Shootout
A shootout in motorsport is a short, high-pressure qualifying session or competition where a small group of drivers get limited attempts to set their fastest possible time or achieve the best result.
Unlike regular qualifying sessions where drivers might have multiple laps over a longer period, shootouts create intense pressure by giving competitors just one or very few chances to perform. This format puts maximum emphasis on precision, skill, and extracting every bit of performance from both car and driver in a single moment.
The most common type is a qualifying shootout, used to determine starting positions for races. For example, Formula 1's Sprint Shootout sets the grid for Sprint races through three elimination rounds, while Australia's V8 Supercars uses a "Top 10 Shootout" where the fastest ten drivers each complete one flying lap to determine pole position and the front rows of the grid.
Shootouts also appear as standalone events at motorsport festivals. These showcase pure speed and driving talent, often featuring different types of cars competing for the fastest lap time around a circuit. The format creates exciting spectacle as drivers push their limits knowing they won't get another chance.
In drag racing, shootouts typically involve head-to-head elimination between the quickest cars in a category. Drivers face off in pairs, with winners advancing until only one remains. This creates dramatic moments as competitors must deliver peak performance under maximum pressure.
The shootout format generates high entertainment value because every lap matters. Drivers often take bigger risks than they would in longer sessions, leading to either spectacular fast times or costly mistakes. There's no opportunity to build up speed gradually or recover from errors - it's all about delivering when it counts most.
Some racing series also use shootouts for driver selection, evaluating potential competitors through limited track time combined with other assessments to award scholarships or racing opportunities.