Drag racing is
the art of covering a quarter mile (440 yards) as fast as possible from
a standing start. As well as highly specialised drag racing machines, there
are a wide variety of classes for other vehicles, including roadgoing saloons
and sports cars.
The most expensive cars are capable of
covering the quarter mile in under six seconds. Heavy American influence
has resulted in some colourful terms for the various classes: Funny Car,
Top Alcohol and Top Fuel are all well known to the enthusiastic drag racing
fraternity.
The best way to start is by joining one
of the drag racing clubs, which organise approximately 20 events at three
different venues throughout the season.
Major UK
events
Minimum requirements
Any roadworthy car; a crash helmet and flame
resistant overalls. You must be at least 8 years old (for Junior Dragsters)
and hold an MSA Competition
Licence.
Specialist contacts
-
Avon
Park International Racing Association. Mrs C Richardson, 72, Curtis
Avenue, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3UW. Tel: 01235 532402(h).
-
British National Drag Racing Association.
Richard Huck, 17 Southampton Road, London NW5 4JS. Tel: 0207 485 0473.
-
Pennine
Drag Racing Club. Mrs Cathryn Napier, 72, Shearwater Avenue, Darlington,
DL1 1DQ, Tel: 01325 350268, email: Cathtig@aol.com
-
Santa
Pod Racers Club. Ms Paula Marshall, PO Box 12, Rushden, Northants,
NN10 0ZU. Tel: 01933 313625 (w).
Permanent venues
-
Shakespeare
County Raceway at Avon Park. Long Marston, Near Stratford-Upon-Avon,
Warwickshire (OS map ref 151/174482). Tel: 01789 414119..
-
Santa
Pod. Near Wellingborough, Bedfordshire (OS map ref 153/938620).
01234 782828.
-
York
Raceway.Melbourne Airfield, near Pocklington, North Yorkshire (OS
map ref 105/760420). Tel: 01422 843651
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