what is tge course length for drag racing

The race follows a short, straight course from a standing start over a measured distance, most commonly 1⁄4 mi (1,320 ft; 402 m), with a shorter (1,000 ft (305 m)) distance becoming increasingly popular, as it has become the standard for Top Fuel

dragsters and funny cars, where some major bracket races and other sanctioning bodies have adopted it as the standard.

Full Answer

How long is a Drag Race Course?

There are three standard drag race course lengths, 660 feet (1/8 mile), 1,320 foot (1/4 mile), and the most common length, used in professional drag boat racing, 1,000 feet (3/16 mile plus 10 feet).

What are the different types of drag racing classes?

There are hundreds of classes in drag racing, each with different requirements and restrictions on things such as weight, engine size, body style, modifications, and many others. NHRA and IHRA share some of these classes, but many are solely used by one sanctioning body or the other. The NHRA boasts over 200 classes, while the IHRA has fewer.

How far should the finish line be in NHRA drag racing?

That hasn’t happened. The finish line remains at 1,000 feet, although purists for the sport occasionally have raised the suggestion to return to quarter-mile racing. It does not appear likely the NHRA will reverse its decision.

What is a length in horse racing?

A length in horse racing is actually a measurement of time but is based simply on the length of a horse and it’s stride pattern, typically 8 to 9 feet long. This measurement of a length is used to describe the winning margins between horses in races.

How long is drag racing course?

1,320 feetTraditionally, a drag strip is 1,320 feet, which equals a quarter-mile. (One mile equals 5,280 feet.) Many classes in NHRA drag racing—actually, all but the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes—still compete on a quarter-mile course.

What are the classes in drag racing?

The four Professional categories are Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. They, along with Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, the three “Super” classes – Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street – and Pro Mod feature a single class of vehicle in heads-up competition.

What's the fastest 1/4 mile time ever?

Watch Rimac Nevera Go Beyond Plaid: Sets New 1/4 Mile World Record#1 8.74 seconds @ 165.52 mph (without burn out.#2 8.612 seconds @ 166.99 mph (with burn out)Record pass: 8.582 seconds at 167.51 mph (269.5 km/h)

How long is a drag strip shut down area?

A standard drag race is approximately ¼ of a mile or 1,320 feet. This does not include the length of the braking and emergency areas. This 'shutdown area' is designed to be more than 700 meters (which is only the length of the braking area).

What does 1320 mean in racing?

1320. Slang for the quarter mile (street racing) Copyright 1988-2018 AcronymFinder.com, All rights reserved.

How much do drag racers make?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $83,000 and as low as $17,000, the majority of Drag Racing salaries currently range between $30,500 (25th percentile) to $60,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $78,000 annually across the United States.

How fast is a Tesla in the 1/4-mile?

9.234 secondsWhile the stock Tesla Model S Plaid 1/4 mile record is 9.234 seconds at 152.16 mph trap speed, a modified one can be even quicker....It's the first result ever with an 8 in front.CategoryRaces and ChasesBody StyleSedan2 more rows•Nov 9, 2021

What is the best car for drag racing?

Forza Horizon 5: 10 Great Cars For Drag Racing & How Much They...8 2019 Rimac Concept Two (S2) ... 7 Koenigsegg Jesko 2020. ... 6 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder (S2) ... 5 2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento (S2) ... 4 1965 Hoonigan Ford Hoonicorn Mustang (S2) ... 3 2019 Bugatti Divo (S2) ... 2 Mosler MT900S. ... 1 2011 BMW X5 M Forza Edition (S2)More items...•

How fast can a Tesla do a quarter-mile?

We tested a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, and it reached 60 mph in 2.1 seconds on the way to a quarter-mile pass in 9.4 seconds at 151 mph. That 60-mph time ties the Porsche 918 Spyder and 911 Turbo S, and it matches the Bugatti Chiron Sport's quarter-mile time, which is the quickest we've ever measured.

What is the 60 foot in drag racing?

60 FOOT TIMER Measures the time it takes the car to cross the first 60 feet of the quarter-mile. This shows you how well the car launches, which affects your elapsed times. Most street-tired cars have 60 foot times around 2 seconds.

