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F

FIA: Federation Internationale de L'Automobile, the Geneva-based governing body for worldwide motorsport. Regulates and controls all the major racing and rallying activity, except events held in the United States.

FILL THE MIRRORS: A driver is pressuring another driver so feverishly that the pursuer fills the rear-view mirror.

FIRE SUIT: Fire-resistant clothing that is required apparel for drivers as well as crewmembers and anyone else in the pits during a race.

FLAGMAN: The person standing on the tower above the Start/Finish Line who controls the race with a series of flags.

FLAT SPOT: When drivers lock up brakes, they expose one area of their tires to excessive wear causing flat spots to develop. Flat spots lead to vibrations, which may require a tire stop.

FLYING FINISH: The finish line of a timed special stage, passed at full speed by the rally cars.

FORMULA CAR: Formula cars must fit within a specific set of design rules or "formula." The formulas are usually quite complex, but basic issues include minimum weight, engine displacement, vehicle dimensions, wing sizes and placement, ground-effects tunnel size and configuration, tire and wheel size, and safety considerations.

FOUL START: Indicated by a red light on the NHRA Christmas Tree when a car leaves the starting line before the green light, or starting signal.

FRESH RUBBER: A new set of tires acquired during a Pit Pass.

FUEL CELL: This gas tank for racecars is mostly borrowed from military applications for extra protection in crashes.

FULL TANK PRACTICE: Ordinarily, teams fill their fuel tanks for the last practice before a race to test handling characteristics. Before then, they practice and qualify with limited fuel to decrease weight and gain speed.

FULL-TIME RIDE OR SEAT: A full-time job for a driver. "He has a full-time ride (or seat) next year."