7SG7EL5ao |archive-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;joker Lap: In [[rallycross]] events each vehicle must run a lap with a detour once during each single race. In events overseen by the FIA, such as the [[FIA World Rallycross Championship]], this lap must be at least two seconds slower, therefore, the alternative route makes the lap longer. In the American [[Global Rallycross]] series the Joker Lap is usually a bit shorter than a lap on the original track. The joker lap was thought up as a tactical component by Svend Hansen, the father of 14-times FIA European Rallycross champion [[Kenneth Hansen (rallycross)|Kenneth Hansen]], to increase the competition.
;joker lap: In [[rallycross]] events, each vehicle must run a lap with a detour once during each single race. In events overseen by the FIA, such as the [[FIA World Rallycross Championship]], this ''joker lap'' must be at least two seconds slower; therefore, the alternative route makes the lap longer. In the American [[Global Rallycross]] series, the joker lap is usually a bit shorter than a lap on the original track. The joker lap was thought up as a tactical component by Svend Hansen, the father of 14-times FIA European Rallycross champion [[Kenneth Hansen (rallycross)|Kenneth Hansen]], to increase the competition.
;jump start: In a ''[[standing start]]'', when a vehicle moves from its grid slot before the start of a race is signaled. In a ''[[rolling start]]'', when a car passes before they cross the start-finish line or the restart line. When this is done, a penalty is usually imposed. In drag racing, a jump start is signalled by a red light in the offending driver's lane, and they lose unless a more serious foul (boundary line or failure to report to post-race inspection after a round win) occurs.<ref name=itvannual1 />
;jump start: In a ''[[standing start]]'', when a vehicle moves from its grid slot before the start of a race is signaled. In a ''[[rolling start]]'', when a car passes before they cross the start-finish line or the restart line. When this is done, a penalty is usually imposed. In drag racing, a jump start is signalled by a red light in the offending driver's lane, and they lose unless a more serious foul (boundary line or failure to report to post-race inspection after a round win) occurs.<ref name=itvannual1 />


==K==
==K==
;[[KERS]] (kinetic energy recovery system): A device which recovers energy created when brakes are applied and stores it until required to add power in the engine. In 2008 KERS systems started to appear in the [[World Rally Championship]] and [[Formula One]] followed soon after, where its application is limited to a ''push to pass'' system.
;[[KERS]] (kinetic energy recovery system): A device which recovers energy when brakes are applied and stores it until required to add power. In 2008 KERS systems started to appear in the [[World Rally Championship]]. [[Formula One]] followed soon after; its application is limited to a ''push to pass'' system.
;kit: In drag racing, refers to a turbo kit or a nitrous kit. Using nitrous oxide in the professional categories in drag racing is illegal.
;kit: In drag racing, refers to a turbo kit or a nitrous kit. Using nitrous oxide in professional drag racing categories is illegal.
;kitty litter: Informal term with two possible meanings. It is either a nickname for a ''gravel trap'', or for a material applied to the track surface to clean up a leaked fluid.<ref name="DysonRacing">{{cite web|title=Racing Terminology|url=http://www.dysonracing.com/series/racingTerms.php|publisher=[[Dyson Racing]]|access-date=4 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329214751/http://www.dysonracing.com/series/racingTerms.php|archive-date=29 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;kitty litter: Informal term with two possible meanings. It is either a nickname for a ''gravel trap'', or for a material applied to the track surface to clean up a fluid leakage or spill.<ref name="DysonRacing">{{cite web|title=Racing Terminology|url=http://www.dysonracing.com/series/racingTerms.php|publisher=[[Dyson Racing]]|access-date=4 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329214751/http://www.dysonracing.com/series/racingTerms.php|archive-date=29 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==L==
==L==
[[File:Racing line.svg|thumb|right|alt=a diagram showing a 90 degree corner with different racing lines which meet the inside edge of the track before, after, and at the middle of the turn|{{legend-line|2px solid #00f|Early apex}} {{legend-line|2px solid #0f0|Ideal line}} {{legend-line|2px solid #0ff|Late apex}}]]
[[File:Racing line.svg|thumb|right|alt=a diagram showing a 90 degree corner with different racing lines which meet the inside edge of the track before, after, and at the middle of the turn|{{legend-line|2px solid #00f|Early apex}} {{legend-line|2px solid #0f0|Ideal line}} {{legend-line|2px solid #0ff|Late apex}}]]
[[File:Rebellion Racing's Rebellion R13 Gibson No. 1 driven by Neel Jani, André Lotterer and Bruno Senna.jpg|thumb|alt=a car painted in various bright colours|A unique livery of [[Rebellion Racing]]]]
[[File:Rebellion Racing's Rebellion R13 Gibson No. 1 driven by Neel Jani, André Lotterer and Bruno Senna.jpg|thumb|alt=a car painted in various bright colours|A unique livery used by [[Rebellion Racing]]]]
;ladder series: Generally refers to a category or series of lesser importance which in most cases will race at the same race meeting as a senior category. Cars will be generally similar in characteristic to drive but will be smaller, less powerful and/or slower. Competitors will generally be younger emerging drivers who are climbing an apprenticeship "ladder" towards entry into the senior series.
;ladder series: Generally refers to a category or series of lesser importance which, in most cases, will race at the same race meeting as a senior category. Cars will be generally characteristically similar to drive but will be smaller, less powerful, and/or slower. Competitors will generally be younger emerging drivers, who are climbing an apprenticeship "ladder" towards entry into the senior series.
;lambda reading: Fuel to air ratio readings, used to determine how much fuel is pushed through the fuel injectors into the cylinders for combustion.
;[[lambda]] reading: Fuel to air ratio readings, used to determine how much fuel is pushed through the fuel injectors into the cylinders for combustion.
;lap of honour: A non-competitive lap taken before or after the race by a driver in celebration. Also known as a ''victory lap''.
;lap of honour: A non-competitive lap taken before or after the race by a driver in celebration. Also known as a ''victory lap'' (see below).
;lap record: Fastest race lap recorded at a circuit for a category of race car. The circumstances allowed vary significantly, but practice laps are generally not considered official records. Laps recorded in qualifying may or may not contribute but are sometimes referred together with practice laps as ''qualifying lap records''. The ''outright lap record'' is the fastest race lap ever recorded at any particular circuit, regardless of category of vehicle being raced.
;lap record: Fastest race lap recorded at a circuit for a category of race car. The circumstances allowed vary significantly, but practice laps are generally not considered official records. Laps recorded in qualifying may or may not contribute but are sometimes referred together with practice laps as ''qualifying lap records''. The ''outright lap record'' is the fastest race lap ever recorded at any particular circuit, regardless of category of vehicle being raced.
;[[sports prototype|Le Mans car]]: A slang given by the general public to describe a sports prototype racing car, commonly a [[Le Mans Prototype]]{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} and its predecessors including [[Group C]], [[Group 6 (racing)|Group 6]] and [[Group 5 (racing)|Group 5]], regardless of whether it is competing at [[24 Hours of Le Mans|Le Mans]] or not.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-15984446 | work=BBC News | title=Le Mans car fetches record £843,000 at Weybridge auction | date=1 December 2011}}</ref><ref name="carmagazine">{{cite web|url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/Industry-News/Toyota-reveals-new-Le-Mans-car-as-Peugeot-shuts-endurance-racing-programme/|title=Toyota reveals new Le Mans car as Peugeot quits |publisher=carmagazine.co.uk|access-date=24 October 2014}}</ref>
;[[sports prototype|Le Mans car]]: A phrase used by the general public to describe a [[sports prototype]] racing car, commonly a [[Le Mans Prototype]] or its predecessors and successors (including [[Group C]], [[Group 6 (racing)|Group 6]], [[Group 5 (racing)|Group 5]], [[Le Mans Hypercar|LMH]], and [[LMDh]]), regardless of whether it is competing at [[24 Hours of Le Mans|Le Mans]] or not.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-15984446 | work=BBC News | title=Le Mans car fetches record £843,000 at Weybridge auction | date=1 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Stuart |date=2022-08-19 |title=New McLaren Solus GT – 5.2-litre V10 track car revealed |url=https://www.evo.co.uk/mclaren/205147/new-mclaren-solus-gt-52-litre-v10-track-car-revealed |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=evo |language=en}}</ref><ref name="carmagazine">{{cite web|url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/Industry-News/Toyota-reveals-new-Le-Mans-car-as-Peugeot-shuts-endurance-racing-programme/|title=Toyota reveals new Le Mans car as Peugeot quits |publisher=carmagazine.co.uk|access-date=24 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Caleb |date=2022-06-09 |title=Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar Looks Like Batman's Le Mans Car |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a40229595/cadillac-project-gtp-hypercar-details/ |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-US}}</ref>
;lead trophy: See ''[[#S|success ballast]]''
;lead trophy: See ''[[#S|success ballast]]''
;leg: In rallying, a leg is usually each day of the event. A leg can be further broken up into ''sections'', and ''loops'' consist of repeated sections
;leg: In rallying, a leg is usually each day of the event. A leg can be further broken up into ''sections'', and ''loops'' consist of repeated sections.
;legality panel: a piece of bodywork of a racing car which is required by the technical regulations that does not have a function essential to the car's function.
;[[livery]]: The paint colours and decals applied to a vehicle to mark its sponsorship or team identity.
;[[livery]]: The paint and/or decals applied to a vehicle to mark its sponsorship or team identity.
;lollipop: A sign on a stick used in pit stops, which is held in front of the car and raised when the pit stop is completed.<ref name=itvannual1 /> Though the same basic device is utilized in NASCAR and IndyCar, generic terms such as ''pit board'' or ''sign board'' are preferred as the sign is not round, but sometimes square, and often is in a specific design unique to the driver or team. In addition, in NASCAR and IndyCar, the sign is usually only used for the driver to locate their pit box. It is pulled back, and not normally used to signal departure as it is in Formula One.
;lollipop: A sign on a stick used in pit stops, which is held in front of the car and raised when the pit stop is completed.<ref name=itvannual1 /> Though the same basic device is utilized in NASCAR and IndyCar, generic terms such as ''pit board'' or ''sign board'' are preferred as the sign is not round, but sometimes square, and often is in a specific design unique to the driver or team. In addition, in NASCAR and IndyCar, the sign is usually only used for the driver to locate their pit box, and is pulled back (not normally being used to signal departure as it is in Formula One).
;long lap: The long lap penalty was introduced to motorcycle racing in 2019 and involves a rider taking a detour on a pre-designated route, usually an extended corner, intended to increase a riders lap time as a penalty for an infringement during a race. Intended as a lighter penalty than a ride-through penalty.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://au.motorsport.com/motogp/news/long-lap-penalty-details-qatar/4345888/ | publisher=motorsport.com | title=MotoGP reveals details of 'Long Lap Penalty' |last=Klein |first=Jamie | date=1 March 2019 |access-date=16 May 2021}}</ref>
;{{anchor|long lap}}long lap: The ''long lap'' penalty was introduced to motorcycle racing in 2019 and involves a rider taking a detour on a pre-designated route, usually an extended corner. This is intended to increase a rider's lap time as a penalty for an infringement during a race, and is intended as a lighter penalty than a ride-through penalty (see ''drive-through penalty'' above).<ref>{{cite web| url=https://au.motorsport.com/motogp/news/long-lap-penalty-details-qatar/4345888/ | publisher=motorsport.com | title=MotoGP reveals details of 'Long Lap Penalty' |last=Klein |first=Jamie | date=1 March 2019 |access-date=16 May 2021}}</ref>
;loose: See ''[[#O|oversteer]]''
;loose: See ''[[#O|oversteer]]''


==M==
==M==
[[File:TrackWorker.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a group of people in fluorescent boilersuits stand behind a barrier, with one of them waving a red flag over the top of the barrier|A marshal]]
[[File:TrackWorker.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a group of people in fluorescent boilersuits stand behind a barrier, with one of them waving a red flag over the top of the barrier|A marshal waving a red flag]]
;marbles: Pieces of rubber from tires that accumulate on the racing surface outside of the racing line that are slippery like [[Marble (toy)|toy marbles]].<ref name="DysonRacing" />
;marbles: Pieces of rubber from tires that accumulate on the racing surface outside of the racing line, that are slippery like [[Marble (toy)|toy marbles]].<ref name="DysonRacing" />
;[[Motorsport marshal|marshal]]: A person responsible for signaling track conditions to drivers (through use of flags), extinguishing fires, removing damaged cars from the track and sometimes providing emergency first aid.
;[[Motorsport marshal|marshal]]: A person responsible for signaling track conditions to drivers (through use of flags), extinguishing fires, removing damaged cars from the track, and sometimes providing emergency [[first aid]].
;meatball: A specific [[racing flag]] used in some countries to indicate to a competitor there is a defect with the car which has the potential to cause a safety risk to the competitor or to another competitor. Most usually applied to trailing smoke or loose bodywork. The flag is black with a large orange dot in the centre of the flag, looking vaguely like a [[meatball]]. Some racing series use this flag to indicate the car being flagged is no longer being scored, due to ignoring orders to pit because of a rules infraction.
;meatball: A specific [[racing flag]] used in some countries to indicate to a driver that there is a defect with their car that carries a safety risk to them or to another driver. Most usually applied to trailing smoke or loose bodywork. The flag is black with a large orange dot in the centre of the flag, looking vaguely like a [[meatball]]. Some racing series use this flag to indicate the car being flagged is no longer being scored, due to ignoring orders to pit because of a rules infraction.
;[[Mickey Mouse]] corner: A pejorative term for a corner or series of corners on a circuit that are thought to be poorly designed, slow, uncompetitive, uninteresting, and usually difficult or near impossible to overtake through, which detract from the overall challenge of the course.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2001-09-28/sports/0109280256_1_oval-f1-drivers-indy
;[[Mickey Mouse]] corner: A pejorative term for a corner or series of corners on a circuit that are thought to be poorly designed, slow, uncompetitive, uninteresting, and usually difficult or near impossible to overtake through, which detract from the overall challenge of the course.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2001-09-28/sports/0109280256_1_oval-f1-drivers-indy
|title=F1 Drivers Knock Indy|publisher=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|first=Ed|last=Hinton|author-link=Ed Hinton (sportswriter) |date=2001-09-28|access-date=20 January 2012}}</ref> In some cases where the entire course is deemed poorly designed, it can be referred to as a "[[Mickey Mouse#Pejorative use of Mickey's name|Mickey Mouse]] track".
|title=F1 Drivers Knock Indy|publisher=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|first=Ed|last=Hinton|author-link=Ed Hinton (sportswriter) |date=2001-09-28|access-date=20 January 2012}}</ref> In some cases where the entire course is deemed poorly designed, it can be referred to as a "[[Mickey Mouse#Pejorative use of Mickey's name|Mickey Mouse]] track".
;[[Mill (engine)|mill]]: any [[internal combustion engine]] used in a race car (inherited from [[Hot rod#Common terms|hot rod]]ding slang)
;[[Mill (engine)|mill]]: Any [[internal combustion engine]] used in a race car (inherited from [[Hot rod#Common terms|hot rod]]ding slang).
;[[missing man formation]]: The vehicle on the [[pole position]] drops back a row during a pace lap to salute a deceased motorsport personality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sidesmotorsports.com/news_6-27-06.htm|title=Jason Sides Wins Back to Back in an Emotional Week|date=June 27, 2006|publisher=Jason Sides, [[World of Outlaws]] driver|access-date=16 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819180228/http://www.sidesmotorsports.com/news_6-27-06.htm|archive-date=19 August 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;[[missing man formation]]: The driver in [[pole position]] drops back a row during a pace lap (leaving the front row empty) to salute a deceased motorsport personality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sidesmotorsports.com/news_6-27-06.htm|title=Jason Sides Wins Back to Back in an Emotional Week|date=June 27, 2006|publisher=Jason Sides, [[World of Outlaws]] driver|access-date=16 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819180228/http://www.sidesmotorsports.com/news_6-27-06.htm|archive-date=19 August 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;mobile [[chicane]]: Disparaging slang. A competitor noticeably slower than the front running pace.<ref name=itvannual2>{{cite book|title=The Official ITV Sport Formula One Annual 2008|year=2007|last=Clayton|first=David|publisher=Granada Ventures|isbn=978-1-906211-02-8 |pages=54–55}}</ref>
;mobile [[chicane]]: Disparaging slang for a competitor noticeably slower than the front-running pace.<ref name=itvannual2>{{cite book|title=The Official ITV Sport Formula One Annual 2008|year=2007|last=Clayton|first=David|publisher=Granada Ventures|isbn=978-1-906211-02-8 |pages=54–55}}</ref>
;[[motorkhana]]: see ''[[#G|gymkhana]]''
;[[motorkhana]]: See ''[[#G|gymkhana]]''.
;Motorsport Valley: A tag given to the mid-south of England by the ''Motorsport Industry Association'' where high concentration of activities within the motorsport industry on and off track occur.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barretto|first=Lawrence|title=Britain's Motorsport Valley – the home of Formula 1|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/23048643|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=26 June 2013|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How did the UK become the centre of global motorsport?|url=https://www.autosport.com/asi/news/133624/how-did-the-uk-become-the-centre-of-racing|work=Autosport|date=20 December 2017|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>
;Motorsport Valley: A tag given to the mid-south of England by the Motorsport Industry Association, where a high concentration of activities within the motorsport industry occur.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barretto|first=Lawrence|title=Britain's Motorsport Valley – the home of Formula 1|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/23048643|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=26 June 2013|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How did the UK become the centre of global motorsport?|url=https://www.autosport.com/asi/news/133624/how-did-the-uk-become-the-centre-of-racing|work=Autosport|date=20 December 2017|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>
;mountain motor: (mainly North American) term for large-displacement engines, often used in [[hot rod]]s and [[drag racing|drag racer]]s. Named for their size (over 8,100 cubic centimetres, or 500 cubic inches, the limit in some sanctioning bodies), and for being constructed in the mountains of [[Tennessee]] and [[North Carolina]].<ref>According to IHRA Executive VP Ted Jones, in ''Car Craft'', 1/1991, p.16.</ref>
;mountain motor: A mainly North American term for large-displacement engines, often used in [[hot rod]]s and [[drag racing|drag racer]]s. Named for their size (around {{Convert|500|cuin|L}}, the limit in some sanctioning bodies), and for sometimes being constructed in the mountains of [[Tennessee]] and [[North Carolina]].<ref>According to IHRA Executive VP Ted Jones, in ''Car Craft'', 1/1991, p.16.</ref>
;Murrayism: A funny term or phrase originally uttered during a broadcast, by and named in honour of veteran [[Formula One]] broadcaster, [[Murray Walker]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Funniest ever Murrayisms: A tribute to the marvellous Murray Walker|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/formula-1/funniest-ever-murrayisms-a-tribute-to-the-marvellous-murray-walker_sto4739312/story.shtml|publisher=[[Eurosport]]|date=10 October 2013|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>
;Murrayism: A humorous term or phrase originally uttered during a broadcast, by and named in honour of veteran [[Formula One]] broadcaster, [[Murray Walker]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Funniest ever Murrayisms: A tribute to the marvellous Murray Walker|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/formula-1/funniest-ever-murrayisms-a-tribute-to-the-marvellous-murray-walker_sto4739312/story.shtml|publisher=[[Eurosport]]|date=10 October 2013|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>
;mystery caution: An unknown condition caution in the closing laps of a race.
;mystery caution: An unknown condition caution in the closing laps of a race.


Line 232: Line 229:
;[[NASCAR]]: Acronym for National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing.
;[[NASCAR]]: Acronym for National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing.
;NHRA: Acronym for [[National Hot Rod Association]], one of two sanctioning bodies in drag racing located within the United States.
;NHRA: Acronym for [[National Hot Rod Association]], one of two sanctioning bodies in drag racing located within the United States.
;navigator: See ''[[#C|co-driver]]''
;navigator: See ''[[#C|co-driver]]''.
;nationals: Most NHRA events are called ''nationals'', referring to the first race held by the NHRA in a parking lot in Pomona, California, called simply, ''the nationals''.
;[[NHRA U.S. Nationals|nationals]]: Most NHRA events are called ''nationals'', referring to the first nationwide NHRA drag race held at the [[Great Bend Municipal Airport]] in [[Kansas]], called simply "the Nationals".<ref>{{Cite web |title=NHRA History |url=https://www.nhra.com/nhra-101/nhra-history |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=NHRA |language=en}}</ref>
;[[nitrous]]: In drag racing, refers to ''nitrous oxide'' systems manufactured by a wide range of companies.
;[[nitrous]]: In drag racing, refers to the use of a nitrous oxide system to boost power.
'''not classified''' (often '''NC'''): A driver who was racing at the end of the race, but did not complete the required distance to be classified.
;not classified (NC): A driver who was racing at the end of the race, but did not complete the required distance to be classified.


