Dragstrip

For the Transformers character, see Drag Strip.

A dragstrip is a facility for conducting automobile and motorcycle acceleration events such as drag racing. Although a quarter mile (402 m) is the best known measure for a drag track, many tracks are eighth mile (201 m) tracks. The race is generally begun with a standing start which allows three factors to affect the outcome of the race: reaction time, power and traction.

Features

A dragstrip is a straight, purpose-built racetrack, typically an eighth or a quarter mile long, with an additional shutdown area to allow vehicles time to stop after crossing the finish line. Common features also include a water box, where vehicles and motorcycles can do burn-outs to heat up their tires to improve traction. There is a set of lights known as a Christmas tree that counts down to launch time. There are one or two return lanes for the vehicles to return from the end of the track to the pit area.

Equipment requirements

Almost all sanctioned drag strips have strict rules for fast cars. Special racing safety equipment such as 10 (or more) point roll cages, windows nets, engine and transmission shielding, and protective clothing usually become mandatory for cars below 11 or 10 seconds. NHRA also requires roll cages and window nets for cars that finish a quarter mile at over .

Dragstrip locations

See Drag racing venues

Typical quarter mile times

Acceleration times differ even between identical vehicles due to widely varying testing methodologies - driver/rider differences, payload, track surface conditions, weather/air temperature and launching technique.

Production vehicles

Vehicle	Quarter Mile	Notes
2006 Kawasaki ZX-14 motorcycle	9.65 sec @
2006 Bugatti Veyron	10.2 sec @
2007 Honda CBR600RR motorcycle	10.6 sec @
2005 Ford GT	11.2 sec @
2004 Porsche Carrera GT	11.3 sec @
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren	11.5 sec @
2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10	11.6 sec @
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG	11.9 sec @
2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06	11.9 sec @
2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06	12.2 sec @
2007 Mercedes-Benz CL600	12.4 sec @
2007 Bentley Continental GT	12.9 sec @
2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8	13.2 sec @

Custom or racing vehicles

Vehicle	Quarter mile time	Notes
Rocket dragster	3.2 sec @ ~
Top Fuel Dragster	4.4 sec @ ~
Top Fuel Funny Car	4.6 sec @ ~
Top Alcohol	5.2 sec @ ~
Pro Modified	6.0 sec @ ~
Pro Stock	6.6 sec @ ~
Pro Stock Motorcycle	7.0 sec @ ~
Electric Motorcycle	7.8 sec @ ~

Living Species

Species	Quarter mile time	Notes
Human (400 m record by Michael Johnson)	43 seconds @	circular/oval track.
Turtle (average adult)	1 to 2 hours @	Speed varies greatly by species.

References

External links

• Dragtimes.com- an International Drag Slip Database
• Na-Motorsports US Drag Strip listings
• Hot Rod Association (NHRA)
• International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)