The phrase drag race, meaning a competition between two vehicles to see which is faster, is often misspelled as "draggerace" or "dragrace." The correct spelling is "drag race." The word "drag" refers to the action of pulling something along, and "race" means a contest of speed. The correct pronunciation of drag race can be represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /dræɡ reɪs/, with the "a" in "drag" pronounced as in "cat" and the "ai" in "race" pronounced as in "face."
Drag race is a high-speed competition between two or more vehicles, typically automobiles or motorcycles, to determine which one can accelerate from a standing start to the finish line in the shortest time possible. It is characterized by its fast-paced, straight-line format, usually taking place on a specially prepared track known as a drag strip.
The objective of a drag race is for the vehicles to demonstrate their acceleration capabilities and reach the highest possible speed within a given distance, often a quarter-mile or an eighth-mile. This type of race is highly regulated for safety, with specific rules and regulations regarding vehicle categories, modifications, and safety equipment.
The start of a drag race is commonly known as a "standing start" or "green light start," wherein the vehicles line up side by side, waiting for the signal to begin. Once the race starts, the drivers push their vehicles to the limits, employing various driving techniques and strategies to attain the quickest acceleration and cross the finish line before their opponents.
Drag racing has gained immense popularity within the automotive enthusiast community, attracting both amateur and professional drivers. Its prominent presence within popular culture, including films, television shows, and video games, demonstrates its widespread appeal. Moreover, the exhilarating speed and adrenaline-fueled nature of drag racing have made it a beloved spectator sport that draws crowds seeking excitement and thrill.
The term "drag race" originated in the United States in the early 20th century and has its roots in the world of horse racing. In traditional horse racing, a "drag" was a device that was used to smooth and level the uneven dirt tracks, dragged behind a horse or a vehicle.
The term "drag race" was later applied to a form of motor racing where two vehicles competed against each other in a short sprint over a straight and level track. It was first used in the late 1920s and early 1930s, primarily among participants in Southern California's dry lakebed racing scene.
Over time, the term gained popularity and became primarily associated with the acceleration-based motor sport where cars would compete in a straight line, covering a quarter-mile distance as quickly as possible.