Drafting is an aerodynamic technique used in racing where two or more moving objects align closely together to reduce the overall effect of drag and wind resistance). The lead object creates a slipstream that the trailing object can exploit to reduce its drag and energy expenditure). Drafting is commonly used in motor racing, cycling, car racing, speedskating, and even in cross-country skiing, downhill skateboarding, and running). In NASCAR, drafting is a crucial strategy that can turn a humdrum race into a real humdinger and a bumper-to-bumper slugfest into high-speed chess.

To begin drafting, two or more vehicles need to cooperate and align themselves closely together on the track. The trailing vehicle enters the lead vehicles slipstream, which reduces the drag on the trailing vehicle and allows it to travel faster than it would independently. Both vehicles involved in the drafting process mutually benefit from it. While the lead vehicle blocks the resistance to the trailing vehicle, the trailing vehicle limits the turbulence that comes off the back of the lead vehicle.

In NASCAR, drafting is most important at restrictor plate tracks like Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway, where the plates mean that much less power is available to push the large bodies through the air. The forces at play around a NASCAR vehicle can be manipulated by a talented and trained driver, and drafting is only one element in a large number of factors that contribute to a successful race.