What are drag race starting lights called?
Christmas tree
Modern drag races are started electronically by a system known as a Christmas tree. A common Christmas tree consists of a column of seven lights for each driver or lane, as well as a set of light beams across the track itself.
What do the lights mean in drag racing?
A drag racing event is a series of such two-vehicle, tournament-style eliminations. The stage bulbs light, indicating that the vehicle is ready to race. When both vehicles are fully staged, the starter will activate the Tree, and each racer will focus on the three large amber lights on his or her side.
How do drag racing staging lights work?
The starting line lights, or Christmas Tree, include two sets of staging lights—prestage and stage—that are linked to sensors that direct two infrared beams across each lane. When you cross the second beam, you trigger the stage light, indicating you are ready to race.
Why is it called drag racing?
The ‘roadway’ meaning of drag was transferred from England to the USA and, in the 1950s, the teenage pastime of racing cars ‘along the main drag’ began to be called ‘hot rodding’ or ‘drag racing’.
How long is a drag strip?
1,320 feet
Traditionally, a drag strip is 1,320 feet, which equals a quarter-mile. (One mile equals 5,280 feet.) Many classes in NHRA drag racing—actually, all but the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes—still compete on a quarter-mile course.
What is a good 60ft time in drag racing?
Most street-tired cars have 60 foot times around 2 seconds. The 660 foot mark is the halfway point of a quarter-mile track.
What is drag racing Christmas tree?
Christmas tree (drag racing) A pre-2011 CompuLink drag racing Christmas Tree as currently in use on the Curacao International Raceway. Modern drag races are started electronically by a system known as a Christmas tree.
What is drag racing reaction time?
In drag racing, when driver’s reaction time (when he leaves the start line) is seven thousandths of a second after the green light (.007). A “James Bond Red” is a reaction time of -.007 seconds (red light), which is disqualification unless the opponent commits a more serious violation.
What is drag racing tree?
The first type which is mainly used by the NHRA Pro drag racing is called the Pro Tree. The Pro Tree is when all three amber lights flash simultaneously followed four-tenths of a second later by the green light ( green is when you gas the vehicle forward).