Jump Section

A jump section is a specially designed part of a racing track or course where the terrain launches vehicles into the air, creating an airborne moment during competition.

Jump sections are built into racetracks to add excitement and challenge to motorsport events. The track surface is shaped with ramps or elevated terrain that causes cars, motorcycles, or trucks to leave the ground when they drive over it at racing speeds. Think of it like a skateboard ramp, but much larger and designed for powerful racing vehicles.

These airborne sections appear in several types of motorsport racing. Motocross tracks feature multiple jumps throughout the course, with riders launching their dirt bikes high into the air. Rally racing includes jump sections on special stages, where drivers navigate roads at high speed and encounter natural hills or purpose-built jumps. Off-road desert races like the Baja 1000 incorporate jumps as part of the challenging terrain that competitors must tackle.

There are different types of jumps found in jump sections. A tabletop jump has a flat area between the takeoff ramp and landing ramp, making it one of the safer jump designs. A double jump consists of two peaks with a gap in between, requiring drivers to clear both the takeoff and landing without touching down in the middle. Step-up jumps launch vehicles to a higher elevation, while step-down jumps land at a lower level than takeoff.

Successfully navigating a jump section requires specific skills and techniques. Drivers and riders must approach at the correct speed—too slow and they won't clear the jump properly, too fast and they risk losing control in the air. Body positioning is critical, especially for motorcycle riders who need to keep their weight balanced over the bike while airborne. The landing phase demands careful preparation, with riders and drivers absorbing the impact through their legs and arms to maintain vehicle control.

Some jump sections have become famous landmarks in motorsport. The Fafe jump in Portugal's Rally de Portugal regularly sees rally cars flying through the air with huge crowds watching from hillsides. Colin's Crest at Rally Sweden is named after former rally champion Colin McRae and features one of the longest jumps in rallying, where cars can travel over 40 meters through the air.

Jump sections test both vehicle durability and competitor skill. The suspension system must absorb tremendous forces during landing, while engines need to maintain power even when wheels aren't touching the ground. For competitors, reading the jump section correctly and executing proper technique can mean the difference between gaining time on rivals or suffering a costly mistake.