Airfoil:
The airfoil is the same thing as a wing - a stabilizer, generally
used to create down force, which increases stability and tyre-to-track
adherence at maximum speed.
Breakout:
Used only in handicap, break out refers to a competitor running
quicker than he 'dialed-in' for his race (predicted how fast he
would run). Unless the opponent has committed a more serious foul,
the driver who breaks out has lost.
Burnout:
A burnout, that is to spin the rear tyres in water to heat and
clean drive tyre rubber prior to a run for better traction, precedes
every run.
Christmas Tree:
The 'Tree, as it is often referred to, is the noticeable electronic
device between lanes on the starting line that incorporates calibrated
lights displaying a visual countdown for each driver.
'Chute:
Short for parachute, the 'chute cuts a cars speed virtually in
half when released.
Dial-in:
The dial-in is the number indicating elapsed time, written in
shoe white on a handicap-classed car's window, that the driver
thinks his car will run. Because a driver must arrive at the finish
line first without running quicker than his dial-in, handicap
racing ensures that the driver with the best starting line reflexes
will win almost every time. This form of racing applies to E.T.
bracket cars and some VWDRC classes.
Displacement:
In an engine, displacement is the total volume of air/fuel mixture
the engine is theoretically capable of drawing into all cylinders
during one operating cycle.
E.T.:
Elapsed time, or E.T., is the time it takes to go from the starting
line to the finish line. It is the most important number in drag
racing.
Foul start:
A foul start is designated by a red-light left at the bottom of
the Christmas Tree when a car has left the starting line before
receiving the green light.
Holeshot:
A driver can win a race over a faster driver by reacting quicker
to the Christmas Tree starting lights, making use of a holeshot.
Headers:
Headers is another term for exhaust. Each exhaust outlet has its
own pipe, unlike a conventional exhaust manifold.
Hemi:
A hemi engine has a hemispherical shaped cylinder head combustion
chamber.
Index:
The index is the expected performance for a car in a given class.
It allows various classes to race together with an equitable handicap
start.
Line-lock:
An electrical device which locks up the front wheels only so that
the rear wheels can rotate freely without the car moving for the
duration of the burnout.
Methanol:
Technically, this fuel is pure methyl alcohol for use in Alcohol
Dragsters and Funny Cars.
RPM:
Stands for revolutions per minute. Is a measure of engine speed
as determined by crankshaft spin.
Stage:
To be 'in stage' is to be correctly waiting on the starting line.
When both cars are staged the Christmas Tree sequence will begin.
Supercharger:
The supercharger, or blower is a crank driven air/fuel compressor.
It raises atmospheric pressure in the engine, resulting in added
horsepower.
Slider Clutch:
The multi-disc slider clutch is designed to slip until a predetermined
rpm, where it finally locks up. It decreases shock load to the
drive wheels.
Shutdown area:
The run-off at the top end of the drag strip where cars slow down
before turning back towards the pits.
Slingshot:
An affectionate term for front engine dragsters. These can be
found racing in the Wild Bunch.
Turbocharger:
A turbocharger is an exhaust driven intake air compressor.
Traction bars:
Traction bars control rear end torque and stabilize suspension.
They transmit torque to the frame, increasing traction.
Two-step:
A two-step is used primarily on ACU/UK Championship Pro Stock
Bikes. This electronic device enables riders to programme a specific
rpm range for the launch.
Wheelie Bars:
Wheelie Bars prevent excessive front wheel lift and keep hard
launching cars from flipping over.
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