Blowover

A blowover is a dangerous racing accident where a vehicle flips over backward or sideways because air gets trapped underneath it, creating lift that literally pushes the car off the ground, similar to how an airplane wing works.

This type of crash happens when aerodynamic forces go wrong. Racing cars are designed to push air over and around them to stay planted on the track. However, when too much air flows underneath the vehicle instead, it creates upward pressure. If this pressure becomes strong enough, it can overcome the car's weight and lift it into the air, causing it to flip.

Blowovers occur most commonly in high-speed racing disciplines like NASCAR, drag racing, and land speed record attempts. The faster a car travels, the more powerful these aerodynamic forces become, which is why speed is such a critical factor in these incidents.

In drag racing, blowovers typically happen during hard acceleration. The powerful engines in drag cars can cause the front wheels to lift off the ground in what's called a "wheelie." Normally, the car should settle back down, but if the angle becomes too steep and air rushes underneath, the vehicle can continue rotating backward and flip completely over.

Several factors increase the risk of a blowover. Poor aerodynamic design that allows air to easily flow underneath makes a vehicle vulnerable. Contact between cars during a race can also disrupt normal airflow patterns and trigger this type of accident. In drag racing specifically, removing or not using safety equipment like wheelie bars—devices that prevent the front end from lifting too high—significantly raises the danger.

Modern motorsport has implemented numerous safety measures to prevent blowovers. Race cars now feature improved aerodynamic designs with features like front splitters and rear spoilers that manage airflow more effectively. NASCAR has added elements like roof flaps that deploy when a car starts to lift, and shark fins on the side of vehicles to improve stability. Drag racers use wheelie bars and carefully calculate weight distribution to keep their cars grounded.

Despite these precautions, blowovers remain extremely dangerous. The sudden rotation and violent impact when the vehicle hits the ground create tremendous forces. Modern safety equipment like roll cages, racing harnesses, and HANS devices work together to protect drivers, but injuries can still occur.

Real-world examples help illustrate the dramatic nature of these accidents. During the Firekeeper Casino 400, driver Cory LaJoie's car made contact with another vehicle, went airborne, and flipped multiple times. Similarly, at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, Josh Berry's car turned sideways, lifted off the ground, and skidded upside down before hitting the wall. Both incidents demonstrate how quickly normal racing conditions can turn into a blowover situation.