Drag racing is a high-speed motorsport in which two cars race over a straight, quarter-mile track. The spelling of "drag racing" reflects the English language's often idiosyncratic orthography, with the /drag/ sound spelled with the letters d-r-a-g. The /r/ sound is represented by the letter "r," and the /eɪsɪŋ/ sound is spelled with the letters r-a-c-i-n-g. In IPA phonetic transcription, drag racing is pronounced /dræɡ ˈreɪsɪŋ/, with stress on the first syllable.
Drag racing is a high-speed motorsport competition that involves two vehicles accelerating in a straight line from a standing start to a designated finish line. The objective of drag racing is to determine which vehicle can cover the specified distance in the shortest amount of time. This sport originated in the United States in the early 20th century and has gained immense popularity worldwide.
Typically taking place on a designated drag strip, drag racing involves specially modified automobiles known as dragsters or hot rods. These vehicles are equipped with powerful engines, enhanced suspensions, and aerodynamic modifications to maximize speed and performance. The event commences with a "Christmas Tree" signaling device, consisting of a series of lights that indicate when the race is about to start.
During a drag race, the vehicles line up side by side at the starting line called the "starting grid." The race then begins with both drivers engaging their engines and releasing the brake pedals. The race is a test of a vehicle's acceleration capabilities as the drivers must skillfully maneuver their car to reach the finish line before their opponent.
Drag racing is characterized by its exhilarating thrill, where speeds reaching or exceeding 300 miles per hour are not uncommon. It requires precise timing, exceptional driving skills, and fine-tuned mechanical components. Additionally, it attracts a passionate fan base, with drag racing events drawing spectators who appreciate the raw power and excitement that this motorsport offers.
The word "drag racing" originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The term "drag" originally referred to a type of carriage or wagon, which was often associated with fast-moving transportation. The first appearance of the term "drag racing" can be traced back to the 1920s, when it was used to describe a type of street racing that involved modifying cars to achieve high speeds. The use of the word "drag" in this context may have been influenced by the concept of pulling (or dragging) a heavy load behind a vehicle, as these modified cars were often driven in a straight line over short distances. Over time, "drag racing" became the commonly used term to describe the high-speed, straight-line acceleration races that take place on racetracks or designated sections of public roads.