Why did I make a video on drag racing I hear you ask, well I did do drag racing about 30 years at Santa Pod, Avon Park and York Raceway but in the rather lower 9.90 bracket class of Supergas where I raced a road-legal 1968 Chevy Camero SS called "Coco Connection" running a 650 hp 462 ci big block + 100hp of nitrous oxide. The car is still around on youtube but I think it's red now while it was metallic yellow when I had it. It was actually a Custom Car magazine centre page spread back in the 80s when it had just come over from Florida. Anyways, I always loved the Top Fuel cars and the staggering amount of speed and noise they created so I thought that I would revisit the fuelers to see what had changed over the past 30 years and its still extreme engineering like rockets, planes etc, hell maybe I should do Rocket/Jet cars sometime, their even more fun down the 1/4 mile :-)
I remember Coco Connection. I was at the Pod all the time and was there when Sammy Miller tried to beat the still record of 3.22 420mph set by Kitty O, Niel in 1977. Sammy went 3.52. Sadly Top Fuel Dennis Priddle the 1st Brit in the six,s passed away this week. My favorite racer back then was top champion Sylvia Hauser.... Great burn outs and wheel stands in her Dodge Challenger.
@@rocklover7437 I was there in 1990 when Darrell Gwynn crashed his top fueler which I think was the fastest in the world at the time on a demo run, couldn't believe that he survived, it was a really nasty accident and put him out of racing.
My favorite Top Fuel story involved a fairly new owner who was concerned about the high cost of engines exploding. He asked the crew chief how to prevent it. The crew chief told him the only way to prevent a top fuel engine from exploding was to not start it.
Dearest Paul I have been a Drag Racing Announcer for 30 years and I have seen so many people explain the Top Fuel class. You Sir, have gone above and beyond with your research and should stand proud! This IS the best video out there, Period.
I do machining for a large aerospace company and as a 'thank you' I took six of the firms engineers to their first top fuel event.On the drive there I told them that whatever they are picturing, they are wrong, it will be much more extreme. On the drive home every one of them said they never imagined anything even close to what they just witnessed!!
The British do run Top Fuel in England, but only on a 1/8th mile (660 feet/201 meters) track. Santa Pod is popular track in England. Drag racing is also popular in Australia where their rules are for 1000 foot runs (302 meters) like here in the U.S. 1/8th miles drag racing has become popular here in the U.S. as puts less ware on the engines. In the U.S. the NHRA back in the 1980s reduced the 1/4 mile (1320 feet/402 meters) to a 1000 feet per run. The reason was that extra 320 feet didn’t add that much speed to the top speed, but increased the chances of the engines blowing up, which cost the teams big money, but more importantly is the engine oil and sharp metal shrapnel that engine disperses which has to be throughly cleaned up so the next run of cars don’t cut a tire or slip and losses traction.
There's a great story of Dario Franchitti testing an Indycar at Sonoma. He was pounding out the laps and was randomly feeling a bad vibration in his steering, severe enough to bring the car in to the pits. It turned out that there was also a top-fuel team running on the Sonoma drag strip and when they were doing burn outs they were shaking the ground to such an extent that Dario could feel it through the car.
@@walttrotter535 ua-cam.com/video/oakk1cOPzoY/v-deo.html at 41:45 he talks about it; great little story. The only other sensation where I have expereinced anything like a top fueler or a funny car was at an airshow when 2 F-15s decided to pull up and go full afterburner. Mental :D
I went to an NHRA drag race for the first time in my life a month ago. -The loudest sound Ive ever heard, without question. -and I was a jet maintainer in the Air Force.
I don't think I've heard a better explanation of what we few fans consider sacred! If you see these beasts in person once, you will be forever changed. It's an indescribable experience! No one ice EVER seen that's a newbie is prepared for the literal body shaking violence these things put out. Just a jaw that hits the ground! Well done!
I got to experience top fuel and nitro funny cars for the first time last weekend, I've been around fighter jets doing static afterburner tests and that doesnt come close to the assault on your senses thstbis top fuel, I was just in pure awe
There are no words to explain what it is like or sounds like when you stand between 2 Top Fuel cars on the starting line. My dad is a 2 time world champion and I have been around this sport for over 50 years and can tell you the chills,goosebumps and burning eyes feels damm good each and every pass they make.
I can't imagine the experience to be that close, probably terrifying the first few times. How's your hearing today? I can't imagine that their is enough hearing protection on this planet that could protect the ear from long term exposure to that. My ears always rang while in the stands in Las Vegas with double protection. I couldn't imagine being right in between the two on the starting line. I'd be deaf!
Something I've always wondered is the V8 engine what's the most optimal for top fuel dragsters? I mean I have no doubt guys have done extensive experimentation with testing other engines like V10, V12, or even V16 and have found the V8 to be the most optimal in power/weight/rotational mass/etc. I genuinely don't know so I figured maybe you'd know since your dad has been involved in it for years. Like a lot of WW2 era fighter planes such as the P-51 Mustang use V12 engines so I always wondered how much power something like a Merlin V12 would be able to make if one were built to modern standards, ran on nitromethane & such.
@@FinalFront Those big engines were designed to produce their power at lower rpms. They would self destruct on 60+ pounds of boost and 90% nitromethane fuel. The engines, superchargers and fuel all have parameters that they have to meet per NHRA rules so even if something would be better, there are limitations in the rules. Top Fuel and Funny Car runs have already been shortened from 1/4 mile (1320 feet) to 1000 feet because the speeds were getting too high. I expect to see consistent speeds of 340 mph and someone touching 345 mph in the 2022 season.
One the greatest examples of "brute force" engineering out there. "Whatcha doing?" "Strapping a seat to a series of just barely controlled, highly volatile detonations." "Is that a good idea?" "Worked for NASA. And it sounds BRILLIANT!"
its not very far,just the fine balance between hydrolocking and full power harnessing must not be far from a rocket engine.yes,one needs to work always to not kill the crew,but the other dont have the same budget. didnt know about so many specific facts about top fuelers and i see it with different eyes now.
Last time I went one of the "security watchers" was a young lady who was standing at the front rail of the grandstand watching the crowd about mid track. The first pass Funny car went by behind her and she took off like a rabbit and didn't stop till she was behind the stands. LOL her heart was doing more RPM than the engine.
Yep, top fuel drags, and air shows- The two best places to get blown away by the insane display of power, and to get kids to appreciate/love engineering, and machines.
Roots blowers were originally made to be used as air pumps for industrial applications by the Roots brothers in Connersville, IN. They’re used a lot inside of grain systems to blow corn and beans around in pipes to different grain bins too. They can be extremely loud when a pipe has to be switched, almost like an air raid siren.
Some of the most exhilarating moments of my life have been attending an NHRA national event. We walked through the pits, and watched them rebuilding an engine. When they fired up the engine and blipped the throttle, it was just as if a HUGE explosion had happened right next to you. It was funny watching the crew motioning to the crowd to cover their ears just before starting up, and watching the "badasses" standing there with their arms crossed. But after the blip of the throttle, EVERYONE was covering their ears (and crying because of the nitro fumes burning their eyes!). Watching them run at full throttle was like having Leon Spinks drumming on your chest with his boxing gloves on. It is the most incredibly LOUD thing that I have ever heard. Even when they'd break, or spin coming off the line and back off the throttle they'd STILL run a 9 or 10 second time COASTING all the way down the track and through the lights after that millisecond long blip of the throttle. Unbelievable!!!
I've been a mechanic for over 30 years and it's amazing to me how they get that much power from a V8 engine! There's absolutely nothing like it on earth!
