Drag Racing began in the USA in the 1940’s.  The idea was simplicity itself.  Drivers in two dragsters would race each other to see who could be the quickest over a measured distance.  Disused airfield runways and sections of public highways were used at first.  In 1951, the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) was founded to govern the ever-growing sport, with races run over a quarter of a mile (1,320 ft).  Some races are now held over a 1,000 ft. distance.

Over many years, different classes of drag racing have evolved and dragsters run in classes such as Top Fuel, Top Fuel Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Modified.  A Top Fuel dragster can reach over 330 mph and cover the distance of a dragstrip in under 3.7 seconds.

Today, drag racing is popular in many countries around the World.  In the UK, the Santa Pod Raceway opened in 1966 and has been the main venue in this country ever since.  Details of upcoming events can be found at santapod.co.uk  (All of the background photos used here were taken at Santa Pod).

There is also a dragster museum in the USA.  The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing can be found at Ocala in Florida.