data acquisition
Teams use sophisticated sensors, transmitters, computers and software to provide information on what the car and the driver are doing. The information is analyzed to improve handling, performance and even driver technique. Data can be acquired by connecting a computer to the car or by wireless telemetry.

downforce
Creation of force through aerodynamics, which keeps the car stuck to the track. High-speed movement of air underneath the car creates a vacuum, while the wings on the car force it to stay on the ground.

drag racing
Drag racing is a speed event on a drag strip, a straight paved track of a 1/4 mile (0.4 km). Fast dragsters can hit speeds of over 300 miles (480 kilometers) an hour. Drag racers come in three different classes:

• Pro Stock cars, which are built for racing but must look like a production car, burn gasoline and use the car manufacturer's engine.

• Top Fuel cars, which can be built in any style, usually with a rear engine, one seat and a long thin frame. Top Fuel cars have large rear tires, and small front ones to reduce drag, and run on a mix of nitromethane and alcohol.
• Funny cars also burn nitromethane and alcohol, but have to use a passenger car body, made from fibreglass and have to be designed to follow specifications restricting the size of the wheelbase.

In drag racing, cars race two at a time, with the winner challenging the next competitor and the loser being eliminated. Hundreds of cars can compete in individual drag meets.

drift
A controlled, four-wheel slide through a turn, to get a car to line up for a straightaway with a minimum of steering.