Glossary of Motorsport Terms - O

O

Observer

The highest ranking trackside marshal within the post; the main decision maker at the event of an incident, they relay information to the race control. Can be seen standing in the marshal post. Second to Chief Marshal.

Official

See Steward.

Oildown

(drag racing) When a car's engine or lubrication breaks during a run, leaving a streak of oil and other fluids on the track. This is punishable by fines, point penalties, and/or suspension.

Open wheel car or Open wheeler

A specific type of racing car in which the wheels are not enclosed by bodywork of the car, e.g.: Formula One.

One-make racing

Racing equipment that must be identical for all competitors, usually to cut down on costs or for business purposes by car manufacturers. Known in North America as spec, specific parts can be spec, as in the IndyCar Series' spec engine, or the type of car can be spec, as in spec racing series such as Spec Miata.

Out-brake

Gaining time or position by braking harder and deeper in a corner.

Out-lap

The first lap to be completed after exiting the pit lane, either during a race or during practice or qualifying. Also known as a reconnaissance lap if it is not taken at race speed, e.g. when a car leaves the pit lane to take up its position on the grid prior to the race start.

Outright lap record

Fastest lap recorded at a circuit of any category of race car. Most often this does not include qualifying and practice laps but confusingly some sources occasionally include laps not recorded during races.

Overdrive

(drag racing) The ratio between the revolutions of the supercharger to the revolutions of the engine, controlling amount of boost; see underdrive.

Overpowering the track

A drag racing term used when talking about a run when the driver loses traction. It is normally used to talk about the actions of the team crew chief.

Oversteer

Cornering behaviour where the rear wheels do not track behind the front wheels but instead move out toward the outside of the turn. Opposite of understeer.