Shootout

A shootout is a special qualifying session or race format in motorsport where drivers compete in a short, high-pressure competition to determine starting positions on the grid or to decide final results.

Think of a shootout like a sudden-death playoff in other sports. Instead of a long qualifying session where drivers have many chances to set fast lap times, a shootout gives them just one or two attempts to prove they're the fastest. This creates intense drama because there's no room for mistakes.

Shootouts typically involve only the fastest drivers from earlier qualifying rounds. For example, the top ten qualifiers might advance to a shootout where they each get one flying lap to set their best time. The driver with the fastest lap gets pole position (first place on the starting grid), and so on down the line.

The format varies depending on the racing series. In Formula 1's Sprint Shootout, drivers compete in three segments with progressively fewer cars advancing each time. The slowest drivers are eliminated in each round until only the fastest remain for the final segment. Each segment has a strict time limit, adding to the pressure.

One famous example is the Bathurst 1000 Top Ten Shootout in Australian touring car racing. The ten fastest drivers from regular qualifying each get one lap around the challenging Mount Panorama circuit to determine the top ten grid positions. Drivers go out one at a time in reverse order, so the fastest qualifier runs last with the pressure of knowing what time they need to beat.

Shootouts are popular with fans because they're easy to follow and incredibly exciting. Unlike regular qualifying where multiple cars are on track simultaneously, shootout formats often send drivers out individually. This means spectators can focus on one car at a time and clearly see who's fastest without confusion about traffic or timing.

The individual nature of shootouts also tests driver skill in a pure way. There's no opportunity to get a tow (drafting advantage) from another car or to benefit from improving track conditions over a long session. It's just the driver, the car, and one chance to deliver a perfect lap.

Some racing series use shootout formats for actual races rather than just qualifying. These shootout races are typically shorter than regular events and feature more aggressive racing since drivers know they have limited time to make up positions.

The term "shootout" captures the quick-draw, all-or-nothing nature of these competitions. Just like a Wild West shootout, there's no second chance—drivers must be fast and accurate on their first attempt or face starting further back on the grid.