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A

There are 14 entries in the glossary.

Pages: 1

AAM

Automotive Association of Malaysia

ABS

Electonical system that prevents blocking of the wheels during hard braking. This system is forbidden in formula one, but widely used in road cars.

Active Suspension

Hydraulic actuators in the suspension which control ride height during a race. The actuators were controlled by computer software aligned to each track. The constant ride height that was achieved raised the Downforce by suction under the car, although it was prohibited by the FIA at the end of 1993.

Aerial (F1)

Used on the frontal monocoque just ahead of the cockpit for two-way radio or telemetry purposes.

Aero

Short for Aerodynamics. Open-wheel cars are designed like upside-down airplane wings. The air going over and under the car affects how it performs. The faster the car goes, the more airflow pushes it against the racetrack and the faster it can corner. Aerodynamics also has become a big part of stock-car racing. Wind-tunnel tests are used to find ways to help the cars slice more quickly through the air.

Aerofoil

Type of upside-down wing used to keep the car firmly on the track at high speed. Ground-effects design shapes the body to provide downforce as well.

Air Box

The opening at the front of the hood, above the driver's head, designed to suck air from the environment onto the cylinders.

Air Dam

This attachment extends from the front bumper downwards to inches above the ground, stabilizing the front end of the car. Regulating the amount of air flow beneath the car, the air dam blocks air from flowing under the car and reducing the car's speed.

ALS

Anti-lag system. Technology in which fuel is burnt half in exhaust manifold (instead of cylinder) to keep turbo-charger spinning during non-acceleration (like gear-shifts or quick brakings). Aim is to reduce turbo-lag and maintain constant power.

Anti-Roll Bar

A bar linking suspension parts which can be adjusted to alter handling characteristics.

Apex

The center point of a turn.

Apron

The area on oval tracks on the inside of the racing surface closest to the infield. Also where drivers exit pit lane.

Atmospheric

A combustion engine which runs on a mixture of vaporised fuel and air. Normally, an aspirated engine (atmospheric engine), is not forced into the combustion

Autocross

Autocrosses are held in parking lots. A course is set up using pylons, a driver then negotiates the course, as quickly as possible. Each car is timed, and hitting cones will result in time penalties. A typical autocross course will be driven in second and third gear, with speeds topping out around 60 MPH, depending on the specific course configuration.