Title: Revolutionizing Speed Skating: The NASCAR ‘Bump Drafting’ Technique Takes Center Stage at the Olympics In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the world of speed skating, Team USA is set to compete in the Olympic Games with a revolutionary new technique inspired by none other than NASCAR racing. The U.S. women’s team pursuit squad will employ the ‘bump drafting’ method, traditionally used in stock car racing, as they vie for gold at the Gangneung Oval in South Korea. The bump drafting technique involves skaters pushing one another around the track by placing their hand on the rear of the skater in front of them. By doing so, each athlete gains momentum and speeds up, creating a synchronized team effort that can reach top speeds of about 30 mph. Giorgia Birkeland, a member of Team USA, explains it best: “All lined up and then all pushing throughout the race.” This innovative approach to speed skating has its roots in NASCAR racing, where cars draft each other to reduce air resistance and increase speed. The concept was first introduced by U.S. coach Ryan Shimabukuro during a training camp in Utah last year. Since then, it has become an integral part of the team’s strategy for the Olympic Games. The bump drafting technique is not without its challenges. Skaters must maintain complete sync and perfect timing to ensure they don’t collide or disrupt each other’s momentum. However, if executed correctly, this method could potentially revolutionize speed skating by making it more dynamic and exciting for spectators. Historically, team pursuit events have been dominated by countries like the Netherlands and South Korea due to their strong individual skaters and deep talent pools. The introduction of bump drafting may level the playing field and provide an opportunity for other nations to challenge these traditional powerhouses in this event. From a strategic standpoint, Team USA’s decision to adopt bump drafting is both bold and calculated. By embracing unconventional methods, they are demonstrating their commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries within the sport. This move could serve as a catalyst for other nations to explore new strategies and techniques in an effort to stay competitive on the international stage. As we head into these final days of the Olympic Games, it’s clear that speed skating is about to undergo a significant transformation. The success or failure of Team USA’s bump drafting experiment will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the sport moving forward. Regardless of the outcome, one thing remains certain: Speed skating has never been more exciting than it is right now. In conclusion, the adoption of NASCAR’s ‘bump drafting’ technique by Team USA marks a turning point in speed skating history. This innovative approach not only challenges traditional strategies but also promises to make the sport more dynamic and engaging for spectators worldwide. As we cheer on our favorite athletes during these Olympic Games, let us remember that sometimes, pushing beyond established norms can lead to extraordinary results.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/02/16/g-s1-109858/us-team-pursuit-speed-skating-bump-drafting)
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