Drag Racing
Drag racing is a motorsport where two vehicles race side-by-side on a straight track to see which one can reach the finish line first from a standing start.
Unlike circuit racing where cars navigate turns and complete multiple laps, drag racing is purely about acceleration and straight-line speed. The most common distance is a quarter-mile (1,320 feet or 402 meters), though some races use shorter distances like 1,000 feet or an eighth-mile. These races typically last just a few seconds, making drag racing one of the fastest and most intense forms of motorsport.
Races take place on a drag strip, which is a specially prepared straight track with a smooth surface. Each race involves just two competitors at a time, running in parallel lanes. The starting procedure uses an electronic device called a "Christmas Tree" that displays a sequence of colored lights to signal when drivers should launch their vehicles. When the green light appears, both cars accelerate as quickly as possible toward the finish line.
Three main measurements determine success in drag racing. Elapsed Time (ET) measures how long it takes to complete the run from start to finish. Top speed is recorded as the vehicle crosses the finish line. Reaction time tracks how quickly a driver responds to the green light, which can be the difference between winning and losing in close races.
There are two primary racing formats. In heads-up racing, both vehicles start simultaneously and the first to cross the finish line wins. In bracket racing, slower cars receive a head start based on their predicted performance, allowing vehicles of different capabilities to compete fairly against each other. Drivers must run close to their predicted time without going faster, which is called "breaking out" and results in disqualification.
Drag racing welcomes an incredibly diverse range of vehicles. Motorcycles, everyday street cars, modified hot rods, and purpose-built racing machines all compete in different classes. Top Fuel dragsters represent the fastest category, capable of exceeding 330 mph in less than four seconds. Funny Cars feature carbon fiber bodies resembling production cars, while Pro Stock vehicles look more like street cars but are heavily modified for racing.
Most drag racing events follow an elimination format similar to a tournament bracket. Competitors face off in pairs, with winners advancing to the next round and losers going home. This continues through multiple rounds until a final champion emerges. Major sanctioning bodies like the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) organize professional competitions and establish safety rules and class regulations that govern the sport worldwide.