T-car

A T-car is a spare or backup race car that motorsport teams bring to racing events in case their primary car gets damaged or breaks down during practice, qualifying, or the race itself.

The "T" in T-car originally stood for "training" or "temporary," depending on the racing series. In Formula 1's early days, teams used these cars to help drivers learn challenging tracks without risking damage to their main race car. In American open-wheel racing like CART and IndyCar, the T stood for "temporary," emphasizing its role as a standby vehicle.

When a driver's main car suffers damage from a crash or mechanical failure, they can quickly switch to the T-car to continue competing. This backup car is typically set up with the same specifications as one of the team's regular cars, often matching the preferences of a specific driver on the team.

Teams strategically use T-cars in several ways. During practice sessions, they might test new parts or setups on the spare car rather than risk problems with their primary vehicle. Some racing series also allowed teams to qualify their T-car as additional insurance for race day.

The Indianapolis 500 has a long tradition of T-cars, where backup vehicles can mean the difference between competing and going home. In 1995, Penske Racing famously acquired T-cars from other teams to ensure their star drivers had reliable backup options.

Formula 1 banned T-cars in the mid-2000s to reduce costs, though teams can still bring spare parts to rebuild damaged cars. However, switching cars between qualifying and the race now results in penalties. Many other racing series continue to allow spare cars, recognizing their importance for both safety and competition.

For racing fans, seeing a driver switch to a T-car often signals drama - it means something went wrong with their primary car, but they're not giving up on the race.