Slingshot pass

A slingshot pass is a motor racing manoeuvre popular in various genres of motorsport, from open wheel Formula One to NASCAR stock cars.

The preparation for a slingshot pass occurs when the soon-to-be-passing driver is directly behind another car. The trailing car in such a situation faces less air resistance (see Drafting (racing)), so when the leading car reaches his maximum speed and maximum engine power, the trailing car is at the same speed but is not using maximum power. When the trailing car reaches this speed, the driver suddenly dives left or right and simultaneously applies maximum power to the engine which results in a sudden boost of speed.