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Top Fuel
Race Classifications
Top Fuel is the premier category of drag racing featuring the fastest accelerating vehicles in motorsport, capable of reaching speeds over 330 mph in just seconds.
These specialized dragsters use a mixture of nitromethane and methanol fuel to power their massive 500-cubic-inch engines, which can generate approximately 11,000 horsepower. The name "Top Fuel" directly references this specialized fuel mixture that powers these extreme machines.
In NHRA competition, Top Fuel dragsters race on a 1,000-foot straight track, completing runs in roughly 3.6 seconds. The cars are recognizable by their long, narrow chassis design, large rear tires, and prominent rear wing that creates essential downforce at high speeds.