Drag racing is among the purest forms of motorsport. There’s no cornering involved; participants simply drive as fast as they can along a single strip of track – called a ‘drag’.
Know the Legalities and Find the Right Track
It’s essential to note that drag racing (or, in fact, racing of any kind) is illegal on public roads in the UK. To enjoy the sport, therefore, you’ll need to join a sanctioned event at a dedicated drag strip.
Your standard insurance probably won’t cover you for drag racing. Instead, you’ll need to get specialised insurance that covers motorsport activities. You’ll also probably need a special license, which in the case of drag racing is the National B Competition Licence from Motorsport UK.
Fixing Up Your Car for Drag Racing
In drag racing, success relies heavily on the vehicle itself. While the input of the driver might make a difference, most races are won by the vehicle that’s best suited to drag.
That means picking out the right car, and modifying it to the appropriate extent. The best approach is often to find a high-performance vehicle on the used market. Looking at used car dealers close in central London and close to you means that less time and money is spent during the process.
What really matters, of course, is power and acceleration. The more torque you’re able to create, the better. That means installing the right engine, and keeping it in good condition with the help of the right oil and general maintenance.
The heavier the vehicle, the more trouble your engine will have moving it. The more weight you can remove, the better. Unnecessary seats and spare tyres should ideally be dispensed with.
The way you change gears will matter hugely. A high-performance clutch is an essential investment. This applies especially if your car is rear-wheel drive.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning the role played by suspension and tyres. The more grip you’re able to exert on the road, the better your acceleration will be.
Mastering the Technique and Race Day Prep
Drag racing requires a pretty specific and specialised driving skillset. You’ll need to be quick off the mark – but not so quick that your wheels spin. This means being able to control your RPM at launch, and being able to modulate the throttle as you go. Your reaction time can also be improved through practice. Make sure that you put the hours in.
Getting ready for race day is also critical. Make sure that the vehicle is in peak condition, and make small adjustments based on the state of the track. Tyres that are ideal on a scorching hot summer’s day might be less than ideal when the track is wet.
