NASCAR Terms

Window Net

A woven mesh that hangs across the driver's side window, to prevent the driver's head and limbs from being exposed during an accident.

Aerodynamics

As applied to racing, the study of airflow and the forces of resistance and pressure that result from the flow of air over, under, and around a moving car.

Air Pressure

Force exerted by air within a tire, expressed in pounds per square inch (psi).

Air Box

Housing for the air cleaner that connects the air intake at the base of the windshield to the carburetor.

Air Dam

A metal strip that hangs beneath the front grill, often just inches from the ground. The air dam helps provide aerodynamic downforce at the front of the car.

Alternator

A belt-driven device mounted on the front of the engine that recharges the battery while the engine is running.

A-frame

Either the upper or lower connecting suspension piece (in the shape of an A) locking the frame to the spindle.

Air Filter

Paper, gauze, or synthetic fiber element used to prevent dirt particles from entering the engine. Located in the air box.

Ashesion

The "stick" between two touching objects. Adhesion implies a static condition, while traction implies a dynamic (moving) condition.