==O==
==O==
;observer: The highest ranking trackside [[motorsport marshal|marshal]] within the post; the main decision maker at the event of an incident, they relay information to the race control. Can be seen standing in the marshal post. Second to chief marshal.
;observer: The highest ranking trackside [[motorsport marshal|marshal]] within the post and the main decision-maker at the event of an incident, who relays information to race control. Can be seen standing in the marshal post. Second to chief marshal.
;official: See ''[[#S|steward]]''
;official: See ''[[#S|steward]]''
;oildown: In drag racing, When a car's engine or lubrication breaks during a run, leaving a streak of oil and other fluids on the track. This is punishable by fines, point penalties, and/or suspension.
;oildown: In drag racing, when a car's engine or lubrication system breaks during a run, leaving a streak of oil and/or other fluids on the track. This is punishable by fines, point penalties, and/or suspension.
;[[open-wheel car]]:A specific type of racing car whose wheels are not enclosed by bodywork, e.g. [[Formula One]].
'''[[open wheel car]]'''
:A specific type of racing car in which the wheels are not enclosed by bodywork of the car, e.g.: [[Formula One]].
[[File:FormulaMazda2010SCCANationalRunoffsWinner02DarrylWills.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a small open wheeled race car with large aerodynamic wings|[[Formula Mazda]], a one-make series]]
[[File:FormulaMazda2010SCCANationalRunoffsWinner02DarrylWills.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a small open wheeled race car with large aerodynamic wings|[[Formula Mazda]], a one-make series]]
;[[spec racing|one-make racing]]: Racing equipment that must be identical for all competitors, usually to cut down on costs or for business purposes by car manufacturers. Known in North America as ''spec, specific parts can be spec, as in the [[IndyCar Series]]' spec engine, or the type of car can be spec, as in [[spec racing]] series such as [[Spec Miata]].
;[[spec racing|one-make racing]]: Racing equipment that must be identical for all competitors, usually to cut down on costs or for business purposes by car manufacturers. Known in North America as ''spec'', specific parts can be spec, as in the [[IndyCar Series]]' spec engine, or the entire car can be spec, as in [[spec racing]] series such as [[Spec Miata]].
;out-brake: To gain time or position by braking harder and deeper in a corner.<ref name=PetesRacing>{{cite web | url = http://www.petesracingsite.com/terms.php | title = Motorsport Terms | publisher = Pete's Racing Site | access-date = 18 January 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090324080802/http://petesracingsite.com/terms.php | archive-date = 24 March 2009 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
;out-brake: To gain time or position by braking harder and deeper in a corner.<ref name=PetesRacing>{{cite web | url = http://www.petesracingsite.com/terms.php | title = Motorsport Terms | publisher = Pete's Racing Site | access-date = 18 January 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090324080802/http://petesracingsite.com/terms.php | archive-date = 24 March 2009 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
;out-lap: The first lap to be completed after exiting the pit lane, either during a race or during practice or qualifying.
;out lap: The first lap to be completed after exiting the pit lane, either during a race or during practice or qualifying.
;outright lap record: Fastest lap recorded at a circuit of any category of race car. Most often this does not include qualifying and practice laps but confusingly some sources{{Specify|date=October 2011}} occasionally include laps not recorded during races.
;outright lap record: Fastest lap recorded at a circuit of any category of race car. Most often, this does not include qualifying and practice laps, but confusingly, some sources{{Specify|date=October 2011}} occasionally include laps not recorded during races.
;overcut: Delaying a pit stop to gain time on competitors. Rarely seen in modern [[Formula One]], but usable there when fresh tyres are not at the best operating temperature, and take time to warm up. The opposite of the [[#U|undercut]].
;overcut: Delaying a pit stop to gain time on competitors. Rarely seen in modern [[Formula One]], but usable there when fresh tyres are not at the best operating temperature and take time to warm up. The opposite of an [[#U|''undercut'']].
;[[oversteer]]: Cornering behaviour where the rear wheels do not track behind the front wheels but instead move out toward the outside of the turn.<ref name=PetesRacing/> Opposite of understeer.
;[[oversteer]]: Cornering behaviour where the rear wheels do not track behind the front wheels, but instead move out toward the outside of the turn.<ref name=PetesRacing/> The opposite of ''understeer''.


==P==
==P==
[[File:Alonso Renault Pitstop Chinese GP 2008.jpg|thumb|right|alt=mechanics change tyres and refuel a race car|A pit stop in [[Formula One]]]]
[[File:Alonso Renault Pitstop Chinese GP 2008.jpg|thumb|right|alt=mechanics change tyres and refuel a race car|A pit stop in [[Formula One]]]]
;pace car: See ''[[#S|safety car]]''
;pace car: See ''[[#S|safety car]]''.
;[[pacenotes]]: In [[Rallying|rally racing]], notes that describe the course in great detail.
;[[pacenotes]]: In [[rallying]], notes that describe the course in detail.
;[[paddock]]: An enclosure at a track used by team support personnel and vehicles, and other officials and VIPs.
;[[paddock]]: An enclosure at a track used by team support personnel and vehicles, and other officials and VIPs.
;paint scheme: See ''[[#L|livery]]''
;paint scheme: See ''[[#L|livery]]''.
;[[parade lap]]: A lap before a motorsport race begins where the drivers go around the track at a slow speed, also known as a formation lap.
;[[parade lap]]: A lap before a motorsport race begins, where the drivers go around the track at a slow speed, also known as a ''formation lap''.
;''[[parc fermé]]'' or impound: An area which cars enter after they have qualified for the race, where they are not allowed to be worked upon by mechanics unless under strict supervision by the stewards. Some motorsports series other than Formula One refer to this as the impound.<ref name=itvannual2 />
;[[parc fermé]]: An area which cars enter after they have qualified for the race, where they are not allowed to be worked upon by mechanics unless under strict supervision by the stewards. Some motorsports series other than Formula One refer to this as the ''impound''.<ref name=itvannual2 />
;[[pay driver]]: A driver who pays for their race seat rather than receiving a salary from the team. Generally has a negative connotation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Reid|first1=Caroline|last2=Sylt|first2=Christian|title=The return of the pay driver|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/story/37490.html|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=5 January 2011|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref> Sometimes known as a ''ride buyer''.
;[[pay driver]]: A driver who pays for their race seat rather than receiving a salary from the team. Generally has a negative connotation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Reid|first1=Caroline|last2=Sylt|first2=Christian|title=The return of the pay driver|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/story/37490.html|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=5 January 2011|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref> Sometimes known as a ''ride buyer''.
;pedalling: In drag racing, working the throttle to avoid lighting the tires, or as a way to sandbag; "pedalled" it, had to "pedal" it.
;pedalling: In drag racing, working the throttle to avoid wheelspin or as a way to [[Sandbagging (racing)|sandbag]].
;photo finish: A finish in which two or more cars are so close that in times past a photograph of the finishers crossing the finish line would need to be studied to determine the finishing order. While the practice has been mostly superseded by modern electronic timing systems, the location of the transponder in a vehicle is not located near the nose of the vehicle, so stewards often use video replays to detect where the nose (of a car) or wheel (of a motorcycle) crosses the finish line first.
;photo finish: A finish in which two or more cars are so close that in times past, a photograph of the finishers crossing the finish line would need to be studied to determine the finishing order. While the practice has been mostly superseded by modern electronic timing systems, the location of the transponder in a vehicle is not located near the nose of the vehicle, so stewards often use video replays to detect where the nose (of a car) or wheel (of a motorcycle) crosses the finish line first.
;pill draw: A type of qualifying most common in oval-track racing where drivers are assigned a number 1-100. Subsequent races are lined up with the lowest pill-drawer of the field in the front and the highest at the back.
;pill draw: A type of qualifying most common in oval racing, where drivers are assigned a number from 1 to 100. Subsequent races are lined up with the lowest pill-drawer of the field in the front and the highest at the back.
;pit board: A board that is held up from the pit wall to the side of the finishing straight when a driver goes past, to confirm their position in the race and the number of laps remaining.<ref name="itvannual2" /> Before the introduction of radio communication, also used to instruct drivers to pit for fuel and/or tires, or to comply with rules violations.
;pit board: A board that is held up from the pit wall to the side of the finishing straight when a driver goes past, to confirm their position in the race and the number of laps remaining.<ref name="itvannual2" /> Before the introduction of radio communication, ''pit boards'' were also used to instruct drivers to pit for fuel and/or tires, or to comply with rules violations.
;[[pit lane]]: A lane, adjacent to the race track, where the garages are located.
;[[pit lane]]: A lane, adjacent to the race track, where the garages are located.
;[[pit stop]]: Stopping in the pit lane for repairs, refuelling, and/or new tires.
;[[pit stop]]: Stopping in the pit lane for repairs, refuelling, and/or new tires.
;pit wall: Where the team owners and managers sit to observe the race, opposite the garages in the pit lane.<ref name="itvannual2" />
;pit wall: Where the team owners and managers sit to observe the race, opposite the garages in the pit lane.<ref name="itvannual2" />
;[[pole position]]: The first ''grid'' position, placed closest to the starting line (in Formula One), nearest the inside of the first turn, or both. Usually reserved for the competitor who has recorded the fastest lap during ''qualifying''. A competitor who starts a race there is said to be "on the pole".
;[[pole position]]: The first grid position, placed closest to the starting line (in Formula One), nearest the inside of the first turn, or both. Usually reserved for the competitor who has recorded the fastest lap during ''qualifying''. A competitor who starts a race there is said to be ''on the pole''.
;[[Polish victory lap]]: A victory lap run by a winner in the reverse direction.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tracy|first=Brian|title='My Polish Victory lap,' in honour of Kulwicki|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2008/02/17/my_polish_victory_lap_in_honour_of_kulwicki.html|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|date=17 February 2008|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>
;[[Polish victory lap]]: A victory lap run by a winner in the reverse direction.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tracy|first=Brian|title='My Polish Victory lap,' in honour of Kulwicki|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2008/02/17/my_polish_victory_lap_in_honour_of_kulwicki.html|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|date=17 February 2008|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>
;pre-qualifying: A preliminary qualifying session held prior to a regular qualifying session in order to reduce the number of competitors taking part in the regular session, usually for safety reasons. An example of pre-qualifying is in Formula One in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
;pre-qualifying: A preliminary qualifying session held prior to a regular qualifying session in order to reduce the number of competitors taking part in the regular session, usually for safety reasons. An example of pre-qualifying is in Formula One in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
;[[Privateer (motorsport)|privateer]]: A competitor not directly supported by a sponsor or manufacturer. To be privately funded.
;[[Privateer (motorsport)|privateer]]: A competitor not directly supported by a sponsor or manufacturer, being privately funded instead.
;progressive grid: Where a category races multiple times at a meeting, the starting order for the grid is decided by the finishing order of the previous race.
;progressive grid: Where a category races multiple times at a meeting, the starting order for the grid is decided by the finishing order of the previous race.
;pro tree: In drag racing, timing lights which flash all three yellow lights simultaneously, and after four tenths of a second, turn green.
;pro tree: In drag racing, timing lights which flash all three yellow lights simultaneously, and turn green after four tenths of a second.
;[[Le Mans Prototype|prototype]]: An endurance [[Sports car racing|sports racing]] car that does not noticeably look like a standard production model.
;[[Sports prototype|prototype]]: A purpose-built [[Sports car racing|sports racing car]] that does not noticeably resemble a standard production car.
[[File:Radiator 'puke' can.JPG|thumb|alt=a beer can with a hose going into it|An informal "puke can". Though some form is mandatory, this type is illegal at some tracks.]]
[[File:Radiator 'puke' can.JPG|thumb|alt=a beer can with a hose going into it|A makeshift puke can. Though some form of puke can is mandatory, this type is illegal at some tracks.]]
;puke can: In drag racing, a radiator overflow tank, sometimes, used beer cans are used as puke cans, although, on some tracks, these types of modifications are considered illegal. A standard puke can is usually made of plastic, or some high strength polymer, and attached close to the radiator..
;puke can: In drag racing, a radiator overflow tank. Sometimes, used beer cans are used as puke cans, although these types of modifications are sometimes considered illegal. A standard puke can is usually made of plastic and attached close to the radiator.
;push: See ''[[#U|understeer]]''
;push: See ''[[#U|understeer]]''.
;push to pass: System in which engine power is increased for short periods to create a short burst of extra speed. This can be done by increasing the boost pressure in a turbocharged car, increasing the maximum rpm, or using a separate system to provide power. Also, see ''[[KERS]]''.
;push to pass: A system in which engine power is increased for short periods to create a short burst of extra speed. This can be done by increasing the boost pressure in a turbocharged car, increasing the maximum rpm, or using a separate (i.e. hybrid) system to provide power. Also see ''[[KERS]]''.


==Q==
==Q==
;qualifying: The process of deciding the starting order of a race. See also ''[[#P|pre-qualifying]]''.
;qualifying: The process of deciding the starting order of a race. See also ''[[#P|pre-qualifying]]''.
'''quick 8''' (often '''Q8''')
'''quick 8 (Q8)'''
: In drag racing, the quickest eight cars in a defined race. Rules appear to can differ per location or race.
: In drag racing, the quickest eight cars in a defined race. Rules can differ per location or race.


==R==
==R==
;R.T.: Abbreviation for ''reaction time''. In drag racing, it refers to the time it takes for a driver to leave the starting line after the green light. This time can mean the difference between a win and loss, especially in closely matched races.
;R.T.: Abbreviation for ''reaction time''. In drag racing, it refers to the time it takes for a driver to leave the starting line after the green light. This time can mean the difference between a win and loss, especially in closely matched races.
;race director: An official appointed by a series organiser who holds ultimate authority over race operations throughout every event of a championship. The race director is the senior official present, and controls the activities of the local clerk of the course and marshals and the other staff appointed by the series. When appointed, they hold the responsibility of deploying the safety car and starting and stopping sessions.
;race director: An official appointed by a series organiser who holds ultimate authority over race operations throughout every event of a championship. The race director is the senior official present, and controls the activities of the local clerk of the course and marshals and the other staff appointed by the series. When appointed, they hold the responsibility of deploying the safety car and starting and stopping sessions.
;[[racing line]]: The fastest path around a circuit
;[[racing line]]: The fastest, most optimal path around a circuit.
;rail (or rail job): A dragster (as distinct from a bodied car or flopper). From the exposed frame rails of early cars. Usually refers to early short-wheelbase cars.
;rail / rail job: A dragster (as distinct from a bodied car). The term is derived from the exposed frame rails of early cars, and as such usually refers to early short-wheelbase cars. May also be referred to as a ''digger''.
;ramp run: In a practice lap, to rev the engine as far as possible without changing gears to allow engine management systems to take ''Lambda readings'' of the fuel to air ratio across a smooth engine revolution range.
;ramp run: In a practice lap, to rev the engine as far as possible without changing gears, to allow engine management systems to take lambda readings of the fuel to air ratio across a smooth engine speed range.
;reactive suspension: A system by which the suspension is controlled by computer to maintain an optimum distance above the racing surface, regardless of forces acting upon the car and changes in the racing surface, thus maximising the aerodynamic assistance that can be gained by running the car close to the ground. Developed originally by [[Team Lotus]] in [[Formula One]].
;reactive suspension: A system by which the suspension is controlled by a computer to maintain an optimum distance above the racing surface, regardless of forces acting upon the car and changes in the racing surface, thus maximising the aerodynamic assistance that can be gained by running the car closer to the ground. Originally used by [[Lotus 92|Lotus]] and later by [[Williams FW14#Williams FW14B|Williams]].
;relief driver: A driver who fills in for another driver in case of injury, or during a race because of exhaustion or pain.
;relief driver: A driver who fills in for another driver in case of injury, or during a race because of exhaustion or pain.
;restart
;restart
:The race is started again after a caution or other condition that stopped the race. In the case of a restart from a caution period on an oval track and most road courses, this is accomplished by the safety car pulling off the track, the green flag/light being displayed, and cars simply accelerating back to race speeds.
:When a race is started again after a caution or other condition that stopped the race. In the case of a restart from a caution period on an oval track and most road courses, this is accomplished by the safety car pulling off the track, the green flag/light being displayed, and cars simply accelerating back to race speeds.
;reverse grid racing: When the starting order of a race is reversed, so that the driver on pole position, starts last. Occasionally reverse grid is limited to only part of the grid, for example, just the top ten positions may be reversed. Often used to increase the entertainment value of a race, mainly used when a category races several times over the course of a meeting. In [[midget car racing|midget]] and [[sprint car racing]], heat races may be run as reverse grid races with a points system that gives points for cars passed as well as finishing points. At the end of the heat races, the combined total of passing and finishing points are used to determine the starting grid for the A main, and which drivers are sent to lower events.
;reverse grid racing: When the starting order of a race is reversed, so that the driver in pole position starts last. Occasionally reverse grid is limited to only part of the grid; for example, just the top ten positions may be reversed. Often used to increase the entertainment value of a race, and mainly used when a category races several times over the course of a meeting. In [[midget car racing|midget]] and [[sprint car racing]], heat races may be run as reverse grid races with a points system that gives points for cars passed as well as finishing points. At the end of the heat races, the combined total of passing and finishing points are used to determine the starting grid for the A main, and which drivers are sent to lower events.
;riding mechanic: An early term for a co-driver
;riding mechanic: An early term for a co-driver.
;right-rear: A verb, commonly used in sprint car and midget racing, used to describe the action of one car hitting another car with their right-rear tire, an action that often ends in disaster for the car being hit.
;right-rear: A verb commonly used in sprint car and midget car racing to describe the action of one car hitting another car with their right-rear tire, an action that often ends in disaster for the car being hit.
;rim blanking: See ''[[#W|wheel shroud]]''
;rim blanking: See ''[[#W|wheel shroud]].''
;ripple strip: A [[Curb#Auto racing curbs|kerb]] on the edge of a track painted in alternating colours, often red and white.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Connor |date=2020-01-28 |title=Winton announces track renovation |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/winton-announces-track-renovation/ |access-date=2022-08-27 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref>
;ripple strip: Concrete kerb, usually placed on the inside of a corner, painted in chunks of colour, usually red and white alternately, hence, ''ripple''.
;[[road course ringer]]: In NASCAR, a driver who generally competes only on road courses as a substitute for a team's primary driver. Such drivers are no longer used by top teams in the Sprint Cup Series due to competition changes in the 21st century, but are still frequently used by lower-tier Cup teams and teams in other NASCAR series.
;[[road course ringer]]: In NASCAR, a driver who generally competes only on road courses as a substitute for a team's primary driver. Such drivers are no longer used by top teams in the [[NASCAR Cup Series]] due to competition changes in the 21st century, but are still frequently used by lower-tier Cup teams and teams in other NASCAR series.
[[File:RacecarRollcage2003.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a race car with its body work removed, exposing the metal roll cage|Roll cage]]
[[File:RacecarRollcage2003.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a race car with its body work removed, exposing the metal roll cage|Roll cage]]
;[[roll cage]]: Network of metal bars that criss-cross the interior of production-based sedan-bodied racing cars. Originally created as a safety device in more recent times it has been used to connect suspension, chassis, engine to substantially increase the torsional rigidity of a race car.
;[[roll cage]]: A structure of metal bars installed into the interior of a production-based racing car. Originally created as a safety device, in more recent times it has also been used to substantially increase the torsional rigidity of a race car's frame.
;[[Roll cage|roll hoop]]: Looped bar protruding above and behind the drivers helmets in open wheel and prototype sports racing cars. The hoop is placed that in the event of a car rolling over in a crash the car lands on the roll hoop rather than the drivers helmet. It also makes a handy hook for cranes for removing stopped cars from dangerous positions on the circuit.
;[[Roll cage|roll hoop]]: A looped bar protruding above and behind the driver's helmet in open-wheel and prototype sports racing cars, placed so that in the event of a [[Vehicle rollover|rollover]], the car lands on the roll hoop rather than the driver's helmet. It may also serve as a convenient attachment point for cranes removing stopped cars from dangerous positions on the circuit.
;[[rolling start]]: A starting method where moving cars start a race after the starter displays a green flag.
;[[rolling start]]: A starting method where moving cars start a race after the starter displays a green flag.
;[[roof flap]]: an aerodynamic piece designed to keep a car on the ground when it is traveling in reverse.
;[[roof flap]]: An active aerodynamic element designed to keep a car on the ground when it is traveling in reverse.
;[[rumble strip]]: A kerb with angled kerbstones that transmit vibration through any car that passes over, allowing drivers to feel the kerb and discouraging competitors from cutting corners.
;rumble strip: Variation of ''ripple strip'' with an upward-pointed, rounded saw-tooth edge. The saw-tooth effect is to discourage competitors from ''kerb-hopping''. The saw-tooth creates a rumble sound and feel for the competitor when driven over.
;roost: In off-road racing, the act of accelerating quickly in a corner to kick up dirt, dust, and rocks.
;roost: In off-road racing, the act of accelerating quickly in a corner to kick up dirt, dust, and rocks.
;[[run-off area]]: Area off the track put aside for vehicles to leave the track in case of emergency without accident.
;[[run-off area]]: An area off the track put aside for vehicles to leave the track without causing an accident in case of an emergency.


