A slingshot pass is a motor racing manoeuvre popular in various genres of motorsport, from open wheel Formula One

Formula One

Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...

 to NASCAR

NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...

 stock cars

Stock car racing

Stock car racing is a form of automobile racing found mainly in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, Brazil and Argentina. Traditionally, races are run on oval tracks measuring approximately in length...

.

The preparation for a slingshot pass occurs when the soon-to-be-passing driver is directly behind another car. The trailing car in such a situation faces less air resistance (see Drafting (racing)

Drafting (racing)

Drafting or slipstreaming is a technique where two vehicles or other moving objects are caused to align in a close group reducing the overall effect of drag due to exploiting the lead object's slipstream...

), so when the leading car reaches his maximum speed and maximum engine power, the trailing car is at the same speed but is not using maximum power. When the trailing car reaches this speed, the driver suddenly dives left or right and simultaneously applies maximum power to the engine which results in a sudden boost of speed.