A Weekend at the Drag Boat Races

A WEEKEND AT THE DRAG BOAT RACES In 2011, more than 35 drag boat ers or relaxing com- races will take place across the nation be- fortably on a blanket tween the months of March and Novem- along a natural, grassy ber. Whether it is touted as a National ampitheater or standing Series or Divisional event, hundreds of along the water’s edge, drag boat racers will pass through 20 cit- prepare to witness some ies in all regions of the United States dur- of the most charismatic ing this year’s tour of competition. Each race boats in the world event is unique in its own right, and every as they propel down one of them is a testimony of speed and the liquid quarter mile beauty with color, chrome and flash, as in side-by-side competi- well as ingenuity and engineering. From tion where winners and the sportsman categories to the most losers are sometimes sophisticated Top Fuel Hydros, the extent determined by milli-frac- of excitement remains the same, as the tions of a second. walk away with the trophy and prize mon- racing comes to a close, the competitive sport’s rich tradition of providing a good Unlike many other sporting events, drag ey, but if you only attend on the final day spirit intensifies until, finally, one winner in source of family fun continues to expand boat racing is an all-day affair for the two, you will miss the spectacle and variety each of the classes is crowned. its strong following of race fans and partic- and sometimes three-day attraction. Plan that qualifying brings. This is your chance No matter what the age, drag ipants, alike. ahead as you would for any other out- A ticket to a drag boat race door event. You will want to bring a hat, entitles you to more than just a seat along sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs, and the banks of the liquid quarter mile, as it perhaps a blanket to sit on; and bring your also grants you access to the pits, where wallet because after you buy your tickets you can watch the race teams prepare there will be plenty of refreshments, mer- for the next round. From just a few feet chandise and other commemorative items away, you can feel and smell the raw you’ll want to purchase while at the track. power of 7,000-horsepower Top Fuel If it’s a three-day event, the first Hydro engines as they warm their motors day (usually Friday) will normally be a day in preparation for a run. The drivers are of testing and tuning for the participants, also highly accessible and welcome the although some race sites offer the extra opportunity to take pictures with you and day for additional qualifying action. to sign autographs. Everyone knows that the action Whether seated in the bleach- on Sunday ultimately determines who will to see all of the boats run at least two boat racing can bring a sparkle to an old times each. Weather and water condi- man’s eye or gleam to a young child’s tions can change from session to session, face. Its grass roots philosophy of fam- too, so virtually anything can happen. And ily-oriented entertainment has always since qualifying day is generally a little been its main focus, and it continues to less hectic than race day, there’s usually a pride itself in providing the fans with the little more time available to meet the race best opportunity to witness behind the teams and talk with the drivers. scenes action in the pits and to personally Race day, on the other hand, is meet the drivers and race teams. Simply a whole different animal. You can feel put, there is nothing that compares to the excitement in the air and the feel- the breathtaking, thrilling and sometimes ing throughout the pits takes on a whole surprising and dramatic motorsport that different mood. This is serious business, we call Drag Boat Racing. We hope you and the stakes are high. As each round of enjoy the show. Volume 16 Issue 1 / January - February 2012 7.

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