Bleach Box

A Bleach Box is a designated area at the starting line of a drag strip where drivers apply liquid to their tires before performing a burnout to improve traction.

In drag racing, getting the best possible start is crucial for winning races. The Bleach Box plays an important role in this process by helping drivers prepare their tires for maximum grip. When drivers pull into this area, they wet their rear tires with liquid, which allows them to spin the tires more easily during the burnout process.

The burnout itself involves spinning the tires while keeping the car stationary, creating friction that heats up the rubber. This heating process makes the tires stickier and more flexible, which translates to better traction when the green light signals the start of the race. The burnout also cleans any debris or dirt off the tire surface.

Originally, drag racers actually used household bleach in the Bleach Box, which is how this area got its name. The bleach would break down the rubber slightly and create the slippery surface needed for an effective burnout. However, safety concerns arose because bleach could react with certain tire compounds and create dangerous situations.

Today, most professional racing organizations like the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) require drivers to use plain water instead of bleach. This change has led many people to call this area the "water box" rather than the Bleach Box, though both terms are still commonly used in drag racing circles.

The Bleach Box is typically located just before the starting line, marked clearly on the track surface. Drivers have a limited amount of time to complete their burnout before moving forward to stage for the actual race. Understanding how to properly use the Bleach Box is essential knowledge for any drag racer looking to maximize their performance.