==S==
==S==
[[File:BuschSeriesFieldAtTexasApril2007.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a single road car leads a group of race cars which are being driven in a double-file queue|[[Chevrolet Corvette]] safety car leads the field in a [[NASCAR Nationwide Series]] race]]
[[File:BuschSeriesFieldAtTexasApril2007.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a single road car leads a group of race cars which are being driven in a double-file queue|[[Chevrolet Corvette]] safety car leads the field in a [[NASCAR Nationwide Series]] race.]]
;[[safety car]]: A safety car or ''pace car'' limits the speed of competing cars on a racetrack in the case of an accident or caution periods caused by obstruction/s on the track.
;[[safety car]]: A car that limits the speed of competing cars on a racetrack in the case of an accident or caution periods caused by obstruction/s on the track.
;[[Sandbagging (racing)|sandbag]]: To gain a competitive advantage by deliberately underperforming at an event.
;[[Sandbagging (racing)|sandbag]]: To gain a competitive advantage by deliberately underperforming at an event.
;sandtrap: An area at the very end of a dragstrip to slow down and stop vehicles that have gone off the track, it is filled with, as the name implies, sand. The design of the sandtrap is intentional, and used as a safety device.
;sand trap: An area at the very end of a drag strip to slow down and stop vehicles that have gone off the track, as a safety measure. It is filled with, as the name implies, sand.
;[[satellite team]]: A second racing team either operated by or in partnership with a larger team but maintaining a separate identity. The team may share vehicles and technology with the main operation, or may develop the careers of upcoming drivers, such as [[Scuderia AlphaTauri]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/teams/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1/09/03/11/manual_170922.html|title=Horse Racing Tips & Results - Football Scores & News - Sporting Life|website=www.sportinglife.com|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605025658/http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/teams/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1%2F09%2F03%2F11%2Fmanual_170922.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;[[satellite team]]: A second racing team either operated by or in partnership with a larger team, but maintaining a separate identity. The team may share vehicles and technology with the main operation, or may develop the careers of upcoming drivers, such as [[Scuderia AlphaTauri]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/teams/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1/09/03/11/manual_170922.html|title=Horse Racing Tips & Results - Football Scores & News - Sporting Life|website=www.sportinglife.com|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605025658/http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/teams/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1%2F09%2F03%2F11%2Fmanual_170922.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;scattershield: A [[bellhousing]] or external shield surrounding a bellhousing, and designed to contain metal fragments in the event of clutch and/or flywheel failure. The term also refers a metal shield intended to contain fragments in case of catastrophic transmission failure.<ref>The bellhousing scattershield's invention is credited to Vic King and Pete Wolley for their X/Gas digger in 1959.</ref>
;scattershield: A [[bell housing]], or external shield surrounding a bell housing, designed to contain metal fragments in the event of clutch, flywheel, and/or transmission failure.<ref>The bellhousing scattershield's invention is credited to Vic King and Pete Wolley for their X/Gas digger in 1959.</ref>
;scrub: Also known as the ''[[James Stewart Jr.|Bubba]] Scrub''; a jump technique in [[motocross]] in which the rider transfer their weight to the bike sideways at the face of the jump for a lower trajectory which decreases time spent in the air.<ref name="maxim">{{cite web|url=http://www.maxim.com/none/article/motocross-how-do-%E2%80%9Cbubba-scrub%E2%80%9D-james-%E2%80%9Cbubba%E2%80%9D-stewart|title=Motocross: How To Do The "Bubba Scrub", With James "Bubba" Stewart|publisher=maxim.com|access-date=10 September 2015|archive-date=27 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627183758/http://www.maxim.com/none/article/motocross-how-do-%E2%80%9Cbubba-scrub%E2%80%9D-james-%E2%80%9Cbubba%E2%80%9D-stewart|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="transworld">{{cite web|url=http://motocross.transworld.net/photos/tuesday-tip-the-bubba-scrub/#BU76CptYr8rtFRpv.97|title=Tuesday Tip: The Bubba Scrub |publisher=motocross.transworld.net|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="motorcycle-usa">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2013/03/article/backmarker-breaking-down-the-bubba-scrub/|title=Backmarker: Breaking Down the &quot;Bubba Scrub&quot; - Motorcycle USA|publisher=motorcycle-usa.com|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref>
;[[scratch race]]: A type of race which competitors start on an equal term.
;[[Scrutineer#Sport|scrutineer]]: A qualified official who examines vehicles prior to a race for compliance with the rules of competition, usually in a scrutineering bay adjacent to the pit lane.
;scrub: Also known as the [[James Stewart Jr.|Bubba]] Scrub; a jump technique in [[motocross]] in which the rider transfer their weight to the bike sideways at the face of the jump for a lower trajectory which decreases time spent in the air.<ref name="maxim">{{cite web|url=http://www.maxim.com/none/article/motocross-how-do-%E2%80%9Cbubba-scrub%E2%80%9D-james-%E2%80%9Cbubba%E2%80%9D-stewart|title=Motocross: How To Do The "Bubba Scrub", With James "Bubba" Stewart |publisher=maxim.com|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="transworld">{{cite web|url=http://motocross.transworld.net/photos/tuesday-tip-the-bubba-scrub/#BU76CptYr8rtFRpv.97|title=Tuesday Tip: The Bubba Scrub |publisher=motocross.transworld.net|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="motorcycle-usa">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2013/03/article/backmarker-breaking-down-the-bubba-scrub/|title=Backmarker: Breaking Down the &quot;Bubba Scrub&quot; - Motorcycle USA|publisher=motorcycle-usa.com|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref>
;scuffs: Tires which have been used to a limited extent, but are not completely worn out. Scuffs may be put on a car during a pit stop to improve handling. At times, brand new tires may be ''[[Break-in (mechanical run-in)|scuffed in]]'' before a race by practicing in them for a lap or two. See also ''[[#S|sticker tires]]''.
;scrutineer: A qualified official who examines racing vehicles pre-race for compliance with the rules of competition, usually in a scrutineering bay adjacent to the pit lane.
;sector: A section of one complete lap of the circuit, used for timing purposes. In [[Formula One]], each circuit is split into three sectors.
;scuffs: Tires which have been used limitedly, but are not worn out. Scuffs may be put on a car during a pit stop to improve handling. At times, brand new tires may be ''scuffed in'' before a race by practicing in them for a lap or two. (See ''[[#S|sticker tires]]'')
;[[semi-automatic transmission|semi-automatic gearbox]]: A specialized motorsport application, created initially by [[Scuderia Ferrari]] for [[Formula One]], in which the driver can change gears manually without having to manually activate the clutch. On open-wheel race cars and sports prototypes, it is usually activated by paddles immediately behind the steering wheel, although [[Touring car racing|touring]] and [[rallying|rally cars]] are usually equipped with a more conventional centre console-mounted [[gear stick]] or a stalk connected to the steering column. When activated, the gearbox automatically disengages the clutch, changes gears, and re-engages the clutch without any further input from the driver.
;sector: A section of one complete lap of the circuit used for timing purposes. For the purposes of [[Formula One]], each circuit is split into three sectors.
;semi-feature / B-main / qualifier
;[[semi-automatic transmission|semi-automatic gearbox]]: A motorsport application, created initially by [[Scuderia Ferrari]] for [[Formula One]], in which the driver can change gears manually, but without having to manually activate the clutch. On open wheel race cars it is usually activated by paddles immediately behind the steering wheel, although [[Touring car racing|touring cars]] and [[rallying|rally]] usually place the gear shifter as a gear stick in the more conventional position on the centre console, but occasionally is mounted as a stalk off the steering column, when activated, automatically engages the clutch and changes the gear and releases the clutch without any further input from the driver.
;semi feature, B-main, qualifier:
:A qualifying race before the main event, where non-qualified cars compete for a predetermined number of spots in the main event. Some races have a ''C-main'' where the top finishers qualify for the B-main. At those events, the main event is known as the ''A-main''.
:A qualifying race before the main event, where non-qualified cars compete for a predetermined number of spots in the main event. Some races have a ''C-main'' where the top finishers qualify for the B-main. At those events, the main event is known as the ''A-main''.
;[[Racing setup|setup]]: A set of adjustments made to the vehicle in order to optimize its behaviour.
;[[Racing setup|setup]]: A set of adjustments made to the vehicle in order to optimize its behaviour.
Line 328: Line 323:
;shootout: See ''[[#S|superpole]]''
;shootout: See ''[[#S|superpole]]''
;[[short shifting]]: A technique used, primarily in motorsport, to regain control of a car through a high speed corner. Involves the driver shifting up a gear earlier than usual.
;[[short shifting]]: A technique used, primarily in motorsport, to regain control of a car through a high speed corner. Involves the driver shifting up a gear earlier than usual.
;shunt: A crash. Usually side to side contact.
;shunt: A collision, usually involving side-to-side contact.
;shutdown Area: In drag racing, it is the extra 440 yards from the finish line, to the sand trap, used to safely shut down the car, and turn it off the track, so the next racers can begin their race.
;shutdown area: In drag racing, the {{Convert|440|yd|m|adj=on}} stretch from the finish line to the sand trap, where cars decelerate and exit the drag strip.
[[File:Sauber C24 sidepod.jpeg|thumb|right|alt=refer to caption|The [[Sauber C24]] Formula 1 car with the right ''sidepod'' highlighted]]
[[File:Sauber C24 sidepod.jpeg|thumb|right|alt=refer to caption|The [[Sauber C24]] Formula 1 car with the right sidepod highlighted]]
;{{visible anchor|sidepod}}: Aerodynamic device to improve airflow between front and rear wheels on open wheel racing car which also covers ancillary equipment within car, most often water radiators which are air cooled by ram scoops at the open front of the sidepods.
;{{visible anchor|sidepod}}: An aerodynamic device, positioned on either side of an open-wheel racing car or modern sports prototype, to improve airflow between the front and rear wheels, and to usually also feed air to a radiator housed inside it.

[[File:Grooving Off Road Racing Tires Crandon 2012.jpg|thumb|right|alt=two people use knives to cut grooves in tyres|Crew members grooving a tire]]
;silly season: The period near and after the conclusion of the racing season in which teams and drivers may begin preparing to make changes for the upcoming season. Potential changes at a team may be new or different drivers, sponsors, engines/chassis, team personnel, adding or eliminating cars. Rumours often run rampant during the early stages of silly season. In some rare cases, teams may actually implement the planned changes during silly season rather than wait until the start of the new season. Such a move may give them a head start on the upcoming season, or may alleviate "[[wikt:lame duck|lame duck]]" situations.
;silly season: The period near and after the conclusion of the racing season during which teams and drivers may begin preparing to make changes for the upcoming season. Potential changes at a team may be new or different drivers, sponsors, engines/chassis, team personnel, and cars. Rumours often run rampant during the early stages of silly season. In some rare cases, teams may actually implement the planned changes during silly season rather than wait until the start of the new season. Such a move may give them a head start on the upcoming season, or may alleviate "[[wikt:lame duck|lame duck]]" situations.
;[[Siping (rubber)|siping]]: To use a razor blade to cut a tire's thread causing the rubber to break off. ''grooving'' or ''cutting'' a tire means to use a tool to add additional grooves to a tire to adjust handling for a track.<ref>{{cite web|title=General Guidelines on Siping & Grooving Hoosier Sprint Tires|url=http://www.hoosiertire.com/groovy.HTM|publisher=Hoosier Tire|access-date=11 September 2012}}</ref>
;[[Siping (rubber)|siping]]: The process of cutting fine grooves into a tire to improve traction<ref>{{cite web|title=General Guidelines on Siping & Grooving Hoosier Sprint Tires|url=http://www.hoosiertire.com/groovy.HTM|publisher=Hoosier Tire|access-date=11 September 2012}}</ref> and thermal characteristics.<ref name="MotorTrendSlicingForSpeed">{{cite news |last1=Huneycutt |first1=Jeff |date=October 1, 2007 |title=Slicing For Speed - Circle Track Magazine |language=en |work=[[Motor Trend]] |url=https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/ctrp-0710-slicing-for-speed/ |access-date=September 9, 2021}}</ref>
;skid plate: Metal plate, most commonly titanium, fixed to the bottom of flat bottomed racing cars on the ''undertray'' facing the racing surface, put there to protect the undertray from ground strikes tearing through the undertray. Today less common as racing cars usually are mandated to have a ground clearance that is less critical to hitting the track.
;skid plate: A metal plate, most commonly titanium, fixed to the bottom of flat-bottomed racing cars to protect the undertray from damage from the ground. Less common today, as racing cars are usually mandated to have a ground clearance that decreases the risk of bottoming out.
;slapper bar: See ''[[#T|traction bar]]''
;slapper bars: See ''[[#T|traction bars]].''
;sled: In truck and tractor pulling, an implement pulled behind the machine which uses friction to stop the machine.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Sled|url=http://lcata.com/facts.htm|publisher=Lake Country Antique Tractor Association|access-date=27 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328055316/http://lcata.com/facts.htm|archive-date=28 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;sled: In truck and tractor pulling, an implement pulled behind the machine whose friction with the ground must be overcome by the machine.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Sled|url=http://lcata.com/facts.htm|publisher=Lake Country Antique Tractor Association|access-date=27 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328055316/http://lcata.com/facts.htm|archive-date=28 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Slick Dirt Track Calumet County Speedway Late Models September 2011.jpg|thumb|right|alt=refer to caption|Late model stock cars on a slick dirt track]]
[[File:Slick Dirt Track Calumet County Speedway Late Models September 2011.jpg|thumb|right|alt=refer to caption|Late model stock cars on a slick dirt track]]
;slick (clay oval): A phenomenon caused by the drying out of the clay surface on short circuit oval tracks. The clay circuits that do not maintain a minimum percentage of moisture on the track surface will cause the clay to dry out. This problem will cause the rubber of the specialized clay circuit tires to prematurely wear much in the same way asphalt or concrete paved circuits do, giving the track surface a noticeably black shade.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Bolles|first=Bob|title=Dirt Car Setup Tips Real-World Tips From Practice To The Main Event|journal=[[Circle Track]]|date=April 1, 2004|url=http://www.circletrack.com/chassistech/ctrp_0404_dirt_car_setup_tips/|access-date=26 May 2014}}</ref>
;slick (clay oval): A phenomenon caused by the drying out of the clay surface on short circuit oval tracks. If a minimum percentage of moisture on the track surface is not maintained, the clay will dry out, causing the rubber of the specialized clay circuit tires to prematurely wear the same way as on paved circuits, giving the track surface a noticeably black shade.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Bolles|first=Bob|title=Dirt Car Setup Tips Real-World Tips From Practice To The Main Event|journal=[[Circle Track]]|date=April 1, 2004|url=http://www.circletrack.com/chassistech/ctrp_0404_dirt_car_setup_tips/|access-date=26 May 2014|archive-date=28 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528005223/http://www.circletrack.com/chassistech/ctrp_0404_dirt_car_setup_tips/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Alain Prost F1 RE40 p1040464.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a wide, high-profile tyre with no grooves|Formula One slick]]
[[File:Alain Prost F1 RE40 p1040464.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a wide, high-profile tyre with no grooves|Formula One slick tyre]]
;[[slick tyre]]: A tyre with no tread pattern, maximising the amount of tyre rubber in contact with the racing surface. A specialist motor racing application as in wet weather conditions these tyres have little resistance to [[aquaplaning]].
;[[slick tyre]]: A tyre with no tread pattern, maximising the amount of rubber in contact with the racing surface. A specialist motor racing application, as in wet weather conditions these tyres have little resistance to [[aquaplaning]].
;slidejob: Especially in [[dirt track racing|dirt]] oval racing, a passing car dives low into a corner, deliberately oversteers in front of the vehicle being passed in an attempt to slow their momentum. The vehicle being passed often attempts to pass back by steering low coming out of the corner down the following straightaway.
;slide job: Especially in [[dirt track racing|dirt]] oval racing, when a car overtakes another car on the inside of a corner and deliberately oversteers in front of the vehicle being passed in an attempt to slow their momentum.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Richard |date=2017-04-12 |title=Top Drivers Weigh in on the Ethics of the 'Slide Job' |url=https://insidedirtracing.com/top-drivers-weigh-in-on-the-ethics-of-the-slide-job/ |access-date=2022-08-27 |website=Inside Dirt Racing |language=en-US}}</ref> The vehicle being passed often attempts to pass back by steering low coming out of the corner down the following straightaway.
;slingshot: [[Front engine dragster|Front-engined dragster]], named for the driving position behind the rear wheels (erroneously attributed to launch speed).
;slingshot: [[Front engine dragster|Front-engined dragster]], named for the driving position behind the rear wheels (erroneously attributed to launch speed).
;{{visible anchor|slingshot pass}}: A pass using ''slipstreaming''
;{{visible anchor|slingshot pass}}: A pass using drafting.
;[[Drafting (aerodynamics)|slipstreaming]]: A car following close behind another uses the [[slipstream]] created by the lead car to close the gap between them or pass it. Same as ''drafting''.
;[[Drafting (aerodynamics)|slipstreaming]]: When a car following close behind another uses the [[slipstream]] created by the lead car to close the gap between them or overtake. Also referred to as ''drafting''.
;smoking the tires: A term used mostly in drag racing when a loss of traction occurs, causing the rear tires to rise, and smoke profusely. This usually happens off the starting line. When this happens during a race, it usually results in a loss, unless the opponent also loses traction as well.
;smoking the tires: A term used mostly in drag racing, referring to when [[Wheelspin|a loss of traction]] causes the rear tires to smoke profusely. This usually happens off the starting line. When this happens during a race, it usually results in a loss, unless the opponent also loses traction as well.
;{{visible anchor|spare car}}, backup car: A car used by a driver if they have damaged their main car. It may or may not have the same setup as the primary car. Now banned in Formula One for cost-cutting reasons, though teams in many other major racing series have a spare car available at the track. At [[Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis]], it is traditionally called a "T car" ("T" loosely short for "training")
;{{visible anchor|soup run}}: Term used when a driver in a low preliminary race advanced through multiple races to advance to a much higher feature. Common in midget and sprint car races where a driver advances from the C Main to the A Main that day, or in the final day, advances through three or more levels (H Main, advances to the G, F, and further, for example).

