Drag Racing

Drag Racing

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Drag Racing

Motor sport involves a group of competitive events that uses motorized automobiles in competition for both racing and non-racing (Hassan, 2012). This can be carried out in designated fields, parks, secluded stadia and other off-road locations especially with the motocross category. Some of the motor sports include boat racing, auto racing, air racing, kart racing, motor rallying and drag racing among others. Other non-racing motor sports include drifting, freestyle motocross and motorcycle trials. Motor sports are quite common in several countries all over the world and command a huge following due to the exciting nature of the sport and adrenaline moments associated with it. Drag racing is premier motor sport racing that can be improved to attract more fans.

Drag racing involves timing of two motorcycles or automobiles competing to the finish line from a set distance. The race is usually on a straight course that is short and the distance covered is measured. The common distance in the race is usually a quarter of a mile. The vehicles used have nitro methane top fuel to power them at super speeds over the course. Speed sensing systems along with electronic timings are used to record the results of the race. Racing has been done from the 1960s. Street racing is also a common feature of drag racing while individuals can use their personal vehicles to enhance the thrill of the competition.

I am an enthusiastic sports fan and motor sports always have a special reserve in my free time to-do list. The sport is quite interesting especially with the added types of automobiles that are generally fast and spectacular. I rarely miss any events that lead up to drag racing. The interest is attributed to hereditary origin, as my grandfather was an avid competitor who won several races locally according to the standards at the time. This was carried on by my father who did not actively participate in the races but took up a supporting role.

The motor sports that I find appealing include drag racing, kart racing and motor rallying. This is because of the atmosphere generated from the heated competition and the thrill of the speed from the automobiles. Kart racing is also a good source of exercise as it uses the karts to compete in tracks that are not large and outfield based like the other types of motor sports. The karts are usually enough to accommodate the rider and this adds the extra thrill and competitive nature of the sport.

Drag racing is somewhat different from other forms of racing especially with the number of competitors involved at a time. In other motor sports like motor rallying or motorcycle racing, the number of competitors is usually not limited while the track of the competition is normally over a considerable large distance. On the other hand, drag racing is composed of two riders at a time with the distance covered usually a half a mile in length (Polydoros, 2013). In addition, drag racing can use personal vehicles in the competition while other forms of motor racing use specifically made vehicles for the competitions usually fitted with latest technology and speed enhancers like turbo charged engines and nitrous supportive.

I consider myself a motor sport spectator other than being a participant. This is attributed to the huge fascination I have with different automobiles, motor cycles and trucks. I have huge collections of racing memorabilia and autographs from the well renowned winners and participants from history to the present. I enjoy watching the competition more than becoming a participator due to the risks involved with the nature of the competitions. Over the years, numerous accidents have taken place during the competitions and some lives have been lost in the process.

From the experience at Friday Fun night that was organized by Crossroads Drag way, there were several moments of brilliance that fulfilled the enjoyment while others did not. For example, the supercharged sport cars that competed for almost half an hour on a back and forth basis was the highlight of the experience with the spectators cheering on in numbers from the stands. The least favorite moment was the mishap from one of the ground marshals who accidentally tripped and was hit from the side of one of the competitor’s vehicle and was rushed to the hospital.

In order to increase the attendance of the crowd from Vigo County, Blythe (2006) supports proper advertisements from days earlier to the competition should be done by the organizers along with favorable ticket prices. This should be followed up by including other activities for children to make it a family entertainment activity and help attract more people while a fans’ competition can increase the level of enjoyment. Finally, performances by popular celebrities and figures should be encouraged to grace the event as they command a huge following and this will increase the hype surrounding the experience.

References:

Blythe, J. (2006). Marketing. London: SAGE Publications.

Hassan, D. (2012). The history of motor sport: A case study analysis. London: Routledge.

Polydoros, L. (2013). Drag racing. North Mankato, Minnesota: Capstone Press.