Introduction to Drag Racing

Drag racing, a sport that encapsulates the raw power of automobiles and the thrill of head-to-head competition, has fascinated enthusiasts and speed demons for decades. This high-octane sport involves two cars racing side by side over a straight quarter-mile (1,320 feet) or eighth-mile (660 feet) track, with the winner being the first to cross the finish line. The simplicity of the concept belies the complexity and excitement of the sport, which has evolved significantly since its inception.

History

Drag racing started in the dry lake beds of the California deserts. When the engines got better and the drivers got braver, speeds began topping 100 miles per hour in the 1930s. But after World War II, kids with cars turned racing into something more serious.

Drag racing’s popularity grew but it still remained an underground pastime. The races usually took place on disused military runways. The first ever organized drag racing event was held in 1949 at the Goleta Air Base in California. Things were simple back in these days as drivers raced the length of a city block without safety barriers. The spectators do not have any proper grandstands or seating.

As the years passed, drag racing became more organized especially when the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) was founded by Wally Parks in 1951. Within a decade, there were two classes of competition that have been developed, the Unmodified Stock, and the Top Eliminator. As the sport grew, there were also drag racing superstars that emerged such as Dode Martin and Jim Nelson who owned the Dragmaster Dart drag racing car.

Things became more technical in the 1960s. Before, a traditional flagman stood between the two racing cars to start the race, but it was replaced with an electronic lighting system. Even the designs of the cars being used changed from wide and short to long and thin. There were also a lot of organizations that emerged including the World Series of Drag Racing.

Drag racing also brought big business involvement in the 1960s most especially in Ford and Chrysler who battled to make the best cars with more radical designs. The funny cars were also introduced. These are cars comprised with a one-piece fiberglass body that has to be lifted up for the driver to climb inside.

In the 1970s, the most serious accident in early drag racing occurred when Don Garli’s front-motored dragster suffered a transmission explosion that split his car into half and cutting off his right foot. This cause the fundamentals of car design for drag racing to be changed. Don Garli vowed to invent the car with the engine in the back and within two years, all car engines were behind the drivers.

Drag racing began to take its modern shape from the 1970s onwards. In the present time, there are now sponsorships from big companies. Volunteer crew members are also being given wages and the NHRA found a sponsor allowing them to offer bigger money for prizes.

Basic Rules

Drag racing is governed by a set of straightforward rules. Races are conducted on a drag strip, with two parallel lanes marked by a series of lights known as the Christmas Tree for its red, yellow, and green lights. The competition begins with a staged start, where drivers align their vehicles at the starting line. Once both cars are staged, the tree lights sequence down, culminating in the green light that signals the start of the race.

The Tree

Photo of the Starting Tree at Muncie Dragway in Muncie, IN

A modern professional drag race is started using a tree. It is a device which is called a Christmas Tree that stands 42 feet ahead of the starting line. The drivers are signaled to stage their vehicles as they approach the starting line and start the race by watching the colored bulbs light up in sequence.

The sides of the tree have two small yellow bulbs each at the top. This signals the driver once the vehicle is on the start line. The tree has three larger amber colored bulbs followed by a green bulb and then a red bulb. The first bulb lights up when the vehicle is near the line, then the next bulb lights up once the vehicle moves forward to the staged position on the line. When the green bulb lights up, it signals the driver to start the race.

The red bulb on the tree is to signal that the vehicle left the start line before the green bulb lights up. Meaning, it’s a foul start for that vehicle and the opponent automatically wins.

Racing Divisions

Drag racing is categorized into various divisions, each defined by specific rules regarding vehicle specifications, engine types, and modifications. These divisions allow for a wide range of competition, from amateur enthusiasts to professional teams. Understanding these divisions is key to appreciating the diversity and inclusivity of the sport. Here are some of the primary divisions found in drag racing:

