Marbles

(Also referred to as "loose stuff.") Bits of rubber that have been shaved off tires and dirt and gravel blown to the outside of a corner by the wind created by passing vehicles comprise the "marbles" that are often blamed by drivers for causing them to lose control.

N

Neutral

A term drivers use when referring to how their car is handling. When a car is neither loose nor pushing (tight).

P

Pit Road

The area where pit crews service the cars. Generally located along the front straightaway, but because of space limitations, some racetracks sport pit roads on the front and back straightaways.

Pit Stall

The area along pit road that is designated for a particular team's use during pit stops. Each car stops in the team's stall before being serviced.

Pole Position

Slang term for the foremost position on the starting grid, awarded to the fastest qualifier.

Push

(Also referred to as "tight" or "understeer.") "Push" is a condition that occurs when the front tires of a vehicle will not turn crisply in a corner. When this condition occurs, the driver must get out of the throttle until the front tires grip the race track again.