Chassis Roll
The up-and-down movement caused when a car travels around corners at high speeds. The side of the car facing the turn becomes lighter while the extra weight goes toward the outside of the turn.
Downforce
The air pressure traveling over the surfaces of a race vehicle creates "downforce" or weight on that area. In order to increase corner speeds teams strive to create downforce that increases tire grip. The tradeoff for increased corner speeds derived from greater downforce is increased drag that slows straightaway speeds.
Drag
The resistance a car experiences when passing through air at high speeds. A resisting force exerted on a car parallel to its air stream and opposite in direction to its motion.
Firewall
A solid metal plate that separates the engine compartment from the driver's compartment of a race car.
Groove
Slang term for the best route around a racetrack; the most efficient or quickest way around the track for a particular driver. The "high groove" takes a car closer to the outside wall for most of a lap, while the "Low groove" takes a car closer to the apron than the outside wall. Road racers use the term "line." Drivers search for a fast groove, and that has been known to change depending on track and weather conditions.
Handling
Generally, a race car's performance while racing, qualifying or practicing. How a car "Handles" is determined by its tires, suspension geometry, aerodynamics and other factors.
Lapped Traffic
Cars that have completed at least one full lap less than the race leader.
Interval
The time-distance between two cars. Referred to roughly in car lengths, or precisely in seconds.
Pole Position
Slang term for the foremost position on the starting grid, awarded to the fastest qualifier.
Restrictor Plate
An aluminum plate that is placed between the base of the carburetor and the engine's intake manifold with four holes drilled in it. The plate is designed to reduce the flow of air and fuel into the engine's combustion chamber, thereby decreasing horsepower and speed.
Beginning | Terms, part 1 | Drafting Example | Terms, part 2 | Restrictor Plate | History, part 1 | History, part 2
History, part 3 | History, part 4 | History, part 5 | End of Presentation