Why did drag racing go to 1000 feet?

NHRA cuts race distance to 1000 feet: Move made to enhance safety after Kalitta's death. The NHRA has cut the race distance for its Top Fuel and Funny Car classes to 1000 feet--320 feet short of a quarter-mile--as a safety measure in the wake of the death of racer Scott Kalitta nearly two weeks ago.

How much land is needed for a drag strip?

Effectively, you will need at least 4000 feet length-wise and a minimum track width of 60 feet, including a foot wall on either side. The minimum you will need to build a drag racing track is about 200 acres.

How many classes are there in drag racing?

There are hundreds of classes in drag racing, each with different requirements and restrictions on things such as weight, engine size, body style, modifications, and many others. NHRA and IHRA share some of these classes, but many are solely used by one sanctioning body or the other.

What is a burnout in NHRA?

Before each race (commonly known as a pass), each driver is allowed to perform a burnout, which heats the driving tires and lays rubber down at the beginning of the track, improving traction. The cars run through a "water box" (formerly a "bleach box", before bleach was replaced by flammable traction compound, which produced spectacular, and dangerous, flame burnouts; the hazard led NHRA to mandate use of water in the 1970s ).

How far is a drag race?

The standard distance of a drag race is 1,320 feet, 402 m, or 1/4 mile ( +- 0,2% FIA & NHRA rules). However, due to safety concerns, certain sanctioning bodies (notably the NHRA for its Top Fuel and Funny Car classes) have shortened races to 1,000 feet. Some drag strips are even shorter and run 660 feet, 201 m, or 1/8 mile. The 1,000 foot distance is now also popular with bracket racing, especially in meets where there are 1/8 mile cars and 1/4 mile cars racing together, and is used by the revived American Drag Racing League for its primary classes (not Jr Dragster). Some organizations that deal with Pro Modified and "Mountain Motor" Pro Stock cars (Professional Drag Racers Association) use the 1/8 mile distance, even if the tracks are 1/4 mile tracks.

What is a breakout rule in drag racing?

In categories where a breakout rule is in effect (for example, NHRA Junior Dragster, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Stock, and Stock classes, as well as some dial-in classes), if a competitor is faster than his or her predetermined time (a "breakout"), that competitor loses.

What does "blown" mean in racing?

Blown – supercharged, when describing a functioning engine; wrecked, when describing an engine failure. Blowover – flipping of a car, due to air under car lifting front wheels. Breakout – in bracket racing, running quicker than dial-in; also "breaking out".

What is drag racing?

Drag racing is an established sport in South Africa, with a number of strips around the country including Tarlton International Raceway and ODI Raceway. Drag racing is controlled by Motorsport South Africa and all drivers are required to hold a valid Motorsport South Africa license. Drivers can compete in a number of categories including Top Eliminator, Senior Eliminator, Super Competition Eliminator, Competition Eliminator, Pro Street Bikes, Superbike Eliminator, Supersport Shootout (motorcycle), Street Modified, and Factory Stock.

What is the name of the organization that oversees drag racing?

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) oversees the majority of drag racing events in North America. The next largest organization is the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). Nearly all drag strips are associated with one sanctioning body or the other.

How long is a drag track?

The length of a drag racing track is, as you can probably guess, a quarter-mile, or 1,320 feet, with each lane measuring 30 feet wide. Here are the various components of the track: 1 Burnout (aka “water”) Box: An area reserved for vehicles to enter that’s been sprayed down with water to help reduce friction as a driver initiates a burnout. 2 Pre-Stage Beam: As each vehicle’s front wheel enters this area, it’ll break the “pre-stage” infrared beam, which triggers the Christmas Tree’s pre-staged lights, alerting drivers that they’re closing in on ‘”staging”. 3 Staged Beam/Starting Line: This is another infrared beam in each lane that controls the starting and timing of the race, triggering an independent lane timer for elapsed time (E.T.) – and unless both drivers are fully staged, the race cannot be started. The staged beam will also trigger a red light if a false start takes place. The staged beam is located just six inches past the pre-staged beam. 4 Interval Timers: There are five intervals along the track where time and speed are recorded, which include: 60-foot, 330-foot, 1/8 th -mile, 1,000-foot and ¼-mile. 5 Speed Traps and Elapsed-Time Clock Beams: The last of the infrared beams are your most important: the first is located 66 feet before the finish line and measures top speed; the second is located at the finish line and shuts off the elapsed time and top speed clocks, triggering the win light. The 66-foot speed trap records top speed.