@@ksrebelbuck7936from what it sounds like, they're already holding these things back for safety/insurance. It would be cool to see one that lasts longer or blows up less, but that's more for the team than the spectators.
Great video! I'm a sports photographer and over the years I've shot a lot of T/F dragsters and I can tell you, there is nothing more frightening than standing at the wall (about 4' from the car as it passes by) and feeling the force just from the noise which is in the range of 150db (a 747 produces about 120db) that tries to blow you off the wall - not to mention the thought of an engine exploding. SCARY! I always had a few moments of apprehension prior to agreeing to shoot a weekend of T/F dragsters. I was always amazed that many of the crew (and a lot of fans) did not wear hearing protection. I always wore the best "mickey mouse" ears I could find and it still made my ears ring. I know a few folks that are having hearing problems later in life. Thanks again!
You've noted something Bob, that I was wondering about when I was shooting pictures at Sears Point Raceway, in Sonoma. Then I noticed that many of them are using the noise-cancelling ear-buds. I have no idea how something that small can be very effective but I've seen quite a few people using them. Personally, I use the best noise-cancelling headset I can find. Otherwise, the only music I'll be able to hear will be a brass band standing in front of me!!
@@MrGaryGG48 Right On Gary! I've seen some using the noise cancelling ear-buds however I can't imagine them canceling 150 db as it screams by or even worse, sanding in back of the dragsters when they launch. I do remember on one occasion, I asked one of the team members if he was worried about hearing loss. He responded "huh?".
When I was taking pictures on the starting line - back in the day @ the drag strip in Houston when you could walk into the 'office' and request a press pass for the line - I agree 100% - the noise was deafening (even with shooting ear protection - all I had) - BUT the one thing I still remember to this day was - the ground shaking when they launched. Wish I could find it, but my favorite pic was not Top Fuel - it was a Funny Car - the driver lost traction on one of the rear wheels causing the car to lurch toward the guardrail where I was standing - I got a pic of the car - but strikingly, a shot of his eyes - looking right at me.... He was able to bring it under control by throttling back & lucky for me (and him) - he didn't hit the guardrail - saw him in the pit area later - his comment was awesome - 'made you dance a bit, huh?' - definitely memorable. Damn I wish I could find that pic.
I love watching Top Fuel drag racing. The sound is incomparable, the shaking of the ground and your body as the Dragsters go by, the sheer speed they rip off the line, and the absolute spectacle of the fuel burning off the engine. Its incredible.
Been into drag racing for half a century now, and have never seen as informative a treatment of these beasts as this, by a margin I would have never expected from any but the most immersed. Kudos, sir. I could almost feel my bones shaking...
Yeah, this guy does really good in depth videos. He clearly takes the time and effort to research and understand the things he talks about. One of the best channels on youtube!
All the greatest UA-camrs are a pretty tight-knit community. Quality content begets quality viewership. PS - I am one of the idiots who was going to unsubscribe to you back in the day because I thought you were shooting at a highway as a backdrop not realizing that perspective, camera distortion and a flat plane makes that highway too far for even artillery to reach. You will know what I am talking about.
I reluctantly went to watch top fuel dragsters in Vegas back in 2018. I say reluctantly as they don’t turn corners. Anyway, i’d go again tomorrow and recommend anyone to go and watch. I’ve never seen anything so loud and fast off the mark in my life. Can’t wait to go again 🏁🏁🏁👌
I grew up drag racing with my buddies and was a crew chief in the USAF. I had seen and heard a lot of powerful vehicles, but I was really surprised when I went to my first NHRA Top Fuel race. The vibrations from the car passing literally shook my eyeballs in my head making it hard to see the car as it passed.
i'm not a car guy...but somebody brought me to a Top Fuel event. I had NO IDEA the FEELING of being near one of these. You become very aware of your guts.
I remember my first NHRA top fuel national... I brought the noise cancelling earmuffs I take for shooting. I still had ringing ears afterwards, because the NOISE RESONATED THROUGH MY SHOES. it was a bannanas experience and I've been hooked ever since.
If you EVER have the chance to see these live in-person, do it! It is an experience that can't be replicated and absolutely spectacular. You'll never forget.
I'll never forget the mistake my brothers and I made, in the '70s, when we went to see a Funny Car up close in the pits. (Similar engine) They were tunning it, and it was idling. THEN they revved it!! That was the loudest thing I ever heard anywhere. It was so loud the flesh on my arms RIPPLED. Not kidding.
By jove - he's done it again! For something I had very little interest in 15 minutes ago, I'm now a dedicated top fuel dragster fan. This was a wonderfully informative and very enjoyable presentation Paul. One of your best. Well done.
My father used to race a pro mod that basically has the same engine as a top fuel dragster, minus the nitro fuel, was a great childhood watching him that’s for sure
I have been involved in 1/4 mile racing in one way or another since my first experience at OCIR when I was 12 I have worked with companies like Moroso performance, Competition engineering and have had the privilege of meeting and working with some phenomenal people who are responsible for getting these rockets to the finish line Some of these people have explained in detail to me over the years the many aspects of their responsibilities involved in making everything thing work together It is truly an art This man has done his homework and has put so much information in concise easy to understand format With some amazing video as well I learned some things and truly enjoyed it Well done 👏
I used to live a mile down the railroad tracks from ocir had my reserved seating down at the sand pit yeah me and my friends used to sneak in all the time why they never fix that hole in the fence I'll never know as far as safety goes I think the industry owes a lot to big Daddy Don Garlits I was there from 69 to73
I encourage everyone to go to a drag racing event at least once in their life to experience the insane amount of power these incredible machine put out.
Growing up, I worked at a local dragstrip a lot and was very used to the noise of everything up to alcohol funny cars and even jet dragsters. I was not prepared for my first Top Fuel race. This was the 1992 Keystone Nationals where Kenny Bernstein broke 300 mph. Not a bad first Top Fuel experience.
EASILY the most intelligent and analytic examination of my favourite sport I've ever come across. Brilliant!! I'm speechless. All the questions I never thought to ask were answered here. Thank you so much for posting this. It really is an entry-level analysis of the chemistry, physics, and engineering of going 'really-fast.' Magic mate; two-thumbs up. Australia
I work at a company that sells performance parts in the automotive industry, thank you for showing a in depth video of what these cars go through in the mechanics of what happens when a launch occurs. I believe these drivers have a more harder launch than either the space shuttle astronauts or aircraft carrier fighter pilots.
6gs per launch top fuel, around 3 for both typical man space mission and carrier launch. Fun fact around 6gs for braking/parachute. Tony Stewart says they get it both ways lol. Plus he said Funny Car drivers are nuts motor blows up all the flames in their face, top fuel its all behind you.
Indeed. I enjoy his usual content but would love to see more of this. Taking on subjects we normally wouldn't think about but are none the less fascinating.
I am a dragster pilot, CD. If you have any questions please feel free to ask in the replies section sir! If you’d like I also have Instagram with a lot of media about my car, the engines, tires and my crew. I’m not a Top Fuel driver, I’m not old enough for that yet. My dragster uses a naturally aspirated Chevrolet 350 and it’s about half the size of a top fuel car.
Wonderful and informative! I have been in love with dragracing since a kid and a total "gear head", top fuel specifically. Experiencing these up close is awesome to say the least. The closest I have been is on the starting line with the crew. I assisted in the pits with building the supercharger, top end, piston assembly, gaping sparkplugs, and in general learning what actually goes into it. Each person on the team has a specific role: top end, bottom end, fueling, etc I almost wish I would have pursued actually education on this instead of nursing lol. Again, great video! If anyone reads this comment, go find you a dragrace- nhra or ihra in the states and go, you will not regret it! There is something about 10000 hp.....
