Did you know that an NHRA top-fueled dragster leaves the starting line with a force that is nearly five times greater than the force of gravity? It is equal to the amount of force a space shuttle leaves it’s launch pad. It is no wonder why so many people in Long Beach, CA love to watch drag racing. It has become a mecca for the sport. Perhaps drag racing tires should start being called Long Beach tires.
Most professional, or legal, drag racing is governed by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). This type of racing became popular after World War II.It was popularized after WW2. Currently there are literally hundreds of tracks in operation. Drag racing is a straight line race in which the winner is the first to cross the finish line. The start of a race is from a standing, or stopped, position and the distance is usually about a quarter mile. The amount of time it takes a car to reach the finish line can range between 4.5 and 23 seconds. Speeds of up to 330 miles per hour can be reached, depending on the type/class of vehicle.
There are many different types of drag vehicles that are sorted into different classes. The names of some of the classes are Pro-Stock, Pro-Stock Bike, Funny Car, Top-Fueled Dragster and Pro-Modified. These five classes are the only Professional classes in North America. Top-fueled dragster and Funny Car are the two fastest types of cars in drag racing. Pro-modified and Pro-stock are both classes with different restrictions regarding appearance and size of engine. Both classes require engines to be naturally aspirated. Pro-stock bikes are heavily modified motorcycles that can reach insane speeds. Having the fastest car in your class is only half of the game, though. Drag racing relies on methods and strategy.
There are four main components to a drag race: the burnout, staging, the tree and the race. The burnout is done before the racer reaches the starting line, or staging point. This is done to heat up the tires and make them stickier for traction. Staging is the next step. This is basically getting lined up at the starting line using indicator lights on a light tree. When the cars near the starting line, the pre-staged light comes on and the cars nudge forward until the staged-light comes on. That means they are at the starting line. The tree, sometimes called a Christmas Tree, is positioned between the two vehicles and consists of two columns of lights (one for each racer.) There are number of yellow lights, a green light and a red one. There are two different types of trees used, depending on the class. The lighting sequence varies but essentially the yellow ones light then the green one means go. If the red light is lit that means there was a default or false start. The race is the final, and most important, component. If he fails to remain in his own lane during the race, the driver will be disqualified. During the race the driver must make sure to remain in his lane or he will be disqualified. It is also crucial to shift the car’s gears at the right time to ensure optimum speed and performance.
Drag racing has steadily grown over the last few decades and continues to exponentially. Its no wonder why when you see a dragster that puts out 43 times more power than a regular street car and goes from 0-100mph in less than 1 second.
