The lingo and the speech of the popular kids is what everyone should know, right? Well, not really, but if you are going to follow a sport, you will have to eventually learn the slang. Why deuce and advantage in tennis, why a three pointer in basketball and a two pointer, where a single point is only available from free throws? Baseball terms can get really wild for those who have never watched the sport.
NASCAR is a sport which has its own terms and slang, which you should know before getting confused by the commentators, which they are bound to do. Here are some NASCAR terms that every fan should know.
Car Condition Terms
Every so often, you will hear commentators saying stuff about a car and its performance. Here are some common terms. Flat out is used to describe a car going as fast as possible. A loose car is also known as a free one or prone to oversteering. This means that the car will respond to the slightest input from the steering wheel and will likely lose traction in the rear tires, leading to an oversteer.
A tight car can also be called a pushing car, or a car that understeers. This car requires the driver to turn the wheel more or adjust the speed in order to make the turn without understeering.
Aerodynamic Terms
Cars run fast in NASCAR, where the air itself becomes a factor in the race. When a car is bump drafting, that means that one car bumps the one in front, in order for both of them to drive faster for a moment. It is a risky move, but it can pay out.
Clean air means that a car is running first, and that there is no additional air in front of them. Opposite to that is dirty air, where more cars are running in a tight space and the air is “dirty” from all the vehicles, as in the aerodynamics are wonky and prone to making things worse.
Drafting is a term which describes one car driving behind another, enjoying the first car taking up all the wind. This makes the second car drive faster. Finally, downforce describes the air pushing a car back down to the track. This is made easier by the large spoiler on the back of each car.
Pit Stop Terms
NASCAR is full of pit stops because of the length of the race. Four tire stops mean that the team will change all four tires. A fuel only stop refers to a stop where the car is only refueling. Pounds typically refer to the pressure in a car’s tire, where the slightest change can result in a change in the car’s handling. Scuffs refer to tires already used, but still good enough. Scuffs cost less and are often good because they have been tried and tested.
The next time you want to watch a NASCAR race, you will know all the terms that you need to know. Arm yourself with knowledge and the commentators will be unable to catch you unaware.