Great video. I remember reading an account of a race years ago. The car won, but when they tore the motor down, they discovered that the launch sheated the drives of the magnetos. The motor in essence dieseled it's way down the track, at full power. I thought that was amazing.
Paul, once again you have given me (and others) some valuable and entertaining information. I am not a racing fan, though it is very popular here in Florida. However, after watching your video, I understand a lot more about this fascinating sport. Please, keep 'em coming!
About half way through this video, I realized that I was tensing up my entire body any time there was footage of the cars on track. Gonna take me a minute to relax after this one...
Thanks for bringing your expertise, experience, and professionalism to this brutish racing sport. I have been to a top fuel race and there is something special about it. You can feel when a car makes a perfect run and you'll know it was the best of the day before the clock says so. Amazing sport and amazing video explaination
I've been to a few top fuel drag races in Las Vegas and can tell you that even in the stands that have a metal covering, you definitely need ear protection. The vibration in the air as the cars go down the track can even be felt in the parking lot and in the stands, it's insane. Very intense.
The boosted Bois and PFI did some videos on Top fuel. The part that blew my mind was how the teams will save all the engine components and mix and match them based on the change in tolerances due to deformation from each pass.
During a rain delay last year I spent a lot of time talking with some of the engine guys. The parts either pass specs or they're scrapped. One of the things that they watch on the pistons is the heights of the ring grooves. When the pressure has collapsed the heights of the grooves too much, they're replaced. The steel clutch plates are replaced after each run. They are heated to around 700°F/370°C as indicated by their blue color after a run. They're scrap metal at the end of the run.
Many years ago i went to a top fuel event and one thing you never appreciate without being there is the thunderous noise that shakes your whole body! Great presentation. Thanks.
I'm a mechanic, but I've never found drag racing to be particularly exciting. However I do love seeing the "behind the scenes" side of it, and this video is a perfect example of that. It's always fascinating to see how it compares against your everyday road vehicle.
@@llperlrll Women have quicker reaction times than men. 90% of the time if a woman is running against a man if she doesn't have mechanical problems she will win. It is also the reason when my wife asks me what I have been doing, I am busted!
I had not expected something like this from Curious Droid, and found it not only surprising but very interesting. It reminded me of a flight I took from LA to Charlotte, NC about 20 years ago. The fellow next to me was a Top Fuel engineer. He was fascinating to listen to as we flew across the country, and it made watching this video even more fascinating. His specialty was in the main engine block and clutch, so the comments in this video about the tires and aerodynamics was especially interesting. Many thanks for such an interesting topic!
As the former owner of a TF/FC, I can tell you that there is NO other motorsport in the world that compares to the brute experience of being next to these things when they're running. The chemical/mechanical sophistication of what makes them do what they do has no comparison!! My driver used to say that at launch the negative 4-5 G's felt like a mule kicking him in the chest!!
I’d say it has to do with our curious mind on how things work and pushing the limits. I’m not a huge race fan but I respect it for their abilities to push limits.
Theres always been a natural fit between aerospace/aviation, and drag racing- The love of machinery and engineering, the thrill of making/watching something insanely powerful, a lot of tech goes from aviation, to racing (and then sometimes trickles down to everyday consumers)- disc brakes, alumium/magnesium/titanium parts, fibreglass, carbon fibre, the jet engines that are frequently used in exhibition races at Top Fuel meets. Go to the pits at a drag race, and a good proportion of the racers and crewmen got their skills wrenching on planes in the military. I think pretty much anyone who loves Top Fuel drags should appreciate the appeal of aerospace, and vice versa.
It's great to see 'Curious Droid's' comment, mentioning his racing background His perspective is not just academic, but is also based on personal experience. It's mind blowing to know that but for rule based restrictions, the top fuel dragsters would go even faster. Even now, few tracks are long enough to allow for deceleration following runs exceeding 330 MPH
I remember an interview with John Force's head mechanic. He said "I would not step out of the electric chair to get into the cockpit of the monstrous thing". I always thought after that, they really gamble their lives for 5 seconds at time.
@@mykthafsh71 Yes indeed -- that's how Don Garlits lost part of his foot. Not kidding, either. The drivers used to have their feet straddling the transmission bell. Unfortunately the entire transmission would occasionally grenade.
@@mykthafsh71 what you're thinking of is slingshot dragsters, but those are actually after the earliest parts of the sport. The earliest stuff was just street cars and what we now call pro mods running on nitrometh
@@stefanl5183 Let's be honest, Austin was the brains that got the car down the track. Force himself has said he's just the dummy that mashes the pedal. Forces skill was talking sponsors out of their money, Austin qoute
Earth shaking, eyes burning, defining roar, flames, the pungent smell of burning rocket fuel, smoke and acceleration that is impossible to believe even though you just witnessed it. Anyone that is into cars/motorsport should attend a world class top fuel event. It's sensory overload on another level.
Great video. I've watched drag racing for many years in Canada but only had the opportunity to watch the top alcohol cars - which is cool too. But once I traveled to the USA to watch the fuel cars, my interest was brought to a whole new level. Both for the racing but also the tech. Seeing these cars live is truly incredible
Another fantastic video Paul. As a lifelong top fuel nut I can say you’ve got everything covered perfectly, your racing background is quite evident in this video. Here’s a random fact for others; the top fuel engine runs a wet sump, with the oil pump pushing some 250psi of 70 weight oil through the 6 thou mains & big ends. The oil pan also contains a pressure switch to kill the engine in an over pressure event, to reduce the chance of dumping the contents all over the track.
I have been going to santa pod in the UK since 1984, the access to the pits is fantastic experience for any mechanic like myself, but to actually witness a top fuel or funny car run from a few dozen feet away is just additive . Every sense is blasted by the sight the sound the vibration etc. Its so addictive. Drag racing is like opening pringles! You know the saying😁
It seems to me that the more you learn about something like Top Fuel Drag Racing, the more insane it actually becomes. The sights and sounds are impressive to the ordinary punter but to know that the internal combustion engine is working on the cutting edge of material science and strength and that feeding the fuel into the cylinders is a hairs breath away from hydraulic compression vs fuel combustion is truely insane.
This golden. Probably the most through explanation I’ve ever heard or seen. Reading the comments before sounding off myself, I find out you are a gearhead drag racer yourself. I mean the TF cars are cool, but I get just as much satisfaction watching the sportsmen classes from men such as yourself. For people who just don’t understand racing in any form, if it wasn’t for racers and constant engineering and learning curves modern vehicles wouldn’t be reliable, efficient and safe as they are today.
This was one of the best NHRA explained videos I’ve seen in a long while. The slomo clips and the information conveyed is impressive for under 17 minutes. Been a fan of your page for a while. Good job.
Two things that have always blew my mind about these cars are how the warping tires contribute to the "gearing" and how the exhaust has enough energy to add tremendous down force as well as propel the car forward.
One thing not mentioned in the video is how the clutch locks up. The plates get so hot that they weld themselves together. It's the short straw that has to remove the clutch pack in the pits.
I've been going to watch drag racing at Pomona for 10 years now. The only way to really experiment it is in person. Watching it on TV doesn't do it justice
I had no idea about the numbers and engineering that goes on with these cars. The numbers are astounding. I remember watching these races on tv in the 70’s and 80’s. They have come a long way in development since then.
