Now that was funny John!

Top Fuel dragsters run an average mix (until next year) of 93% nitromethane and 7% alcohol. They vary the mixture according to track conditions and atmospheric considerations. Nitro, affectionately known as liquid dynomite, is an amazing combustible fluid. Cars running this fuel don't suffer the severe performance drops incurred by naturally asperated gasoline engines when you place them in a situation where there is less oxygen in the air (higher altitudes for example)because during the process of combustion, nitro creates oxygen as a by-product, making possible one heck of an ignition/explosion. The engines are 500 cubic inch displacement, developing between 6000 and 7000 horsepower. They burn about 15 gallons of nitro in that 4.5 seconds. Zero to 100 miles-per-hour in .9 seconds, a 7 G-force, much akin to any forces felt by astronauts during a space launch. They do this with a one speed tranny, transferring the raw power to a set of rubber tires through a series of hydrolic clutch plates, four or five of them engaging as the car moves down the track.

You should check out the Gator Nationals in Gainesville next February. It will open your eyes, rattle your innards, and amaze you all at the same time! Bring earplugs. The noise can't be described as loud. It is physically disturbing. It sets off car alarm systems in parking lots a half mile from the dragstrip.

NHRA Winston Drag Racing, coming to Las Vegas Motor Speedway April 6-9, 2000. I'll be there, sitting in an airconditioned suite!

Bob