Bump Draft Meaning in NASCAR

Bump drafting happens when a following car hits the rear bumper of another car. This physical contact creates a combined aerodynamic unit that moves faster than single cars. Both vehicles gain speed because the rear car pushes the front car forward. This technique requires immense precision and trust between two different professional racing teams. Two teammates used a bump draft to pull away from the rest of the field. Excessive force during this maneuver can cause the lead car to lose total control. Drivers typically use this strategy on long straightaway sections of very large oval tracks. Constant communication over the radio ensures both drivers stay aligned during the high speed push.