A driver possessing exceptional car control, evasive driving skills, and spatial awareness under extreme pressure. The term originated in criminal slang for a getaway driver but has crossed over into general car culture to describe anyone with undeniable talent behind the wheel. A true operator can extract the maximum performance from an ordinary vehicle while navigating heavy traffic or evading pursuit.
If we're entering the endurance race next month, we need a serious wheelman for the night stints.
Related terms
Car chase
A high-speed pursuit involving vehicles, typically between law enforcement and a fleeing suspect.
Bootlegger reverse
A rapid driving maneuver used to reverse direction by locking the rear wheels and spinning the vehicle.
PIT maneuver
A pursuit tactic where a trailing vehicle nudges a fleeing vehicle to force it into a spin.
Road rage
Aggressive, angry, or violent behavior by a driver toward other road users.