Stomp on the gas/brake
Stomp on the gas/brake refers to applying maximum force suddenly to either the accelerator pedal (gas) or brake pedal in a racing vehicle, typically for rapid acceleration or emergency braking.
When a driver "stomps on the gas," they're pushing the accelerator pedal all the way down as quickly as possible. This action delivers maximum power to the wheels, creating the fastest possible acceleration the car can produce. You'll see this at race starts when drivers need to launch off the line quickly, or when exiting a corner onto a straight section of track where they want to build speed rapidly.
Similarly, "stomping on the brake" means pressing the brake pedal with full force to slow down as quickly as possible. This happens when a driver needs to scrub off speed before entering a tight corner, or in emergency situations like avoiding a collision with another car or debris on the track.
While the term suggests using brute force, skilled racing drivers actually use more finesse than the word "stomp" implies. Simply mashing the pedals can cause problems. Stomping the accelerator too hard might cause the wheels to spin uselessly, breaking traction with the track surface. Stomping the brakes too aggressively can lock up the wheels, causing them to skid rather than grip, which actually increases stopping distance.
Modern race cars include electronic systems to help manage these issues. Traction control systems prevent wheelspin when accelerating, while anti-lock braking systems (ABS) keep the wheels from locking during hard braking. These aids help drivers push closer to the limits without losing control.
Professional drivers learn advanced techniques that go beyond simple stomping. Threshold braking means applying brake pressure right up to the point where the tires would lock up, achieving maximum stopping power. Trail braking involves maintaining light brake pressure while turning into a corner, helping the car rotate and balance its weight.
In cars with manual transmissions, drivers often use a technique called heel-and-toe downshifting. This involves braking with the ball of the foot while simultaneously blipping the throttle with the heel to match engine speeds during gear changes. Some racing drivers also practice left-foot braking, using their left foot for the brake pedal instead of the traditional right foot, which can save fractions of a second during transitions between accelerating and braking.
The phrase "stomp on the gas" is sometimes called "stomping on the loud pedal" in racing circles, referring to how the engine roars when given full throttle. Whether accelerating or braking, the key in motorsport is knowing when to stomp and when to modulate your pedal inputs for maximum performance and control.