Features of the Drag Racing competition
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Features of the Drag Racing competition

Squeal of tires, noise of stands, green light, puffs of smoke, 10 seconds and victory! This is nothing more than drag racing competition. This type of racing has many adherents living all over the world. Let's take a closer look at this event: what are the features of the cars that are used in it and other subtleties.

What is drag racing

This is a car competition on a strictly limited section of the road. This is the unique difference between the race and other types of car racing. A special track is created for these races. It must have several lanes for traffic (this depends on the type of race and how many participants can be simultaneously, according to the conditions of the competition). The surface is as flat as possible, and the segment is always straight.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

Usually, a qualification is passed first, which shows the level of the cars and determines the starting position. Then a series of races is held, according to the results of which the winner is determined.

The race lasts only a few seconds, because the goal is to drive the section as quickly as possible and at the same time develop the highest speed. There are many classes of races, and the conditions of individual organizations have their own peculiarities. But there is something that unites them all. The check-in takes place on the segment:

  • One mile - 1609 meters;
  • Half a mile - 804 meters;
  • One fourth - 402 m;
  • One eighth - 201 meters.
Features of the Drag Racing competition

Here are the competition features that made drag racing so popular:

  1. A racing track is not just an asphalt road. The surface should provide the best possible grip on the tires of the racing car. For this, adhesives must be used in the composition. A mixture containing bitumen and special glue is ideal in this case. Oil leaks should not be allowed, because then the track loses its properties, and it needs to be re-treated with a product.Features of the Drag Racing competition
  2. A racing car - the classic version is a dragster. On the front axle, it has thin tires, and on the rear axle, the widest possible rubber, providing a large contact patch. Nitromethane is used as fuel. And one more important condition that the car must meet is the possibility of quick disassembly. For this reason, the body is made up of several modules. However, the design of the car depends on which racing class the team represents.Features of the Drag Racing competition
  3. The presence of a parachute. When the drag car accelerates to almost 400 km / h, the brakes no longer play any role. To slow down or stabilize the car, its design must include an ejected parachute.Features of the Drag Racing competition
  4. Non-standard cars or models may participate in races, which are usually not considered high-speed ones. This makes the competition spectacular and often with unpredictable outcomes.Features of the Drag Racing competition

Racing Cars - Dragsters

In order for the car to be able to quickly accelerate and finish safely, it must be modernized for the given driving style. The engine of such cars is boosted so much that at the start the transport literally shoots like a cannon. The power and torque of their power units is so great that their average speed will be around 400 km / h!

If during the race the driver was able to overcome this milestone, then he will be considered a high-class racer. The car must remain intact.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

There are several classes of cars that belong to the "street" type:

  • Light;
  • Nearly;
  • Unlimit.

The highest class is an improved modification of a serial car. While the power of the powertrain is a key factor in the ride, without the other two elements it will simply be useless. It's chassis and rubber.

Chassis

No other transport in the world uses this kind of chassis (by the way, what is it in a car, you can read separately), like a dragster. This element is designed so that the car can move in a straight line and can only maneuver to some extent.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

The driver is located in a frame made of welded thick pipes, which is located in the area of ​​the rear axle. This is a mandatory requirement for all cars, since dragters often crash. The material used to make the machine is chrome-molybdenum pipes. To give the vehicle a streamlined design, a lightweight carbon body is fitted over the entire frame.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

Rubber

As we have already noticed, the tires of such a car should be slick or no tread at all. Its quality is a combination of high strength and softness. Before the start, the driver warms up the tires. This is necessary in order for them to cling to the surface better on the track.

As you can see in the following video, the rubber at the start is under a monstrous load, from which it literally starts to spin:

Deformation of drag slicks during race [slow-mo]

Classes

Here is the classification of drag racing cars. They are listed in descending order of level.

Top fuel

It is considered the highest level of the race because the dragters with the maximum power are involved. These fireballs are made in the shape of an arrow and can be up to nine meters long.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

Funny car

The next class is also dregsters, only their carbon body has a bizarre shape. From what such race cars are called - "funny". In this class, there are units with a capacity not exceeding 6 hp. Under the body is a car with a modified chassis that can withstand the strongest load.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

Per floor

This is already a class in which stock car models can participate, only with a forced power unit. These can be two-door coupes or sedans.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

Pro Stock Bike

Only two-wheeled vehicles take part in this race class. Any modified bike with a wide rear wheel and slick.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

Per stock truck

Features of the Drag Racing competition

This is another subclass of drag racing, but already "pumped" trucks are involved in it. There are no restrictions either in the shape of the body or in the dimensions. Cars are classified by engine power, as well as other parameters.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

These are just the main niches in which racing cars are distributed. In fact, there are about two hundred varieties of them. Each association creates its own transport requirements.

Drag Racing Association

There are many different associations around the world. They can represent both an individual country and an entire continent.

USA

One of the most famous drag racing associations is NHRA (HotRod Association). It was created in the early 50s of the last century. Its center was in California, USA. W. Parks is officially recognized as the founder.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

The first championship was held under the leadership of this association (1953). Cars from four classes take part in it, which represent separate niches. To win, a car needs only to become the first in its class, and there is no need to compete with representatives of the highest category.

When the season ends, the winners are awarded the Wally Cup. It was named after the founder of the competition.

Europe

There are also several associations in European countries. They are mainly used for hot rods of passenger cars, but there are also exotic competitions on trucks.

Features of the Drag Racing competition

The British DRC Association is recognized as the most famous among European organizers. It was founded in the 64th year of the last century.

Other popular car races are described here. In the meantime, we suggest watching incredible drag race competitions:

TOP 5 Crazy Drag Racing Cases | Crazy drag races

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