Dragstrip

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.

Dragstrip Media

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  The Hockenheimring dragstrip, 2005

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  Looking down a drag strip. Note the Christmas tree countdown lights in the center

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  Drag racing vehicles ready to race

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  Bring your own cars waiting to run down the dragstrip

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  A snowmobile racing against a Pro-Bike on the drag strip at Wisconsin International Raceway near Kaukauna, Wisconsin, USA.