  • Top Fuel: The pinnacle of drag racing, featuring the fastest and most powerful dragsters. These vehicles run on a nitromethane fuel mix and can reach speeds of over 330 mph in under 4 seconds.
  • Funny Car: Similar to Top Fuel in terms of power and speed but with a different body style. Funny Cars have a shorter wheelbase and a carbon fiber body that resembles production cars, providing a unique challenge in aerodynamics and handling.
  • Pro Stock: Often referred to as “factory hot rods” because they must maintain a stock appearance. Pro Stock cars use naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) engines and emphasize driver skill and engine efficiency.
  • Pro Modified: A division that allows for more extensive modifications than Pro Stock, including different types of engines and power adders like superchargers and turbochargers. Pro Mods are known for their diverse and visually striking cars.
  • Sportsman Classes: These classes are designed for amateur and semi-professional racers, focusing on a wide range of vehicles from modified street cars to purpose-built dragsters. Sportsman racing is often bracket-style, where consistency and strategy are as important as speed.
  • Junior Dragster: Aimed at young racers aged 5 to 17, Junior Dragsters are scaled-down versions of full-sized dragsters, reaching speeds up to 85 mph. This division serves as a training ground for future champions, teaching the fundamentals of drag racing in a controlled environment.

Each division offers a unique set of challenges and rewards, catering to the varied interests and skills of racers. The existence of multiple divisions ensures that drag racing remains accessible and engaging for everyone, from those making their first pass down the strip to seasoned professionals breaking records. Whether it’s the raw power of Top Fuel or the precision of Pro Stock, the divisions of drag racing showcase the sport’s versatility and the endless pursuit of speed and performance.

Top Competitions / Races

Drag racing’s competitive landscape is diverse, with numerous events and championships catering to various classes and levels of participants, from grassroots to professional. These competitions are the heart of the sport, drawing racers, enthusiasts, and spectators from around the globe. Here’s an expanded look at some of the top competitions and races within the world of drag racing:

National Hot Rod Association Logo

  • NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series: As the premier series of the National Hot Rod Association, the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series features the fastest and most skilled drivers competing in multiple classes, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The series tours the United States, culminating in the NHRA Finals, where champions are crowned in each class.
  • IHRA Summit Racing Equipment Series: The International Hot Rod Association hosts this series, which includes various classes similar to those in the NHRA but with a focus on different types of vehicles and engine configurations. The series emphasizes accessibility for racers of all levels and includes both professional and sportsman categories.
  • ADRL (American Drag Racing League): Known for promoting doorslammer racing, which includes Pro Modified and other classes, the ADRL is recognized for its high-energy events and less traditional approach to drag racing. It attracts a dedicated fan base with its emphasis on entertainment and competitive racing.
  • PDRA (Professional Drag Racers Association): Focusing on professional-level doorslammer categories, including Pro Nitrous and Pro Boost, the PDRA caters to fans of high-powered, modified vehicles. It’s known for close competition and fostering a family-friendly atmosphere at its events.
  • Street Outlaws and No Prep Kings: Popularized by the Street Outlaws TV series, these events highlight street-style racing within a controlled environment. “No Prep” refers to races conducted on tracks without the usual preparation, adding an element of unpredictability and skill.
  • World Series of Drag Racing: The oldest drag racing event in the United States, the World Series of Drag Racing, has been held annually since 1953. It features a wide range of classes and has been a staple in the drag racing community, celebrating the sport’s rich history and tradition.
  • FIA European Drag Racing Championships: This series represents the pinnacle of drag racing in Europe, featuring categories like Top Fuel, Pro Modified, and Top Methanol. It brings together the best European teams and drivers, competing at various tracks across the continent.
  • Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) Championships: ANDRA governs drag racing in Australia, hosting championships for numerous classes, including Top Fuel, Top Doorslammer, and Pro Stock. These events showcase the best of Australian drag racing talent and machinery.

Each of these competitions offers something unique to the world of drag racing, from the types of cars that compete to the locations of the events. They collectively contribute to the global appeal of drag racing, providing platforms for racers to showcase their skills and for fans to experience the exhilarating world of high-speed motorsport.

