In basic terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest between two vehicles over a measured distance, but what is a holeshot? Or a breakout? Welcome to NHRA 101, your complete guide to the world of NHRA Drag Racing, from the terminology of the sport to what you need to enjoy a day at the races to info on the many different vehicles that take to the track during a race weekend.
All 23 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events feature same-day television coverage on ESPN2 of the Professional-class action with play-by-play from motor racing veteran Paul Page and expert color commentary by former Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mike Dunn. Sundays kick off with NHRA Race Day presented by Lucas Oil, a half-hour pre-race show that gets you up to speed for the day's activities. ESPN2 also offers coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. NHRA Drag Racing also is aired in Canada on TSN.
NHRA.com offers a wide array of multimedia features for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of NHRA Drag Racing. With video clips and photos from the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, the popular Auto Imagery Photo of the Week, and a gallery of .wav files for your computer, there's lots to see and hear in NHRA Multimedia.
Highways 37 and 121 Sonoma, CA 95476 www.infineonraceway.com Elevation: 15 feet Tickets: 800-870-RACE (7223) Radio Frequency: 87.9 FM
In the heart of Northern California’s high-tech region, the facility annually plays host to some of the tour’s most dramatic moments. A $70 million modernization project was completed in 2002 that included a new 660-foot concrete launchpad and led to scores of new track records. The event is usually blessed with pleasant weather that, combined with a quality racetrack, has yielded impressive performances, such as the sport’s second six-second Pro Stock Motorcycle pass in 2005.
How to Get There: The track is 35 minutes north of San Francisco at the junction of Highways 37 and 121. From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 to Highway 12 toward Napa/Sonoma to Highway 29 North. Follow Highway 29 to Highway 121, then head southwest to the track. For quick access, avoid using Highway 37 westbound from Vallejo to Highway 121. From East Bay cities, take I-580 west across the San Rafael Bridge to Highway 101, then travel north to Highway 37 east and turn left onto Highway 121. The entrance to the track is on the left side.
Visitor Information: Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, 707-522-5800, www.sonomacounty.com
“You’re absolutely blown away by the facility, just the size of the place is awe-inspiring and the quality is over the top. '' Tommy Johnson Jr., ion the Yas Marina facility
“Years ago when I first started out, I wanted to win here. To finally get a win here, I can’t be any more excited." -- Gainesville Pro Stock Motorcycle winner Eddie Krawiec
“We’ve had a lot of luck against John Force, and I don’t care what you say, that guy is still the man in nitro Funny Car.” -- Phoenix Funny Car winner Jack Beckman.
"Other than being a little sore, I’m OK. I just hate that we crashed a brand-new race car." -- Pro Stock racer Vinnie Deceglie, who crashed in qualifying in Phoenix
“I have to make something positive happen for this Summit Racing team." -- Greg Anderson
"Right now, I'm the last guy standing tonight and the happiest guy right now." -- Pro Stock winner Greg Anderson
"This is fun. If you’re not having fun now, you’re never going to have fun." -- Top Fuel leader Larry Dixon, on his tight points battle with Tony Schumacher
“To have a 105-point lead going into Pomona, it gives you a lot of confidence, but it’s still not over.” -- Las Vegas Funny Car winner and points leader Robert Hight
"All I need to do is stay consistent on my lights, and I should prevail.” -- Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Hector Arana
“Our lead isn’t very big — this is Pro Stock, and there’s no quit in these guys out here." -- Pro Stock front-runner Mike Edwards, who's on the verge of clinching his first Pro championship