A race car was an automobile designed for use in competitions, known as races, against other similar vehicles. The fastest one of the competitors would be declared the winner. Hot rod was a colloquial term for an automobile that was specially modified to maximize its power and racing potential. While designing the Delta Flyer shuttlecraft, Tom Paris believed that it should be similar to a hot rod, although Tuvok disagreed. (VOY: "Extreme Risk") Tom Paris had a holoprogram of a race car competition. In 2377, he challenged Icheb to a race in such a vehicle. (VOY: "Nightingale")