Bump and run (auto racing)

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For other uses, see Bump and run.

Bump and run is a technique for passing used in stock car racing, but not in open wheel racing. The bump and run is quite similar to the Police PIT maneuver.

A trailing car intentionally bumps the car in front of it. The bump sometimes causes the lead car's rear tires to momentarily lose traction. The driver of the lead car is forced to correct their steering, slow down, or at least stop accelerating to regain traction and/or car attitude. The trailing driver positions their car to pass the leading car before the next corner. Bump and run is often done after coming off a corner. It is much more dangerous when done in the middle of a corner because both cars are already loose.

A gentle tap is what is required most of the time. A stronger bump might result in the lead and/or the trailing car spinning out of control, and possibly leading to a multi-car crash.

[edit] Car of Tomorrow

NASCAR's newly redesigned car called the Car of Tomorrow is expected to hinder the effects of bump and run. The rear bumpers on the cars were lowered, while the front bumper has been raised. When a trailing car hits a car in the back now, the contact is square, and the leading car isn't lifted off the track. ^[1]