Out-brake

Out-brake is a racing technique where a driver brakes later and harder than their opponent when approaching a corner, allowing them to overtake or defend their position.

This maneuver typically happens when two cars are racing closely together on a straight section of track leading into a turn. The driver attempting to out-brake will wait longer before hitting the brakes, carrying more speed deeper into the corner than the car ahead or beside them.

The goal is simple: by braking later, the driver can position their car on the inside line of the corner, forcing the other driver to take a wider path around the turn. This often results in gaining track position and completing an overtake.

Out-braking requires exceptional timing and car control. Drivers must judge their braking point perfectly while traveling at extremely high speeds, sometimes over 200 mph. They need to know exactly how hard they can brake without losing control of their vehicle.

You'll most commonly see out-braking attempts at tight corners that follow long straight sections of track. These locations provide the best opportunities because drivers can build up speed on the straight and then use that momentum to their advantage when braking.

However, out-braking comes with significant risks. If a driver brakes too late, they might overshoot the corner, lose control, or even cause a collision. There's also the possibility of "out-braking themselves" - braking so late that they miss the ideal racing line and actually lose time.

Defensive driving also involves out-braking techniques. A driver being pursued might brake later than usual to maintain the inside line and prevent an overtaking attempt from succeeding.

Mastering the out-brake technique is essential for success in motorsport, as it's one of the primary methods drivers use to gain positions during a race. It showcases the split-second decision-making and precise car control that separates professional racers from amateur drivers.