If you have not seen one in person you have no idea how insane they are. Its like a constant shockwave hitting your body and that is just them idling. When they take off they actually look blurry as your eyeballs are rattling around in your head.
This is probably the most detailed, and factually correct top fuel videos I've ever seen. Your sources knew their shit, and your research was top notch. Great job!
I can imagine the insurance company asking "Are you planning on traveling at high speeds with your vehicle?" - "No just 330mph" - "I see, that's within our margin. Anything above this would just be unreasonable"
I went to my first one this weekend. It was so insane. Your whole body vibrates. It’s amazing that they rebuild the engines so fast. I got to fist pump John Force that dude is a beast at driving those crazy death machines. I was hooked the minute the sound waves reached where I was. That’s one of those things you do before you die. Looking forward to going to another one soon.
@@busterland1805 I met John Force (just in passing) a few years ago at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma. His record is very impressive but keep an eye on his daughters. That whole family is something else!!
I'm an old-school rodder from the 70's still race my old 56 Chevy gasser. It's fun to talk to all the young kids, who are talking to each other about their computerized cars, injectors, chips, maps, etc, and then I coyly mention that gasoline has more power per liter than nitro. Always good to pass on some education and they usually are amazed when you explain it right. Thanks for a great video.
I'm a little surprised that they didn't mention the crankshafts are twisted a bit after each run. I think I read they change out the cam to accommodate the twisted crank, until the front journal is about 10 degrees out from the rear. Then change the crankshaft. Insane, but thrilling!
I live 14 miles from a track and you can hear an ominous roar all weekend they race once a season. It’s insane. I have no idea why the crews aren’t deaf despite hearing protection.
Double hearing protection helps to mitigate almost all sounds. What i'm curious about the crew without any protection!?! There are many videos with the engine on and crew walking casually around. Yes they are not revving it but any person who has been next to normal road car without the exhaust or with just minimal headers *knows* how loud the exhaust sound always is. After all, it's the after effect of a mini explosion, contained and then realeased in an instant. And everything in top fuel dragsters is multiplied by a hundred or more!
Yep i live in Washington and you can hear pacific raceways from miles away. Covid has kept them from coming to Washington for 2 years now so i have to wait until next year
I am totally here for this "branching out" of CD content. Great work by Paul and the team. Keep it up lads and ladies. Edit: 3.66 at 338mph across the line... that is INSANE. :D Edit2: Nitromethane is a common reagent/precursor, used for nitrating all kinds of other compounds to make them more... boomy. They're basically playing with rocket fuel ingredients. What's not to like... :)
Thank you for what is the most informative video I’ve ever seen on top fuel dragsters. It includes so many specifications and details such as RPMs, number of injectors, costs, tire inflations, types of metals, etc. Excellent!
This is the most accurate, detailed, informative and entertaining explanation of top fuel racing I have ever seen. Bravo. Thank you.
Why did I make a video on drag racing I hear you ask, well I did do drag racing about 30 years at Santa Pod, Avon Park and York Raceway but in the rather lower 9.90 bracket class of Supergas where I raced a road-legal 1968 Chevy Camero SS called "Coco Connection" running a 650 hp 462 ci big block + 100hp of nitrous oxide. The car is still around on youtube but I think it's red now while it was metallic yellow when I had it. It was actually a Custom Car magazine centre page spread back in the 80s when it had just come over from Florida.
Anyways, I always loved the Top Fuel cars and the staggering amount of speed and noise they created so I thought that I would revisit the fuelers to see what had changed over the past 30 years and its still extreme engineering like rockets, planes etc, hell maybe I should do Rocket/Jet cars sometime, their even more fun down the 1/4 mile :-)
I remember Coco Connection. I was at the Pod all the time and was there when Sammy Miller tried to beat the still record of 3.22 420mph set by Kitty O, Niel in 1977.
Sammy went 3.52.
Sadly Top Fuel Dennis Priddle the 1st Brit in the six,s passed away this week.
My favorite racer back then was top champion Sylvia Hauser.... Great burn outs and wheel stands in her Dodge Challenger.
Gen 1 Camaro, 68 best year imo. Respect ✊️
So you remember Money Hungry Camero ? Cover of Custom Car with Topless Nicola if my memory serves me lol.
Well, I think I can say you hit the bull's eye here. Great video, a lot of good info, ty!
@@rocklover7437 I was there in 1990 when Darrell Gwynn crashed his top fueler which I think was the fastest in the world at the time on a demo run, couldn't believe that he survived, it was a really nasty accident and put him out of racing.
My favorite Top Fuel story involved a fairly new owner who was concerned about the high cost of engines exploding. He asked the crew chief how to prevent it. The crew chief told him the only way to prevent a top fuel engine from exploding was to not start it.
Strictly speaking you can also chose to just lose every race by a laughable amount.
Bullshit story, no one getting into any form of drag racing would express such an ignorant concern of an engine!
Dearest Paul
I have been a Drag Racing Announcer for 30 years and I have seen so many people explain the Top Fuel class.
You Sir, have gone above and beyond with your research and should stand proud! This IS the best video out there, Period.
I first went to the dragstrip in 1965 and it is now 2024 and still going to this day.
That about sums it up for me too. So much so, I subscribed. :)
I do machining for a large aerospace company and as a 'thank you' I took six of the firms engineers to their first top fuel event.On the drive there I told them that whatever they are picturing, they are wrong, it will be much more extreme. On the drive home every one of them said they never imagined anything even close to what they just witnessed!!
did those aerospace engineers keep sending work your way? Was your investment worth the money?
@@metricstormtrooper Angry?
@@metricstormtrooper Investment? You must have missed the 'thank you' part.
I have been and seating is important and l mean mid section and up wind with your hearing protection on.I will let you guess why .
I consumed a man's soul
Listening to a English gentleman talk about Top Fuel is very entertaining 👌
You’ll not hear that kind of instruction your side of the Atlantic. Listen well, we’re sinking fast and we’re all our own...
But he got correct on every level
Spot on Vic, every bit is right. Looks like every component is taken to the absolute limit. I learnt a lot. Just don’t ask me to drive one!
The British do run Top Fuel in England, but only on a 1/8th mile (660 feet/201 meters) track. Santa Pod is popular track in England. Drag racing is also popular in Australia where their rules are for 1000 foot runs (302 meters) like here in the U.S. 1/8th miles drag racing has become popular here in the U.S. as puts less ware on the engines. In the U.S. the NHRA back in the 1980s reduced the 1/4 mile (1320 feet/402 meters) to a 1000 feet per run. The reason was that extra 320 feet didn’t add that much speed to the top speed, but increased the chances of the engines blowing up, which cost the teams big money, but more importantly is the engine oil and sharp metal shrapnel that engine disperses which has to be throughly cleaned up so the next run of cars don’t cut a tire or slip and losses traction.
@Adam Vesely what do you mean
There's a great story of Dario Franchitti testing an Indycar at Sonoma. He was pounding out the laps and was randomly feeling a bad vibration in his steering, severe enough to bring the car in to the pits. It turned out that there was also a top-fuel team running on the Sonoma drag strip and when they were doing burn outs they were shaking the ground to such an extent that Dario could feel it through the car.
I believe it. I've been in the stands while these beasts do their thing and you can feel the stands shaking under your feet and butt.
@@walttrotter535 ua-cam.com/video/oakk1cOPzoY/v-deo.html at 41:45 he talks about it; great little story. The only other sensation where I have expereinced anything like a top fueler or a funny car was at an airshow when 2 F-15s decided to pull up and go full afterburner. Mental :D
@@willbrown6287 Agreed. I was under an F-111 in AB on the trim pad. The noise and feelings in my bones was rivaled by top fuel cars.
