What does hot lap mean in dirt track racing?

Answer 1

Hot lap is a term used for a test drive. It's where they let drivers take the car on the track and see how the car and the track handle before a race. It is often only a few laps and less cars on the track at a time then during a normal race. Cars are not required to do hot laps but, it is a good idea since track conditions change all the time. By doing a test drive or "Hot Laps" before a race it allows drivers to see how the car will handle in a safer way then just making them race the car. This way they can make changes to the car before the race begins. Hot laps allows driver and crews to make the race safer and car go faster.