Gravel Trap

A gravel trap is a safety feature on racetracks consisting of a bed of loose gravel positioned on the outside of corners or at the end of straights to slow down cars that have left the track.

When a vehicle runs off the racing surface into a gravel trap, the small stones create resistance against the tires, causing the car to slow down rapidly. This helps prevent high-speed collisions with barriers and reduces the risk of injuries to drivers.

While effective at stopping cars, gravel traps can sometimes cause vehicles to become stuck, ending a driver's race. In recent years, some tracks have replaced gravel with asphalt run-off areas, though gravel is making a comeback as it better discourages drivers from intentionally leaving the track to gain an advantage.