The use of drafting techniques is very common in
several sports involving moving objects at relatively
high speeds, such as cycling, motor racing
or speed skating [1–4]. The slipstream created
by the leading vehicle in a paceline reduces the
wind resistance of its followers. This can be used
to decrease the average energy expenditure of the
formation, such as in cycling, where the cyclists
ride in line or in a packed group known as a
peloton, but also to execute overtaking and bump
drafting manoeuvres, commonly seen in car racing.
As a moving vehicle approaches the vehicle
ahead, it enters a low pressure region (partial
vacuum), or slipstream, increasing its speed. This
additional velocity is often seized to carry out an
overtake. However, it is also sometimes used to
push the car ahead to higher speeds, acquiring a
cooperative advantage against the remaining competitors.
The technique is known as bump drafting.
Bump drafting became very popular in
NASCAR (the National Association for Stock Car