4 Things To Know Before Getting Into Drag Racing

Do you have a need for speed and want to compete with the fastest of them all? Before getting into drag racing, there are a few things to know about the car and the competition that we explain below.

It’s Relatively Safe

While many think of the immense engine power and speed of drag racing and its danger, it is one of the safest motorsports. Unlike other motorsport races, drag racing doesn’t feature any turns, passing, or more than two cars on the track at a time and is over in only a few seconds.

Of course, the speed and power of the drag racing cars still make it a potentially dangerous sport, but that’s why safety equipment and regulations are applied to ensure that if anything goes wrong, the drivers are protected, and race marshals are nearby for emergency attention.

You Don’t Have To Break the Bank

While some motorsports have a reputation for being expensive hobbies, drag racing is a more affordable and approachable competition for cars. Especially if you’re handy and can take care of most of the labor, finding quality but affordable parts and upgrades is easier than you may think. As we mentioned in the safety section, since drag racing is so short and limited, drag racers don’t need many upgrades or changes to make them viable in a drag race.

And while some car models are better suited for drag racing on the track, there’s no one-car-fits-all approach. Remember, a drag racer doesn’t have to look pretty and brand new; it just needs to go fast!

Engine Power Is a Must

Whether you’re turning a car into a competitive drag racer or looking to buy one, the engine is one of the first things to consider. A competitive drag racing car needs at least 500 horsepower under its hood, and that’s a bare minimum.

While there are ways to add plenty of horsepower to a car, like forced induction with a supercharger or increasing the displacement, if your engine isn’t big enough or has enough pistons, it’s simply not cut out for drag racing. There are affordable ways to swap or replace a car’s engine, like shopping for used parts or rebuilding one yourself.

A Drag Racing Car Needs a Drag Racing Clutch

Another thing to know before getting into drag racing is the car, along with a competitive engine, needs a competitive clutch. With all the increased horsepower under the hood, the car needs a more durable and competitive drag racing clutch to handle all that increased power and capably transfer it to your wheels.

A multi disc clutch, whether it be double disc clutch or twin disc or even a triple disc clutch is an example of a competitive racing clutch that can handle excessive power and smoothly shift gears quickly for maximum acceleration and speed. If you try to go into a drag race with a typical street clutch, you risk shortening the lifespan of your clutch drastically by overheating the clutch’s friction material, warping a disc, or even potentially catastrophic failure.

Where To Get a Competitive Drag Racing Clutch

If you need an upgraded, competitive clutch for your drag racing car, you’ve come to the right place. Clutch Masters Industries has a wide selection of high-quality racing clutches built to handle immense engine power and quick, smooth gear shifts. Browse our selection online or contact our expert staff to learn more about our clutches today.