Racing Glossary: Slipstream

Before the start of Monaco Grand Prix (or while you are watching Nurburgring 24 or preaparing some snacks for Indy 500), let me ask you a question. Are you familiar with "slipstream" term?

Slipstreaming, or some people say drafting, is a method used by racers to align their vehicle behind the opponent. When a car runs, there is a drag that is created from airflow. The faster it runs, the more drag will hit the car, causing some effects, like shaking vehicle or speed reduction. To memorize this thing, let's use "dirty air" terms.



Behind the dragged car, there is a space which has less drag effect compared to the front part. Let's use "clean air" to label this space. There are so many advantages for the rear racer to be in this clean air, such as:

-  Decreasing drag, which will increase speed to overtake opponents
- Saving fuels

In stock car racing, slipstreaming is much more advantageous, not only for one driver. Clean air sector has slingshot effect which might attract rear drivers. Thus, despite of oval track, drivers still have chance to gain higher position if they can take advantage of this effect. Well, actually I still need to study the effect on stock car racing, due to the racing nature which differs from normal on-road racing.

Here it is my short glossary about slipstream. On the next glossary, I might continue my writing about racing flag rules.