A burnout is a driving stunt or drag racing preparation technique where the vehicle is held in place while the drive wheels are spun at high RPM. At the drag strip, a burnout is performed in the water box to clean debris off the tire tread and heat the rubber compound to its optimal operating temperature for maximum launch grip. On the street, it is a showboating display of engine power.
Heard on the job
The tech inspector warned him after he did a massive burnout past the starting line.
Insider tip
Doing a burnout without a line lock puts immense strain on the rear brakes, as the engine has to overpower the clamped brake pads to spin the wheels.
Also heard as
- Burn out
- peel out