AUTOMOBILE RACING

This series of definitions is not meant to be comprehensive but rather an aid to help fiction writers make their characters’ dialog sound “authentic.” Some are occupational slang. Recording studio musicians for example hate “clams” (sour notes). Others are basic terms. To a sailor a hold is where cargo is stowed aboard a ship. To a gambler a hold is the bet percentage held back by a casino.

 

There are auto enthusiasts who love cars for their power and speed. To them the roar of a powerful racing machine, whether souped-up stock car or sleek sports car is music. And their drivers heroes renowned for both their skill and courage. If any of your characters find perfume in the odor of hot rubber they’re undoubtedly familiar with the following terms. Just make sure when they blip that they don’t shunt which could end up in a prang.    

                                                                                                           Michael McKeever 

AUTOMOBILE-RACING:

ACCUS:         Automobile Competition Committee for the United States.

black flag:       flag signaling driver to pull into pit.

blip:                short, sharp acceleration raising rpm.

Le Mans Start: race start with drivers crossing track to cars rather than already in them.

NASCAR:      National Association for Stock Car Racing.

prang:              collision.

SCCA:            Sports Car Club of America.

shunt:              brushing against another car during race.

shut-off point: time to slow down before rounding bend.

stock:               car in standard factory condition.

USAC:                        United States Automobile Club.