;Spec: See ''[[#O|one-make racing]]''
;{{visible anchor|spare car}}: A car used by a driver if they have damaged their main car. It may or may not have the same setup as the primary car. Now banned in Formula One for cost-cutting reasons, though teams in many other major racing series have a spare car available at the track. At [[Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis]], it is traditionally called a ''T-car'' (a loose abbreviation of "training"). Also referred to as a ''backup car''.
;[[Special stage (rallying)|special stage]]: A section of road or track, closed off used for timed runs in rallying. A rally is made up of a number of special stages.
;spec: See ''[[#O|one-make racing]]''.
;spin turn: A semi-doughnut which a driver use to turn themselves to a correct position on a tight space without the need of a reverse gear.
;[[Special stage (rallying)|special stage]]: A closed-off section of road or track, used for timed runs in rallying. A rally is made up of a number of special stages.
;splash and dash, splash and go: A [[pit stop]] which involves refueling the car only, often less than a full tank.[[File:SplitterNASCARKaseyKahneSide.jpg|thumb|right|alt=the front of a race car, with the splitter at the bottom|Splitter (in white) on a NASCAR car]]
;spin turn: A semi-[[Doughnut (driving)|doughnut]] maneuver which a driver may perform to turn themselves around in a tight space without using the reverse gear.
;[[Diffuser (automotive)#Splitters|splitter]]: Also referred to as the front ''spoiler'', ''front air dam'', or ''[[Diffuser (automotive)|diffuser]]''. Aerodynamic device placed on the nose of some [[Touring car racing|touring car]]s and [[Grand tourer|GTs]] to improve airflow around the nose of the car and sometimes create ''downforce'' for the front wheels to aid steering. It is prominent on [[NASCAR]]'s [[Car of Tomorrow]] body style.
;splash and dash / splash and go: A [[pit stop]] which only involves refueling the car, often less than a full tank.[[File:SplitterNASCARKaseyKahneSide.jpg|thumb|right|alt=the front of a race car, with the splitter at the bottom|Splitter (in white) on a NASCAR car]]
;[[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]]: Aerodynamic device attached to the trailing edge of a race car to increase its rear ''downforce''. The difference between a spoiler and a wing is that wings are generally multi-element with air passing both above and below the aerodynamic surface, whereas a spoiler is flush fitted to the car's bodywork.
;[[Diffuser (automotive)#Splitters|splitter]]: Also referred to as the ''front spoiler'', ''air dam'', or ''front [[Diffuser (automotive)|diffuser]]'', an aerodynamic device placed on the nose of some [[Touring car racing|touring car]]s and [[Grand tourer#GT racing series|grand tourers]] to improve airflow around the nose of the car, and sometimes create front downforce to aid in steering. It is prominent on [[NASCAR]]'s [[Car of Tomorrow|Cars of Tomorrow]], as well as second-generation [[Class 1 Touring Cars#Second generation (2019–present)|Class 1 Touring Cars]].
;[[Spotter (auto racing)|spotter]]: A person, positioned high above the circuit, who communicates what is going on the track to the driver
;[[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]]: An aerodynamic device attached to the trailing edge of a race car to increase its rear downforce. The difference between a spoiler and a wing is that air passes both over and under the aerodynamic surface of a wing, but only passes over a spoiler.
;{{visible anchor|sprint}}: A single-car event against the clock. Can be held over a stretch of road similar to [[hillclimbing]], or may be held over one or more laps of a circuit, similar to [[time attack]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Davis |first1=Pedr |title=The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring |date=1986 |isbn=0949757357 |page=453}}</ref> The term may also refer to relatively short races, to distinguish from [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance races]].
;[[Sprint car racing|sprint car]]: High powered racing cars generally raced on short [[dirt track racing|dirt]] or paved [[Oval track racing|ovals]].
;[[Spotter (auto racing)|spotter]]: A person, positioned high above the circuit, who communicates what happens on the track to the driver.
;{{visible anchor|sprint}}: A single-car event against the clock. Can be held over a stretch of road similar to [[hillclimbing]], or may be held over one or more laps of a circuit, similar to [[time attack]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Davis |first1=Pedr |title=The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring |date=1986 |isbn=0949757357 |page=453|publisher=Macquarie Library }}</ref> The term may also refer to relatively short races, to distinguish from [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance races]].
;stagger: the difference in circumference between the left and right tires. It is used to make a racing car turn easier on oval tracks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gibson|first=John|title=Racing Suspension - Tire Stagger|url=http://www.stockcarracing.com/techarticles/scrp_0805_tire_stagger/|access-date=22 May 2013|newspaper=[[Stock Car Racing (magazine)|Stock Car Racing magazine]]|date=February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815123243/http://www.stockcarracing.com/techarticles/scrp_0805_tire_stagger/|archive-date=15 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;[[Sprint car racing|sprint car]]: High-powered racing cars generally raced on short [[dirt track racing|dirt]] or asphalt [[Oval track racing|ovals]].
;stagger: In stock car racing, the difference in circumference between the left and right tires, used to improve handling on oval tracks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gibson|first=John|title=Racing Suspension - Tire Stagger|url=http://www.stockcarracing.com/techarticles/scrp_0805_tire_stagger/|access-date=22 May 2013|newspaper=[[Stock Car Racing (magazine)|Stock Car Racing magazine]]|date=February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815123243/http://www.stockcarracing.com/techarticles/scrp_0805_tire_stagger/|archive-date=15 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;standard tree: In drag racing, timing lights which flash in sequence five tenths of a second between each yellow light before turning green. Traditional form, before introduction of pro tree.
;standard tree: In drag racing, timing lights which flash in sequence five tenths of a second between each yellow light before turning green. Traditional form, before introduction of pro tree.
;[[standing start]]: A starting method where the race machines are stationary on the grid.
;[[standing start]]: A starting method where the race vehicles are stationary on the grid.
;[[start and park]]: A team or driver who qualifies and starts a race but only runs a small number of laps to avoid using up resources (tires, parts, pit crew, etc...). The start and park will intentionally drop out of the race, placing last or near to last, but still collect the corresponding prize money and championship points.<ref name=CarandDriver-QuitingGame>{{cite web|last1=Zeller|first1=Bob|title=The Quitting Game|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-quitting-game|website=[[Car and Driver]]|publisher=[[Car and Driver]]|access-date=5 October 2014|date=February 2009}}</ref>
;[[start and park]]: A team or driver who qualifies and starts a race but only runs a small number of laps to avoid using up resources (tires, parts, pit crew effort, etc.). The team or driver will intentionally drop out of the race, placing last or near to last, but will still collect the corresponding prize money and championship points.<ref name=CarandDriver-QuitingGame>{{cite web|last1=Zeller|first1=Bob|title=The Quitting Game|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-quitting-game|website=[[Car and Driver]]|access-date=5 October 2014|date=February 2009}}</ref>
;steward: The adjudicator or referee at a race meeting who interprets incidents and decides whether penalties or fines should be issued.
;steward: The adjudicator or referee at a race meeting who interprets incidents and decides whether penalties or fines should be issued.
;sticker tires: Brand new tires put on a race car. Nicknamed "sticker tires" because the manufacturer's labels are still visible.<ref name="DysonRacing" /> (Opposite of "Scuffs")
;sticker tires: Brand new tires put on a race car. Nicknamed "sticker tires" because the manufacturer's labels are still visible.<ref name="DysonRacing" />
;stint: A part of the race between two pit stops.
;stop-go penalty: A penalty assessed to a driver for an on-track infraction that requires them to enter their pit box (or in some cases a special penalty pit box) and come to a complete stop before resuming. No work is allowed to be done on the car during the penalty, even if it is being served in the driver's own pit box. Doing work on the car would negate the serving of the penalty, and the penalty would have to be re-served the next time around. In some cases, the car is held in the box for a specified number of seconds before being allowed to resume. Sometimes called a ''stop and go penalty''. Since the early/mid-1990s, this penalty has seen less use, replaced in most cases by the ''Drive-through penalty''.
;stop-go penalty / stop and go penalty: A penalty given to a driver for an on-track infraction that requires them to enter their pit box (or in some cases a special penalty pit box) and come to a complete stop before resuming. No work is allowed to be done on the car during the penalty, even if it is being served in the driver's own pit box. Doing work on the car would negate the serving of the penalty, and the penalty would have to be re-served the next time around. In some cases, the car is held in the box for a specified number of seconds before being allowed to resume. Since the early/mid-1990s, this penalty has seen less use, replaced in most cases by the drive-through penalty.
;stripe: The start-finish line
;stripe: The start-finish line.
;success ballast: A method used to level performance between competitors by adding weight to cars that win races or are successful. Sometimes referred to as a ''lead trophy'' as the usage of lead bars is most popular in applying the additional weight.
;success ballast: A method used to level performance between competitors by adding weight to cars that win races or are successful. Sometimes referred to as a ''lead trophy'', as the usage of [[lead]] bars is most popular in applying the additional weight.
;superpole, or shootout: A selection procedure in which the ten or 15 fastest qualifiers compete for grid positions in a single-lap effort without other vehicles on the track. While not specifically referenced, most NASCAR races will use this style of qualifying for all cars.
;superpole / shootout: A selection procedure in which the ten or 15 fastest qualifiers compete for grid positions in a single-lap effort without other vehicles on the track. While not specifically referenced, most NASCAR races will use this style of qualifying for all cars.
;[[Card (sports)#Undercard|support race]]: Race(s) that takes place before or after the main event race. It may also be held during a qualifying day, and is often used to provide a fuller weekend of track activity. It is normally a race from a lower or "ladder" series, is usually shorter in duration, and in some cases might feature some moonlighting drivers from the main event. It is analogous to an [[Card (sports)|undercard]] in other sports.
;[[Card (sports)#Undercard|support race]]: Race(s) that takes place before or after the main event race. It may also be held during a qualifying day, and is often used to provide a fuller weekend of track activity. It is normally a race from a lower or "ladder" series, is usually shorter in duration, and in some cases might feature some moonlighting drivers from the main event. It is analogous to an [[Card (sports)|undercard]] in other sports.
;super rally: When a rally driver retires on any day, except the last, they can continue the next day incurring penalties for the stages they did not drive, including the one they retired on. Currently, in World Rally Championship, a driver will be given the time of the fastest driver of their class, plus a five-minute-penalty for each missed stage.
;super rally: When a rally driver retires on any day, except the last, they can continue the next day incurring penalties for the stages they did not drive, including the one they retired on. Currently, in World Rally Championship, a driver will be given the time of the fastest driver of their class, plus a five-minute-penalty for each missed stage.
;[[Special stage (rallying)|super special]]: Timed special stage in a rally on a purpose-built track, often in a stadium. Usually two cars will set off at the same time in separate lanes, and at the halfway point of the stage they will swap lanes, usually due to a crossover involving a bridge. A similar format is used in the [[Race of Champions]].
;super special: A timed special stage in a rally on a purpose-built track, often in a stadium. Usually, two cars will set off at the same time in separate lanes, and at the halfway point of the stage they will swap lanes, usually via a crossover involving a bridge. A similar format is used in the [[Race of Champions]].
;sweeper: A large-radius medium- or high-speed corner on a circuit. Examples of sweepers include the Rabbit's Ear corner at [[Willow Springs International Motorsports Park|Willow Springs]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Big Willow – Willow Springs Raceway |url=https://www.willowspringsraceway.com/track-info/our-tracks/big-willow/ |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=www.willowspringsraceway.com}}</ref> the area between Turns 10 and 11 at [[Albert Park Circuit]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=2022-04-07 |title=Melbourne track and DRS tweaks could make cars 'quite loose' |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/melbourne-track-and-drs-tweaks-could-make-cars-quite-loose/ |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=The Race |language=en-GB}}</ref> and the 200R corner and Dunlop Curve at [[Suzuka International Racing Course|Suzuka Circuit]].
;Swinger: (from [[Sidecar#Sport|sidecar racing]]) A passenger on a racing motorcycle sidecar who athletically moves from one side of the sidecar to the other, altering a sidecar's weight distribution to assist in cornering speed and in some corners to prevent the sidecar from tipping over.
;swinger: (from [[Sidecar#Sport|sidecar racing]]) A passenger on a racing motorcycle sidecar who athletically moves from one side of the sidecar to the other, altering a sidecar's weight distribution to assist in cornering speed and in some corners to prevent the sidecar from tipping over.


==T==
==T==
[[File:MF1 Collision (crop2 Tbone).PNG|thumb|right|alt=the front of a race car hits the side of another|T-bone]]
[[File:MF1 Collision (crop2 Tbone).PNG|thumb|right|alt=the front of a race car hits the side of another|T-bone]]
;[[side collision|T-bone]]: A collision in which the front of a car crashes into the side of another car, forming a "T" shape. This is one of the more dangerous types of crash due to the relative vulnerability of side impacts where there is much less deformable structure on the side of a car to protect the driver. Also, to crash into another car in such a fashion; the victim is "T-boned".
;[[side collision|T-bone]]: A collision in which the front of a car crashes into the side of another car, forming a "T" shape. This is one of the more dangerous types of crash due to the relative vulnerability of side impacts where there is much less deformable structure on the side of a car to protect the driver. Also, to crash into another car in such a fashion; the victim is "T-boned".
;T-car: Alternative term for spare/backup car<ref name="formula1">{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews/2007/3/5836.html |title=Q&A with Spyker's Christijan Albers|publisher=formula1.com|access-date=24 October 2014}}</ref>
;T-car: Alternative term for a spare car.<ref name="formula1">{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews/2007/3/5836.html |title=Q&A with Spyker's Christijan Albers|publisher=formula1.com|access-date=24 October 2014}}</ref>
;[[speed wobble|tank-slapper]]: When the front wheel of a motorcycle oscillates rapidly, causing the handlebars to slap against the fuel tank. It is increasingly being used to refer to a vehicle that loses traction at the rear, regains traction and loses it again, causing the rear to weave side to side independently of the front of the car. This is more often referred to as ''fish-tailing''.
;[[speed wobble|tank-slapper]]: When the front wheel of a motorcycle oscillates rapidly at speed, causing the handlebars to slap against the fuel tank. It is increasingly being used to refer to a vehicle that loses traction at the rear, regains traction and loses it again, causing the rear to weave side to side independently of the front of the car. This is more often referred to as ''fish-tailing''.
;{{nihongo|[[Drifting (motorsport)#Drift competition|''tansō'']]|単走|solo run}}: In drifting, Japanese term for individual passes where drivers drive whilst being observed in front of judges in an attempt for the top spot.
;{{nihongo|[[Drifting (motorsport)#Drift competition|''tansō'']]|単走|solo run}}: In drifting, a [[Japanese language|Japanese]] term for individual passes where drivers are observed by judges in an attempt for the top spot.
;[[team orders]]: The practice of one driver letting another from the same team or manufacturer gain a higher finish at the direction of the team management. Often employed to prevent the risk of an accident resulting in damage to both of a team's cars. The practice was briefly forbidden in [[Formula One]] as a consequence of the [[2002 Austrian Grand Prix]] controversy. U.S.-based series (NASCAR, IndyCar, etc.) rarely have used team orders, and the practice is widely frowned upon due to sportsmanship issues and fan backlash.
;[[team orders]]: The practice of one driver letting another from the same team or manufacturer gain a higher finish at the direction of the team management. Often employed to prevent the risk of an accident resulting in damage to both of a team's cars. The practice was briefly forbidden in [[Formula One]] as a consequence of the [[2002 Austrian Grand Prix]] controversy. U.S.-based series (NASCAR, IndyCar, etc.) have rarely used team orders, and the practice is widely frowned upon due to sportsmanship issues and fan backlash.
;team principal: A management position within many series responsible for overall management of the team, including its drivers, production, strategy, and operations.
;team principal: A management position within many series responsible for overall management of the team, including its drivers, production, strategy, and operations.
;tear-offs: thin plastic sheets that drivers stack up over their visor or windshield for visibility.<ref>{{cite web|last=Siska|first=Ellen|title=Tear-offs add new layer to windshield safety|date=3 April 2008|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/icons/news/story?id=3327578|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=5 January 2014}}</ref> Drivers (or pit crews) tear one off after it becomes dirty.<ref name="DysonRacing" />
;tear-offs: Thin plastic sheets layered over a driver's visor or windshield for visibility.<ref>{{cite web|last=Siska|first=Ellen|title=Tear-offs add new layer to windshield safety|date=3 April 2008|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/icons/news/story?id=3327578|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=5 January 2014}}</ref> Drivers (or pit crews) tear one off after it becomes dirty.<ref name="DysonRacing" />
;[[Template (racing)|template]]: a device used by sanctioning body officials to check the body shape and height of racing vehicles
;[[Template (racing)|template]]: A device used by sanctioning body officials to check the shape and dimensions of parts of racing vehicles.
;{{visible anchor|ten-tenths}}: Refers to driving a car to its absolute potential.
;{{visible anchor|ten-tenths}}: Refers to when a vehicle is driven to its absolute potential.
;throttleman: In [[offshore powerboat racing]], the boat's second occupant who work alongside the driver, whose role is to steer the boat. The throttleman's position is to adjust the [[trim tab]] whilst observing water conditions and extract as much speed out of the boat by controlling the hand-throttle during a race whilst it hops over tides after tides to prevent the propellers from spinning wildly whilst the boat is airborne, which causes the engine to overrev, leading to engine damage.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Joe |last=Skorupa |date=July 1995 |pages=50–53 |title=Warp Speed |magazine=Popular Mechanics |volume=172 |number=7 |issn=0032-4558 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NmYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52}}</ref>
;throttleman: In [[offshore powerboat racing]], the boat's second occupant who works alongside the driver, whose role is to steer the boat. The throttleman's position is to adjust the [[trim tab]] whilst observing water conditions, and extract as much speed out of the boat by controlling the hand throttle during a race whilst it hops over tides. The latter prevents the propellers from spinning wildly whilst the boat is airborne, causing the engine to overrev and possibly leading to engine damage.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Joe |last=Skorupa |date=July 1995 |pages=50–53 |title=Warp Speed |magazine=Popular Mechanics |volume=172 |number=7 |issn=0032-4558 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NmYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52}}</ref>
;throw a belt: In drag racing, losing the drive belt connecting the engine's crankshaft to the supercharger.
;throw a belt: In drag racing, to lose the drive belt connecting the engine's crankshaft to the supercharger.
;tight: See ''[[#U|understeer]]''
;tight: See ''[[#U|understeer]].''
;[[time attack]]: A competition which involves cars running around the circuit in lieu of a qualifying lap.
;[[time attack]]: A competition which involves cars running around the circuit one at a time in pursuit of the fastest lap time.
;timed race: Instead of running a predetermined number of laps, a race runs for a predetermined amount of time (i.e. [[24 Hours of Le Mans]]). This is common in [[endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance racing]], although series such as [[Formula 1]] have a limit on how long a race can be run (Usually two hours), which means that a race may be ended after the time limit expires but before the predetermined number of laps is run.
;timed race: Instead of running a predetermined number of laps, a race runs for a predetermined amount of time (i.e. [[24 Hours of Le Mans]]). This is common in [[endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance racing]], although series such as [[Formula 1]] have a limit on how long a race can be run (usually two hours), which means that a race may be ended after the time limit expires but before the predetermined number of laps is run.
;tin-top: Road car-derived vehicles with a roof, mainly in [[touring car racing]].
;tin-top: Road car-derived vehicles with a roof, mainly in [[touring car racing]].
;tire shake: A term in drag racing, when the engine is putting out more horsepower than the drive axle can handle, causing the rear tires to shake violently. This results in a loss of speed, and can also result in loss of steering, and occasionally, lead to on track accidents. Referred to in other disciplines sometimes as ''axle tramp''.
;tire shake: In drag racing, when the engine is putting out more horsepower than the drive axle can handle, causing the rear tires to shake violently. This results in a loss of speed and sometimes steering, and occasionally leads to on track accidents. Sometimes referred to in other disciplines as ''axle tramp''.
;top end: In drag racing, finish line of strip; high part of engine's rev band.
;top end: The part of an engine's power curve at higher engine speeds; in drag racing, the end of the drag strip where the finish line is.
;traction bars: (drag racing) rear struts fixed to rear axle to keep rear axle from twisting, which causes wheel hop and loss of traction; also called ''slapper bars''. In FWD cars, commonly import drag racing, used to keep front wheels in the ground.
;traction bars: In drag racing, struts fixed to the driven axle to keep it from twisting, which causes ''wheel hop'' (see below) and loss of traction.
;[[Traction control system|traction control]]: This regulates the power supplied to the wheels of a vehicle to prevent wheelspin. It is banned in many forms of motor racing.
;[[Traction control system|traction control]]: An electronic system that regulates power supplied to the driven wheels to prevent wheelspin. It is banned in many forms of motor racing.
;trap: In drag racing, the 20 meter (66&nbsp;ft) timing lights at top end of race track to measure speed & E.T.
;trap: In drag racing, the {{Convert|20|m|ft|adj=on}} timing lights at the top end of the drag strip to measure speed & E.T.
;trap speed: In drag racing, speed as measured by the speed trap near the finish line, indicative of the maximum speed reached on a pass.
;trap speed: In drag racing, speed as measured by the speed trap near the finish line, indicative of the maximum speed reached on a pass.
;{{nihongo|[[Drifting (motorsport)#Drift competition|''tsuisō'']]|追走|chase-attack}}: In drifting, a Japanese term for tandem passes where two cars are paired off against each other over two passes within a heat, with each driver taking a turn to lead.
;{{nihongo|[[Drifting (motorsport)#Drift competition|''tsuisō'']]|追走|extra='chase-attack'}}: In drifting, a Japanese term for tandem passes, where two cars are paired against each other over two passes within a heat, with each driver taking a turn to lead.


