The Basics of Drag Racing
What is a Drag Race?
In basic terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest from
a standing start between two vehicles over a measured distance. The accepted standard for
that distance is either a quarter-mile or an eighth-mile. These contests are started by
means of an electronic device commonly called a "Tree" (or sometimes
"Christmas Tree"). Upon leaving the starting line, each contestant activates a
timer which is, in turn, stopped when the same vehicle reaches the finish line. The
start-to-finish clocking is the vehicle's E.T. (elaspsed time), which serves to measure
performance and often serves to determine handicaps during competition.
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Who can Compete?
Virtually anyone can compete in drag racing. Riders are required to have valid STDBA
Competition Liscense and must be capable of the safe operation of the
motorcycle. The
motorcycle must meet basic safety criteria (i.e. have good brakes, be equipped with good
tires, etc.). This applies to most streetable type motorcycles. faster all-out race
motorcycles must meet more stringent requirements as outlined by the SVEMO
Rulebook, and
riders of Dragsters, Modifieds, etc. must hold the appropriate SVEMO Competition
Liscense.
(For Scandinavia).
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Safety's Importance
Prime responsibility for the safe condition and operation of a motorcycle in
competition rests with the motorcycle's owner and rider. The track operators main concern
is that of providing a place to conduct events. STDBA produces guidelines based on
experience gained at many events each year and circulates valid information to help
perpetuate the sport and maintain good organization. Total responsibility for drag
racing's progress, however, must be shared by everyone associated with the sport. Close
observance of the standards set forth by the SVEMO Rulebook is an important fundamental.
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Who Wins What?
A drag racer's primary objective is to become the overall winner of the catagory of
competition in which his/her bike is classified. A series of two-bike, tournament-style
eliminations are conducted. The losing vehicle in each race is eliminated, while the
winning riders progress into succeeding rounds of competition. This series of races
continues until one winning rider remains. That rider is declared the category's
winner.
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E.T. Handicapped Racing
While some racers choose to race vehicles they build to certain specifications to fit
into a certain STDBA class , an ever-growing
number of racers choose to race on a local level in catagories divided on the basis of
performance or E.T. (elasped time) Brackets. This is know as E.T. Handicap racing. This
form of drag racing offers a good starting point for the novice wishing to become involved
in the sport. However, thousands of drag racers enjoy E.T. Handicap Racing so much that
they have participated in it for many years. In this form of racing, two motorcycles of
varying performance potentials can race on a potentially even basis. The anticipated
elapsed times for each motorcycle are compared, with the slower motorcycle receiving a
headstart equal to the difference of the two. With this system, virtually any two
motorcycles can be paired in a competitive drag race. For example: motorcycle
"A" has been timed at 17.87, 17.74 and 17.76 seconds for the
quarter-mile, and
the rider feels that a "dial-in" of 17.75 is appropriate. Meanwhile, the rider
of motorcycle "B" has recorded elasped times of 15.27, 15.22 and 15.26 on the
same track and he has opted for a "dial-in" of 15.25. Accordingly, motorcycle
"A" will get a 2.5 second headstart over motorcycle "B" when the
"Tree" counts down to each bike's starting green light. If both motorcycles
cover the quarter-mile in exactly the predetermined elasped time, the win will go to the
rider who reacts quickest to the starting signal. That reaction to the starting signal is
called "reaction time". Both lanes are timed independently of one
another, and
the clock does not start until the motorcycle actually moves. Becasue of this, a vehicle
may sometimes appear to have a mathematical advantage in comparative elapsed times but
actually lose the race. The fact makes starting line reflexes extremely important in drag
racing.
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The Starting System
Essentially, drag racing is a pairing of two vehicles against one another in a race
through a straightaway course. Hence, the start is the key to its uniqueness, becasue all
races start from a standstill. Today's modern starting system, commonly referred to as the
"Tree", is a product of continued development, designed to provide each
competitor with the fairest start possible. The system features a verticle series of
lights, displaying a visual countdown for each rider. Most riders try to make their move
between the last amber light going off and the green light coming on. Technique in staging
and starting is one of the most vital skills an E.T. Handicap drag racer can
develop,
since a majority of races are won or lost at the starting line. Close observation and lots
of practice pays off.
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Timing Methods
Two seperate performances are monitored for each run: the elasped time and the speed.
On an elasped time run, the motorcycle leaves the starting line, "breaking" the
light beam which activates the electronic timer. As the bike continues through the
course,
the timer records the elapsed seconds and fractions of seconds until the bike breaks the
finish line beam and stops the timer. Top speed is determined by the bike's tires breaking
two additional light beams, at the finish line.
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What is "Break-Out" and/or "Red Light"?
Should a rider go quicker than his/her predetermined
E.T. "dial-in" it is a
"break-out", and grounds for disqualification. In the case of both motorcycles
making their runs under their dial-ins, the win goes to the driver who breaks out the
least. Another form of disqualification is a foul start (or "red-light"). This
happens when the driver reacts to the "Tree" too quickly and drives away from
the startling line before the green "go" signal. Should dual infractions
occur,
say a red-light and then a break-out, the red-light would be classified as the worst
infraction.
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