Mirror driving refers to a defensive technique used by a leading driver to prevent the car behind from making a successful pass. When a driver is mirror driving, they pay close attention to their rearview mirrors and adjust their racing line to impede the car behind.
Aero blocking is closely related to mirror driving Aero blocking occurs when the leading driver intentionally maneuvers their car to take away the optimal racing line from the car behind. By doing so, they exploit the aerodynamic advantage of clean air, making it difficult for the trailing car to overtake.
In response, Denny Hamlin‘s crew chief, Chris Gabehart replied, “Physics has always existed. “Mirror driving” was just the term often used by people who didn’t yet understand the physics of “aero blocking.” In short, it’s basically the same thing.”