It is the simplest form of motorsport: two drivers race two cars on a straight track. First past the post wins. But, despite its simplicity and widespread participation, drag racing is often regarded as its own minority by the vast amounts of people who watch circuit racing. Habitually consigned to the depths of America’s sports television networks, it’s not as heavily publicized across the world as the two championships that define the US auto racing scene, which are of course NASCAR and IndyCar.
Yet, it’s doing something right. Every race is run in front of packed grandstands, and the quality of competition is as high as ever. What exactly is the NHRA doing that makes it such a success? I ventured into California’s Wine Country for the 27th Sonoma Nationals to discover the NHRA’s secret winning formula.
Firstly, there is plenty of nitromethane. Secondly, the racing is closer than any other form of motorsport.
When a winning margin of five hundredths of a second can be called comfortable, then those in charge must be doing something right. The championship features four main classes, the stars of which are the 36 Top Fuel and Funny Car entries that can clear the 1,000 ft strip of hazy tarmac in less than four seconds. Tremors are produced as the cars rocket past the picturesque environs of rolling hills and vineyards at over 300 mph, delivering a visual and aural feast that can’t be experienced at any other racing spectacle.
NHRA – Accessibility is Key
The NHRA’s most impressive asset is its ability to revolve the entire event around the fans. The pit area, nicknamed ‘Nitro Alley’, is an access all areas haven for the throngs of spectators to indulge in the most exquisite of drag racing machinery. All cars are located within an arm’s reach of the fans, so any pre-run tinkering and tuning that would normally occur behind closed doors is included in the basic viewing package. Looking back, when was the last time an F1 team allowed the general public into the garage to watch their mechanics change electrical components and settings, minutes before a race? This ‘up-close and personal’ attitude exhibited by the NHRA is what makes it stand out as a model example for the modern motorsport event. Yet, it remains under the radar.
The stars are accessible, too. Within ten minutes of waiting I had seen 16 time Funny Car World Champion John Force prepare his car and sign autographs before a crucial semi-final run (he’s the Michael Schumacher of the sport, times two and a bit). Wait another 30 minutes and crowd favourites like Tony Schumacher, Alexis DeJoria and Jeg Coughlin all appear, handing out posters and chatting to fans. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the drivers thrive as a result. The NHRA has clearly recognised that accessibility creates more enjoyment, for the drivers as much as the fans.
NHRA- Pure Racing
The NHRA has been the governing body of American drag racing since 1951. But despite such an evergreen history the cars have changed little, especially in the last twenty years. The organisers haven’t tried to tinker with the rules and regulations as severely as other series (DRS is an unknown term around the strip), which means that the NHRA retains its purity. The fans love seeing 320 mph dragsters spit flames and shake the ground, so why should the NHRA change anything? The ‘If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it’ mentality is a huge reason why the championship is enjoying such longetivy.
Engaging Future Fans
In terms of young supporters, the NHRA is also hitting a sweet spot. Bernie Ecclestone has faced a perennial struggle in recent years to keep the youth of the day interested in Formula 1’s complex developments. For the NHRA though, it’s far from a problem. The children come to the drag racing because they can get up close to the drivers, as well as take part in a variety of free activities.
There are also a number of female drivers (six of whom compete regularly), who serve as role models for a large portion of the younger fan base. And, they are far from being a group of PR gimmicks: Erica Enders-Stevens, for example, is currently dominating the Pro Stock championship, while sisters Courtney and Brittany Force both recorded the quickest qualifying times in their respective categories at Sonoma (Courtney went on to win Funny Car eliminations). All around there is inspiration and interaction for the younger generation, and it’s a welcome sight.
Although the NHRA has its own cult following of loyal supporters, many of whom adorn vibrant t-shirts depicting their favourite drivers, there still isn’t a great deal of excitement within the mainstream motorsport community about the championship. Yet, after witnessing what the series has to offer first hand, it’s clear that it deserves more. It’s not just a staple of American motoring heritage, but an intense competition that could easily teach some of motorsport’s more publicised sub-genres a lesson or two.
Of course, a race lasts less than four seconds. But there is a lot more to drag racing’s success than that. It’s the hidden gem of American motorsport, and its supporters are readily coming back for more.
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