Adding Spoiler

Adding spoiler is the process of adjusting the angle or position of a spoiler (an aerodynamic device attached to a race car) to change how air flows over and around the vehicle, which affects the car's grip, stability, and speed on the track.

In motorsport, spoilers are critical components that help race cars handle better by managing airflow. When teams talk about "adding spoiler," they typically mean increasing the angle of the spoiler relative to the car's body. This adjustment changes how much downforce—the aerodynamic force that pushes the car down onto the track—the spoiler produces.

Think of a spoiler like your hand when you stick it out of a car window. If you hold your hand flat, air flows smoothly over it. But if you angle your hand upward, you feel more resistance and your hand gets pushed back and down. Spoilers work the same way: changing their angle changes how much they push the car down onto the racing surface.

Race teams add spoiler (increase the angle) when they need more grip in corners. More spoiler angle means more downforce, which presses the tires harder against the track surface. This increased tire contact allows drivers to take corners faster without losing control. However, there's a trade-off: more spoiler angle also creates more drag, which can slow the car down on straightaways.

The decision to add or remove spoiler depends on the specific racetrack. On tracks with many tight corners and short straightaways, teams typically add more spoiler to maximize cornering speed. On tracks with long straights and sweeping turns, they might reduce the spoiler angle to minimize drag and achieve higher top speeds.

During a race, teams can adjust spoiler settings during pit stops. A crew member might quickly change the angle using adjustment mechanisms built into the spoiler mounting system. These adjustments help the team respond to changing track conditions, such as temperature changes that affect tire grip, or to fine-tune the car's balance based on driver feedback.

It's important to understand that spoilers are different from wings, though people often confuse the two. Spoilers primarily work by disrupting or "spoiling" airflow to reduce lift, while wings actively generate downforce by having air flow both over and under them. However, the term "adding spoiler" is sometimes used colloquially to refer to adjusting either device.

Modern race cars use spoilers as part of a complete aerodynamic package that includes front splitters, rear diffusers, and side skirts. All these components work together to control airflow around the car. Adding spoiler is just one of many adjustments teams make to optimize their car's aerodynamic performance for each specific racing situation.