Slipstreaming: The Simple Draft Trick Every Subaru Racer Should Know

Ever wonder why the car behind often looks like it’s gliding? That’s slipstreaming, also called drafting. When a Subaru cuts through the air, it leaves a low‑pressure zone behind it. If you follow close enough, your car gets a push from that clean air and you can gain a few extra kilometres per hour without pressing the throttle.

Why Slipstreaming Works on a Subaru

Subaru rally cars are built for grip and balance. Their boxer engine sits low, and the all‑wheel‑drive system spreads power evenly. When you slip into the wake of another Subaru, the reduced drag lets the engine stay in its power band longer. The result is smoother acceleration out of corners and a higher top speed on straights.

In a rally stage, the effect can shave seconds off a split time. On a circuit, a well‑timed draft can help you overtake on the main straight without risking a spin. The key is staying close enough to feel the push, but not so close that you hit the car in front.

Practical Tips for Using Slipstreaming in Subaru Motorsport

1. **Pick the right moment** – Look for long straights or fast sections where the car ahead is steady. In a rally, this might be the flat valley stretch; on a race track, it’s often the back‑straight.

2. **Maintain a safe gap** – A distance of about one car length (roughly 2–3 meters) is ideal. Anything more and the draft weakens; anything less and you risk contact.

3. **Watch the brakes** – The lead car will brake earlier than you expect because the draft reduces its load. Keep an eye on the brake lights and be ready to lift off.

4. **Use the push to set up a pass** – As you feel the extra speed, stay on the inside line for the upcoming corner. When you exit the turn, you’ll have a speed advantage to pull alongside or ahead.

5. **Practice in safe conditions** – Try slipstreaming during practice sessions or low‑traffic stages. Get a feel for how much extra speed you gain before using it in a race.

For Subaru owners, the WRX STI’s turbo and AWD make it a natural slipstreaming candidate. The turbo retains boost longer when drag drops, so you’ll notice the boost kicking in as you hug the leader’s wake.

Remember, slipstreaming is about teamwork as much as speed. In some rally formats, drivers coordinate to share the draft, helping each other maintain a fast pace. Even in solo runs, you can benefit from the aerodynamic wake of the cars ahead, especially at the national level where fields are tight.

Finally, keep your car’s aero clean. Any added drag from a damaged bumper or loose bodywork reduces the benefit you gain from the draft. Regular checks at the pit keep the airflow smooth and the slipstream effect strong.

So next time you line up on the grid or roll out on a rally stage, think about the invisible push waiting behind the car in front. Use slipstreaming wisely, and you’ll feel that extra burst of speed that makes the difference between a good lap and a winning one.

17 February 2023

Xander McSpeedway 0

What is slipstreaming in MotoGP?

Slipstreaming is a technique used in MotoGP racing where the rider uses the draft created by the rider in front of them to reduce air resistance, thereby increasing speed. This technique is especially effective during overtaking maneuvers as the rider behind is able to take advantage of the slipstream to reduce the amount of energy needed to overtake. Slipstreaming can also be used to reduce drag around corners as the rider behind can get a 'tow' from the rider in front, allowing them to corner faster. The rider in front is also able to benefit from slipstreaming as they can use the 'tow' from the rider behind to reach higher speeds. Ultimately, slipstreaming is a technique used to gain an advantage over other riders, allowing them to overtake and corner faster.

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