Drag racing facts for kids

The Christmas tree counting down at SIR. This light system helps drivers start the race fairly.

Drag racing is an exciting sport where two special cars or motorcycles race against each other. They start at the same time and go in a straight line. The goal is to be the first to cross the finish line! Most races are on a track called a dragstrip, which is usually a quarter-mile long. An electronic system helps decide who wins.

How Drag Racing Works

Getting Ready to Race: Burnouts and the Christmas Tree

Before a race, drivers often do something called a burnout. This is when they spin their car's tires really fast. It heats up the tires and leaves some rubber on the track. This helps the tires get a better grip, so the car can launch faster!

After the burnout, the drivers line up at the starting line. Races are started using a special electronic system called a Christmas tree.

A Camaro launching at the start of a race. Sometimes, cars lift their front wheels, which is called a wheelstand.

The Christmas tree has several lights. When both drivers are ready, three big amber (yellow) lights flash, one after the other. Then, a green light turns on, which means "GO!" If a driver starts moving before the green light, a red light comes on for their lane. This means they are disqualified. Even if the other driver also starts too early, the one who left later might still win. If both drivers start after the green light, the one who leaves first has a "holeshot advantage."

Winning the Race: Time and Speed

The first vehicle to cross the finish line wins the race. It's not just about how fast your car is, but also how quickly you react!

Several things are measured in each race:

• Reaction time: This is how long it takes for the driver to start moving after the green light turns on.
• Elapsed time: This is the total time it takes for the vehicle to go from the starting line to the finish line.
• Speed: This is measured near the finish line and shows how fast the car was going at its fastest point.

Sometimes, a car with a slightly slower elapsed time can still win if its driver had a much faster reaction time. This is called a "holeshot win."

In most drag racing events, it's a knockout competition. The losing car and driver are out, and the winner moves on to race others. This continues until only one winner is left!

Drag Racing Organizations

North America's Main Drag Racing Groups

In North America, most drag racing events are managed by two main organizations:

• The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is the biggest group. They usually oversee races on larger, quarter-mile tracks.
• The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is smaller. They often work with smaller, eighth-mile tracks.

The IHRA sometimes has different rules, like allowing nitrous oxide or bigger engines in some races.

Images for kids

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  An early example, a 1958 Fuel dragster (technically, a rail), on display at the California Automobile Museum

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  Blown altered doing a burnout at Interlake Dragways, Gimli, Manitoba.

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  Caterpillar-sponsored dragster. Note wide slicks and high-mounted wing, to assist traction.

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  Top Fuel dragsters

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  A typical Pro Stock car.

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  Super Street Mustang

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  Dragster engine with dual-plug heads, dual ignition magnetos, and intake snorkel

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  Blazing Angel Jet Dragster

See also

In Spanish: Carreras de aceleración (automovilismo) para niños