Dragstrip facts for kids
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 begun from a standing start. Three factors decide the outcome of the race: reaction time, torque, and traction.
Features
A dragstrip is a straight racetrack, usually an eighth or a quarter of a mile long (660/1320 feet, 201/402 metres), followed by a shutdown area to allow automobiles room to stop after crossing the finish line. Common features also include a 'water box' where cars and motorcycles start their burn-outs to clean and heat up their tires to improve traction. There is a set of lights known as a 'Christmas Tree' that counts down to the start. There are also return lanes for the vehicles to return from the end of the track to the pit area.
Images for kids
-
The Hockenheimring dragstrip, 2005
-
Looking down a drag strip. Note the Christmas tree countdown lights in the center
-
Drag racing vehicles ready to race
-
Bring your own cars waiting to run down the dragstrip
-
Snowmobile vs. Motorcycle
See also
In Spanish: Pista de aceleración para niños
