drag strip

For the Transformer, see Stunticons

Looking down a drag strip. Note the Christmas tree countdown lights in the center

Drag racing vehicles ready to race

Bring your own cars waiting to run down the dragstrip

Snowmobile vs. Motorcycle

A dragstrip is a facility for conducting automobile and motorcycle acceleration events such as drag racing. Although a quarter mile (402 m) is the best known measure for a drag track, many tracks are eighth mile (201 m) tracks. The race is generally begun with a standing start which allows three factors to affect the outcome of the race: reaction time, power and traction.

Features

A dragstrip is a straight, purpose-built racetrack, typically an eighth or a quarter mile long, with an additional shutdown area to allow vehicles time to stop after crossing the finish line. Common features also include a water box, where vehicles and motorcycles can do burn-outs to heat up their tires to improve traction. There is a set of lights known as a Christmas tree that counts down to launch time. There are one or two return lanes for the vehicles to return from the end of the track to the pit area.

Equipment requirements

Almost all sanctioned drag strips have strict rules for fast cars. Special racing safety equipment such as 10 (or more) point roll cages, window nets, engine and transmission shielding, and protective clothing usually become mandatory for cars below 11 or 10 seconds. NHRA also requires roll cages and window nets for cars that finish a quarter mile at over 135 mph (217 km/h).

Dragstrip locations

Typical quarter mile times

Acceleration times differ even between identical vehicles due to widely varying testing methodologies - driver/rider differences, payload, track surface conditions, weather/air temperature and launching technique.

References

External links

• Dragtimes.com- an International Drag Slip Database
• Na-Motorsports US Drag Strip listings
• Hot Rod Association (NHRA)
• International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)