A Terms:[]
1. Aerodynamics
The science of understanding different forces acting on a moving element in gasses such as air. The application of this study to racing is credited with much of the sport's recent progress as teams learn more about drag, air turbulence, and down-force.
2. Aero Push
When following another vehicle closely, the airflow off the lead vehicle does not travel across the following one(s) in a normal manner. Therefore, down-force on the front of the trailing vehicle(s) is decreased and it does not turn in the corners as well, resulting in an "aero push." This condition is more apparent on the exit of the turns.
3. Adding spoiler
used to describe the changing of the direction of a spoiler or wing on a race car. Usually adjusting the angle of the spoiler creates down-force and gives more grip on the race track.
4. Air dam
A metal strip that hangs beneath the front grill of a stock car, often just inches from the ground. The air dam helps provide aerodynamic down-force at the front of the car.
- 5. 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/tires or provide mechanics access to the underside of the car for repairs.
6. Air pressure
used as another setup tool that is akin to adjusting spring rates in the vehicle's suspension. An increase in air pressure raises the "spring rate" in the tire itself and changes the vehicle's handling characteristics. If his race vehicle was "tight" coming off a corner, a driver might request a slight air pressure increase in the right rear tire to "loosen it up."
- 7. 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.
- 8. Anti-Roll Bar
- A lateral torsion bar used to resist or counteract the swaying force of the car body through the turns.
- 9. Apex
- The part of a corner where the racing line is nearest the inside of the bend.
- 10. Apron
- An area of asphalt or concrete that separates the racing surface from the infield.
- 11. Armchair enthusiast
- Alternatively armchair racer, an individual who follows motorsports primarily on television and or the internet and reads books and magazines about the subject. Can also refer to someone who plays racing video games
- 12. Auto racing
- Alternative term for motorsport, largely American in nature, although referring specifically to circuit/oval racing for cars and excluding sports such as motorcycling racing, rallying and drifting.