Types of Drag Racing Cars

Drag racing is a sport that celebrates not just speed, but innovation and engineering prowess, manifested through a wide variety of cars designed for the quarter-mile battle. The spectrum ranges from nearly stock, street-legal vehicles to highly specialized machines built exclusively for drag racing. Each class has its unique set of rules regarding modifications, engine types, and even fuel, making every race a thrilling showcase of technology and driver skill. Here’s a closer look at the types of cars that roar down the drag strip:

  • Top Fuel Dragsters: The kings of the drag strip, Top Fuel dragsters are long, slender, and built for nothing but speed. Powered by massive 8,000+ horsepower engines running on nitromethane, they are the fastest accelerating cars in the world, capable of reaching over 330 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

Funny Cars

  • Funny Cars: Sharing many engine and performance characteristics with Top Fuel dragsters, Funny Cars feature a shorter wheelbase and a carbon fiber body that tilts up for access to the engine. These cars are known for their spectacular runs and, occasionally, equally spectacular explosions due to the extreme forces at play.
  • Pro Stock: Often referred to as the “factory hot rods,” Pro Stock cars must maintain a semblance to their production counterparts. They run on racing gasoline with naturally aspirated V8 engines. The emphasis in Pro Stock is on driver skill and engine and suspension tuning, with speeds reaching up to 210 mph.
  • Pro Modified (Pro Mod): This class allows a variety of engine setups, including supercharged, turbocharged, and nitrous oxide-assisted engines. Pro Mods are known for their diverse and often wildly styled bodies, from classic muscle cars to modern coupes, making them fan favorites for their looks as well as their performance.
  • Stock and Super Stock: These classes are designed to maintain the appearance and, to a degree, the performance characteristics of factory-produced vehicles. Modifications are allowed but strictly regulated, emphasizing the skill of the driver and the ingenuity of the crew within tight constraints.
  • Sport Compact: Focusing on four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive vehicles, the Sport Compact class has grown in popularity with the rise of tuner culture. These cars, often seen as underdogs in the drag racing world, can pack a surprising punch with heavily modified engines and lightweight bodies.
  • Street Legal: A category for cars that are legally registered for street use. This class tests the ability to balance modifications for speed while maintaining the car’s street-legal status. It’s a test of real-world performance, where everyday vehicles are pushed to their limits.

Junior Dragsters

  • Junior Dragsters: Designed to introduce young racers to the sport, Junior Dragsters are scaled-down versions of their full-sized counterparts. They offer a platform for racers aged 5 to 17 to learn the basics of drag racing in a controlled and competitive environment.

Each type of car brings its own flavor to the sport of drag racing, creating a diverse and inclusive community where innovation, skill, and passion drive competitors to push the boundaries of automotive performance. Whether it’s the earth-shaking power of a Top Fuel dragster or the precision engineering of a Pro Stock car, the machines of drag racing are as varied and fascinating as the drivers behind the wheel.

Famous and Successful Drivers

Drag racing has seen many talented and charismatic drivers over the years, but a few have stood out not just for their victories on the track but also for their contributions to the sport itself. These individuals have become legends, setting records, breaking barriers, and inspiring countless fans and aspiring racers. Here’s a closer look at some of these iconic figures:

  • Don “The Snake” Prudhomme: A pioneer in the sport, Prudhomme earned his nickname for his quick reflexes at the start line. With a career spanning over four decades, he secured four NHRA Funny Car titles and was one of the first drivers to reach 250 mph in the quarter mile. His rivalry with Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen is legendary, capturing the imagination of drag racing fans in the 1970s and beyond.

John Force

  • John Force: Arguably the most recognizable name in drag racing, John Force has dominated the Funny Car division with 16 NHRA championships to his name. Force’s charisma, combined with his competitive spirit, has made him a fan favorite and a spokesperson for the sport. His racing team, John Force Racing, continues to be a formidable presence in NHRA competitions.
  • Shirley Muldowney: Known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” Muldowney broke gender barriers in a predominantly male sport to become the first woman to win an NHRA Top Fuel championship, a feat she accomplished three times. Her determination and success paved the way for future generations of female racers and earned her a place in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
  • Big Daddy” Don Garlits: A true innovator, Garlits is considered one of the best drag racers of all time. He revolutionized the sport with his engineering prowess, developing the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster design after a near-fatal accident. This design improved safety and performance, becoming the standard for Top Fuel dragsters. Garlits claimed 17 World Championship titles and was the first to surpass 200, 240, 250, 260, and 270 mph marks in the quarter mile.
  • Erica Enders: Making her mark in the Pro Stock division, Enders has become one of the most successful female drivers in drag racing history. With multiple NHRA Pro Stock World Championships to her name, she has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, breaking records and earning respect in a highly competitive field.
  • Tony Schumacher: Known as “The Sarge,” Schumacher has made a significant impact in the Top Fuel division, holding the record for the most Top Fuel championships in NHRA history. His achievements include the fastest recorded speed in NHRA history and a reputation for clutch performances in high-pressure situations.