Jesus
i so need to go to one of those
I went to an NHRA drag race for the first time in my life a month ago. -The loudest sound Ive ever heard, without question. -and I was a jet maintainer in the Air Force.
Same here, those throttle blips in the pits are something to experience!
Same. I thought hand-launching a U2 was the most intense thing I'd experience. I was wrong. Haha
I don't think I've heard a better explanation of what we few fans consider sacred! If you see these beasts in person once, you will be forever changed. It's an indescribable experience! No one ice EVER seen that's a newbie is prepared for the literal body shaking violence these things put out. Just a jaw that hits the ground! Well done!
Yes! We saw the LA Hooker and Pheonix funny cars at Ruapuna Raceway in New Zealand in about 1977 & 78 ish.
Amazing.
Top fuel is an experience im glad to had the opportunity to see
I got to experience top fuel and nitro funny cars for the first time last weekend, I've been around fighter jets doing static afterburner tests and that doesnt come close to the assault on your senses thstbis top fuel, I was just in pure awe
@@sgkingly8392 * there's nothing like it!
There are no words to explain what it is like or sounds like when you stand between 2 Top Fuel cars on the starting line. My dad is a 2 time world champion and I have been around this sport for over 50 years and can tell you the chills,goosebumps and burning eyes feels damm good each and every pass they make.
I can't imagine the experience to be that close, probably terrifying the first few times. How's your hearing today? I can't imagine that their is enough hearing protection on this planet that could protect the ear from long term exposure to that. My ears always rang while in the stands in Las Vegas with double protection. I couldn't imagine being right in between the two on the starting line. I'd be deaf!
Something I've always wondered is the V8 engine what's the most optimal for top fuel dragsters? I mean I have no doubt guys have done extensive experimentation with testing other engines like V10, V12, or even V16 and have found the V8 to be the most optimal in power/weight/rotational mass/etc. I genuinely don't know so I figured maybe you'd know since your dad has been involved in it for years. Like a lot of WW2 era fighter planes such as the P-51 Mustang use V12 engines so I always wondered how much power something like a Merlin V12 would be able to make if one were built to modern standards, ran on nitromethane & such.
@@FinalFront more cylinders means mores stuff to break
@@mysteryguest9555 I wear both plugs and muffs for the protection. The real thrill is the pulsating of the engines hitting you.
@@FinalFront Those big engines were designed to produce their power at lower rpms. They would self destruct on 60+ pounds of boost and 90% nitromethane fuel. The engines, superchargers and fuel all have parameters that they have to meet per NHRA rules so even if something would be better, there are limitations in the rules. Top Fuel and Funny Car runs have already been shortened from 1/4 mile (1320 feet) to 1000 feet because the speeds were getting too high. I expect to see consistent speeds of 340 mph and someone touching 345 mph in the 2022 season.
One the greatest examples of "brute force" engineering out there.
"Whatcha doing?"
"Strapping a seat to a series of just barely controlled, highly volatile detonations."
"Is that a good idea?"
"Worked for NASA. And it sounds BRILLIANT!"
its not very far,just the fine balance between hydrolocking and full power harnessing must not be far from a rocket engine.yes,one needs to work always to not kill the crew,but the other dont have the same budget.
didnt know about so many specific facts about top fuelers and i see it with different eyes now.
Got us to the Moon and to 300+ mph and
@@paulhagerty2773 Thanks to German engineering
@Jon petter
AMERICAN German they were no longer under dictatorship when they moved to the New World
Grew up watching Top fuel Dragsters. The in-person experience is mind blowing.
Last time I went one of the "security watchers" was a young lady who was standing at the front rail of the grandstand watching the crowd about mid track. The first pass Funny car went by behind her and she took off like a rabbit and didn't stop till she was behind the stands. LOL her heart was doing more RPM than the engine.
Yep, the sounds traveling through your body is numbing to say the least.
I love the smell of nitro in the morning... :)
Yep, top fuel drags, and air shows- The two best places to get blown away by the insane display of power, and to get kids to appreciate/love engineering, and machines.
I absolutely think it's up there, as an essential in life, like a solar eclipse! lol
Roots blowers were originally made to be used as air pumps for industrial applications by the Roots brothers in Connersville, IN. They’re used a lot inside of grain systems to blow corn and beans around in pipes to different grain bins too. They can be extremely loud when a pipe has to be switched, almost like an air raid siren.
Some of the most exhilarating moments of my life have been attending an NHRA national event. We walked through the pits, and watched them rebuilding an engine. When they fired up the engine and blipped the throttle, it was just as if a HUGE explosion had happened right next to you. It was funny watching the crew motioning to the crowd to cover their ears just before starting up, and watching the "badasses" standing there with their arms crossed. But after the blip of the throttle, EVERYONE was covering their ears (and crying because of the nitro fumes burning their eyes!).
Watching them run at full throttle was like having Leon Spinks drumming on your chest with his boxing gloves on. It is the most incredibly LOUD thing that I have ever heard.
Even when they'd break, or spin coming off the line and back off the throttle they'd STILL run a 9 or 10 second time COASTING all the way down the track and through the lights after that millisecond long blip of the throttle. Unbelievable!!!
0
I've been a mechanic for over 30 years and it's amazing to me how they get that much power from a V8 engine! There's absolutely nothing like it on earth!
Not only that but a V8 that's built off of an ancient design. I want to see a top fuel dragster with a modernized engine 🤣
@@ksrebelbuck7936from what it sounds like, they're already holding these things back for safety/insurance.
It would be cool to see one that lasts longer or blows up less, but that's more for the team than the spectators.
Great video! I'm a sports photographer and over the years I've shot a lot of T/F dragsters and I can tell you, there is nothing more frightening than standing at the wall (about 4' from the car as it passes by) and feeling the force just from the noise which is in the range of 150db (a 747 produces about 120db) that tries to blow you off the wall - not to mention the thought of an engine exploding. SCARY! I always had a few moments of apprehension prior to agreeing to shoot a weekend of T/F dragsters. I was always amazed that many of the crew (and a lot of fans) did not wear hearing protection. I always wore the best "mickey mouse" ears I could find and it still made my ears ring. I know a few folks that are having hearing problems later in life. Thanks again!
You've noted something Bob, that I was wondering about when I was shooting pictures at Sears Point Raceway, in Sonoma. Then I noticed that many of them are using the noise-cancelling ear-buds. I have no idea how something that small can be very effective but I've seen quite a few people using them. Personally, I use the best noise-cancelling headset I can find. Otherwise, the only music I'll be able to hear will be a brass band standing in front of me!!
@@MrGaryGG48 Right On Gary! I've seen some using the noise cancelling ear-buds however I can't imagine them canceling 150 db as it screams by or even worse, sanding in back of the dragsters when they launch. I do remember on one occasion, I asked one of the team members if he was worried about hearing loss. He responded "huh?".
plugs and muffs.
When I was taking pictures on the starting line - back in the day @ the drag strip in Houston when you could walk into the 'office' and request a press pass for the line - I agree 100% - the noise was deafening (even with shooting ear protection - all I had) - BUT the one thing I still remember to this day was - the ground shaking when they launched.
Wish I could find it, but my favorite pic was not Top Fuel - it was a Funny Car - the driver lost traction on one of the rear wheels causing the car to lurch toward the guardrail where I was standing - I got a pic of the car - but strikingly, a shot of his eyes - looking right at me.... He was able to bring it under control by throttling back & lucky for me (and him) - he didn't hit the guardrail - saw him in the pit area later - his comment was awesome - 'made you dance a bit, huh?' - definitely memorable.
