Drag Racing: Stars and Cars of the Quarter Mile

Drag Racing: Stars and Cars of the Quarter Mile

by TimothyMiller (Author)

Synopsis

Two cars, a straight line and a burning desire to win.

Drag racing is the simplest and purest form of auto racing: two competitors accelerate from a standing start to the finish line. Once considered the bad boy of motorsport, drag racing has evolved into one of the most technically sophisticated forms of automotive competition. There are almost 400 professional racetracks devoted to competitive drag racing in North America.

In Drag Racing Timothy Miller reviews the history of the sport and explains the differences between the specific car classes, such as top fuelers, funny cars, alcohol cars, pro modifieds and pro stock. Profiles of the sport's pioneers and today's best-known names are also included.

Consider these remarkable statistics from modern drag racing:

  • From a dead stop, a top fuel dragster is the fastest-accelerating vehicle in the world and, at full throttle, consumes the same amount of fuel as a fully loaded Boeing 747.
  • During the launch of a fuel car, the driver sustains close to five Gs of gravitational pull -- more than a space-shuttle astronaut.
  • Today's pro modifieds are capable of traveling a quarter mile in less than six seconds at speeds that exceed 240 miles per hour.

Burn rubber, eat smoke and feel the earth rumble in Drag Racing.

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Quantity

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 208
Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd
Published: 28 Sep 2009

ISBN 10: 1554074460
ISBN 13: 9781554074464

Media Reviews
Encompasses all aspects of drag racing, from a strong segment on the history of the sport to today's top drivers in the NARA and IHRA. There is a section on all car classes, from Stockers to Top Fuellers, a drag racing 101 primer, which delves into the mechanics of the sport, and chapters dedicated to women in the sport and legends in the sport. The book is profusely illustrated with exciting and colorful photographs. The book also employs a bevy of illustrations of drag racing cars and other items related to the sport presented in a realistic fashion.-- (11/23/2009)
Loaded with great photos, a number of which never before published... Tim's book would make a great gift for anyone with even a casual interest in the sport of drag racing... Burn rubber, eat smoke and feel the earth rumble in Drag Racing.-- (12/01/2009)
Readers can almost smell the rubber burning in this glossy overview of drag racing.... Not an encyclopedia--it doesn't list titles or records or have an A-Z format--Miller's work provides a chapter-by-chapter introduction to the rules of the sport, the classes, and the drivers, both legendary and contemporary. From an explanation of the iconic Christmas tree lights that start a race to a diagram that plots the quarter-mile of a contest, the text is enthusiastic but not fawning. Over 160 photos, mostly color but some vintage black and white, make up half the book. The confusing array of classes--fuel, alcohol, pro modified, pro stock, and sportstman--are explained. Women are especially well represented, in both a separate chapter and in chapters on legends and top drivers.... Essential for drag racing fans and libraries in communities where drag strips draw crowds.-- (02/15/2010)
With graphics and color photos that demonstrate the intricacies of the sport, this book is a great way for the beginner to get acquainted with the different classes of cars and different techniques employed in drag racing. There is also a summary of the history of the sport.-- (11/11/2009)
Simply fascinating comes to mind when describing the latest book on drag racing... Tim Miller has proven that not all books on drag racing are the same as he explores many elements that often elude other authors. One area of discussion that Evo commends Miller for covering is the achievement and impact of women on the sport. Whether you're just learning about the sport or have been an avid enthusiast for decades Miller's style of writing and awesome photography appeals to the racer in us all.-- (11/05/2009)
Author Bio

Timothy Miller is an automotive journalist and the author of NASCAR Now!, just published in its third edition. He lives in Hamilton, Ontario.