General Passing
The responsibility for the decision to pass another car, and to do it safely, rests with the overtaking driver. The overtaken driver should be aware that he/she is being passed and must not impede that pass by blocking.
Once the trailing car has its front wheels next to the driver of the other vehicle, it is considered that the trailing car has the right to be there and that the leading driver must leave the trailing driver enough "racing room". "Racing room" is defined as 'at least three quarters of one car width'. In most cases, incidental side-to-side contact is considered to be "just a racing incident."
Being Lapped
Slower cars are not to move over for faster cars approaching. If you wish to assist; Hold your normal racing line (entry, apex, and exit of all corners) until a long straight. On that long straight allow the faster car to move off-line to initiate the pass at which time you can lift off the throttle to assist an easy and clean pass. Do not lift off the throttle until the faster car has initiated the pass by moving off-line.
This is not permission for a car being lapped to contest lead-lap cars, or cars in a different class. This policy is in place so slower cars stay predictable when a faster car approaches. Altering your normal racing line is unpredictable and the faster cars are unaware of your intentions. Allow the faster car to make the decisions.
The Exception
The exception to this policy is for Oval racing where it is more common to move off the racing line to allow faster cars to continue on. While it is not mandated that you move off line it shows good sportsmanship.
© 2006 National Auto Sport Association
Original work © 2006 VindexWorks Inc..
