Ultimate Track Day

[Cam]

I hear they have to rebuild the engine after every run too.

[Kchrpm]

Yep! I really should go to an NHRA event one day to experience it. WE ALL SHOULD ZOMGTXFNHRABBQ

[dodint]

When I lived in WI I had a trip to Brainerd penciled into my vacations schedule but my time there ended prematurely and I never got to go.

[racerfink]

I've seen Top Fuel cars run in person a few times. If you are a true motorhead, I highly recommend seeing one live. Take ear protection.

[Freude am Fahren]

I always wanted to go to the Gator Nationals when I was in Gainesville, but it was always the same weekend as Sebring.

[Rare White Ape]

Yeah NOTHING on earth can prepare you for witnessing a top fuel at launch.

Even the second launch you see still takes your breath away.

And the third.

They're insane.

This guy demonstrates it nicely.

[Rare White Ape]

I hear they have to rebuild the engine after every run too.

They are truly ridiculous machines. They use over 20gal of fuel per run, and it only takes half an hour to strip and rebuild an engine. Some parts are 'lifed' on how many times they get used, for instance, a valve opened and closed 900 times so it must be replaced, etc. I'm not sure on their gearbox setups, but the clutch is constantly slipping throughout the 1/4-mile and each plate (of 6) engages at a specific time to put more drive to the ground.

http://www.motortrend.com/news/top-fuel-numbers/

The downward thrust made by the exhaust gases escaping the headers alone generates 800 pounds of downforce.

Nucking futs!

Just about the only way to purposefully accelerate a human being any faster without them being killed is to use an ejector seat.

[novicius]

Don't forget about the joys of retina detachment!

[racerfink]

https://youtu.be/CQVQtTFZDSI

[Freude am Fahren]

When I was probably 5 or 6, my dad took me to the NHRA meet at the drag stip up in New Hampshire (we lived there at this point). It was pretty cold, but I didn't think I needed a big jacket. I ended up being too cold and we had to leave before the Top Fuel cars came out. I always felt bad, because I think my dad was pretty disappointed. But looking back, I'm also mad I didn't get to experience it.