Tandem Drafting

Tandem drafting is a racing technique where two cars drive extremely close together, with the front bumper of the trailing car touching or nearly touching the rear bumper of the lead car, allowing both vehicles to go faster than they could alone by reducing wind resistance.

When cars race at high speeds, they push through air, which creates resistance that slows them down. In tandem drafting, the lead car acts like a shield, cutting through the air and creating a pocket of calmer air behind it called a slipstream. The second car tucks into this slipstream, experiencing much less wind resistance. At the same time, the trailing car actually pushes the lead car forward, giving it extra speed. Together, this pair can reach higher speeds than either driver could achieve on their own.

This technique requires significant teamwork and trust between drivers. Often, teammates or drivers racing for the same manufacturer will work together using tandem drafting to move through the field and improve their positions. The drivers must communicate and coordinate their movements carefully, as even small mistakes can lead to serious crashes.

Tandem drafting became most famous in NASCAR racing, particularly on superspeedways like Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. These tracks are massive oval circuits where cars reach their highest speeds. Because of safety concerns about excessive speeds, NASCAR uses devices called restrictor plates or tapered spacers that limit engine power. This makes aerodynamic strategies like tandem drafting even more important for gaining competitive advantage.

The technique gained significant attention in the late 2000s and early 2010s when NASCAR drivers perfected the art of bumper-to-bumper racing. A memorable example occurred at the 2011 Aaron's 499 race at Talladega, where Jimmie Johnson won with Dale Earnhardt Jr. pushing him across the finish line. This dramatic finish showcased how effective tandem drafting could be when executed properly.

However, tandem drafting comes with considerable risks. The trailing driver has very limited visibility and must rely entirely on the lead driver's decisions and movements. If the lead car suddenly brakes, swerves, or encounters a problem, the trailing car has almost no time to react. This close-quarters racing has resulted in numerous accidents over the years.

Because of these safety concerns, racing organizations have taken steps to limit or discourage tandem drafting where cars make sustained contact. While normal drafting—following closely behind another car without touching—remains a fundamental racing strategy, the bumper-to-bumper variation has faced restrictions and potential penalties in many series. Rule changes and car design modifications have been implemented to make this technique less effective and encourage safer racing practices.

Despite the controversies and safety issues, tandem drafting remains an important part of motorsport history and demonstrates how drivers can use physics and teamwork to gain competitive advantages on the track.