However, this mixture is not mandatory, and less nitromethane may be used if desired. Since 2015, NHRA regulations limit the composition of the fuel to a maximum of 90% nitromethane the remainder is largely methanol. The first female driver in the Top Fuel category is also the most associated female in the drag racing world, Shirley Muldowney, who won three championships during her career. Ear plugs and even earmuffs are often handed out to fans at the entrance of a Top Fuel event.ĭragsters are limited to a maximum wheelbase of 300 inches (7.6 m).Ĭurrently, the most prolific active driver in Top Fuel is Tony Schumacher, and the most successful crew chief is Alan Johnson, who was the crew chief for six of Schumacher's championships, the back-to-back titles won by driver Gary Scelzi and was the crew chief for his brother Blaine for his entire professional career. Before a run, race announcers usually advise spectators to cover or plug their ears. The engine of a Top Fuel dragster generates around 150 dB of sound at full throttle, enough to cause physical pain or even permanent damage. The massive airfoil over and behind the rear wheels produces much more, peaking at around 12,000 pounds-force (53.4 kN) when the car reaches a speed of about 330 mph (531.1 km/h). Additionally, the burnout applies a layer of fresh rubber to the track surface, which greatly improves traction during launch.Īt maximum throttle and RPM, the exhaust gases escaping from a dragster's open headers produce about 900–1,100 pounds-force (4.0–4.9 kN) of downforce. The International Hot Rod Association, which at the time sanctioned Top Fuel in Australia, dropped the 1/4 mile distance in September 2017 after Santo Rapisarda, a car owner who often runs NHRA races in the United States, pushed for the change.īefore their run, racers often perform a burnout in order to clean and heat tires. The shortening of the distance was used by the FIA at some tracks, and as of 2012 is now the standard Top Fuel distance defined by the FIA. The rule was introduced in 2008 by the National Hot Rod Association following the fatal crash of Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta during a qualifying session at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. This subjects the driver to an average acceleration of about 4.0 g 0 (39 m/s 2) over the duration of the race and with a peak of over 5.6 g 0 (55 m/s 2).īecause of the speeds, this class exclusively races to only a 1,000 foot (304.8 m) distance, and not the traditional one-fourth of a statute mile, or 1,320 feet (402.3 m). Top Fuel is a type of drag racing whose dragsters are the quickest accelerating racing cars in the world and the fastest sanctioned category of drag racing, with the fastest competitors reaching speeds of 335 miles per hour (539.1 km/h) and finishing the 1,000 foot (304.8 m) runs in 3.62 seconds.Ī top fuel dragster accelerates from a standstill to 100 mph (160.9 km/h) in as little as 0.8 seconds (less than one third the time required by a production Porsche 911 Turbo to reach 60 mph (96.6 km/h)) and can exceed 297 mph (478.0 km/h) in just 660 feet (201.2 m). Two Top Fuel dragsters side by side during an NHRA event in 2012
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