What I Like About Drag Racing
By Ian Tocher
Sr. Editor, Drag Illustrated
(Photos by Ian Tocher; Click to enlarge)
Taken at face value, heads-up drag racing is about the simplest motorsport on the planet. You get the signal to go, race side-by-side to a pre-determined point, and whoever gets there first is declared the winner. There are no pit strategies, no interpretations of out-of-bound rules, no caution laps, no drafting partners, and no mileage races. It’s a speed contest, pure and simple.
Of course, we all know there’s a little more to it than that, but the premise never changes. Which begs the question, how many times do you need to watch that? Beyond the noise and acceleration, what’s the recurring attraction? What’s the big deal with drag racing?
I have to admit there’ve been times when I’ve questioned my own devotion—usually about midnight after it’s been raining all day, the track’s just been oiled for the sixth time that weekend, and I’m facing a four-hour drive to get home. Gotta’ admit, drag racing doesn’t seem like such a great pastime at such moments. And yet, I stay until the bitter end, take my final-round photos, do my winner’s circle interviews, and know I’ll be back for the next event. Why? Because I genuinely love the sport. Hardcore, as my old friend and mentor Jeff Burk likes to say.
But again, there’s more to it than that. When I think about why I enjoy drag racing, to a large degree it does stem from the purity and simplicity of a head-to-head speed contest. Maybe it’s A.D.D., but I like the instant gratification and finality of eliminations because it makes each and every round just as important as the next. (Try saying that about lap 112 in any NASCAR race.) There is just no opportunity to dog it in a drag race.
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I commend you on this masterpiece. I always find myself quiting half way throu reading articles. But this is just above and beyond. I am going to use it in my automotive class. You hit the nail square dead on the head. Battered warrior & so much more. Captivating all the way to the end. My son, friend and I built our own promod in our back yard. We won a local championship at NHRA's Sunshine Dragstrip, Clearwater Fl. We are now under going changes back in the shop getting ready for Feb. I would be honored if you look at our web site, sign the guest book if you can, Best regards Joe link: http://www.mendola.org