Automakers used these racing events to test numerous parts, components, systems as well as in marketing and promotional efforts. It has always been a critical aspect of car culture, dating back to the early days of automobile racing. However, through the course of each run, the spark plugs melt from the incredible amount of heat coming from the combustion chamber.Car racing is one of the most thrilling and exciting sports competitions the human race has ever created. This is the main reason why these motors use two spark plugs per cylinder, powered by twin magnetos that produce up to 44 amps of juice. Without sufficient spark, Top Fuel engines run the risk of hydro lock-where there’s more fuel in the combustion chamber than can be ignited-which can blow the cylinder head clean off the motor. This is commonly referred to as parasitic loss. However, superchargers take power to make power the blowers on Top Fuel dragsters generally need over 700 horsepower to provide the right amount of air for the car to produce the magic 11,000 hp. This is where a supercharger (also referred to as a blower) forces even more air into the combustion chamber to produce more power. While running a massive engine with equally large valves sounds like the perfect recipe for big power, it’s not enough when it comes to drag racing. And what does more air give you? More power. This design allowed for bigger valves, allowing much more air into the combustion chamber. The name “Hemi” came from the motor’s hemispherical (sphere-shaped) twin-valve combustion chambers. All the motors competing in events sanctioned by the National Hot Road Association of America (NHRA) follow the same design as Chrysler’s original 500-cubic inch (8.1-liter) Hemi Elephant race engine from 1964. Top Fuel engines are actually quite simple in design. Through the course of each run, the spark plugs melt from the incredible amount of heat coming from the combustion chamber. The sheer amount of fuel being injected into the combustion chamber allows for adequate cooling. So how do they not instantly overheat? Another unique advantage of nitromethane is that it has an incredibly high latent heat of vaporization, which means it can absorb a massive amount of engine heat as it vaporizes. These dragster motors don’t have any cooling radiators. This staggering fuel consumption not only makes big power, but also cools the engine. Top Fuel dragsters are unsurprisingly thirsty machines, burning anywhere from 16 to 23 gallons of fuel throughout warmup, burnout, staging, and a four-second run. Ergo, you can burn a lot more nitro in the combustion chamber, leading to much more power from every explosion inside the engine. However, nitromethane is actually much less volatile than gasoline. This alternative “top fuel” (hence the name) is essentially gasoline that’s been pre-mixed with nitrous oxide. Starting with fuel, these race cars use nitromethane instead of gasoline. The Bizarre Story of the Porsche 935 K3 Race Car.The (frankly ridiculous) amount of power coming from these machines is made possible by optimizing that mixture of fuel, air, and spark. The engine in a Top Fuel dragster is largely similar to what you’ve got under the hood of your daily driver. These are the building blocks of horsepower. However, the top level of the sport has since evolved into a horsepower shootout, with the fastest Top Fuel dragsters cranking out up to 11,000 hp.įor any internal combustion engine to function, you need three ingredients: fuel, air, and spark. Following such a visceral experience-which could’ve fooled me into thinking the world was ending-I did some digging to find out what makes these machines tick.ĭrag racing is one of the simplest forms of motorsport without any corners, pit stops, or gear changes, it boils down to “whoever’s fastest wins.” The sport began with a simple “run what you’ve brung” ethos, breeding big amounts of fun at little expense. But few experiences are etched into my brain quite as deeply as when I heard two 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragsters fire off the starting line.
#Drag race car drivers#
I’ve been to racetracks all over the world to see the best riders and drivers on two and four wheels, respectively. Like any self-respecting petrolhead, I’m captivated by all things internal combustion.
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