==U==
==U==
;undercut:Making an earlier pitstop in an attempt to gain time on other competitors. The opposite of an ''[[#O|overcut]]''.
;undercut:Making an earlier pit stop in an attempt to gain time on other competitors. The opposite of an ''[[#O|overcut]]''.
;[[understeer]] or push: Cornering behaviour where the front wheels do not follow the steered course but instead push out toward the outside of the turn. Known as ''push'' in NASCAR and other stock car racing. Opposite of ''oversteer''.
;[[understeer]]: Cornering behaviour where the front wheels do not follow the steered course, but instead push out toward the outside of the turn. Known as ''push'' in NASCAR and other stock car racing. The opposite of ''oversteer''.
;undertray: Flat or stepped flat surface on the bottom of ''open wheel'' and sports ''prototype'' racing cars. Theory has varied along with aerodynamic developments and regulations, from the sidepod tunnels of ''ground effect'' to the flat undertrays of the 1980s in various attempts to use aerodynamics to suck the cars closer to the bitumen, minimising the air underneath the car that could slow its progress. Today most such categories feature a stepped undertray with sidepods siting higher in the air than the centre of the car, usually mandated by series organisers in an attempt to limit vehicle performance. Also refers to flat surfaces extending behind ''splitters'' in sedan and GT based racing cars.
;undertray: Flat or stepped flat surface on the bottom of ''open wheel'' and sports ''prototype'' racing cars. Theory has varied along with aerodynamic developments and regulations, from the sidepod tunnels of ''ground effect'' to the flat undertrays of the 1980s in various attempts to use aerodynamics to suck the cars closer to the bitumen, minimising the air underneath the car that could slow its progress. Today most such categories feature a stepped undertray with sidepods siting higher in the air than the centre of the car, usually mandated by series organisers in an attempt to limit vehicle performance. Also refers to flat surfaces extending behind ''splitters'' in sedan and GT based racing cars.


Line 409: Line 408:


==W==
==W==
;The Wally: In the NHRA, ''The Wally'' is the nickname of the trophy that is earned by the winner of an event, the nickname refers to the founder of the NHRA, [[Wally Parks]].
;The Wally: In the NHRA, ''The Wally'' is the nickname of the trophy that is earned by the winner of an event. The nickname refers to the founder of the NHRA, [[Wally Parks]].
;wastegate: Device attached to a [[turbocharger]], used to limit the additional horsepower it produces. Usually a mechanical device, activated when the pressure within the turbocharger reaches a certain point, opening a valve, thus reducing boost pressure. Used primarily for safety (speed reduction of the racing cars) or cost (reducing stress on both turbo and engine, lengthening the life of the parts prior to failure or rebuild).
;[[wastegate]]: A device attached to a [[turbocharger]], used to limit the additional horsepower it produces. It consists chiefly of a valve that is opened when sufficient turbocharger pressure is reached, preventing further boost pressure from accumulating and protecting the engine and turbocharger system from damage.
;weight shifting: A technique used to reduce ''understeer''. This involves the driver decelerating through a corner to shift the weight of the car from the back to the front, increasing grip of the front tyres and decreasing ''understeer''.
;weight shifting: A technique used to reduce understeer. This involves the driver decelerating through a corner to shift the weight of the car from the back to the front, increasing front grip.
;wet (or wet-weather) tyre: A racing tyre with deep grooves designed to displace standing water, allowing the tyre to obtain grip in conditions where dry weather tyres (''slicks'') would ''aquaplane''.
;wet (or wet-weather) tyre: A racing tyre with deep grooves designed to displace standing water, allowing the tyre to obtain grip in conditions where dry weather tyres (''slicks'') would aquaplane.
;wheel banging: When the wheels of two different race cars slightly collide during an overtaking manoeuvre.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.f1technical.net/glossary/w|title=F1 technical glossary |publisher=[[F1technical]]|access-date=22 January 2009}}</ref>
;wheel banging: When the wheels of two different race cars slightly collide during an overtaking manoeuvre.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.f1technical.net/glossary/w|title=F1 technical glossary |publisher=[[F1technical]]|access-date=22 January 2009}}</ref>
;Wheel hop: (drag racing) violent shaking of the car as the tires lose and regain traction in quick succession.
;wheel hop: In drag racing, when a car violently shakes as the tires lose and regain traction in quick succession.
[[File:MaynardYingst SprintCar.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a race car with its front wheels off the ground|[[Maynard Yingst]] performing a wheelie in his [[sprint car racing|sprint car]]]]
[[File:MaynardYingst SprintCar.jpg|thumb|right|alt=a race car with its front wheels off the ground|[[Maynard Yingst]] performing a wheelie in his [[sprint car racing|sprint car]]]]
;[[Hubcap#Motorsport use|wheel shroud]]: Also known as ''aero cover'' or ''rim blanking''. A ''wheel cover'' designed to distribute airflow to the brakes, thereby generate ''downforce''. Saw common use in the [[Group C]] era, Indycar up to 1993 when banned and in F1 between 2006 and 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.motorsportads.com/race-engine-technology/ret-formula-one-technology.htm#wheelshrouds|title=Race Engine Technology: Formula One Technology|website=www.motorsportads.com|access-date=2016-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617010215/http://www.motorsportads.com/race-engine-technology/ret-formula-one-technology.htm#wheelshrouds|archive-date=2016-06-17|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/f1/wind-cheaters-10-ways-f1-teams-increase-top-speed/|title=Wind Cheaters - 11 ways F1 teams increase top speed (UPDATED)|last=Collins|first=Sam|date=2013-09-06|website=[[Racecar Engineering]]|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.formula1-dictionary.net/wheel_shrouds.html|title=Wheel Shrouds|last=SEAS|website=www.formula1-dictionary.net|access-date=2016-06-12}}</ref>
;[[Hubcap#Motorsport use|wheel shroud]]: A wheel cover designed to distribute airflow to the brakes, assisting with cooling. Saw common use in [[Group C]], in IndyCar until banned in 1993, and in F1 between 2006 and 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.motorsportads.com/race-engine-technology/ret-formula-one-technology.htm#wheelshrouds|title=Race Engine Technology: Formula One Technology|website=www.motorsportads.com|access-date=2016-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617010215/http://www.motorsportads.com/race-engine-technology/ret-formula-one-technology.htm#wheelshrouds|archive-date=2016-06-17|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/f1/wind-cheaters-10-ways-f1-teams-increase-top-speed/|title=Wind Cheaters - 11 ways F1 teams increase top speed (UPDATED)|last=Collins|first=Sam|date=2013-09-06|website=[[Racecar Engineering]]|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.formula1-dictionary.net/wheel_shrouds.html|title=Wheel Shrouds|last=SEAS|website=www.formula1-dictionary.net|access-date=2016-06-12}}</ref>
;[[wheelie]]: In a rear wheel drive vehicle, when the front wheels rise up in the air under acceleration.
;[[wheelie]]: When a vehicle's front wheel(s) leave the ground under hard acceleration.
;wheelie bars: In drag racing, rear struts fixed to rear axle, which protrude out to the rear of the car to help prevent a car's front from raising too high or flipping over on launch.
;wheelie bars: In drag racing, struts fixed to the rear of the car which protrude rearward to prevent a car's front from raising too high or flipping over on launch.
[[File:WheelieBarKennyBernstein.jpg|thumb|right|alt=the rear of a drag car|The wheelie bar (foreground) and parachute (gray) on [[Kenny Bernstein]]'s [[top fuel]] dragster.]]
[[File:WheelieBarKennyBernstein.jpg|thumb|right|alt=the rear of a drag car|The wheelie bar (foreground) and parachute (gray) on [[Kenny Bernstein]]'s [[Top Fuel]] dragster]]
;wheelspin: When the rear tyres (or front tyres in the case of a front wheel drive vehicle) break traction with the racing surface under acceleration, spinning the wheels faster than they move across the surface. On higher traction surfaces like bitumen the tyre will begin to shred and melt from the friction, producing white smoke.
;[[wheelspin]]: When the rear tyres (or front tyres in the case of a front wheel drive vehicle) break traction with the racing surface under acceleration, spinning the wheels faster than they move across the surface. On higher traction surfaces like bitumen the tyre will begin to shred and melt from the friction, producing white smoke.
;wheelstand: A ''wheelie''. In drag racing, an extreme case, with front wheels very near vertical.
;wheelstand: In drag racing, a severe wheelie where the car is pitched nearly vertically.
;whip: A [[motocross]] technique in which the rider pitch their bike sideways and reposition themselves for the landing whilst airborne.<ref name="motomagazine">{{cite web|url=http://motomagazine.co.uk/motocross-tips/mx-skills-how-to-whip-a-motocross-bike.html#PIRkXT2b7Oa3Jdvy.97|title=Motocross Skills: How to Whip a motocross bike - Moto Magazine|publisher=motomagazine.co.uk|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="transworld2">{{cite web|url=http://motocross.transworld.net/features/tuesday-tip-whip-101/#ZHMBHBUSqJ5dfBzx.97|title=Whip 101 |publisher=motocross.transworld.net|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="dirtrider">{{cite web|url=http://www.dirtrider.com/features/protips/141_1102_how_to_whip_it_with_kris_keefer/|title=How To Whip It with Kris Keefer - Pro Riding Secret - Dirt Rider Magazine|publisher=dirtrider.com|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref>
;whip: A [[motocross]] technique in which the rider pitches their bike sideways and repositions themselves for the landing whilst airborne.<ref name="motomagazine">{{cite web|url=http://motomagazine.co.uk/motocross-tips/mx-skills-how-to-whip-a-motocross-bike.html#PIRkXT2b7Oa3Jdvy.97|title=Motocross Skills: How to Whip a motocross bike - Moto Magazine|publisher=motomagazine.co.uk|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="transworld2">{{cite web|url=http://motocross.transworld.net/features/tuesday-tip-whip-101/#ZHMBHBUSqJ5dfBzx.97|title=Whip 101 |publisher=motocross.transworld.net|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="dirtrider">{{cite web|url=http://www.dirtrider.com/features/protips/141_1102_how_to_whip_it_with_kris_keefer/|title=How To Whip It with Kris Keefer - Pro Riding Secret - Dirt Rider Magazine|publisher=dirtrider.com|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref>
;wickerbill: See ''[[#G|Gurney flap]]''
;wickerbill: See ''[[#G|Gurney flap]].''
;wing: Aerodynamic device on many racing cars. The principle is the same as an aircraft wing except in motor racing applications the wing is inverted to create ''downforce'' instead of lift, pressing the car onto the road surface to increase [[Traction (engineering)|traction]].
;wing: An aerodynamic device on many racing cars. The principle is the same as with an [[airfoil]], except that in motor racing applications, the wing is inverted to create downforce instead of lift, pressing the car onto the road surface to increase [[Traction (engineering)|traction]].
;wishbone: Suspension control arm with three points, shaped roughly like a chicken wishbone.
;wishbone: A suspension control arm with three points, shaped roughly like a chicken [[Furcula|wishbone]].
;works team: A motor racing team supported by a vehicle manufacturer, usually run in-house at the manufacturer's premises. A ''works driver'' is a driver who drives for the works team.
;[[works team]]: A motor racing team supported by a vehicle manufacturer, usually run in-house at the manufacturer's premises. A ''works driver'' is a driver who drives for the works team.


==Y==
==Y==
;yellow chequer: A term derived when the final lap in a race is completed during a ''full course yellow'' while the field is under the control of the ''safety car''. In this instance the yellow and chequered flags are waved together and the race is declared finished with the order the same as when the ''full course yellow'' began. INDYCAR has a yellow chequer rule, and NASCAR allows it if a race is shortened because of curfew or darkness, if the race is already on its final lap when the yellow must be waved, or if there is a yellow implemented after the leader crosses the ''overtime line'' (usually located on the backstretch) during a valid ''[[green-white-checkered]]'' finish once the race has restarted. In Formula One, when there is a yellow chequer, the safety car will ''not'' lead the leader to the finish line.
;yellow checker: A term derived when the final lap in a race is completed during a full course yellow while the field is under the control of the safety car. In this instance, the yellow and checkered flags are waved together, and the race is declared finished with the order the same as when the full course yellow began. IndyCar has a yellow checker rule, and NASCAR allows it if a race is shortened because of a curfew or darkness, if the race is already on its final lap when the yellow must be waved, or if there is a yellow implemented after the leader crosses the finish line during a valid green-white-checker finish once the race has restarted. In Formula One, when there is a yellow checker, the safety car will not lead the leader to the finish line.


==Z==
==Z==
;zero car: In rallying, prior to the rally cars running over a ''special stage'' several official vehicles run through the course to check for safety, conditions of the road, to see if spectators or animals may be a hazard or for obstructions. Sometimes there are a triple zero (000) and double zero (00) as well as the zero. Zero cars travel the course immediately ahead of the competitors and are usually rally cars themselves.
;[[zero car]]: In rallying, the official vehicles (numbered 000, 00, and 0) that run through a special stage at near rallying speeds to check for road conditions, obstructions, and safety risks (such as spectators or animals) prior to the rally cars running through the course, as well as to notify the public of the rally event.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
Line 447: Line 446:
[[Category:Motorsport terminology| ]]
[[Category:Motorsport terminology| ]]
[[Category:Glossaries of sports|Motorsport]]
[[Category:Glossaries of sports|Motorsport]]
[[Category:Wikipedia glossaries using description lists]]

Revision as of 21:26, 12 April 2024

The following is a glossary of terminology used in motorsport, along with explanations of their meanings.

0–9

1–2 finish
When two vehicles from the same team finish first and second in a race. Can be extended to 1–2–3 or 1–2–3–4, etc. depending on a combination of racing series and team size.
107% rule
Often used in Formula One or other racing series, it is a rule where the driver must qualify the car within 107% of the polesitter's time to be allowed to compete. Variations of this may be used to monitor drivers and warn them to reach the required pace or be parked (disqualified). Similarly, the IndyCar Series uses a 105% rule, and NASCAR has a 115% rule, mainly for performance on track, though IndyCar and NASCAR often adjust the threshold for tracks with very abrasive surfaces (such as Atlanta Motor Speedway) where lap times can be considerably faster with less worn tires.[1][2][3]
200 MPH Club
A lifetime "membership" awarded by the SCTA or another sanctioning body or circuit to any driver who drives over a specified distance at a minimum speed of 200 miles per hour (320 km/h), while also breaking a record.[4] Membership can stretch over from the more exclusive 300 to the elite 400.[5] Also known as the 2 Club or Dirty Two Club for records taking place at El Mirage Lake.[6]
60-foot time
In drag racing, the time taken for a vehicle to travel the first 60 feet (18 m) of the drag strip.

A

refer to caption
Drivers race on the apron at Chicagoland Speedway (the area between the white and yellow lines).
aero cover
See wheel shroud.
air jacks
Pneumatic cylinders strategically mounted to the frame near the wheels of a racing car, which project downwards to lift the car off the ground during a pit stop to allow for quick tire changes or provide mechanics access to the underside of the car for repairs.
alphabet soup
In midget car and sprint car racing, and on many short tracks, alphabet soup denotes the various preliminary races drivers will race through to advance to the feature event. Such is named for the heat race format, from the O main at the Chili Bowl Nationals to the N, M, L, K, J, I, H, G, F, E, D, C, B, and finally A main. A driver who runs through the alphabet soup is a driver who has advanced from the lowest feature of the day and advanced to the A main.
apex
The part of a corner where the racing line is nearest the inside of the bend.[7]
apron
An area of asphalt or concrete that separates the racing surface from the infield.[8]
auto racing
Alternative term for motorsport, largely American, although referring specifically to circuit and oval racing for cars, and excluding sports such as motorcycle racing, rallying and drifting.
autotesting
See gymkhana.

B

B main
See semi-feature.
B-team
See satellite team.
back half
In drag racing, referring to distance from the 1/8-mile mark to the 1/4-mile mark of the track.
backmarker
A slower car, usually in the process of being lapped by the leaders.[9]
backup car
See spare car.
bag of donuts
In drag racing, a perfect reaction time of .000 seconds.[10]
beam
In drag racing, the electric eye controlling the pre-stage and stage lights at the starting line.
banking
The angle at which a track inclines towards the outside of a corner (or from the lower to the higher side of a straight). Also referred to as camber (see below), more commonly when modest or negative (i.e. "off-camber"[11]).
The Big One
A large pileup during a stock car race involving up to 30 cars. The term is largely reserved for restrictor plate racing at Daytona and Talladega.
black-flagged
To be ordered to the pits or penalty box, due to a violation of the rules or an unsafe car (loose parts, smoking, leaking fluid, etc.). A black flag is shown to the car that has to stop. Also known as being "posted".
blend line
A painted line defining the area where the pit lane rejoins the race track, and prevents cars exiting the pit from driving into race traffic travelling past the pits, or vice versa. Competitors are penalised for crossing the blend line, ensuring that exiting cars have reached sufficient speed before rejoining the race.
bleach box
In drag racing, an area where bleach is deposited for cars to perform burnouts at the start of most drag races. Gasoline (since discontinued for safety reasons), water, and TrackBite are also used; most organisations only permit water.
blow
See blown.
blower
A supercharger; in the 1990s, these were generally labelled as "power adders" alongside turbochargers and nitrous.
blown
An engine that is supercharged (i.e. a blown engine). Alternatively, an engine that has suffered catastrophic failure, is no longer running, or has sustained irreparable damage.
blowover
Flipping of a car or boat, due to excessive air under the chassis or hull, respectively.
bottle
In drag racing, the gas cylinder containing nitrous. Also called a jug.
bottoming / bottoming out
When the bottom of the chassis touches the track.[12]
box
A mostly European term used by people at the pit wall to tell a driver to perform a pit stop. In NASCAR, it is rarely mentioned outside of earning a penalty for conducting work on the car while not within the bounds of the team's pit stall.
breakout
In bracket racing, a run quicker than the projected "dial-in" time (see dial-in below). Grounds for disqualification if opponent does not commit a foul start or cross boundary lines. Also known as a bustout.
bump and run
A move with origins in stock car racing, where a trailing car intentionally bumps the car in front in an attempt to pass.[13]
burnout
The act of spinning the driven wheels in place to heat the tires up for better traction. It is also used in stock car racing, typically to celebrate a race win.
Buschwhacker / claim jumper (2008–14) / signal pirate (2015–) / Cup leech
In NASCAR, a driver who regularly races in the first-tier NASCAR Cup Series, but makes guest or semi-regular appearances racing in the second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series. The term was named originally for the then-sponsor of the second-tier series, the Anheuser-Busch brewery. Claim jumper was a reference to second-tier sponsor Nationwide Insurance (2008–14), and signal pirate references current second-tier sponsor Comcast Xfinity, with Cup leech used as a sponsor-neutral term.