Damn I wish I could find that pic.
Ill be doing this soon, have you got any advice?
This is easily the best overview of a top fuel dragster's operation that I have seen. Great job.
The slow motion twist and jumping around when power is applied for the burnout is wicked.
I love watching Top Fuel drag racing. The sound is incomparable, the shaking of the ground and your body as the Dragsters go by, the sheer speed they rip off the line, and the absolute spectacle of the fuel burning off the engine. Its incredible.
Been into drag racing for half a century now, and have never seen as informative a treatment of these beasts as this, by a margin I would have never expected from any but the most immersed.
Kudos, sir. I could almost feel my bones shaking...
Yeah, this guy does really good in depth videos. He clearly takes the time and effort to research and understand the things he talks about. One of the best channels on youtube!
Let’s put him in the Tower with Alan, Joe, Johnny & the crew!
Two features that keep me coming back to Curious Droid:
1. The intro theme
2. The shirts
And VERY interesting topics!
And a nice, clean, and informative comments section.
the theme comes from a sample of Iron Chef the old version. 😁
The shirt is as loud as a Top Fueler!
his shirts is called batik. A traditional design shirts from Indonesia
Very interesting and enjoyable.
All the greatest UA-camrs are a pretty tight-knit community. Quality content begets quality viewership. PS - I am one of the idiots who was going to unsubscribe to you back in the day because I thought you were shooting at a highway as a backdrop not realizing that perspective, camera distortion and a flat plane makes that highway too far for even artillery to reach. You will know what I am talking about.
@MichaelKingsfordGray lol wut?
What are you doing here?
@MichaelKingsfordGray why you say that?
@MichaelKingsfordGray Are you too big a coward to explain your comment? Or is this something between friends?
I reluctantly went to watch top fuel dragsters in Vegas back in 2018. I say reluctantly as they don’t turn corners. Anyway, i’d go again tomorrow and recommend anyone to go and watch. I’ve never seen anything so loud and fast off the mark in my life. Can’t wait to go again 🏁🏁🏁👌
Yeah it's amazing I haven't had the luck of seeing them in person but I heard them a few streets over crazy loud
It is the only motorsport that assaults all the senses.
I grew up drag racing with my buddies and was a crew chief in the USAF. I had seen and heard a lot of powerful vehicles, but I was really surprised when I went to my first NHRA Top Fuel race.
The vibrations from the car passing literally shook my eyeballs in my head making it hard to see the car as it passed.
🤠🤟
Let’s help CD get 1 million subscribers... he deserves even more than that...
969k subscribers?
*NICE!*
Easy, ask Bald and Bankrupt over for a spot of tea.
1.02M as of today.
i'm not a car guy...but somebody brought me to a Top Fuel event. I had NO IDEA the FEELING of being near one of these. You become very aware of your guts.
The biggest rush I've ever experienced!!!
😂😂😂 you felt the thump, your no longer a virgin, congrats
I get so excited when I go to a drag strip I have to wear Depends 🤣🤣🤣🤣 👍 😉
@johnmartinelli5511 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I remember my first NHRA top fuel national... I brought the noise cancelling earmuffs I take for shooting. I still had ringing ears afterwards, because the NOISE RESONATED THROUGH MY SHOES. it was a bannanas experience and I've been hooked ever since.
yeah, those grandstands resonate and drive it up your bottom and into your spine too, it's awesome!
If you EVER have the chance to see these live in-person, do it! It is an experience that can't be replicated and absolutely spectacular. You'll never forget.
I'll never forget the mistake my brothers and I made, in the '70s, when we went to see a Funny Car up close in the pits. (Similar engine) They were tunning it, and it was idling. THEN they revved it!! That was the loudest thing I ever heard anywhere. It was so loud the flesh on my arms RIPPLED. Not kidding.
By jove - he's done it again! For something I had very little interest in 15 minutes ago, I'm now a dedicated top fuel dragster fan. This was a wonderfully informative and very enjoyable presentation Paul. One of your best. Well done.
"Interesting car you've got there. What about its fuel consumption?"
"20 liters"
"...per 100 km?"
"... per second."
hehe, nice per second man.
"Oh wow.. Very environmentally friendly car.."
Around 4,5 l/s at max( last half of the run). The fuel pumps deliver around 270 l/m.
@@olekdah Nah bro way more than that.
@Shad rocks Ah yes floor the made is floor of out
My father used to race a pro mod that basically has the same engine as a top fuel dragster, minus the nitro fuel, was a great childhood watching him that’s for sure
I have been involved in 1/4 mile racing in one way or another since my first experience at OCIR when I was 12
I have worked with companies like Moroso performance, Competition engineering and have had the privilege of meeting and working with some phenomenal people who are responsible for getting these rockets to the finish line
Some of these people have explained in detail to me over the years the many aspects of their responsibilities involved in making everything thing work together
It is truly an art
This man has done his homework and has put so much information in concise easy to understand format
With some amazing video as well
I learned some things and truly enjoyed it
Well done 👏
I used to live a mile down the railroad tracks from ocir had my reserved seating down at the sand pit yeah me and my friends used to sneak in all the time why they never fix that hole in the fence I'll never know as far as safety goes I think the industry owes a lot to big Daddy Don Garlits I was there from 69 to73
I could hear the NHRA world championships going on at Firebird Raceway from my school...
11 miles away
15 miles as the crow flies to the track in Memphis and you can still differentiate between the two engines as they run.
If that is is in Chandler, AZ, I raced blown gas flat on the lake. The top fuel boats were under 4 seconds.
Tucson strip to Saguaro N.M. (1970s) about 12 miles.
Holy shit.
I encourage everyone to go to a drag racing event at least once in their life to experience the insane amount of power these incredible machine put out.
Growing up, I worked at a local dragstrip a lot and was very used to the noise of everything up to alcohol funny cars and even jet dragsters. I was not prepared for my first Top Fuel race. This was the 1992 Keystone Nationals where Kenny Bernstein broke 300 mph. Not a bad first Top Fuel experience.
Pro-tip: Open your mouth when they launch. It helps equalize the pressure on your ears.
your memory is abit off... bernstein ran 301.70 at 4:44 pm in the second qualifying session march 20 , 1992 at gainesville florida, not the keystones.
EASILY the most intelligent and analytic examination of my favourite sport I've ever come across. Brilliant!! I'm speechless. All the questions I never thought to ask were answered here. Thank you so much for posting this. It really is an entry-level analysis of the chemistry, physics, and engineering of going 'really-fast.' Magic mate; two-thumbs up. Australia
I work at a company that sells performance parts in the automotive industry, thank you for showing a in depth video of what these cars go through in the mechanics of what happens when a launch occurs. I believe these drivers have a more harder launch than either the space shuttle astronauts or aircraft carrier fighter pilots.
6gs per launch top fuel, around 3 for both typical man space mission and carrier launch. Fun fact around 6gs for braking/parachute. Tony Stewart says they get it both ways lol. Plus he said Funny Car drivers are nuts motor blows up all the flames in their face, top fuel its all behind you.
Paul, I’m impressed with your versatility and just what subjects you can tackle .. great work
Indeed. I enjoy his usual content but would love to see more of this. Taking on subjects we normally wouldn't think about but are none the less fascinating.
I am a dragster pilot, CD. If you have any questions please feel free to ask in the replies section sir! If you’d like I also have Instagram with a lot of media about my car, the engines, tires and my crew. I’m not a Top Fuel driver, I’m not old enough for that yet.
