The 1/4 Mile!

This is a widely recognized event that targets acceleration abilities of the car. North America's long lived affair with powerful and large displacement V8 engines formed a strong following in this sort of races.

I have a short experience with 1/4 mile races. I have raced my '90 Accord EX-R at Cayuga Raceway and my most accomplished run was 16.69sec. The car had to be retired due to the technical problems before the day's end. My present car, '90 Accord EX had a technical mishap on the first run, so until the present time I have not determined a baseline for it. Given little differences between the two cars, I would estimate it at about 16.6-16.7sec. The car will most definitely see 1/4 mile action in the upcoming 2002 year.

This challenge usually tests two variables, the raw acceleration of the car and the drivers ability to adapt his technique to net the lowest possible pass.

In order to fully enjoy this event, one should complete the following:
- be a spectator in such an event at your local dragstrip/raceway,
- research this kind of motorsport, read books, talk to people who have entered it previously,
- ensure the technical shape of your car is satisfactory. All raceways have tech inspections, and unfit car will not be allowed to participate,
- bring a proper attire (many places require long pants, sub-14 sec. cars require a D.O.T. approved helmet), - bring set of tools, spare wheels/tires and driveaxles, CAA/AAA membership also highly advisable,
- bring a friend with his/her vehicle.

The proper way to attain better times with least breakdows is to start off pushing your car least, increasing the push with each consecutive run. Allowing to change shift-points, ignition timing or fuel pressure, can affect the times. Most dragstrips have inexpensive "test & tune" sessions, where such alterations can be done.

Drag racing is also held in "bracket racing" form, where consistency can score drivers better than raw time of a pass. Consider further research on the subject to learn all the rules and regulations. Contact your local automobile or driving clubs that can help you locate the materials and local raceways that organize these events. KEEP IT OFF THE STREETS AND ON THE TRACK!!!

My personal experience with 1/4 mile racing includes:
- blown return line from the power steering pump (fixed at the site),
- broken driveaxle (snapped at the inner cv joint, had to be towed home),
- broken driveaxle (snapped on the shaft, had to be towed home, no replacement part at the site).

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