C

Cars race around a dirt course behind a tall metal fence.
Catch fence at an American dirt track
camber
A.) The angle at which wheels are set up to tilt in or out, measured in degrees in or out from 90 degrees. Positive camber means the top of the tyre is angled outwards from the car; negative camber means that the top tilts inwards. Negative camber assists cornering performance, as the outside tires lean into the corner (like on a motorcycle), which reduces lateral forces on the tire and causes less flex in the sidewall, although it does also have the effect of increasing tire wear.: B.) Banking (see above), the angle at which a corner inclines towards the outside (or a straight from its lower side to its higher side). Sometimes specified as positive camber and negative camber, the latter indicating a decline from the inside of a corner.
catch fence
A fence made of chain-link fencing, welded grid fencing, and/or cables used to slow or stop out-of-control cars and prevent debris from hitting the crowd. They are common on short tracks, street circuits, and permanent circuits.
catch tank / catch can
A receptacle placed in a go-kart to capture liquids, like water and oil, that would otherwise drop onto the track. Also known as a recovery tank.[14]
caution / caution period
See full-course yellow.
chase vehicle
In off-road racing, a non-competitive vehicle that follows a competing vehicle to assist with repairs.[15]
chicane
An artificial corner or set of corners added to the natural course of a track to slow cars[16] or create a passing zone.
choose cone
The cone (or painted chevron) at which drivers have to pick if they want to take inside or outside in oval racing during a restart.[17]
Christmas tree
The series of lights in drag racing that signal the approach and start of a race, in addition to showing starting violations.
course record
Fastest recorded lap at a circuit.
clean air
Air that has not been affected by turbulence from other cars.[12] The opposite of dirty air.
clerk of the course
The official responsible for all on-track activities, including demonstrations and parades. They oversee track conditions, supervise marshals and emergency services, control the deployment of the safety car, and decide upon suspending a session. If a race director is appointed, the clerk is junior and the race director has ultimate authority; if not, they are often the most senior official at a racing event.
closing/shutting the door
An early defensive racing line taken into a corner to block the car behind from overtaking along the preferred line.
co-driver
In rallying, a co-driver directs the driver through the course by reading navigational instructions from the road book, and pacenotes on special stages which describe the turns and obstacles ahead. Also historically called a navigator, the co-driver is also permitted to drive the car. The term is also used in long-distance sports car and touring car racing (particularly endurance racing), where multiple drivers share the same vehicle.
competition caution
A preplanned full-course yellow, mandated by the sanctioning body, where drivers bring their vehicles into the pits. Frequently done to change tires because of excessive tire wear, or to prevent teams from having to hire specialised pit crews (see controlled caution). In some cases, the safety car only is applied after a set number of consecutive green-flag laps or time has been run without a safety car (typically 50-100 laps). A cash or points bonus may be paid to the team leading at the time of the period (such as end-of-stage competition cautions in NASCAR's national series).[18]
control
Where series organisers specify that all competitors in the race must use an identical part; as in control tire or control engine.
controlled caution
During a safety car period, teams can change tires and refuel within a limited time window (2-5 laps or five minutes) to make adjustments. Depending on the series, teams will either not lose any track position (if it is an interval break) or will not lose their position relative to the cars that pitted during the caution (for example, if the third-, fourth-, and eighth-place cars pit during the caution, they will be the first-, second-, and third-place cars exiting the pit lane, and will start behind lead-lap cars that did not pit, in the same relative order as before the safety car).
crate motor
An engine that is ready-built and sealed by an independent company. Crate motors are sometimes mandated and sometimes optional. They are commonly used in regional touring series down to local tracks, and in divisions from late models on down. Crate motors are implemented to limit costs and ensure that the entire field has the same equipment. The ARCA Racing Series and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series have an optional 396 cu in (6.49 L) crate small-block engine option.[19]
crossed sticks
Two curled up flags held out in the form of a cross that signal the halfway mark in many American racing series.
curb
A dirt oval cushion (see below) that has formed into a harder dirt ledge with a similar shape to a sidewalk curb. Often, curbs are harder and more treacherous to run across than the softer cushions, and can easily flip improperly approaching cars over.
cushion
In dirt racing, when dirt is kicked up and lands near the edges of the track after cars drift through the corners. The dirt builds up after time and can slow a driver down if they slide too deep into it while drifting through the turn. In dirt oval racing, when dirt is kicked towards the wall, it builds into a short mound that cars will lean on in order to gain speed and momentum.
customer car
A car externally sourced by a racing team, either from another team or from a specialist racing chassis manufacturer. Primarily a Formula One term, where the majority of teams built their own cars; customer cars have since been banned from F1. In some short track late model and modified series, customer cars are standard, while the opposite is the house car, which is the works cars built by a chassis builder.

D

a single car leads a group of other cars which are being driven in double-file
Delaware start
deep braking
Applying the brakes later than normal when entering a turn.
deep staging
In drag racing, when a dragster pulls so far forward that they leave the pre-stage area and turn off the pre-stage lights on the Christmas tree, but not far enough to leave the staged area. This may give the driver a few inches of advantage, and is legal in drag racing.
Delaware start
A style of restart where the race leader starts in the first row by themselves and the other drivers start two-wide.[20] The leader can choose which lane they want for the restart, which can offer a clear advantage over second place.
delta time
The entire time it generally takes a driver to enter the pit lane, make a full pit stop, and exit the pit area to resume racing at optimum pace. Also referred to as the pit-stop delta.
density altitude (DA)
A term in drag racing which often refers to atmospheric air pressure decreasing as altitude above sea level increases. All supercharged internal combustion engines produce less power as air pressure drops, as each intake stroke draws in less air per volume than normally. This may require the engine to be "tuned" to optimize power. Because a supercharger pressurizes intake air at a fixed mechanical ratio to engine speed, the engine suffers a proportionate loss in power, but not as severe as a naturally aspirated engine does. Turbocharged engines are largely unaffected, as the lower density of the intake air is offset by the lower backpressure resisting exhaust flow through the turbo.
dial-in
In bracket racing, drivers must estimate or "dial in" the time in which they expect to run, allowing two unmatched cars in weight and power to compete via a handicap system. If one runs a faster time than is dialed in, it is called a breakout.
did not attend (DNA)
Denotes a driver who was entered for a race but did not attend the circuit. Sometimes referred to as did not arrive or simply a no-show.
did not finish (DNF)
A driver who did not finish the race. Some sanctioning bodies do not classify a driver in the final results if they did not complete a certain number of laps; for example, in Formula One, a driver must complete 90% of the winner's completed laps to be classified as a finisher.
did not qualify / did not pre-qualify (DNQ / DNPQ)
A failure to qualify or pre-qualify for a race, most often because the driver was too slow to make it into a limited number of grid positions, or was slower than the 107% rule.
did not start (DNS)
A driver who attended but did not attempt to compete in a race, even though they may have competed in practice sessions or qualifying.
digger
A non-bodied dragster, as distinct from a funny car or flopper (a drag car with a doorless single-piece body) or other bodied dragster.[21] May also be referred to as a rail (see below).
dirty air
The disrupted air left in a car's wake when it moves at speed, which can cause aerodynamic difficulties for a car following closely behind, such as reduced downforce. The opposite of clean air.
dogleg
A shallow-angle turn or kink on a racing circuit, usually associated with road courses, but also present on oval tracks (an example being Phoenix Raceway). On road courses, a dogleg may be present on a long straightaway, curving the straight slightly, but usually not enough to require drivers to slow down much for the turn. On an oval, a dogleg can be located on the front stretch, creating an oblong shape, adding a challenge, increasing sightlines for fans, and again, usually not requiring drivers to slow down for the extra curve. A quad-oval is also referred to as a "double dogleg". Some tracks classify the dogleg as a numbered turn while others do not
doped / dope
In drag racing, a diesel-powered car using nitrous or propane injection. Commonly used in the southern United States.
door-slammer
A drag racing term used to group vehicles, usually sedans, that still have functional doors for driver access to the vehicle, as opposed to funny cars or floppers (see below), which have a lightweight single-piece body draped over a racing chassis.
downforce
Increased grip created by the aerodynamics of a vehicle via an upside-down lift effect. Downforce allows a vehicle to travel faster through corners at the cost of a reduced top speed on straights due to drag.
drafting
A technique where multiple vehicles align end to end, reducing the overall effect of drag due to exploiting the lead vehicle's slipstream. See also slipstreaming.
Drag Reduction System (DRS)
A mechanically activated element of the rear wing of modern Formula One cars, which can be used at specific areas on the circuit. The wing element rotates from steeply inclined to relatively flat, thus reducing the amount of drag generated by the rear wing and increasing top speed. DRS also makes cars less susceptible to dirty air.
five sports cars slide sideways around a corner
A drift competition
drifting
Drifting is a form of motorsport in which drivers intentionally oversteer their cars while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed. In motor racing, the four-wheel drift is a cornering technique where a car takes a high-speed corner held at an angle without major steering inputs, balancing natural understeer with power oversteer.
drive-through penalty
A penalty applied by race officials while the race is underway, where a competitor is directed to drive into the pit lane and travel its length at low speed (pit lanes are speed-limited to protect the pit crew and marshals), losing significant time in the process. When the driver is serving their drive-through penalty, they are not allowed to stop anywhere in the pits.[12] See also stop-go penalty.
a group of people stand on a hill
Drivers' meeting before a motocross race
drivers' meeting
A meeting where drivers and officials meet before a race to discuss the upcoming event. Also referred to as a drivers' briefing or driver and crew chief meeting, as in some series, the driver(s) and their crew chief must attend.
dry line
On a drying circuit, the racing line that becomes dry first as the cars displace water from it.
due time
The time that a rally crew is due at the next time control. If the crew arrive on or before their due time, they will incur no time penalty. In practice, because determining a winner depends on being able to sort finishers in order of accrued penalty points (those with the fewest wins), due times are often set to be very difficult if not impossible to attain.

E

race cars driving through a series of alternating right and left corners
The esses at Road Atlanta
esses
A sequence of alternating turns on a road course, resembling the letter S.
E.T. (elapsed time)
In drag racing, the total time a run has taken from start to finish.
E.T. slip
In drag racing, a slip of paper turned in by the race timer which denotes elapsed time for both drivers, and who won the race; it may also include reaction time and 60-foot time. This is an official document used for timekeeping. Also known as a timeslip.
excluded (EXC / EXCL)
Removed from competition before the race has started, generally due to an infringement during practice or qualifying.
ERS (energy recovery system)
Part of the hybrid powertrain systems used in Formula One since 2014, that recovers energy from the brakes and heat and stores it in batteries, which is then used to boost power. It combines both a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), known officially as the motor generator unit – kinetic (MGU-K), and a system recovering heat from the turbocharger, officially known as the motor generator unit – heat (MGU-H).

F

factory-backed
A racing team or driver that competes with official sanction and financial support from a manufacturer. See also works team.
factory team
A more specific version of factory-backed, referring to racing teams run directly from the factory of the vehicle manufacturer.
fan car
The placement of a large fan at the rear of the chassis driven either independently or by the engine with the purpose of creating negative air-pressure underneath the car to create additional downforce for increased cornering speed. Usually refers specifically to the Brabham BT46B Formula One car, although the concept was actually pioneered by the Chaparral 2J.
fastest lap
Fastest time in which a lap was completed by a driver during a race. Sometimes rewarded with bonus championship points.
field
The competing cars in an event.
field-filler
A driver or team usually slower than the majority of the field that only participates if there are open spots.[1] See also start and park.
first or worse
In drag racing, if both drivers commit a foul, the driver who commits a foul first loses (unless it is two separate fouls, where the loser is the driver who committed the worse foul).
flag-to-flag coverage
Television or radio coverage that consists of the entire race start-to-finish rather than highlights, tape delayed, "packaged" coverage, or highlights of the first portion of the race before broadcasting the final portion of the race live. Derives from green flag (start) to checkered flag (finish). Instituted largely in the late 1970s, with the 1979 Daytona 500 being the first major 500-mile race with live, flag-to-flag coverage.
flying lap
A lap, usually in qualifying, started by a competitor at optimum speed, as opposed to a lap from a standing start.
flying start
See rolling start.
formation lap
The lap cars make before forming up on the grid for the start.[12]
formula racing
A type of racing, generally open-wheeled, where the conditions of technical entry comply with strict rules or formulae.
free practice
When drivers or riders learn the circuit and teams experiment with race settings for the track.
fuel cell
A fuel tank with a flexible inner liner to minimize the potential for punctures in the event of a collision or other mishap resulting in serious damage to the vehicle. Mandatory in most forms of motorsport.
fueler
In drag racing, any car running specialized fuel or in a "fuel" class (most often, Top Fuel Dragsters or Top Fuel Funny Cars).
full-course yellow
When yellow flags are deployed at every flag point around a race circuit and a safety car (see below) leads the field until a hazard is cleared.
a chassis with a large engine has its body lifted off
Funny car
funny car
In drag racing, a vehicle with a single-piece body on the chassis, which is lifted off or rear-hinged to allow the driver access to the cabin, or a race class for such cars. May also be referred to as a flopper.

G

gap
In drag racing, beating an opponent in a heads-up drag race with a visible distance between the two competitors. Outside of drag racing, the distance in time between two drivers.
garagiste / garagista
A disparaging term used by Enzo Ferrari to describe the new wave of British racing cars (such as Cooper and Lotus) challenging his team with a smaller budget.[22][23]
gasser
A bodied drag car running on gasoline, from before the pro stock class was introduced.
gentleman driver
In sports car racing, typically refers to a driver who is not a professional racing driver.
graining
When small grains of rubber start coming off a tyre.[12] See also marbles.
grand chelem / grand slam
To qualify on pole, set the fastest lap, win, and lead every lap of a Grand Prix race.
grand marshal
Ceremonial marshalling role at a race meeting. Largely held by celebrities or retired notable drivers, with no actual duties or responsibilities beyond the waving of a flag to commence activity or to announce the traditional "start your engines" prior to some races.
gravel trap
Track run-off area usually positioned on the outside of corners and filled with gravel, intended to slow down and stop cars that have left the track at speed. Generally, there are tyre barriers between a gravel trap and the catch fencing, in order to protect spectators.[12] Sometimes nicknamed "kitty litter" for its visual resemblance.
green track
A paved race course that is clean from rubber buildup, oil and grease, marbles, and debris, typically cleansed by means of a recent rain shower. Depending on the track and/or racing series, a green track may be favorable or unfavorable. Track crews may use jet blowers to remove marbles and debris from the surface and mimic favorable green track conditions. However, a green track may be unfavorable due to reduced traction.
green-white-checker finish
When a full-course caution occurs right before the end of a race, the race is extended beyond its scheduled distance. Depending on the sanctioning body, there may be either one or multiple attempts at a restart, between one and five laps, before the race is declared officially over. NASCAR's national series will have a maximum of three attempts if only the penultimate lap is under caution, while some short track races have unlimited attempts at a span between one and five consecutive green-flag laps. In British Superbike Championship motorcycle racing, if a caution is called in the final third of the race, three additional laps will be added on the ensuing restart in a green-white-checker style finish.[24]
grenade
To wreck an engine so violently that internal parts of the engine break through the block and/or bolted-on parts (cylinder heads, oil pan, etc.), blowing up the engine. Distinct from popping the blower. A hand grenade engine is a usually derogatory term for an engine tuned to maximise engine power at the cost of low mechanical reliability, or an engine design that is known for failing on a regular basis.
grid
The starting formation of a race, generally in rows of two for cars and three or four for bikes. The Indianapolis 500 traditionally has a unique grid of three cars per row.
grip
The total cornering envelope of a race car by the friction component of the tire, the mass of the machine and the downforce generated.[25][26][27][28]:
two people use knives to cut grooves in tyres
Crew members grooving tires
groove
The optimal path around the track for the lowest lap time. In drag racing, it refers to the center portion of the lane, where cars can gain traction quicker.
grooving
The process of cutting grooves into a tire to adjust traction.
ground effect
A method of creating downforce using the shape of a car's body, notably by shaping the underbody to speed up airflow between it and the ground and effectively turn the entire car into an airfoil.
Gurney flap / Gurney
A small lip placed at the trailing edge of a race car's wing. Despite its relative size, often only millimetres tall, it can double the downforce achieved by the wing, although at the premium of increasing drag, hence the small size. Named for the man commonly attributed to its proliferation, Formula One driver and constructor Dan Gurney. Also known as a wickerbill.
gymkhana
A form of motorsport which consists largely of an obstacle course of tight turns, spins and reversing. The winner is the one who completes all prescribed manoeuvrers in the shortest possible time. The course is usually marked out with traffic cones or similar devices, and hitting them with the car usually acquiries a time penalty. Also known as autotesting or motorkhana.

H

refer to caption
Hairpin turn on the Mont Ventoux in France
halo
A driver crash protection structure used in open-wheel racing series, which consists of a curved bar around the driver's head.
hairpin
A tight, approximately 180-degree corner that twists back on itself.
handicap
Where cars start a race in the reverse order of qualifying, or perceived race pace, usually with timed gaps between cars starting a race. More common in racing's early days than today, the effect was to produce a race result in which all cars would arrive at the race finish together, regardless of the performance of the race vehicle. Another form of handicapping is success ballast, where more successful cars are assessed a weight penalty for every win, and balance of power in sportscar racing.
Handford device
A vertical spoiler piece attached across the back of the rear wing that pushes air down, increasing drag and creating a larger slipstream for the car behind. Used in the CART FedEx series to slow cars down and improve passing on superspeedways.
HANS (head and neck support) device
A safety item compulsory in many auto racing series. It reduces the likelihood of head and/or neck injuries, such as a basilar skull fracture, in the event of a crash.
heads-up racing
In drag racing, where both drivers leave at the same time; used in all professional classes.
heat
A shorter preliminary race which decides the participants of the main race, and sometimes starting order as well. Usually, there are more heats in which only a segment of drivers from the entry list take part. Can also refer to a part of the main race, when it consists of two or more parts.
heavy
Opposite of slick - used to describe a dirt-oval trackstate in which the surface is wet and fast.
happy hour
the last practice before a NASCAR Cup Series race.
holeshot
In motorcycle, off-road, and powerboat racing, the driver or rider who is first through the first turn at the start of a race, following a standing start. In drag racing, getting a starting line advantage due to a quicker reaction time. The other driver gets "holeshotted", "welded to the line", or "left at the tree." A "holeshot win" is any win in a heads-up class where a car wins because of better reaction time, despite having a slower elapsed time.[29]
homologation
The process by which a new vehicle or part of a vehicle is approved by organizers for usage in racing. It also refers to the majority of the world's road racing sanctioning bodies having a racing class following the FIA's Group GT3 formula. This was done to allow a car to be raced in multiple series with no changes.
hook-up / hooking up
In drag racing, good traction between the tires and the track, resulting in increased acceleration and reduced wheelspin.
hot lap
See flying lap.
hot laps
A series of practice laps, common on oval tracks, before heat races. Used to help drivers with their cars and improve the track's condition before racing.
house car
A chassis manufacturer's research and development car.[30]
hydrolocking
Excessive fuel entering ("flooding") one or more cylinders due to abnormal operating conditions. Being liquid, the fuel cannot be compressed, causing damage to the motor and possibly grenading it. Most common in drag racing. May also happen if a motor ingests water through the air intake.

I

IHRA
An acronym referring to the International Hot Rod Association.
impound rule
General term for parc fermé, used at certain tracks where teams are not allowed to work on cars between qualifying and the beginning of the race. See also Impound race (NASCAR) and parc fermé.
in-lap
Any lap which concludes with a visit to the pits, especially a pre-arranged pit stop, either during a race or during practice or qualifying. Often drivers push hard to drive fast on their in-lap (despite perhaps having worn out tires) in order to gain time lost during the pit stop. See also delta time.
incident officer (IO or I/O)
A marshal who is in charge of other marshals on the track, allocating duties to them. Second in rank to observer. In hillclimb events, they are responsible for radio communication.
independent
A competitor (team or driver) taking part with very little backing from a manufacturer or none at all. They have their own championship within the World Touring Car Championship, where there is a strong manufacturer presence.
inspector
See scrutineer.
installation lap
A lap which can take place in practice or qualifying, intended simply to gain data and telemetry for the driver or team, rather than setting a competitive time.
intermediate
A tire with lighter grooving than a wet weather tire (see below). Sometimes an intermediate is a slick tyre with grooves cut into it. It is used for conditions between fully dry and fully wet, most often when the track is wet but it is not actually raining.
International season
In Australia and New Zealand midget and sprint car racing, the time generally between December and February. Because of Australia being in the Southern Hemisphere, some drivers in North America will fly down to Australia during the time and participate in various meetings before the major series have Florida-based meetings in February. The recognised International Season typically runs from Christmas Day (because of the time difference, it usually is Christmas night in the United States where the international drivers are based, when the Boxing Day races start), until the week before the Florida meetings. The most notable races on the international season there include Australian Speedweek at various Australian tracks starting on Boxing Day and the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic in January.[31]
invert
The portion of the field which becomes ordered by reverse qualifying speed. With an invert of five, for example, the fifth-fastest qualifier starts first and the fastest qualifier starts fifth. The rest of the field starts by their qualifying speed (sixth-fastest starts sixth). The invert is often not announced before qualifying, or a die roll happens after qualifying.[32]

J

James Bond (red)
When a driver's reaction time is .007 seconds. A James Bond red is -.007 seconds (a red light foul), resulting in a loss unless the opponent commits a worse foul.
refer to caption
Jet dryer mounted on a pickup truck
jet dryer
A helicopter turbine engine or small airplane jet engine mounted on a pickup truck or trailer. The exhaust from the engine is used to blow debris or evaporate moisture from the racing surface.[33]
joker lap
In rallycross events, each vehicle must run a lap with a detour once during each single race. In events overseen by the FIA, such as the FIA World Rallycross Championship, this joker lap must be at least two seconds slower; therefore, the alternative route makes the lap longer. In the American Global Rallycross series, the joker lap is usually a bit shorter than a lap on the original track. The joker lap was thought up as a tactical component by Svend Hansen, the father of 14-times FIA European Rallycross champion Kenneth Hansen, to increase the competition.
jump start
In a standing start, when a vehicle moves from its grid slot before the start of a race is signaled. In a rolling start, when a car passes before they cross the start-finish line or the restart line. When this is done, a penalty is usually imposed. In drag racing, a jump start is signalled by a red light in the offending driver's lane, and they lose unless a more serious foul (boundary line or failure to report to post-race inspection after a round win) occurs.[12]

