Top Fuel by the numbers

[mechmike0034]

This article is a couple of years old, but it is still an interesting read:

http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/112_0502_top_fuel_numbers/index.html


It takes 900 horses just to drive the supercharger on this engine. Welcome to the world's most brutally powerful motorsport.

http://images.motortrend.com/features/consumer/112_0502_numbers01_l.jpg

[johnnymk]

Everyone should see a top fuel dragster racing within their lifetime. It is an amazing experience. Viewing them running down the track on TV does not convey the power, the noise and the excitement.

I go to the Summernationals every year mostly to watch them and funny cars.

A little tidbit: Top fuel dragsters broke into the fours in 1988. And they are running in the low 4.4's now. I had figured years ago that they would increase their elapsed time by 1/20 of a second per year, which would mean they should be in the three's by now.

If I remember correctly, for safety reasons, NHRA put a limit on the rear axle ratio: 3.25:1?, they also limited the amount of nitromethane and I believe the supercharger speed. I may not be correct about the last item.

But I believe IHRA doesn't have as many limitations???

Oh well, I guess we will never see a 3.99 in drag racing.

[Maarchk]

23 gallons is scary...
900 dollars to fuel up is more scary.
I can't believe those things weigh a bit over a ton.
7 minutes... total racing time in a season! thats ill. and thats if you make the finals every time out.. haha i like it but dang that gratification is too instant.

[mechmike0034]

haha i like it but dang that gratification is too instant.

Kinda like sex, don'tcha think? About as expensive, too... :wavey2: