I was pondering on Formula 1 engine power this morning, in particular the notion that they have more power than they can adequately put to the ground at times now. What does that say about the power available to the upper reaches of the NHRA classes, Funny Car and Top Fuel?
Well a current F1 engine is rated at slightly under 800 hp. Or the power of about three-plus V6 Camrys. An NHRA Top Fuel dragster is producing around 8000 hp. A stinking fleet of Camrys. Yeeha!!
While some decry what they see as the simplicity of drag racing (go straight then shut the car down), that mindset misses the preparation, the almost impossible task of putting that much power to effective use, and the sheer violence going on inside the engines.
Anyone, and I mean anyone, who has a driver's license can pilot a car down a quarter mile dragstrip in a time of 14 seconds or above. But there are not many drivers that I'd trust with a car capable of sub 8 second runs.
Unlike land speed records, where top speed is achieved after a fairly lengthy run up to the timed section of the course, drag racing occurs from a standing start. And another oddity of drag racing is that age doesn't seem to be an impairment, either old or young.
For grins, here's an amateur video of top fuel dragsters burning out (to warm up the tires) and then approaching the line for the run. Notice the crew members helping to position the cars to take maximum advantage of the grip on the track.
This isn't an NHRA event, but rather an FIA event held at Mantorp Park in Sweden. Ah, American Graffiti at work in Europe. ; -)
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