K

KERS (kinetic energy recovery system)
A device which recovers energy when brakes are applied and stores it until required to add power. In 2008 KERS systems started to appear in the World Rally Championship. Formula One followed soon after; its application is limited to a push to pass system.
kit
In drag racing, refers to a turbo kit or a nitrous kit. Using nitrous oxide in professional drag racing categories is illegal.
kitty litter
Informal term with two possible meanings. It is either a nickname for a gravel trap, or for a material applied to the track surface to clean up a fluid leakage or spill.[34]

L

a diagram showing a 90 degree corner with different racing lines which meet the inside edge of the track before, after, and at the middle of the turn
  Early apex
  Ideal line
  Late apex
a car painted in various bright colours
A unique livery used by Rebellion Racing
ladder series
Generally refers to a category or series of lesser importance which, in most cases, will race at the same race meeting as a senior category. Cars will be generally characteristically similar to drive but will be smaller, less powerful, and/or slower. Competitors will generally be younger emerging drivers, who are climbing an apprenticeship "ladder" towards entry into the senior series.
lambda reading
Fuel to air ratio readings, used to determine how much fuel is pushed through the fuel injectors into the cylinders for combustion.
lap of honour
A non-competitive lap taken before or after the race by a driver in celebration. Also known as a victory lap (see below).
lap record
Fastest race lap recorded at a circuit for a category of race car. The circumstances allowed vary significantly, but practice laps are generally not considered official records. Laps recorded in qualifying may or may not contribute but are sometimes referred together with practice laps as qualifying lap records. The outright lap record is the fastest race lap ever recorded at any particular circuit, regardless of category of vehicle being raced.
Le Mans car
A phrase used by the general public to describe a sports prototype racing car, commonly a Le Mans Prototype or its predecessors and successors (including Group C, Group 6, Group 5, LMH, and LMDh), regardless of whether it is competing at Le Mans or not.[35][36][37][38]
lead trophy
See success ballast
leg
In rallying, a leg is usually each day of the event. A leg can be further broken up into sections, and loops consist of repeated sections.
legality panel
a piece of bodywork of a racing car which is required by the technical regulations that does not have a function essential to the car's function.
livery
The paint and/or decals applied to a vehicle to mark its sponsorship or team identity.
lollipop
A sign on a stick used in pit stops, which is held in front of the car and raised when the pit stop is completed.[12] Though the same basic device is utilized in NASCAR and IndyCar, generic terms such as pit board or sign board are preferred as the sign is not round, but sometimes square, and often is in a specific design unique to the driver or team. In addition, in NASCAR and IndyCar, the sign is usually only used for the driver to locate their pit box, and is pulled back (not normally being used to signal departure as it is in Formula One).
long lap
The long lap penalty was introduced to motorcycle racing in 2019 and involves a rider taking a detour on a pre-designated route, usually an extended corner. This is intended to increase a rider's lap time as a penalty for an infringement during a race, and is intended as a lighter penalty than a ride-through penalty (see drive-through penalty above).[39]
loose
See oversteer

M

a group of people in fluorescent boilersuits stand behind a barrier, with one of them waving a red flag over the top of the barrier
A marshal waving a red flag
marbles
Pieces of rubber from tires that accumulate on the racing surface outside of the racing line, that are slippery like toy marbles.[34]
marshal
A person responsible for signaling track conditions to drivers (through use of flags), extinguishing fires, removing damaged cars from the track, and sometimes providing emergency first aid.
meatball
A specific racing flag used in some countries to indicate to a driver that there is a defect with their car that carries a safety risk to them or to another driver. Most usually applied to trailing smoke or loose bodywork. The flag is black with a large orange dot in the centre of the flag, looking vaguely like a meatball. Some racing series use this flag to indicate the car being flagged is no longer being scored, due to ignoring orders to pit because of a rules infraction.
Mickey Mouse corner
A pejorative term for a corner or series of corners on a circuit that are thought to be poorly designed, slow, uncompetitive, uninteresting, and usually difficult or near impossible to overtake through, which detract from the overall challenge of the course.[40] In some cases where the entire course is deemed poorly designed, it can be referred to as a "Mickey Mouse track".
mill
Any internal combustion engine used in a race car (inherited from hot rodding slang).
missing man formation
The driver in pole position drops back a row during a pace lap (leaving the front row empty) to salute a deceased motorsport personality.[41]
mobile chicane
Disparaging slang for a competitor noticeably slower than the front-running pace.[42]
motorkhana
See gymkhana.
Motorsport Valley
A tag given to the mid-south of England by the Motorsport Industry Association, where a high concentration of activities within the motorsport industry occur.[43][44]
mountain motor
A mainly North American term for large-displacement engines, often used in hot rods and drag racers. Named for their size (around 500 cubic inches (8.2 L), the limit in some sanctioning bodies), and for sometimes being constructed in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.[45]
Murrayism
A humorous term or phrase originally uttered during a broadcast, by and named in honour of veteran Formula One broadcaster, Murray Walker.[46]
mystery caution
An unknown condition caution in the closing laps of a race.

N

NASCAR
Acronym for National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing.
NHRA
Acronym for National Hot Rod Association, one of two sanctioning bodies in drag racing located within the United States.
navigator
See co-driver.
nationals
Most NHRA events are called nationals, referring to the first nationwide NHRA drag race held at the Great Bend Municipal Airport in Kansas, called simply "the Nationals".[47]
nitrous
In drag racing, refers to the use of a nitrous oxide system to boost power.
not classified (NC)
A driver who was racing at the end of the race, but did not complete the required distance to be classified.

O

observer
The highest ranking trackside marshal within the post and the main decision-maker at the event of an incident, who relays information to race control. Can be seen standing in the marshal post. Second to chief marshal.
official
See steward
oildown
In drag racing, when a car's engine or lubrication system breaks during a run, leaving a streak of oil and/or other fluids on the track. This is punishable by fines, point penalties, and/or suspension.
open-wheel car
A specific type of racing car whose wheels are not enclosed by bodywork, e.g. Formula One.
a small open wheeled race car with large aerodynamic wings
Formula Mazda, a one-make series
one-make racing
Racing equipment that must be identical for all competitors, usually to cut down on costs or for business purposes by car manufacturers. Known in North America as spec, specific parts can be spec, as in the IndyCar Series' spec engine, or the entire car can be spec, as in spec racing series such as Spec Miata.
out-brake
To gain time or position by braking harder and deeper in a corner.[48]
out lap
The first lap to be completed after exiting the pit lane, either during a race or during practice or qualifying.
outright lap record
Fastest lap recorded at a circuit of any category of race car. Most often, this does not include qualifying and practice laps, but confusingly, some sources[specify] occasionally include laps not recorded during races.
overcut
Delaying a pit stop to gain time on competitors. Rarely seen in modern Formula One, but usable there when fresh tyres are not at the best operating temperature and take time to warm up. The opposite of an undercut.
oversteer
Cornering behaviour where the rear wheels do not track behind the front wheels, but instead move out toward the outside of the turn.[48] The opposite of understeer.

P

mechanics change tyres and refuel a race car
A pit stop in Formula One
pace car
See safety car.
pacenotes
In rallying, notes that describe the course in detail.
paddock
An enclosure at a track used by team support personnel and vehicles, and other officials and VIPs.
paint scheme
See livery.
parade lap
A lap before a motorsport race begins, where the drivers go around the track at a slow speed, also known as a formation lap.
parc fermé
An area which cars enter after they have qualified for the race, where they are not allowed to be worked upon by mechanics unless under strict supervision by the stewards. Some motorsports series other than Formula One refer to this as the impound.[42]
pay driver
A driver who pays for their race seat rather than receiving a salary from the team. Generally has a negative connotation.[49] Sometimes known as a ride buyer.
pedalling
In drag racing, working the throttle to avoid wheelspin or as a way to sandbag.
photo finish
A finish in which two or more cars are so close that in times past, a photograph of the finishers crossing the finish line would need to be studied to determine the finishing order. While the practice has been mostly superseded by modern electronic timing systems, the location of the transponder in a vehicle is not located near the nose of the vehicle, so stewards often use video replays to detect where the nose (of a car) or wheel (of a motorcycle) crosses the finish line first.
pill draw
A type of qualifying most common in oval racing, where drivers are assigned a number from 1 to 100. Subsequent races are lined up with the lowest pill-drawer of the field in the front and the highest at the back.
pit board
A board that is held up from the pit wall to the side of the finishing straight when a driver goes past, to confirm their position in the race and the number of laps remaining.[42] Before the introduction of radio communication, pit boards were also used to instruct drivers to pit for fuel and/or tires, or to comply with rules violations.
pit lane
A lane, adjacent to the race track, where the garages are located.
pit stop
Stopping in the pit lane for repairs, refuelling, and/or new tires.
pit wall
Where the team owners and managers sit to observe the race, opposite the garages in the pit lane.[42]
pole position
The first grid position, placed closest to the starting line (in Formula One), nearest the inside of the first turn, or both. Usually reserved for the competitor who has recorded the fastest lap during qualifying. A competitor who starts a race there is said to be on the pole.
Polish victory lap
A victory lap run by a winner in the reverse direction.[50]
pre-qualifying
A preliminary qualifying session held prior to a regular qualifying session in order to reduce the number of competitors taking part in the regular session, usually for safety reasons. An example of pre-qualifying is in Formula One in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
privateer
A competitor not directly supported by a sponsor or manufacturer, being privately funded instead.
progressive grid
Where a category races multiple times at a meeting, the starting order for the grid is decided by the finishing order of the previous race.
pro tree
In drag racing, timing lights which flash all three yellow lights simultaneously, and turn green after four tenths of a second.
prototype
A purpose-built sports racing car that does not noticeably resemble a standard production car.
a beer can with a hose going into it
A makeshift puke can. Though some form of puke can is mandatory, this type is illegal at some tracks.
puke can
In drag racing, a radiator overflow tank. Sometimes, used beer cans are used as puke cans, although these types of modifications are sometimes considered illegal. A standard puke can is usually made of plastic and attached close to the radiator.
push
See understeer.
push to pass
A system in which engine power is increased for short periods to create a short burst of extra speed. This can be done by increasing the boost pressure in a turbocharged car, increasing the maximum rpm, or using a separate (i.e. hybrid) system to provide power. Also see KERS.

Q

qualifying
The process of deciding the starting order of a race. See also pre-qualifying.

quick 8 (Q8)

In drag racing, the quickest eight cars in a defined race. Rules can differ per location or race.

R

R.T.
Abbreviation for reaction time. In drag racing, it refers to the time it takes for a driver to leave the starting line after the green light. This time can mean the difference between a win and loss, especially in closely matched races.
race director
An official appointed by a series organiser who holds ultimate authority over race operations throughout every event of a championship. The race director is the senior official present, and controls the activities of the local clerk of the course and marshals and the other staff appointed by the series. When appointed, they hold the responsibility of deploying the safety car and starting and stopping sessions.
racing line
The fastest, most optimal path around a circuit.
rail / rail job
A dragster (as distinct from a bodied car). The term is derived from the exposed frame rails of early cars, and as such usually refers to early short-wheelbase cars. May also be referred to as a digger.
ramp run
In a practice lap, to rev the engine as far as possible without changing gears, to allow engine management systems to take lambda readings of the fuel to air ratio across a smooth engine speed range.
reactive suspension
A system by which the suspension is controlled by a computer to maintain an optimum distance above the racing surface, regardless of forces acting upon the car and changes in the racing surface, thus maximising the aerodynamic assistance that can be gained by running the car closer to the ground. Originally used by Lotus and later by Williams.
relief driver
A driver who fills in for another driver in case of injury, or during a race because of exhaustion or pain.
restart
When a race is started again after a caution or other condition that stopped the race. In the case of a restart from a caution period on an oval track and most road courses, this is accomplished by the safety car pulling off the track, the green flag/light being displayed, and cars simply accelerating back to race speeds.
reverse grid racing
When the starting order of a race is reversed, so that the driver in pole position starts last. Occasionally reverse grid is limited to only part of the grid; for example, just the top ten positions may be reversed. Often used to increase the entertainment value of a race, and mainly used when a category races several times over the course of a meeting. In midget and sprint car racing, heat races may be run as reverse grid races with a points system that gives points for cars passed as well as finishing points. At the end of the heat races, the combined total of passing and finishing points are used to determine the starting grid for the A main, and which drivers are sent to lower events.
riding mechanic
An early term for a co-driver.
right-rear
A verb commonly used in sprint car and midget car racing to describe the action of one car hitting another car with their right-rear tire, an action that often ends in disaster for the car being hit.
rim blanking
See wheel shroud.
ripple strip
A kerb on the edge of a track painted in alternating colours, often red and white.[51]
road course ringer
In NASCAR, a driver who generally competes only on road courses as a substitute for a team's primary driver. Such drivers are no longer used by top teams in the NASCAR Cup Series due to competition changes in the 21st century, but are still frequently used by lower-tier Cup teams and teams in other NASCAR series.
a race car with its body work removed, exposing the metal roll cage
Roll cage
roll cage
A structure of metal bars installed into the interior of a production-based racing car. Originally created as a safety device, in more recent times it has also been used to substantially increase the torsional rigidity of a race car's frame.
roll hoop
A looped bar protruding above and behind the driver's helmet in open-wheel and prototype sports racing cars, placed so that in the event of a rollover, the car lands on the roll hoop rather than the driver's helmet. It may also serve as a convenient attachment point for cranes removing stopped cars from dangerous positions on the circuit.
rolling start
A starting method where moving cars start a race after the starter displays a green flag.
roof flap
An active aerodynamic element designed to keep a car on the ground when it is traveling in reverse.
rumble strip
A kerb with angled kerbstones that transmit vibration through any car that passes over, allowing drivers to feel the kerb and discouraging competitors from cutting corners.
roost
In off-road racing, the act of accelerating quickly in a corner to kick up dirt, dust, and rocks.
run-off area
An area off the track put aside for vehicles to leave the track without causing an accident in case of an emergency.

S

a single road car leads a group of race cars which are being driven in a double-file queue
Chevrolet Corvette safety car leads the field in a NASCAR Nationwide Series race.
safety car
A car that limits the speed of competing cars on a racetrack in the case of an accident or caution periods caused by obstruction/s on the track.
sandbag
To gain a competitive advantage by deliberately underperforming at an event.
sand trap
An area at the very end of a drag strip to slow down and stop vehicles that have gone off the track, as a safety measure. It is filled with, as the name implies, sand.
satellite team
A second racing team either operated by or in partnership with a larger team, but maintaining a separate identity. The team may share vehicles and technology with the main operation, or may develop the careers of upcoming drivers, such as Scuderia AlphaTauri.[52]
scattershield
A bell housing, or external shield surrounding a bell housing, designed to contain metal fragments in the event of clutch, flywheel, and/or transmission failure.[53]
scrub
Also known as the Bubba Scrub; a jump technique in motocross in which the rider transfer their weight to the bike sideways at the face of the jump for a lower trajectory which decreases time spent in the air.[54][55][56]
scrutineer
A qualified official who examines vehicles prior to a race for compliance with the rules of competition, usually in a scrutineering bay adjacent to the pit lane.
scuffs
Tires which have been used to a limited extent, but are not completely worn out. Scuffs may be put on a car during a pit stop to improve handling. At times, brand new tires may be scuffed in before a race by practicing in them for a lap or two. See also sticker tires.
sector
A section of one complete lap of the circuit, used for timing purposes. In Formula One, each circuit is split into three sectors.
semi-automatic gearbox
A specialized motorsport application, created initially by Scuderia Ferrari for Formula One, in which the driver can change gears manually without having to manually activate the clutch. On open-wheel race cars and sports prototypes, it is usually activated by paddles immediately behind the steering wheel, although touring and rally cars are usually equipped with a more conventional centre console-mounted gear stick or a stalk connected to the steering column. When activated, the gearbox automatically disengages the clutch, changes gears, and re-engages the clutch without any further input from the driver.
semi-feature / B-main / qualifier
A qualifying race before the main event, where non-qualified cars compete for a predetermined number of spots in the main event. Some races have a C-main where the top finishers qualify for the B-main. At those events, the main event is known as the A-main.
setup
A set of adjustments made to the vehicle in order to optimize its behaviour.
shakedown
The first test of a new vehicle
shootout
See superpole
short shifting
A technique used, primarily in motorsport, to regain control of a car through a high speed corner. Involves the driver shifting up a gear earlier than usual.
shunt
A collision, usually involving side-to-side contact.
shutdown area
In drag racing, the 440-yard (400 m) stretch from the finish line to the sand trap, where cars decelerate and exit the drag strip.
refer to caption
The Sauber C24 Formula 1 car with the right sidepod highlighted
sidepod
An aerodynamic device, positioned on either side of an open-wheel racing car or modern sports prototype, to improve airflow between the front and rear wheels, and to usually also feed air to a radiator housed inside it.
silly season
The period near and after the conclusion of the racing season during which teams and drivers may begin preparing to make changes for the upcoming season. Potential changes at a team may be new or different drivers, sponsors, engines/chassis, team personnel, and cars. Rumours often run rampant during the early stages of silly season. In some rare cases, teams may actually implement the planned changes during silly season rather than wait until the start of the new season. Such a move may give them a head start on the upcoming season, or may alleviate "lame duck" situations.
siping
The process of cutting fine grooves into a tire to improve traction[57] and thermal characteristics.[58]
skid plate
A metal plate, most commonly titanium, fixed to the bottom of flat-bottomed racing cars to protect the undertray from damage from the ground. Less common today, as racing cars are usually mandated to have a ground clearance that decreases the risk of bottoming out.
slapper bars
See traction bars.
sled
In truck and tractor pulling, an implement pulled behind the machine whose friction with the ground must be overcome by the machine.[59]
refer to caption
Late model stock cars on a slick dirt track
slick (clay oval)
A phenomenon caused by the drying out of the clay surface on short circuit oval tracks. If a minimum percentage of moisture on the track surface is not maintained, the clay will dry out, causing the rubber of the specialized clay circuit tires to prematurely wear the same way as on paved circuits, giving the track surface a noticeably black shade.[60]
a wide, high-profile tyre with no grooves
Formula One slick tyre
slick tyre
A tyre with no tread pattern, maximising the amount of rubber in contact with the racing surface. A specialist motor racing application, as in wet weather conditions these tyres have little resistance to aquaplaning.
slide job
Especially in dirt oval racing, when a car overtakes another car on the inside of a corner and deliberately oversteers in front of the vehicle being passed in an attempt to slow their momentum.[61] The vehicle being passed often attempts to pass back by steering low coming out of the corner down the following straightaway.
slingshot
Front-engined dragster, named for the driving position behind the rear wheels (erroneously attributed to launch speed).
slingshot pass
A pass using drafting.
slipstreaming
When a car following close behind another uses the slipstream created by the lead car to close the gap between them or overtake. Also referred to as drafting.
smoking the tires
A term used mostly in drag racing, referring to when a loss of traction causes the rear tires to smoke profusely. This usually happens off the starting line. When this happens during a race, it usually results in a loss, unless the opponent also loses traction as well.
soup run
Term used when a driver in a low preliminary race advanced through multiple races to advance to a much higher feature. Common in midget and sprint car races where a driver advances from the C Main to the A Main that day, or in the final day, advances through three or more levels (H Main, advances to the G, F, and further, for example).
spare car
A car used by a driver if they have damaged their main car. It may or may not have the same setup as the primary car. Now banned in Formula One for cost-cutting reasons, though teams in many other major racing series have a spare car available at the track. At Indianapolis, it is traditionally called a T-car (a loose abbreviation of "training"). Also referred to as a backup car.
spec
See one-make racing.
special stage
A closed-off section of road or track, used for timed runs in rallying. A rally is made up of a number of special stages.
spin turn
A semi-doughnut maneuver which a driver may perform to turn themselves around in a tight space without using the reverse gear.
splash and dash / splash and go
A pit stop which only involves refueling the car, often less than a full tank.
the front of a race car, with the splitter at the bottom
Splitter (in white) on a NASCAR car
splitter
Also referred to as the front spoiler, air dam, or front diffuser, an aerodynamic device placed on the nose of some touring cars and grand tourers to improve airflow around the nose of the car, and sometimes create front downforce to aid in steering. It is prominent on NASCAR's Cars of Tomorrow, as well as second-generation Class 1 Touring Cars.
spoiler
An aerodynamic device attached to the trailing edge of a race car to increase its rear downforce. The difference between a spoiler and a wing is that air passes both over and under the aerodynamic surface of a wing, but only passes over a spoiler.
spotter
A person, positioned high above the circuit, who communicates what happens on the track to the driver.
sprint
A single-car event against the clock. Can be held over a stretch of road similar to hillclimbing, or may be held over one or more laps of a circuit, similar to time attack.[62] The term may also refer to relatively short races, to distinguish from endurance races.
sprint car
High-powered racing cars generally raced on short dirt or asphalt ovals.
stagger
In stock car racing, the difference in circumference between the left and right tires, used to improve handling on oval tracks.[63]
standard tree
In drag racing, timing lights which flash in sequence five tenths of a second between each yellow light before turning green. Traditional form, before introduction of pro tree.
standing start
A starting method where the race vehicles are stationary on the grid.
start and park
A team or driver who qualifies and starts a race but only runs a small number of laps to avoid using up resources (tires, parts, pit crew effort, etc.). The team or driver will intentionally drop out of the race, placing last or near to last, but will still collect the corresponding prize money and championship points.[64]
steward
The adjudicator or referee at a race meeting who interprets incidents and decides whether penalties or fines should be issued.
sticker tires
Brand new tires put on a race car. Nicknamed "sticker tires" because the manufacturer's labels are still visible.[34]
stint
A part of the race between two pit stops.
stop-go penalty / stop and go penalty
A penalty given to a driver for an on-track infraction that requires them to enter their pit box (or in some cases a special penalty pit box) and come to a complete stop before resuming. No work is allowed to be done on the car during the penalty, even if it is being served in the driver's own pit box. Doing work on the car would negate the serving of the penalty, and the penalty would have to be re-served the next time around. In some cases, the car is held in the box for a specified number of seconds before being allowed to resume. Since the early/mid-1990s, this penalty has seen less use, replaced in most cases by the drive-through penalty.
stripe
The start-finish line.
success ballast
A method used to level performance between competitors by adding weight to cars that win races or are successful. Sometimes referred to as a lead trophy, as the usage of lead bars is most popular in applying the additional weight.
superpole / shootout
A selection procedure in which the ten or 15 fastest qualifiers compete for grid positions in a single-lap effort without other vehicles on the track. While not specifically referenced, most NASCAR races will use this style of qualifying for all cars.
support race
Race(s) that takes place before or after the main event race. It may also be held during a qualifying day, and is often used to provide a fuller weekend of track activity. It is normally a race from a lower or "ladder" series, is usually shorter in duration, and in some cases might feature some moonlighting drivers from the main event. It is analogous to an undercard in other sports.
super rally
When a rally driver retires on any day, except the last, they can continue the next day incurring penalties for the stages they did not drive, including the one they retired on. Currently, in World Rally Championship, a driver will be given the time of the fastest driver of their class, plus a five-minute-penalty for each missed stage.
super special
A timed special stage in a rally on a purpose-built track, often in a stadium. Usually, two cars will set off at the same time in separate lanes, and at the halfway point of the stage they will swap lanes, usually via a crossover involving a bridge. A similar format is used in the Race of Champions.
sweeper
A large-radius medium- or high-speed corner on a circuit. Examples of sweepers include the Rabbit's Ear corner at Willow Springs,[65] the area between Turns 10 and 11 at Albert Park Circuit,[66] and the 200R corner and Dunlop Curve at Suzuka Circuit.
swinger
(from sidecar racing) A passenger on a racing motorcycle sidecar who athletically moves from one side of the sidecar to the other, altering a sidecar's weight distribution to assist in cornering speed and in some corners to prevent the sidecar from tipping over.

