tear off strips
Strips of clear plastic that cover the visor on a driver’s helmet to collect debris such as oil or dirt. When the visor becomes dirty, a driver can tear off the dirty strip and restore clear vision. Multiple layers of tear-off strips can be added to a visor. You may see a driver tossing out a tear-off while driving, often during pit stops.

telemetry
A radio device that relays information such as engine, tire, steering and throttle performance to team engineers in the pits. The team can monitor both car and driver activity to ensure the car is performing properly. Also enhances driver safety by allowing the team to notice any developing mechanical problem the driver cannot foresee.

template
A device used to check the body shape and size to ensure compliance with the rules. The template closely resembles the shape of the factory version of the car. Used in stock car racing.

tight
Also known as understeer. A handling condition characterized by a lack of grip in the front tires. As the driver steers through a turn, the front wheels want to continue straight ahead.

tire compound
A formula based on rubber polymers, oils, carbon blacks and curatives used to create a tire.

toe
In order to provide stable tracking, all four tires are usually pointed slightly inward if viewed from overhead. More toe-in provides more stability but increased tire drag.

transporter
A large tractor-trailer rig used to move cars, tires and equipment from one race location to another.