A device that can be opened (fully or partially) and closed to meter or prevent the flow of a liquid or gas. Most internal combustion engines use intake and exhaust valves to control the fuel air mixture into the cylinders and to exhaust burnt gases. Some engines have three, four or even more valves per cylinder to increase total valve ... Read More »
Warm-Up
The laps taken on the track prior to the race used to warm up the tires, transmission, engine fluids and other components of the race car before the start of the event. Read More »
Agent Fee
The fee taken by the agents that collect registration fees in some states. Enables the consumer to avoid the hassle of going to a government office in person. Read More »
Black Flag
Black flag means return to your pit for consultation. This is the dreaded flag that no driver wants to see. It means “go to your pit, get off the racetrack, you’ve done something wrong.” Often it means a driver is dumping fluids on the track making it dangerous, or was speeding on the pit road, which is against the rules. Read More »
Caliper
A housing that fits over the brake disc and holds the pistons and brake pads. Connected to the master cylinder via a hose that is called the brake line. Read More »
Clutch Lever
On modern motorcycles, this is located on the left handlebar. Squeezing the clutch lever against the handgrip disengages the clutch. The clutch is engaged when the lever is released. Read More »
Cubic Inch Engine
The total displacement of an engine expressed in cubic inches. This is the total volume within an engine devoted to the combustion which produces power. Read More »
Disc
Made of metal, it is connected to the wheel and rotates with the wheel. When the brakes are applied, the brake pads are forced to rub against the disc; this friction causes the wheel to slow and eventually stop. Read More »
Energy Absorbing Steering Column
A steering column which absorbs most of the energy caused by impact. The metal on the column (the shaft) is designed to compress or collapse in an accident. This lessens the amount of energy transferred to the driver, thereby greatly reducing possible injuries in an accident. Read More »
Federal Side Impact Standard
Effective with the 1997 model year, all passenger cars are required to comply with Standard 214, side impact protection, as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations. Simply put, the entire structure, floor to roof, of all cars must be now be reinforced according to strict regulations. Interestingly, this standard does not yet apply to light trucks (minivans, compact pickups, ... Read More »