T

the front of a race car hits the side of another
T-bone
T-bone
A collision in which the front of a car crashes into the side of another car, forming a "T" shape. This is one of the more dangerous types of crash due to the relative vulnerability of side impacts where there is much less deformable structure on the side of a car to protect the driver. Also, to crash into another car in such a fashion; the victim is "T-boned".
T-car
Alternative term for a spare car.[67]
tank-slapper
When the front wheel of a motorcycle oscillates rapidly at speed, causing the handlebars to slap against the fuel tank. It is increasingly being used to refer to a vehicle that loses traction at the rear, regains traction and loses it again, causing the rear to weave side to side independently of the front of the car. This is more often referred to as fish-tailing.
tansō (単走, solo run)
In drifting, a Japanese term for individual passes where drivers are observed by judges in an attempt for the top spot.
team orders
The practice of one driver letting another from the same team or manufacturer gain a higher finish at the direction of the team management. Often employed to prevent the risk of an accident resulting in damage to both of a team's cars. The practice was briefly forbidden in Formula One as a consequence of the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix controversy. U.S.-based series (NASCAR, IndyCar, etc.) have rarely used team orders, and the practice is widely frowned upon due to sportsmanship issues and fan backlash.
team principal
A management position within many series responsible for overall management of the team, including its drivers, production, strategy, and operations.
tear-offs
Thin plastic sheets layered over a driver's visor or windshield for visibility.[68] Drivers (or pit crews) tear one off after it becomes dirty.[34]
template
A device used by sanctioning body officials to check the shape and dimensions of parts of racing vehicles.
ten-tenths
Refers to when a vehicle is driven to its absolute potential.
throttleman
In offshore powerboat racing, the boat's second occupant who works alongside the driver, whose role is to steer the boat. The throttleman's position is to adjust the trim tab whilst observing water conditions, and extract as much speed out of the boat by controlling the hand throttle during a race whilst it hops over tides. The latter prevents the propellers from spinning wildly whilst the boat is airborne, causing the engine to overrev and possibly leading to engine damage.[69]
throw a belt
In drag racing, to lose the drive belt connecting the engine's crankshaft to the supercharger.
tight
See understeer.
time attack
A competition which involves cars running around the circuit one at a time in pursuit of the fastest lap time.
timed race
Instead of running a predetermined number of laps, a race runs for a predetermined amount of time (i.e. 24 Hours of Le Mans). This is common in endurance racing, although series such as Formula 1 have a limit on how long a race can be run (usually two hours), which means that a race may be ended after the time limit expires but before the predetermined number of laps is run.
tin-top
Road car-derived vehicles with a roof, mainly in touring car racing.
tire shake
In drag racing, when the engine is putting out more horsepower than the drive axle can handle, causing the rear tires to shake violently. This results in a loss of speed and sometimes steering, and occasionally leads to on track accidents. Sometimes referred to in other disciplines as axle tramp.
top end
The part of an engine's power curve at higher engine speeds; in drag racing, the end of the drag strip where the finish line is.
traction bars
In drag racing, struts fixed to the driven axle to keep it from twisting, which causes wheel hop (see below) and loss of traction.
traction control
An electronic system that regulates power supplied to the driven wheels to prevent wheelspin. It is banned in many forms of motor racing.
trap
In drag racing, the 20-metre (66 ft) timing lights at the top end of the drag strip to measure speed & E.T.
trap speed
In drag racing, speed as measured by the speed trap near the finish line, indicative of the maximum speed reached on a pass.
tsuisō (追走, 'chase-attack')
In drifting, a Japanese term for tandem passes, where two cars are paired against each other over two passes within a heat, with each driver taking a turn to lead.

U

undercut
Making an earlier pit stop in an attempt to gain time on other competitors. The opposite of an overcut.
understeer
Cornering behaviour where the front wheels do not follow the steered course, but instead push out toward the outside of the turn. Known as push in NASCAR and other stock car racing. The opposite of oversteer.
undertray
Flat or stepped flat surface on the bottom of open wheel and sports prototype racing cars. Theory has varied along with aerodynamic developments and regulations, from the sidepod tunnels of ground effect to the flat undertrays of the 1980s in various attempts to use aerodynamics to suck the cars closer to the bitumen, minimising the air underneath the car that could slow its progress. Today most such categories feature a stepped undertray with sidepods siting higher in the air than the centre of the car, usually mandated by series organisers in an attempt to limit vehicle performance. Also refers to flat surfaces extending behind splitters in sedan and GT based racing cars.

V

a parked race car covered with confetti and surrounded by celebrating team members
Victory lane
a driver performs doughnuts in their car
Brad Keselowski celebrating victory lap
victory lane
Also winner's circle, because of early motorsport's roots at horse racing tracks, the American term for the place where the winner of a race goes to celebrate victory after winning an event.[70]
victory lap
A lap, after the conclusion of the race, where the winning racer drives at reduced speed to celebrate their victory.

W

The Wally
In the NHRA, The Wally is the nickname of the trophy that is earned by the winner of an event. The nickname refers to the founder of the NHRA, Wally Parks.
wastegate
A device attached to a turbocharger, used to limit the additional horsepower it produces. It consists chiefly of a valve that is opened when sufficient turbocharger pressure is reached, preventing further boost pressure from accumulating and protecting the engine and turbocharger system from damage.
weight shifting
A technique used to reduce understeer. This involves the driver decelerating through a corner to shift the weight of the car from the back to the front, increasing front grip.
wet (or wet-weather) tyre
A racing tyre with deep grooves designed to displace standing water, allowing the tyre to obtain grip in conditions where dry weather tyres (slicks) would aquaplane.
wheel banging
When the wheels of two different race cars slightly collide during an overtaking manoeuvre.[71]
wheel hop
In drag racing, when a car violently shakes as the tires lose and regain traction in quick succession.
a race car with its front wheels off the ground
Maynard Yingst performing a wheelie in his sprint car
wheel shroud
A wheel cover designed to distribute airflow to the brakes, assisting with cooling. Saw common use in Group C, in IndyCar until banned in 1993, and in F1 between 2006 and 2009.[72][73][74]
wheelie
When a vehicle's front wheel(s) leave the ground under hard acceleration.
wheelie bars
In drag racing, struts fixed to the rear of the car which protrude rearward to prevent a car's front from raising too high or flipping over on launch.
the rear of a drag car
The wheelie bar (foreground) and parachute (gray) on Kenny Bernstein's Top Fuel dragster
wheelspin
When the rear tyres (or front tyres in the case of a front wheel drive vehicle) break traction with the racing surface under acceleration, spinning the wheels faster than they move across the surface. On higher traction surfaces like bitumen the tyre will begin to shred and melt from the friction, producing white smoke.
wheelstand
In drag racing, a severe wheelie where the car is pitched nearly vertically.
whip
A motocross technique in which the rider pitches their bike sideways and repositions themselves for the landing whilst airborne.[75][76][77]
wickerbill
See Gurney flap.
wing
An aerodynamic device on many racing cars. The principle is the same as with an airfoil, except that in motor racing applications, the wing is inverted to create downforce instead of lift, pressing the car onto the road surface to increase traction.
wishbone
A suspension control arm with three points, shaped roughly like a chicken wishbone.
works team
A motor racing team supported by a vehicle manufacturer, usually run in-house at the manufacturer's premises. A works driver is a driver who drives for the works team.

Y

yellow checker
A term derived when the final lap in a race is completed during a full course yellow while the field is under the control of the safety car. In this instance, the yellow and checkered flags are waved together, and the race is declared finished with the order the same as when the full course yellow began. IndyCar has a yellow checker rule, and NASCAR allows it if a race is shortened because of a curfew or darkness, if the race is already on its final lap when the yellow must be waved, or if there is a yellow implemented after the leader crosses the finish line during a valid green-white-checker finish once the race has restarted. In Formula One, when there is a yellow checker, the safety car will not lead the leader to the finish line.

Z

zero car
In rallying, the official vehicles (numbered 000, 00, and 0) that run through a special stage at near rallying speeds to check for road conditions, obstructions, and safety risks (such as spectators or animals) prior to the rally cars running through the course, as well as to notify the public of the rally event.

References

  1. ^ a b "NASCAR – Gordon questions 'field filler' role after shunt". Crash.net. Crash Media Group. March 2004. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  2. ^ Ryan, Nate (July 14, 2014). "Jeff Gordon says NASCAR should rethink minimum speeds". USA Today. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  3. ^ "IndyCar officials rule no extra boost for Lotus on race day at Indianapolis". autoweek.com. Autoweek. May 21, 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  4. ^ url=http://www.bonneville200mph.org/bylaws.html Archived 2021-09-18 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ Dan McCosh (April 1993). "Bonneville Salt Flats: Quest for Speed". Popular Science. 242 (4). Photos by John B. Carnett. Times Mirror Magazines: 88–92, 101. ISSN 0161-7370.
  6. ^ Jeff Breitenstein (2004). Ultimate Hot Rod Dictionary: A-Bombs to Zoomies. illustrated by Troy Paiva. MotorBooks International. p. 242. ISBN 0-7603-1823-9.
  7. ^ "Corners". www.formula1-dictionary.net. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  8. ^ "Glossary of Racing Terms". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Media Group, LLC. August 17, 2010. Archived from the original on June 14, 2016. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  9. ^ Cary, Tom (10 May 2010). "Lewis Hamilton warns that F1 backmarkers could cause 'a disaster' at Monaco Grand Prix". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  10. ^ Wolf, Andrew (2019-09-04). "Stock Eliminator Racers Throw The Kitchen Sink At Epic Heads-Up Final At The U.S. Nationals!". Dragzine. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  11. ^ Patwardhan, Deepti. "Check out this detailed guide to the Red Bull Ring by Jehan Daruvala". Red Bull. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h Clayton, David (2007). The Official ITV Sport Formula One Annual 2008. Granada Ventures. pp. 6–7. ISBN 978-1-906211-02-8.
  13. ^ Crossman, Matt (April 1, 2007). "The art of the bump and run". Sporting News. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  14. ^ "Go Kart Catch Cans and Tanks".
  15. ^ Sigal, Peter (November 23, 2006). "On Dirt Roads of Mexico, Racers' Toughness Is Tested". New York Times. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  16. ^ "Traffic Calming 101". Project for Public Spaces. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  17. ^ Blackstock, Elizabeth (8 August 2020). "NASCAR's Choose Cone Rule, Explained". Jalopnik. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  18. ^ Gluck, Jeff (July 27, 2008). "NASCAR may throw competition caution to address tire concerns at Indy". Scene Daily. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2010.
  19. ^ "The ASA Late Model Series Road to Success". ASA Late Model Series. February 14, 2009. Archived from the original on 24 February 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
  20. ^ "65th season of the United Racing Company is quickly approaching". The Racers Resource. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  21. ^ Emmons, Don, "R&C Modelrama" in Rod & Custom, 9/00, p.147.
  22. ^ "The Return of the Enzo's". atlasf1.autosport.com. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  23. ^ "The British Era". f1-grandprix.com. 24 April 2010. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  24. ^ Error Archived 2009-07-24 at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ "Grip". www.formula1-dictionary.net. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
  26. ^ "Formula One Dances Out of the Groove". Bridgestonemotorsport on F1 tires. 2008-10-24. Archived from the original on 2008-11-13.
  27. ^ "Understanding Grip - Driver's Uni Video Tutorial #4". Driver61. 2019-01-22. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
  28. ^ Hatton, Gemma (2020-01-02). "Tyre grip". Racecar Engineering. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
  29. ^ "Drag Racing Basics". International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). Archived from the original on 8 June 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  30. ^ Shelton, Ben (21 December 2017). "Lowe Lands CVR House Car Ride". OneDirt - The Dirt Track Magazine. Archived from the original on 16 September 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  31. ^ "Valvoline Raceway - Ultimate Sprintcar Championship". Archived from the original on 2020-03-01. Retrieved 2019-10-10.
  32. ^ Wolf, Jeff (July 16, 1999). "Speedway is 'inverting' to multiply fun for fans". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 17 January 2009.
  33. ^ "Sam's Town 300". NASCAR. February 27, 2010. Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  34. ^ a b c d "Racing Terminology". Dyson Racing. Archived from the original on 29 March 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  35. ^ "Le Mans car fetches record £843,000 at Weybridge auction". BBC News. 1 December 2011.
  36. ^ Gallagher, Stuart (2022-08-19). "New McLaren Solus GT – 5.2-litre V10 track car revealed". evo. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  37. ^ "Toyota reveals new Le Mans car as Peugeot quits". carmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  38. ^ Miller, Caleb (2022-06-09). "Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar Looks Like Batman's Le Mans Car". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  39. ^ Klein, Jamie (1 March 2019). "MotoGP reveals details of 'Long Lap Penalty'". motorsport.com. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  40. ^ Hinton, Ed (2001-09-28). "F1 Drivers Knock Indy". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  41. ^ "Jason Sides Wins Back to Back in an Emotional Week". Jason Sides, World of Outlaws driver. June 27, 2006. Archived from the original on 19 August 2010. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
  42. ^ a b c d Clayton, David (2007). The Official ITV Sport Formula One Annual 2008. Granada Ventures. pp. 54–55. ISBN 978-1-906211-02-8.
  43. ^ Barretto, Lawrence (26 June 2013). "Britain's Motorsport Valley – the home of Formula 1". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  44. ^ "How did the UK become the centre of global motorsport?". Autosport. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  45. ^ According to IHRA Executive VP Ted Jones, in Car Craft, 1/1991, p.16.
  46. ^ "Funniest ever Murrayisms: A tribute to the marvellous Murray Walker". Eurosport. 10 October 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  47. ^ "NHRA History". NHRA. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  48. ^ a b "Motorsport Terms". Pete's Racing Site. Archived from the original on 24 March 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  49. ^ Reid, Caroline; Sylt, Christian (5 January 2011). "The return of the pay driver". ESPN. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  50. ^ Tracy, Brian (17 February 2008). "'My Polish Victory lap,' in honour of Kulwicki". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  51. ^ O'Brien, Connor (2020-01-28). "Winton announces track renovation". Supercars. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  52. ^ "Horse Racing Tips & Results - Football Scores & News - Sporting Life". www.sportinglife.com. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  53. ^ The bellhousing scattershield's invention is credited to Vic King and Pete Wolley for their X/Gas digger in 1959.
  54. ^ "Motocross: How To Do The "Bubba Scrub", With James "Bubba" Stewart". maxim.com. Archived from the original on 27 June 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  55. ^ "Tuesday Tip: The Bubba Scrub". motocross.transworld.net. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  56. ^ "Backmarker: Breaking Down the "Bubba Scrub" - Motorcycle USA". motorcycle-usa.com. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  57. ^ "General Guidelines on Siping & Grooving Hoosier Sprint Tires". Hoosier Tire. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  58. ^ Huneycutt, Jeff (October 1, 2007). "Slicing For Speed - Circle Track Magazine". Motor Trend. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  59. ^ "The Sled". Lake Country Antique Tractor Association. Archived from the original on 28 March 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  60. ^ Bolles, Bob (April 1, 2004). "Dirt Car Setup Tips Real-World Tips From Practice To The Main Event". Circle Track. Archived from the original on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  61. ^ Allen, Richard (2017-04-12). "Top Drivers Weigh in on the Ethics of the 'Slide Job'". Inside Dirt Racing. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  62. ^ Davis, Pedr (1986). The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring. Macquarie Library. p. 453. ISBN 0949757357.
  63. ^ Gibson, John (February 2009). "Racing Suspension - Tire Stagger". Stock Car Racing magazine. Archived from the original on 15 August 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
  64. ^ Zeller, Bob (February 2009). "The Quitting Game". Car and Driver. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  65. ^ "Big Willow – Willow Springs Raceway". www.willowspringsraceway.com. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  66. ^ Straw, Edd (2022-04-07). "Melbourne track and DRS tweaks could make cars 'quite loose'". The Race. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  67. ^ "Q&A with Spyker's Christijan Albers". formula1.com. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  68. ^ Siska, Ellen (3 April 2008). "Tear-offs add new layer to windshield safety". ESPN. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  69. ^ Skorupa, Joe (July 1995). "Warp Speed". Popular Mechanics. Vol. 172, no. 7. pp. 50–53. ISSN 0032-4558.
  70. ^ "NASCAR Glossary T-Z". NASCAR. Archived from the original on 18 February 2010. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
  71. ^ "F1 technical glossary". F1technical. Retrieved 22 January 2009.
  72. ^ "Race Engine Technology: Formula One Technology". www.motorsportads.com. Archived from the original on 2016-06-17. Retrieved 2016-06-12.
  73. ^ Collins, Sam (2013-09-06). "Wind Cheaters - 11 ways F1 teams increase top speed (UPDATED)". Racecar Engineering. Retrieved 2016-06-12.
  74. ^ SEAS. "Wheel Shrouds". www.formula1-dictionary.net. Retrieved 2016-06-12.
  75. ^ "Motocross Skills: How to Whip a motocross bike - Moto Magazine". motomagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  76. ^ "Whip 101". motocross.transworld.net. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  77. ^ "How To Whip It with Kris Keefer - Pro Riding Secret - Dirt Rider Magazine". dirtrider.com. Retrieved 10 September 2015.

External links