Amateur Drag Racing, a wife's view

_{This material was written by PegCole17 who retains all rights to publication. If you are reading this on any site other than HubPages then this material has been copied without my permission and is a violation of copyright law. I would appreciate if you would contact me at pegcole17.hubpages.com to report any misuse.}

Attending a drag racing event in person is a must for the serious racing fan. The distinct smell of racing fuel, burning rubber and the promise of speed provides an arena of sights and sounds that can't be duplicated elsewhere.

Drivers waiting in the pits tune their ears to stadium announcements waiting for their class to be called to the starting line. Once staged in the lanes, racers use this idle time to network with other drivers to exchange performance tips and share their admiration of the powerhouses behind these fast cars. Top fuel dragsters, funny cars, pro-stock series and bracket racers wait in the long lines to do their burnout and take off down the quarter mile track.

And speaking of burn outs, you'll want to grab one of those drag strip hot dogs that have been boiling since last September and your favorite beverage on your way to the stands. Get the earplugs ready because you're sure to need them.

A drag race is a contest between two vehicles that begins from a standing start. A drag racing event is a series of eliminations, where after each round, one car wins and the other car is eliminated.

The winner of each round of eliminations continues to the next round, racing two cars at a time until only one car remains in the final round: the winner!

Drag racing is a sanctioned sport with specific criteria for participation. An important distinction to most racers is that drag racing is not street racing. Requirements vary based on the category or class of car being raced.

There are strict safety requirements to protect the drivers including helmets and fire suits for most classes. Some categories require additional safety harnesses and even roll cages. To ensure that technical requirements are met, each driver must present their car to tech inspection prior to the race.

Attending my first National Event in 1987, we got pit passes allowing us on the racer's side of the track where the real action happens. You can stroll down pit lane, buy mementos at the souvenir stand and check out the big dollar teams performing engine transplants between rounds. Watch out for that race car headed toward the staging lanes!

That event, Big Daddy Don Garlits was in competition along with Ed the Ace McCullogh, Don the Snake Prudhomme and Eddie the Thrill Hill. Collecting autographs from the big name racers is a favorite pastime of race fans. Weary feet from walking the distance is a small price to be up close and personal with these great drivers and their crews.

After that first introduction into racing I've attended my share of events along side the amateur racer who is now my husband, treading miles of steaming asphalt, waiting in line for hours amid hundreds of cars packed into the staging lanes. Slowly progressing with the other bracket racers, we would manually push our first race car forward in an effort to save both the battery expensive racing fuel as we inched toward the starting line. What a thrill to finally get to the front and do that burn out.

Two main performances are measured in a round of elimination: speed and elapsed time. Although speed is important, the results are determined by a number of other things such as reaction time. How quickly a car leaves the starting line can be the determining factor in a win or loss. Equally important, if a car leaves the starting line too soon they "foul" or red light resulting in a loss. Unless the other driver also fouls.

The race is started using an electronic device known as the Christmas tree, a pole with a series of colored lights. The first yellow l.e.d.lights come on when the drivers have pre staged, meaning their front tires have crossed the first photocell. When the car rolls forward to rest on the starting line the next yellow staging lights come on. Once both cars have properly staged the starter activates the tree and the green light follows. Green, of course, alerts the driver to launch.

The winner of the race depends on a number of things besides crossing the finish line first. Drivers may not cross the center line or strike any track equipment or touch the guardrail. Doing so results in a loss. No one wants to be a runner up in this sport.

Despite hectic activity and a loud environment, Drag Racing appeals to a variety of fans who wish they were in the driver's seat. Check your local area for nearby drag strips. Usually there's a street class event that allows regular street cars to participate. With safety squads standing by and protected with specialized gear, this is your best place to race.