High Groove

High Groove is a racing line on a track that runs along the outer edge or upper portion of a corner, typically used as an alternative path to maintain speed and momentum through turns.

When race car drivers navigate a track, they follow what's called a "racing line"—the fastest path around the circuit. While most drivers aim for the shortest distance through a corner, the high groove takes a different approach by using the outside or upper part of the track. Think of it like taking the long way around a bend, but doing so allows you to go faster overall.

The high groove becomes especially important on banked tracks, where the corners are tilted at an angle. This banking helps cars stick to the track at higher speeds. By running higher up on the banking, drivers can maintain more speed because they're taking a wider, gentler turn rather than a tight, sharp one. It's similar to how highway exit ramps curve gradually rather than turning at a right angle.

Track conditions play a major role in whether the high line becomes the preferred path. As cars race, their tires leave rubber on the track surface, which actually improves grip. Sometimes this rubber builds up more on the high groove, making it faster than the traditional inside line. On dirt tracks, the lower part of the track can become slippery or covered in loose material, pushing drivers to seek grip up high.

One key advantage of the high groove is the larger turning radius it provides. Because drivers aren't making as sharp a turn, they can get back on the gas pedal sooner coming out of the corner. This earlier acceleration can lead to higher speeds down the following straightaway, potentially making up for any extra distance traveled.

In side-by-side racing situations, the high line can be a strategic weapon. A driver running the outside can maintain their momentum while the inside driver must slow down more for the tighter turn. However, this advantage depends heavily on the specific track layout and conditions.

Not every track has a viable high groove. Flat tracks without banking may not provide enough grip on the outside. Narrow corners might not leave enough room for a high line to develop. Some tracks have bumps or rough surfaces on the outer edges that make running up high uncomfortable or even dangerous.

Using the high groove requires skill and confidence. There's less room for error when you're running near the track's outer edge—if you go too high, you might hit the wall or run off the racing surface entirely. Different drivers have different comfort levels with the high line, and car setup can influence how well a vehicle handles on this path.

Understanding the high groove helps explain why you'll see race cars spread across different parts of the track rather than all following the exact same path. Drivers are constantly searching for the fastest way around, and the high line represents one important option in their toolkit.