Glossary

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer eager to dive into the thrilling universe of dirt track competition, understanding the unique terminology is essential to fully appreciate and engage with this high-octane sport. This glossary is your guide to the jargon, technicalities, and fascinating nuances that define dirt racing. From the thunderous roar of engines to the strategic maneuvers on the track, this collection of terms will unravel the language of dirt racing, offering insight into the passion, skill, and adrenaline that fuel it. This glossary aims to be your compass through the twists and turns of dirt racing's rich lexicon. Gear up, rev your engines, and let's embark on an exciting journey.

Alone out front, like the chess club president on prom night

Driver has a big lead, far ahead of the other cars on track.

Asphalt is meant for getting there, dirt is for racing!!

Real racing is done on the dirt.

Bottom feeder, also a cat fisher

Drive the bottom of turn and try to win from the inside groove.

Caution

Yellow Flag: All cars are required to slow down immediately upon seeing the caution light or flag and get single file as soon as possible. No passing, stopping or racing to the starting line on a yellow. Cars involved in the yellow flag incident will go to the back of the pack.

Checkers or wreckers

To throw caution to the wind and drive the car to either glory or its demise.

Check up

Slow down, brake, snap off the throttle, roll off the throttle.

Direct Drive

A direct drive wheel is a slimmed down design with a sprocket bolted straight to it. A cush drive wheel has a separate drive hub that interlocks with rubber dampers between those interlocking fingers.

Dirt is for racing, asphalt's for getting there.

The spectators and haulers travel on asphalt to get where the fun is.

The drivers, teams, officials, and fans all travel on asphalt roads to get to the dirt track, where they race. Used to identify racing fans as Dirt fans first. "I don't really like watching those asphalt cars; Dirt's for racin', asphalt's for getting there."

Drive it like you stole it

Driving FAST! See "Checkers or Wreckers."

Droop Rule (checking droop)

The droop rule specifies post-race left rear deck height.

Drop the Hammer

Step on the gas, HARD!

Elbows up

Running all out

Front Stretch

The stretch of track closest to the front grandstand.

Go fast or go home !!

Well if you are not fast you may as well not be there.

He fell out of the seat

The driver got tired, lost strength, lost the race.

High Side

The top or outermost lane of a race track, usually very fast yet hard to master. Cars able to run the High Side can maintain more momentum through the corners than the cars in the lower lines, setting up dramatic passes for those who can pull it off. However, the High Side is also the furthest way around the track, so while they may carry more momentum, the drivers on the Bottom Groove actually travel a shorter distance.

If you don’t have dirt in your ____, are you even at a race?

The blank may be filled with any of a number of frequent thing, usually having to do with beverages (beer) or articles of clothing (under garments).

It was just a racin' deal

A phrase used after an on track incident to describe an incident without placing blame. "It's no body's fault, it was just a racing deal."

Let her eat

Wide open, stepping on the gas, hammering down...

Loose (oversteer)

The rear tires of the car have trouble sticking in the corners, causing the car to fishtail as the rear end swings outward during turns.

One-way driver radio

Race officials broadcast one-way directly to drivers, allowing faster line-ups and restarts and instant notifications of track conditions.

On rails

To say a car corners like it's on its rails means that the car moves through a high-speed corner like a train stays on its tracks— no front-end plowing or tail-slide through the curve.

On the binders

Binders are brakes. On the binders refers to the traction that a race car has at the rear wheels.

Open Red

During an Open Red, all cars must stop immediately on the track. Any repairs and/or adjustments, except changing a tire or wheel, can be made to the race car.

Reel them in!!

Gaining on the race leaders.

Rippin’ the Lip

Running the cushion, or the top of the race track, by the wall.

Slide job!!!

Throwing the race vehicle low into the corner and letting the vehicle drift up high in the corner to complete a pass.

Stagger

Stagger is an adjustment which helps cars to roll in a corner at higher speeds. It can help control accelerating velocity while turning. And it can help reduce conflicting friction between the two rear tires and the track while on the straight.

Stacked up like a waffle house; scattered, smothered, and covered.

A big pile-up of cars, coined by late World of Outlaws Late Model Series announcer Rick Eshelman.

The Greatest Show on Dirt

Best dirt track racing in the world — the World of Outlaws!

The Cushion

The cushion is the loose dirt that is pushed up the track, toward the walls, as the cars make laps around the track. Drivers will often race their cars right up against the cushion, using it as a launching pad to bounce off and gain speed, but this can often backfire.

They’re three wide coming to the checkered

Means it’s gonna be a wild finish! The best kind.

Three- and four-wide

Three or four cars battling side-by-side for position.

Tight/Pushing (understeer)

The understeering is tight and the car is not turning sharp enough, seemingly pushing into the wall.

Vapor trail

The formation of condensation vortices behind the wings of sprint cars. It is caused by a drop in pressure and temperature, and can be seen on the underside of the wing.

Work Zone

The designated area for drivers to pull into for work when they pull their car off the track under caution.

You wanted the best, you've got the best

The opening phrase in the World of Outlaws 4-Wide call. Created by Sprint Car Hall of Famer Johnny Gibson, it has become something fans look forward to hearing at every event.