an extensive and terrific list of all the cheating methods and devices in racing, some are pure genius, some are incredibly imaginative innovations. I posted just my favorites, the rest are at the link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/808547945893612/posts/24926999833621753/

My favorites are:

cars that picked up the start clock signal and released the cars from the stage start with zero drivers reaction times, but the FIA had a hunch they were doing it so just before the actual start signal, they broadcasted a fake one that got all of the cheaters to jump the start at the 1999 European grand prix

Skip the first 45 seconds

titanium hubs sprayed with metallic paint so the magnet would stick.

traction control chip in the MSD box.

frame rail and fire extinguisher filled with nitrous

Pro stock would run weak oil rings and loose guides so they consumed oil. Then used Used Top Fuel Oil contaminated with Nitro Methane

Alan Johnson Top Fuel car using huge amount of connection wiring from ignition control unit changing the rev limiter ceiling

Ryan Newman engineered a carburetor that didn't go against NASCAR rules but was ultimately banned because it had lower CFM to optimize fuel mileage with only a 2 HP loss. Hence gaining 7 extra laps on a tank of fuel

Gary Nelson’s pumps inside the gas dump cans to speed up the fueling time, had mercury switches so when can was upside down it turned on

SCCA late 50's into the 60's cars with tail light cut out switches to suck competitor's deeper into the corners, causing them to spin

Jim Hall’s Chaparral had a switch mated to the accelerator, which activated when the throttle pedal was deactivated. The tail lights came on before the brake pedal was ever touched, giving the impression that the brakes were applied before the brake pedal was depressed. The following car would therefore brake before the Chaparral.

Penske’s TransAm Camaros and Javelins with two gallon filler necks on the fuel tanks, because the rulebook only specified the size of the tank

Smokey's extra tall front bumper that effectively was an air dam

Stirling moss actually synchronized his watch with that of the starter. Other drivers watched for the flag to drop, Stirling was watching the second hand on his watch.

the Lancia rally team manager paid for a bunch of salt spread on roads overnight, then next morning Lancia were the only team on proper tarmac tires, everyone else expected snow on the roads.

SCCA spec racer w/ spec chassis and suspension. An accident 'repair' led to a narrowed chassis that added negative camber. Took a while for inspectors to catch it.

Knaus/Johnson getting caught drilling 1/128” holes in valve stems so the tires could be filled to the “hot” psi and as the tire heats up it bleeds off excess pressure to maintain optimum pressure.

Penske used 25kg, 55lb mufflers, to move the weight lower in the can in Australian touring cars.