In the motorsport of drag racing, also known as quarter-mile racing, two drivers race side by side on a straight track for a quarter-mile (402 meters). The sport began in the United States in the 1930s, when hot rodders started racing their cars on dry lake beds in Southern California. The first drag strip, specifically for drag racing, opened in Santa Ana, California, in 1950. With this new track, the Santa Ana Drag Strip, came a safe and organized environment for drivers to compete, and it helped legitimize drag racing as a true sport.
Drivers in this highly competitive sport race to win prize money and championships in a variety of classes. The most popular classes are Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Top Fuel dragsters are the fastest cars in the world, capable of reaching speeds of over 330 mph. Funny Cars are similar to Top Fuel dragsters, but they are equipped with funny-looking bodies that are designed to look like other cars, such as Corvettes or Mustangs. Pro Stock cars are powered by naturally aspirated V8 engines, and Pro Stock Motorcycles are powered by supercharged V-twin engines.
Amateur drag racing is a more relaxed form of the sport. Drivers compete for fun and bragging rights in a variety of classes and events, including bracket racing, heads-up racing, and grudge matches. In bracket racing, drivers compete to see who can get the closest to a predetermined time. Drivers compete against each other directly in heads-up racing. Grudge matches are unofficial races often arranged between two rival drivers. Millions of people around the world take part in or enjoy watching the popular motor sport of drag racing. It’s a test of skill, speed, and power, and for the audience, it is a great way to see some of the fastest cars in the world.

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Ref: S461

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