Open-wheel racing

Open-wheel racing is automobile competition in cars whose wheels sit outside the bodywork. Its major series include Formula One, IndyCar, and Formula E.

Formula One: An international open-wheel racing series governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. Its cars and global championship exemplify open-wheel racing at the highest international level.
Ground effect (aerodynamics): An aerodynamic effect in which airflow beneath a vehicle creates downforce near the ground. Open-wheel designers use underbody airflow to increase cornering grip.
Grand Prix motor racing: A tradition of high-level motor races, especially those held under Grand Prix titles. Early Grand Prix contests established the racing tradition from which modern open-wheel series developed.
Sports car racing: Automobile racing for cars with enclosed bodies, often featuring multiple classes in one event. Its enclosed-wheel bodywork contrasts with open-wheel cars' exposed wheels.
IndyCar Series: An American open-wheel racing championship featuring road courses, street circuits, and ovals. Its mix of track types shows the range of competition within open-wheel racing.
Downforce: An aerodynamic force that pushes a vehicle toward the track as it moves through air. It gives open-wheel cars the grip needed for high-speed cornering.
European Drivers' Championship: A prewar championship for Grand Prix drivers held from 1931 to 1939. It was an early organized championship for the single-seat cars that preceded Formula One.
Stock car racing: Automobile racing using production-based cars adapted for competition, commonly on oval tracks. Its heavier, enclosed-body cars differ sharply from purpose-built open-wheel machines.
Formula E: An international championship for electric-powered open-wheel racing cars. Its electric cars show how open-wheel racing accommodates new powertrains.
Slick tire: A racing tire with a smooth tread surface, designed for dry conditions. Slicks provide the grip on which open-wheel car performance depends.

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