Why is drag racing called dialing in?

This style of drag racing allows cars of different speeds to race one another because the slower vehicle gets a head start. Sometimes the driver can choose his or her own handicap, which is also known as dialing-in or dialing-under.

How does bracket racing work?

bracket racing, a more handicapped version which puts two vehicles of varying performance levels against one another on a more “even” playing field. Essentially, both vehicle’s elapsed times are compared, then the slower car is given a head start that’s equal to the difference of the two. This allows any two vehicles to be (hopefully) paired up for a fair match. Let’s break that down for a sec: Let’s say Car 1 has times of 10.23, 10.19 and 10.22; they might opt for a dial-in of 10.21. On the flip side, Car 2 was able to hit 12.87, 12.83 and 12.86, choosing 12.85 for their dial-in. Car 1 will receive a 2.64-second head start against Car 2 once the Christmas Tree fires off down to each person’s starting green lights. From there, it all comes down to the reflexes – however, just because someone has the advantage in comparing elapsed times doesn’t mean they will win. If both vehicles finish the race in their exact predetermined elapsed time, the win goes to the driver with the quickest reaction time. Local drag strips are better than ever and spread out almost anywhere that the rubber meets the road. The organization, timing and safety have evolved beyond anything available in the formative scene of the '50s. Show up, sign the release and let your right foot do the talking. ( Story: Driving Line staff; Photos: Tim Sutton and Driving Line archives)

What is a drag race?

A drag race is initiated by the Christmas Tree, an electronic lighting device that activates a timer by each vehicle, which is then stopped once that same vehicle crosses the finish line.

What does it mean when you have only one red light in a race?

If you’re racing, only one red light will come on, which means the first offender has been eliminated.

What type of engine does a top fueler use?

Whereas Top Fuelers use supercharged, nitro-burning engines , Top Alcohol Dragsters may use a supercharged methanol-burning engine or an injected nitromethane combination. The injected nitro cars do not use a transmission, and the supercharged cars have three forward speeds.

How fast can a top fuel dragster go?

They are capable of covering the dragstrip in less than 3.7 seconds at more than 330 mph. Powered by a supercharged and fuel-injected 500-cubic-inch adaptation of the famed Chrysler Hemi engine, Top Fuel dragsters can burn up to 15 gallons of nitromethane fuel during a single run. Constructed of chromoly steel tubing and carbon-fiber composite, Top Fuel cars are 25 feet long and weigh 2,330 pounds in race-ready trim.

What is the weight limit for super gas?

Super Gas entries, which run on a 9.90 index, are primarily full-bodied cars and street roadsters. No dragsters or altereds are permitted. Rules regarding engine and chassis modifications are extremely liberal, though the use of exotic fuels is prohibited. The minimum weight is 2,100 pounds except for four-cylinder-powered cars, which may have a minimum weight of 1,200 pounds. As in Super Comp, competitors use electronic timers and throttle stops to run as close to the class standard without going under. Also as in Super Comp, races are staged using a four-tenths Pro start.

How much does a top alcohol dragster weigh?

Weights vary according to combination but are generally between 1,975 and 2,125 pounds. Like Top Fuelers, Top Alcohol Dragsters are restricted to a maximum wheelbase of 300 inches. Performances can be in the 5.1s at more than 285 mph.

How fast can a funny car go?

Similar to their Top Fuel counterparts but with a shorter wheelbase and a carbon-fiber body that loosely resembles a production-based automobile, Funny Cars can run in the 3.8-second range and are capable of speeds in excess of 330 mph. Funny Cars are powered by the same supercharged and fuel-injected 500-inch engines as Top Fuel dragsters. Funny Cars are also similar to Top Fuel dragsters in that they do not use a transmission but rather transmit power to the huge Goodyear rear slicks through a multistage clutch assembly that is activated by timers.

