RACER Logo
Turbulent airflow

Most Popular

Toyota steamrolls all comers in Barcelona WEC 6 Hours
FIA WEC
Toyota steamrolls all comers in Barcelona WEC 6 Hours
6h ago
Palou predictably quickest in Indy NXT test
Indy NXT
Palou predictably quickest in Indy NXT test
1d ago
Verstappen dwelling on positives from challenging Portimao GT outing
GT
Verstappen dwelling on positives from challenging Portimao GT outing
6h ago
Days before he died, Johncock became reacquainted with the car that helped start it all
IndyCar
Days before he died, Johncock became reacquainted with the car that helped start it all
3d ago
Dallara begins IR-28 IndyCar production run
IndyCar
Dallara begins IR-28 IndyCar production run
3d ago
What is dirty air?

Racing 101

What is dirty air?

By RACER Staff - Aug 28, 2026, 3:52 PM ET

Dirty air is the turbulent, disturbed airflow left behind a moving race car, and it's one of the most important (and frustrating) aerodynamic phenomena in motorsport. As a car moves through the air, its wings, floor, and bodywork are designed to manage smooth, ‘clean’ airflow to generate downforce efficiently. Once...

logo
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyContact usFeedbackConsent Preferences
Motorsports
IndyCarNASCARFormula 1IMSA
Participate
ClubsSchoolsSingle Makes
Subscribe
StreamingFree NewslettersManage Magazine
Services
AdvertiseStudioAgency Creators

All contents copyright © 2026, Racer Media & Marketing, LLC. or Racer Network, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Contact us at 2525 Main St, Ste 430, Irvine, CA 92614, 949.417.6700 for more information.