# Aerodynamics

Roach positioning on the racetrack affects race performance.

**How Aerodynamics Works**

* A running roach creates an air flow behind it
* This cuts air resistance for roaches behind it, giving them a small speed boost.
* The closer a roach is behind another, the stronger Drafting effect (similar to real-world racing)
* Players can use this effect strategically to win races&#x20;

**Strategic Implications**

The aerodynamics system creates interesting race dynamics where trailing closely behind another roach can provide a speed advantage. This encourages strategic positioning during races and can lead to exciting come-from-behind victories.

**Leading Position**

The leading roach faces full air resistance and doesn't benefit from drafting. However, in certain modes, the race leader collects rewards placed along the track.\
\
**Trailing Position**

Trailing roaches benefit from reduced air resistance, allowing them to conserve energy and potentially overtake the leader at strategic moments. The optimal trailing distance is close enough to benefit from drafting but not so close as to be blocked by the leading roach.

This mechanic creates interesting race dynamics where trailing closely behind another roach can provide a speed advantage, similar to drafting in real-world racing.


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