Interesting Facts

  • Birth of Drag Racing: The term “drag racing” supposedly originated from people in the 1930s and 1940s ‘dragging’ out of small towns to race on long, straight stretches of road.
  • Christmas Tree Lights: The iconic “Christmas Tree” starting light system was introduced in 1963, revolutionizing how races were started and making the process fairer and more consistent.
  • Breaking the Sound Barrier: Although no dragster has officially broken the sound barrier (767 mph), Top Fuel dragsters are some of the fastest accelerating machines on the planet, going from 0 to 100 mph in less than 1 second.
  • Female Pioneers: Shirley Muldowney wasn’t just the first woman to win a Top Fuel championship; she was the first person to win two and then three Top Fuel titles in the NHRA, breaking gender barriers in motorsports.
  • Nitromethane Fuel: Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars use nitromethane as fuel, which contains its own oxygen, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus producing more power. Nitromethane can generate about 2.3 times more power than gasoline.
  • Safety Innovations: The tragic death of driver Jim Lieberman in 1977 led to the mandatory use of parachutes in drag racing to help cars decelerate after crossing the finish line.
  • First Televised Race: The first drag racing event to be nationally televised was the NHRA Nationals in 1963, which aired on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.”
  • Electric Dragsters: The world of drag racing is not limited to internal combustion engines. Electric dragsters, such as the “Current Technology,” have made their mark, with some achieving 0-60 mph in less than 1 second, showcasing the potential of electric power in racing.
  • Longest Track: While traditional drag races occur on a quarter-mile track, the longest drag race ever was held on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, measuring a staggering 13 miles.
  • Twin Engine Dragsters: In the early days of drag racing, some dragsters were equipped with two engines to increase power, a practice that has since been phased out due to safety concerns and regulations.
  • Speed Record: The official speed record for a quarter-mile drag race is held by Tony Schumacher, who reached 336.57 mph in his Top Fuel dragster in 2018.
  • Drag Racing in Pop Culture: Drag racing has made its mark in pop culture, with movies like “The Fast and the Furious” series popularizing the sport among a global audience.
  • Racing Altitude Matters: The altitude of a drag strip can significantly affect engine performance due to air density. Races at higher altitudes see different tuning strategies to compensate for the reduced oxygen levels.
  • One-handed Champions: Legendary racer “Big Daddy” Don Garlits lost part of his right foot in a 1970 dragster explosion but continued to race and win championships, adapting his vehicle to suit his needs.
  • Global Reach: Although it originated in the United States, drag racing has fans and competitions worldwide, with active drag racing communities in Australia, the UK, Sweden, Brazil, and many other countries.
  • The First Drag Race: The very first recorded drag race took place in 1949 on a stretch of road that is now part of the Los Angeles International Airport.
  • Eco-Friendly Racing: The NHRA introduced an all-electric drag racing class to promote environmental sustainability within the sport, highlighting the shift towards more eco-friendly racing practices.
  • Multi-generational Racers: Drag racing is a family affair for many, with skills, passion, and even vehicles being passed down from generation to generation, contributing to the sport’s rich heritage and community.
  • 1000 Foot Races: Following a series of high-profile accidents, the NHRA shortened Top Fuel and Funny Car races from the traditional quarter-mile to 1,000 feet to enhance driver safety.
  • Unique Traditions: One of the sport’s unique traditions is the “burnout,” where drivers spin their tires before the race to heat them up for better traction; it’s as much a spectacle as it is a tactical maneuver.

Final Thoughts

Drag racing continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and a passionate community. From its humble beginnings to the sophisticated sport it is today, drag racing remains a celebration of speed, engineering, and competitive spirit. Whether you’re a fan of the classic muscle cars of the ’60s or the high-tech dragsters of today, the allure of drag racing is undeniable.