What does "oversteer" refer to in racing?

Oversteer refers to a condition that occurs when the rear tires of a car lose grip before the front tires, causing the rear of the vehicle to swing out more than the driver intends. This situation often leads to the car turning more sharply than expected, which can make the handling feel unstable. It typically happens during cornering when too much power is applied or during sudden steering inputs, especially in high-speed scenarios or on surfaces with lower friction.

This phenomenon is crucial for racers to understand, as it can lead to loss of control if not handled properly. Drivers often need to countersteer, which involves turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the skid to regain control of the vehicle. Understanding oversteer helps drivers to manage their car's dynamics more effectively during races, thereby improving their performance and safety on the track.

In contrast, the other options describe conditions related to understeer, tire performance, and specific driving scenarios rather than the core definition of oversteer itself. Thus, recognizing that oversteer specifically involves the relationship between grip levels of the rear and front tires is essential for any racing enthusiast or competitor.