Drag Racers, Why do we race ?

[Jim Kaekel]

Originally Posted by sst1226

At least once a year, usually in the middle of summer on a very hot day I find myself sitting inside a car with no roll-down windows, in an all black interior, in a full fire suit and I ask myself why am I doing this? For the time and money invested, I could be sitting on a boat right now out on the water somewhere with a cold drink in my hand. Why am I sitting in a trailer with no AC for sometimes hours on end and sometimes away from my family to make my next pass?

For me, I found the answer is the competition. I like to compete, period. I like the challenge of improving my car, and myself as a driver. Whether I'm foot braking or throttle stop racing, they appeal equally to me because they each present their own challenges to overcome. The speed has almost become secondary and a fringe benefit, because it seems that no matter how fast I go, I eventually become used to it. The money is nice, and can be a contributing factor to distance traveled to race or duration of a race I'll attend(1 day vs. 3 days). Trophies are nice but they don't factor into where or when I'll race.

I never understand why other racers will go out of their way to bash or look down at other racers who race in a different class or type of drag racing. Its all competition, just in a different flavor. Whether its finding more HP/maximizing your combo, finding consistencies in your program/yourself, or a little bit of all, we all compete with ourselves, and with our fellow racers to become better. From there on its a matter of preference and budget.

Winning a race, regardless of the scale is the highest of the highs and it validates the long hours spent in the garage maintaining/fixing/improving the car/tow rig, the time spent analyzing my program and sometimes the hours in between rounds. That is what keeps me coming back. In addition, losing a race that 9 other times based on my performance alone would have normally resulted in a win, but didn't because my opponent was better than me, motivates me to keep improving. That, coupled with some lucky rounds here and there. If/when I lose that motivation for competition, you'll be most likely to find me on a boat somewhere.

Very well said.

[Mike Pearson]

Originally Posted by sst1226

At least once a year, usually in the middle of summer on a very hot day I find myself sitting inside a car with no roll-down windows, in an all black interior, in a full fire suit and I ask myself why am I doing this? For the time and money invested, I could be sitting on a boat right now out on the water somewhere with a cold drink in my hand. Why am I sitting in a trailer with no AC for sometimes hours on end and sometimes away from my family to make my next pass?

For me, I found the answer is the competition. I like to compete, period. I like the challenge of improving my car, and myself as a driver. Whether I'm foot braking or throttle stop racing, they appeal equally to me because they each present their own challenges to overcome. The speed has almost become secondary and a fringe benefit, because it seems that no matter how fast I go, I eventually become used to it. The money is nice, and can be a contributing factor to distance traveled to race or duration of a race I'll attend(1 day vs. 3 days). Trophies are nice but they don't factor into where or when I'll race.

I never understand why other racers will go out of their way to bash or look down at other racers who race in a different class or type of drag racing. Its all competition, just in a different flavor. Whether its finding more HP/maximizing your combo, finding consistencies in your program/yourself, or a little bit of all, we all compete with ourselves, and with our fellow racers to become better. From there on its a matter of preference and budget.

Winning a race, regardless of the scale is the highest of the highs and it validates the long hours spent in the garage maintaining/fixing/improving the car/tow rig, the time spent analyzing my program and sometimes the hours in between rounds. That is what keeps me coming back. In addition, losing a race that 9 other times based on my performance alone would have normally resulted in a win, but didn't because my opponent was better than me, motivates me to keep improving. That, coupled with some lucky rounds here and there. If/when I lose that motivation for competition, you'll be most likely to find me on a boat somewhere.

I agree. Very good post. And I would bet most racers do it for the same reasons. I don't know if you have ever owned a boat but they take just about as much work and dedication as a race car. For every hour you spend on the water you will work 2 hours to keep the boat, motor and trailer in good running condition. Especially if you run it in salt water.

[John Kissel]

I race to see how fast I can make something that I built go. Since I don't get to go often,I forget about making the finish line stuff, and don't lift.. I have my fun with my slow car. Now, concerning the "B" word, I worked for ChrisCraft, building their house boats and the boats that were in the first seasons of Miami Vice. That was cool, seeing what I worked on on t.v.I would love to know if they still exist.Racecars are alot less work unless wadded up, you can always walk if they quit running, and they usually don't sink.John Kissel K242

[Bob Shaw]

I tried the boat deal a few years ago. It was fun for about 30 minutes. Not very exciting.

[GTX JOHN]

Raced boats after I stopped drag racing in the
80s. I quit after severing my left foot and spending
a couple years in a wheelchair and then a walker.

There is a reasonable amount of danger in Drag Racing (Particular
for the Trees when I am on the line).


I found that level much higher in the Race Boats and NOT
acceptable to me (Single Parent with two young boys).

[John Lang]

I've been doing this stuff for most of my life ! From the start in 1957, until this year, now racing my street car ! From E.T. car, to Super Stock Hemi ! Now my street car a 2011 Hemi challenger SRT392, w/auto, and street slicks ! Drive to track, at Union Grove, WI ! Have a great time as my age is getting to the point of amazement at an old Geezer ( 80 years old ) going down the track ! Having as much fun as years ago, or possibly more in my own little world !....John Lang Sheboygan, Wi !.