My dragster uses a naturally aspirated Chevrolet 350 and it’s about half the size of a top fuel car.
Never would have thought you would do a video on TFD, awesome.
I would have not guessed he used to race :-)
Everyone should see a Top Fuel at least once.
You feel it in your bones, it's incredible.
"If you want to become a millionare drag racing, just start with 10 million"
Best quote ever.
Or just : "How to turn a large fortune into a small fortune..."
How do you become a millionaire in F1 start out as a billionaire
connie kallitta did it with tf racing and starting n airline both of which puts that joke/conventional wisdom to wrong
@ Stephen Penniket
Hollywood accounting and also convincing OTHERS to turn large fortunes into small ones.
@@jcerullo5015 Lol! Lawrence Stroll. As soon as he put more money in his Aston Martin F1 team, he will become a millionaire in few years to come.
Wonderful and informative! I have been in love with dragracing since a kid and a total "gear head", top fuel specifically. Experiencing these up close is awesome to say the least. The closest I have been is on the starting line with the crew. I assisted in the pits with building the supercharger, top end, piston assembly, gaping sparkplugs, and in general learning what actually goes into it. Each person on the team has a specific role: top end, bottom end, fueling, etc
I almost wish I would have pursued actually education on this instead of nursing lol. Again, great video! If anyone reads this comment, go find you a dragrace- nhra or ihra in the states and go, you will not regret it! There is something about 10000 hp.....
Great video. I remember reading an account of a race years ago. The car won, but when they tore the motor down, they discovered that the launch sheated the drives of the magnetos. The motor in essence dieseled it's way down the track, at full power. I thought that was amazing.
Dieseling happens a lot in these motors.
Paul, once again you have given me (and others) some valuable and entertaining information. I am not a racing fan, though it is very popular here in Florida. However, after watching your video, I understand a lot more about this fascinating sport. Please, keep 'em coming!
I'm watching today's Cleetus McFarland video and this hits my notifications. Probably the only thing that could get me to click over.
Hell yeah brother
Do it for Dale!
I’m really glad he made this so well. Not surprising, just happy he applied his talent to this unique sport.
About half way through this video, I realized that I was tensing up my entire body any time there was footage of the cars on track. Gonna take me a minute to relax after this one...
Thanks for bringing your expertise, experience, and professionalism to this brutish racing sport. I have been to a top fuel race and there is something special about it. You can feel when a car makes a perfect run and you'll know it was the best of the day before the clock says so. Amazing sport and amazing video explaination
I've been to a few top fuel drag races in Las Vegas and can tell you that even in the stands that have a metal covering, you definitely need ear protection. The vibration in the air as the cars go down the track can even be felt in the parking lot and in the stands, it's insane. Very intense.
The boosted Bois and PFI did some videos on Top fuel. The part that blew my mind was how the teams will save all the engine components and mix and match them based on the change in tolerances due to deformation from each pass.
those guys haven't a clue what they're doing but internet fame always helps get low men to high places
During a rain delay last year I spent a lot of time talking with some of the engine guys. The parts either pass specs or they're scrapped. One of the things that they watch on the pistons is the heights of the ring grooves. When the pressure has collapsed the heights of the grooves too much, they're replaced. The steel clutch plates are replaced after each run. They are heated to around 700°F/370°C as indicated by their blue color after a run. They're scrap metal at the end of the run.
Many years ago i went to a top fuel event and one thing you never appreciate without being there is the thunderous noise that shakes your whole body! Great presentation. Thanks.
I'm a mechanic, but I've never found drag racing to be particularly exciting. However I do love seeing the "behind the scenes" side of it, and this video is a perfect example of that. It's always fascinating to see how it compares against your everyday road vehicle.
have u ever seen and felt a top fuel car in person.? I would say not.
You gotta see them run close up. You'll change your mind lol.
It is mind boggling that so much fuel is used and so much power and speed is achieved by an engine that will only do 500 revolutions during a race.
Shockingly enough, you're right. At 8000 RPM, an engine will do 533 revolutions in 4 seconds; the best times are under 4 seconds.
This is the manliest engineering video out there.
Raised my testosterone by 17% just by watching
Lolz stoneage dude did you fail to turn on your brain when Droid said the current fastest run was held by a woman... IN YA FACE SEXISM HAH!!1
@@llperlrll Women have quicker reaction times than men. 90% of the time if a woman is running against a man if she doesn't have mechanical problems she will win. It is also the reason when my wife asks me what I have been doing, I am busted!
I had not expected something like this from Curious Droid, and found it not only surprising but very interesting. It reminded me of a flight I took from LA to Charlotte, NC about 20 years ago. The fellow next to me was a Top Fuel engineer. He was fascinating to listen to as we flew across the country, and it made watching this video even more fascinating. His specialty was in the main engine block and clutch, so the comments in this video about the tires and aerodynamics was especially interesting. Many thanks for such an interesting topic!
This is probably one of the best videos exploring the science & engineering involved in Top Fuel drag racing that I have ever seen.
Fantastic job.
This is by far the best video I have seen in along long time , wow , clear information and great imagery with your descriptions well done sir
As the former owner of a TF/FC, I can tell you that there is NO other motorsport in the world that compares to the brute experience of being next to these things when they're running. The chemical/mechanical sophistication of what makes them do what they do has no comparison!! My driver used to say that at launch the negative 4-5 G's felt like a mule kicking him in the chest!!
So many of us Curious Droid fans are racers. I would have never guessed.
I’d say it has to do with our curious mind on how things work and pushing the limits. I’m not a huge race fan but I respect it for their abilities to push limits.
Because we know that Nascar and Fast & Furious is just too slow.
How do the dragsters reverse after the burnout?
@@mortson978
A lot of them don’t. Those get pushed back by hand.
Theres always been a natural fit between aerospace/aviation, and drag racing- The love of machinery and engineering, the thrill of making/watching something insanely powerful, a lot of tech goes from aviation, to racing (and then sometimes trickles down to everyday consumers)- disc brakes, alumium/magnesium/titanium parts, fibreglass, carbon fibre, the jet engines that are frequently used in exhibition races at Top Fuel meets. Go to the pits at a drag race, and a good proportion of the racers and crewmen got their skills wrenching on planes in the military.
I think pretty much anyone who loves Top Fuel drags should appreciate the appeal of aerospace, and vice versa.
It's great to see 'Curious Droid's' comment, mentioning his racing background His perspective is not just academic, but is also based on personal experience.
It's mind blowing to know that but for rule based restrictions, the top fuel dragsters would go even faster.
Even now, few tracks are long enough to allow for deceleration following runs exceeding 330 MPH
I remember an interview with John Force's head mechanic. He said "I would not step out of the electric chair to get into the cockpit of the monstrous thing". I always thought after that, they really gamble their lives for 5 seconds at time.
Austin Coil? That sounds like something Austin would say!
When the sport was very young the car was set up with the engine in front of the driver.
Not kidding, look it up.
@@mykthafsh71 Yes indeed -- that's how Don Garlits lost part of his foot. Not kidding, either. The drivers used to have their feet straddling the transmission bell. Unfortunately the entire transmission would occasionally grenade.
@@mykthafsh71 what you're thinking of is slingshot dragsters, but those are actually after the earliest parts of the sport. The earliest stuff was just street cars and what we now call pro mods running on nitrometh
@@stefanl5183
Let's be honest, Austin was the brains that got the car down the track. Force himself has said he's just the dummy that mashes the pedal.
