Glossary

B

BACK OUT: When a driver takes his foot off the gas pedal (all the way or part way), he "backs out" or "lifts off."

BALACLAVA: Fire resistant headgear worn under a helmet by a driver to protect their face and neck.

BANKING: On oval tracks, the corners are often tilted inward to provide faster speeds. On some road courses, certain turns may actually be banked outward, a very difficult type of corner known as "off-camber."

BITD: Abbreviation of Best in the Desert, an off-road racing series in the Western United States.

BLACK BOX: Unlike those recording devices in airplanes, a race car's black box contains high-tech electrical systems, which control most engine functions. More technically referred to as the Engine Electronic Controls, the Engine Control Unit or the Engine Management System.

BLACK FLAG: Flag waved by the starter to signal a driver that they must immediately report to the pits for consultation related to a dangerous mechanical condition or a driving infraction. Failure to heed the flag can result in exclusion from the final results of the event. This flag may also be displayed in a rolled-up manner as a warning. Corner workers may also display a black flag if the session has been halted by the display of a red flag by the starter.

BLISTER: Excessive heat can make a tire literally blister and shed rubber. Drivers can detect the problem by the resulting vibrations and risk more serious damage if they choose not to pit.

BLOCKING: Auto racing term for changing position on the track to prevent drivers behind from passing. The technique is acceptable if a car is defending position in the running order, but it is considered unsportsmanlike if lapped cars hold up more competitive cars.

BLUE FLAG: Flag displayed by corner workers around the track to signal to a driver a faster car is either approaching (steady flag) or attempting a pass (waved flag). The driver being flagged has no obligation to do anything other than be alert, maintain the racing line and avoid intentionally obstructing the faster car.

BOOST: The amount of pressure generated by a turbocharger or supercharger on a Champ Car World Series vehicle as it forces the air/fuel mixture into a forced induction engine.

BRAKE BALANCE KNOB: Cockpit control that allows World Rally driver to alter amount of braking effort between front and rear wheels.

BRICKYARD: Nickname given to the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway because of its 3.2 million brick surface. Only three feet of this surface is now visible at the start/finish line.

BURN OFF: Burning fuel during the course of a race. As fuel is burned, the car becomes lighter and its handling characteristics change, challenging the driver and crew to make adjustments to achieve balance.

BURNED PISTON: When a cylinder in an NHRA racer runs lean (too much air in the air-to-fuel mixture) and excessive heat burns or melts the piston.

BURNOUT: Spinning the rear tires in water to heat and clean them prior to a run for better traction in NHRA races. A burnout precedes every run.