Dark Side Racing  Fun Nitro Facts

 Did You Know…..

 …that the nitromethane-powered engines of Top Fuel dragsters produce more than 6,000 horsepower, about 40 times that of the average street car or 10 times that of a train locomotive?

 …that Top Fuel dragsters accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in about 0.8 seconds, almost 11 seconds quicker than it takes a production Porsche 911 Turbo to reach the same speed?

 …that Top Fuel dragsters leave the starting line with a force nearly five time that of gravity, the same force of the space shuttle when it leaves the launching pad at Cape Canaveral?

 …that a Funny Car is slowed by a reverse force more tan seven times that of gravity when both parachutes deploy simultaneously?

 …that Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars consume between four to five gallons of fuel during a quarter-mile run, which is equal to between 16 and 20 gallons per mile?

 …that Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars travel the length of more than four football fields in less than five seconds?

 …that Top Fuel dragsters can exceed 270 mph in just 660 feet?

 …that from a standing start, Top Fuel dragsters accelerate faster than a jumbo fighter and a Formula 1 race car?

 …that a fuel pump for a Top Fuel dragster delivers 65 gallons of fuel per minute, equal to eight bathroom showers running at the same time?

 …that depending on size and angle, the large rear wing used on Top Fuel dragsters develops between 4,000 and 8,000 pounds of down force?

 …that the 17-inch rear tires on Top Fuel dragsters wear out after four to six runs, or about 2 miles?

 …that it takes just 15/100 of a second for all 5,500 horsepower of a Top Fuel dragster engine to reach the rear wheels?

 …that it’s desirable for a Top Fuel dragster to race with its front wheels inches off the ground for about the first 200 feet of the run?  This ensures proper weight transfer to the rear wheels, a crucial part of a good launch and quick run.

 …that the nitromethane used to power the engines of Top Fuel dragsters costs about $30.00 us. per gallon, about 25 times the price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline.