Drag racing is a popular race for speed. Its objective is to complete a given straight-line distance from a standing start, ahead of a vehicle in a parallel lane. The track is usually a ¼ mile or 400 meters distance. In the 1990s, the 1/8 mile-distance (200 meters) became famous. The sports grew constantly across the globe after gaining popularity in the USA. At the year 2009, there is a recognizable increase of drag strips in operation in developed countries.

Drag racing is a race only involving two cars. This depends on the type of racing; cars may or may not be given the signal to start at the same moment. The first car to finish is the winner. Then the winner proceeds to the next round. The cars used in drag racing ranges from daily car to the custom built car for drag racing. The speeds and time limit time range from class to class. The custom built vehicles takes 4.5 seconds or less while average cars cover the ¼ mile in 12 to 16 seconds.

Drag racing is a good performance test for acceleration. It is a cheap and easy form of racing in the sense that it can be done on sub-streets at night when there is less or zero traffic. The normal people may consider drag racing as not a “true racing” because it only measures one aspect of the automobile’s ability. But for enthusiasts, drag racing is more than just mashing the gas and shifting gears. This requires a lot of skill to hop into an unfamiliar car and push every last tenth of a second out of it. Some fanatics said that the 100% one puts into launching down a straight line as fast as it takes, not worrying about braking after passing the traps provides him a great excitement.

Drag racing is simply a test of what your car can do in a certain length of time and being one with your car as car articles mention. This is not like circuit racing where you have to drive hard and in turns and you need to slow down to keep on the course. You need to keep an eye on your gauges and observe everything about your car for once you miss something like engine temp, you can be seriously hurt and set your car in fire for a short period of time when talks about drag racing. You also have to pay attention to your rival also, try to hear your car over his and watch the signal very carefully or else you sit on the line while the other guy already made his mark.

The adrenaline rush is one of the best parts about drag racing. The competition itself is what makes it more thrilling. Slightly watching street racing videos can excite you, much more if you are the one racing. Once you got somebody to beat, the adrenaline just starts going.