What fuel is used in top alcohol funny cars?

Similar in physical appearance to their nitro-burning Funny Car counterparts, Top Alcohol Funny Cars are restricted to the use of methanol fuel and have a three-speed transmission. Top Alcohol Funny Cars feature basically the same chromoly steel chassis as the nitro cars and are fitted with the same carbon-fiber replica bodies, though the Top Alcohol Funny Car bodies do not need as much downforce and use a much smaller rear spoiler. Top Alcohol Funny Cars are capable of performances in the 5.3s at more than 270 mph.

How fast can a pro mod go?

The engine choices are equally as diverse; competitors can use superchargers, turbochargers, or nitrous-oxide injection and can run into the high-five-second zone at speeds of more than 250 mph. Pro Mod drivers compete at 10 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events.

How far can nitro cars run?

Only the Nitro cars – Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars – run just 1,000 feet. Every other class of racing, including Pro Stock, sportsmen and alcohol classes – still runs at the original distance of 1,320 feet.

How far back does the 911 call go?

But with today’s modern technology and enhanced safety features, the call continues to go back to 1,320 feet. Admittedly, reaction is mixed across all fronts, including drivers. Guys like John Force and Tony Schumacher have said they like the shorter distance; Cruz Pedregon has said in the past that he’d like to go back to 1,320.

Is drag racing a race?

Many of them have likely been fans of the sport for 20, 30, 40 or more years. And many of them believe a drag race is not a race until every class, including Top Fuel and Funny Car, competes at the same length.

Who is Jerry Bonkowski?

Jerry Bonkowski is a veteran motorsports writer who has worked for a number of top media companies including USA Today, ESPN.com, Yahoo Sports and NBCSports.com. He also is an occasional on-air host for SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Follow him on Twitter: @JerryBonkowski

How do horses race at Royal Ascot?

Horses are asked to race uphill at the start, then swing around a sweeping left-hand bend, before running down a hill that also cambers from right to left. There’s then a small climb to the line. Those gradients demand a lot of young horses and are a far cry from say the right-handed course used for Royal Ascot.

What does the current horse rating tell you?

Current ratings will tell you which horse is favoured by the weights in races, but you also need to consider lots of other factors to determine whether you think the horse can run-up to its rating in the prevailing conditions. For example, a horse’s top-rating may have been earned when running over a mile on good ground.

What races do horses thrive in?

Some horses thrive in slowly run races where they can conserve energy for a late surge. Other horses thrive in the battle of an end-to-end gallop, while front-runners will often excel in races where they face little or no competition for the lead.

What is the first length of a winning margin?

The first length of any winning margin is always the length of the winning horse, with any further lengths measured by the gap between the tail of the winner and the nose of the runner-up. Of course, many horse races are also won by margins of less than a length, and there are other terms used to describe these winning distances. ...

What is the length of a horse?

What is A Length In Horse Racing? A length in horse racing is actually a measurement of time but is based simply on the length of a horse and it’s stride pattern, typically 8 to 9 feet long . This measurement of a length is used to describe the winning margins between horses in races.

What are the factors that always need consideration in a race?

Factors that always need consideration are the distance and the going description, while the draw can play a major factor in flat races. The nuances of racecourses in the United Kingdom and Ireland can also be completely different. Some racecourses are left-handed, while others are right-handed.

What are the measures used to describe winning distances of less than a length?

Measurements that are used to describe winning distances of less than a length include three-quarters of a length, half a length, a neck, short neck, head, short head, and a nose. These are all self-explanatory when you picture the conformation of a horse’s body.

Overview

History

Basics of drag racing

Racing organizations

Classes

Dial-in

Historic cars

Glossary

What Is Drag Racing?

The Track

• The length of a drag racing track is, as you can probably guess, a quarter-mile, or 1,320 feet, with each lane measuring 30 feet wide. Here are the various components of the track: 1. Burnout (aka “water”) Box: An area reserved for vehicles to enter that’s been sprayed down with water to help reduce friction as a driver initiates a burnout. 2. Pre-...

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