Forces skill was talking sponsors out of their money, Austin qoute
Earth shaking, eyes burning, defining roar, flames, the pungent smell of burning rocket fuel, smoke and acceleration that is impossible to believe even though you just witnessed it. Anyone that is into cars/motorsport should attend a world class top fuel event. It's sensory overload on another level.
I just cannot get enough of TFs, they are supremely incredible. This is a good explanation video, thank you.
I never clicked on a video so quick.. I love Top Fuel Dragsters.
Gotta be the greatest sound and experience ever...bloody brilliant!
Great video. I've watched drag racing for many years in Canada but only had the opportunity to watch the top alcohol cars - which is cool too. But once I traveled to the USA to watch the fuel cars, my interest was brought to a whole new level. Both for the racing but also the tech. Seeing these cars live is truly incredible
My grandfather was had a Chrysler factory sponsorship in the 60s - raced Cudas and Dusters. Impressive back then
Another fantastic video Paul. As a lifelong top fuel nut I can say you’ve got everything covered perfectly, your racing background is quite evident in this video.
Here’s a random fact for others; the top fuel engine runs a wet sump, with the oil pump pushing some 250psi of 70 weight oil through the 6 thou mains & big ends. The oil pan also contains a pressure switch to kill the engine in an over pressure event, to reduce the chance of dumping the contents all over the track.
I have been going to santa pod in the UK since 1984, the access to the pits is fantastic experience for any mechanic like myself, but to actually witness a top fuel or funny car run from a few dozen feet away is just additive . Every sense is blasted by the sight the sound the vibration etc. Its so addictive. Drag racing is like opening pringles! You know the saying😁
But do not get downwind from nitro, your eyes will truly burn.
It seems to me that the more you learn about something like Top Fuel Drag Racing, the more insane it actually becomes. The sights and sounds are impressive to the ordinary punter but to know that the internal combustion engine is working on the cutting edge of material science and strength and that feeding the fuel into the cylinders is a hairs breath away from hydraulic compression vs fuel combustion is truely insane.
As a mechanic and racer,
You did this video justice.
But, i knew you would.
Great video! He was even thoughtful enough to always use both imperial and metric units!
Awesome video! 🔥🔥 Thank you so much for the time, talent, and effort that went into creating it!
This golden. Probably the most through explanation I’ve ever heard or seen. Reading the comments before sounding off myself, I find out you are a gearhead drag racer yourself. I mean the TF cars are cool, but I get just as much satisfaction watching the sportsmen classes from men such as yourself.
For people who just don’t understand racing in any form, if it wasn’t for racers and constant engineering and learning curves modern vehicles wouldn’t be reliable, efficient and safe as they are today.
Thank you Paul for taking over where the Discovery and History Channels left off. They were at one time both entertaining and educational.
If you’ve never been to a top fuel drag race I highly recommend it . You’ll have to buy a seat but you’ll never sit in it
Top Fuel is something that when in person, you FEEL, more than watch.
This was one of the best NHRA explained videos I’ve seen in a long while. The slomo clips and the information conveyed is impressive for under 17 minutes. Been a fan of your page for a while. Good job.
This guy 100% has explained TOP FUEL the best way possible!!! Best break down ever.
Awesome thankyou
I'm no petrolhead but after listening to those stats and figures I was like, oh yeah baby!
Two things that have always blew my mind about these cars are how the warping tires contribute to the "gearing" and how the exhaust has enough energy to add tremendous down force as well as propel the car forward.
Also that it takes 800hp just turn the blower. Ridiculous. Absolutely amazing sport.
One thing not mentioned in the video is how the clutch locks up. The plates get so hot that they weld themselves together. It's the short straw that has to remove the clutch pack in the pits.
750-900 degrees F at teardown in the pits
I've been going to watch drag racing at Pomona for 10 years now. The only way to really experiment it is in person. Watching it on TV doesn't do it justice
I had no idea about the numbers and engineering that goes on with these cars. The numbers are astounding. I remember watching these races on tv in the 70’s and 80’s. They have come a long way in development since then.
Watched a PC build on Tavarish's channel the other day. It's a brave new world I tell ya...
If you have not seen one in person you have no idea how insane they are. Its like a constant shockwave hitting your body and that is just them idling. When they take off they actually look blurry as your eyeballs are rattling around in your head.
I heard that the racing slicks are still manufactured in Akron, Ohio which used to be the rubber city at one time. Amazing technology for sure!!!
Still is
Outstanding! Nothing like it!!
This is probably the most detailed, and factually correct top fuel videos I've ever seen. Your sources knew their shit, and your research was top notch. Great job!
I can imagine the insurance company asking "Are you planning on traveling at high speeds with your vehicle?" - "No just 330mph" - "I see, that's within our margin. Anything above this would just be unreasonable"
I wish the cop who pulled me over for going 60 in a 40 on a well lit, 2 lane road with great visibility thought the same...
look one of those things in the wild, really incredible
I love the slow mo of dragsters. Something so satisfying about watch a huge amount of power trying to rip a car apart like it was made of jello.
I went to my first one this weekend. It was so insane. Your whole body vibrates. It’s amazing that they rebuild the engines so fast. I got to fist pump John Force that dude is a beast at driving those crazy death machines. I was hooked the minute the sound waves reached where I was. That’s one of those things you do before you die. Looking forward to going to another one soon.
You got to "fist PUMP " John Force ?? I hope you meant BUMP!
@@busterland1805 I met John Force (just in passing) a few years ago at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma. His record is very impressive but keep an eye on his daughters. That whole family is something else!!
I'm an old-school rodder from the 70's still race my old 56 Chevy gasser. It's fun to talk to all the young kids, who are talking to each other about their computerized cars, injectors, chips, maps, etc, and then I coyly mention that gasoline has more power per liter than nitro. Always good to pass on some education and they usually are amazed when you explain it right. Thanks for a great video.
Still remains my favorite sport to spectate. I sure miss going to Englishtown! Top fuel and jet cars made a strong impression on me growing up.
I'm a little surprised that they didn't mention the crankshafts are twisted a bit after each run. I think I read they change out the cam to accommodate the twisted crank, until the front journal is about 10 degrees out from the rear. Then change the crankshaft. Insane, but thrilling!
I live 14 miles from a track and you can hear an ominous roar all weekend they race once a season. It’s insane. I have no idea why the crews aren’t deaf despite hearing protection.
Double hearing protection helps to mitigate almost all sounds. What i'm curious about the crew without any protection!?! There are many videos with the engine on and crew walking casually around.
Yes they are not revving it but any person who has been next to normal road car without the exhaust or with just minimal headers *knows* how loud the exhaust sound always is. After all, it's the after effect of a mini explosion, contained and then realeased in an instant. And everything in top fuel dragsters is multiplied by a hundred or more!
Yep i live in Washington and you can hear pacific raceways from miles away. Covid has kept them from coming to Washington for 2 years now so i have to wait until next year
@@alaric_ they simply have little to no hearing
I am totally here for this "branching out" of CD content.
Great work by Paul and the team. Keep it up lads and ladies.
Edit: 3.66 at 338mph across the line... that is INSANE. :D
Edit2: Nitromethane is a common reagent/precursor, used for nitrating all kinds of other compounds to make them more... boomy.
They're basically playing with rocket fuel ingredients. What's not to like... :)
The last time I went to the Nationals was in 1973. Child's play compared to today! Great video. A real education. Thanks!
Thank you for what is the most informative video I’ve ever seen on top fuel dragsters. It includes so many specifications and details such as RPMs, number of injectors, costs, tire inflations, types of metals, etc. Excellent!