What is the name of the blue shell that targets the first-place racer?

The blue shell that targets the first-place racer is called the Spiny Shell. It is one of Mario Kart’s most famous items because it is designed to punish the racer leading the race rather than simply striking the nearest opponent.

The Spiny Shell first appeared in Mario Kart 64. After being launched, it travels toward the racer in first place, usually flying above the track before descending and exploding when it reaches its target. The blast can slow or knock aside nearby racers as well, making its impact especially dramatic near the front of the pack.

Players often call it the “blue shell,” although Spiny Shell is its official name. It is different from the Green Shell and Red Shell: green shells travel in a straight line, while red shells home in on opponents. Bananas are defensive hazards and do not automatically pursue a leader. In later games, variations such as the blue Spiny Shell and item-avoidance techniques have added strategic depth to the item.