Dragstrip
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] 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 135 mph (217 km/h).
[edit] Dragstrip locations
[edit] Typical quarter mile times
| SI units | |
|---|---|
| 0.4023360 km | 402.3360 m |
| US customary / Imperial units | |
| 0.2500000 mi | 1320.000 ft |
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.
| Vehicle | Quarter Mile | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 Kawasaki ZX-14 motorcycle | 9.65 sec @ 153 mph (246 km/h) | [1] |
| 2006 Bugatti Veyron | 10.2 sec @ 141 mph (227 km/h) | [2] |
| 2007 Honda CBR600RR motorcycle | 10.6 sec @ 133 mph (214 km/h) | [3] |
| 2004 Porsche Carrera GT | 11.3 sec @ 131 mph (211 km/h) | [4] |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 11.5 sec @ 126 mph (203 km/h) | [5] |
| 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 | 11.6 sec @ 126 mph (203 km/h) | [6] |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG | 11.9 sec @ 123 mph (198 km/h) | [7] |
| 2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 | 12.2 sec @ 120 mph (190 km/h) | [8] |
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL600 | 12.4 sec @ 114.8 mph (184.8 km/h) | [9] |
| 2007 Bentley Continental GT | 12.9 sec @ 108.5 mph (174.6 km/h) | [10] |
| 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 | 13.2 sec @ 109 mph (175 km/h) | [11] |
| Vehicle | Quarter mile time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rocket dragster | 3.2 sec @ ~390 mph (630 km/h) | |
| Top Fuel Dragster | 4.4 sec @ ~335 mph (539 km/h) | [12] |
| Funny Car | 4.6 sec @ ~330 mph (530 km/h) | [12] |
| Top Alcohol | 5.2 sec @ ~250 mph (400 km/h) | |
| Pro Modified | 6.0 sec @ ~230 mph (370 km/h) | |
| Pro Stock | 6.6 sec @ ~205 mph (330 km/h) | [12] |
| Pro Stock Motorcycle | 7.0 sec @ ~195 mph (314 km/h) | [12] |
| Electric Motorcycle | 7.8 sec @ ~168 mph (270 km/h) | [13] |
| Species | Quarter mile time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Human (400 m record by Michael Johnson) |
43 seconds @ 18 mph (29 km/h) | 400 metres (437 yd) circular/oval track. |
| Turtle (average adult) | 1 to 2 hours @ 0.15 mph (0.24 km/h) | Speed varies greatly by species.[14] |
[edit] References
- ^ Motorcycle USA
- ^ Road & Track
- ^ Motorcycle USA
- ^ Road & Track
- ^ Road & Track
- ^ Car and Driver
- ^ Car and Driver
- ^ Road & Track
- ^ Road & Track
- ^ Road & Track
- ^ Car and Driver
- ^ a b c d NHRA
- ^ TG Daily
- ^ Shweky, Rachel (1999). Speed of a Trortoise or Turtle. The Physics Factbook.
