A Day at the Races

This weekend I entered an alternate universe. Or at least, one previously completely unknown to me - the NHRA. My brother introduced me to the world of drag racing at the opening event of the National Hot Rod Association's racing season, the Gatornationals at Gainesville. My previous racing experience was limited to Figure 8 racing, in which junkyard cars are resuscitated enough to navigate a figure 8 track without a race-ending collision. I’m certainly no expert, or enthusiastic race fan after one afternoon at the races, but I do offer a few observations – because I know Duey is expecting it.

Popularity – With almost no knowledge of drag racing, my first surprise was the level of interest in the sport. (I use sport in the broad sense of recreation or diversion.) What would normally be a 2 ½ - hour trip from Orlando to Gainesville actually took closer to 4 hours, with the last 10-12 miles taking 1 ½ hours. Clearly, the Gainesville grounds are not laid out to accommodate the number of fans this event attracts. The parking area - acres and acres - was packed with vehicles, my first clue that this sport has a sizeable following. At an event where speed rules, I found it rather ironic that the fastest way for us to get from our parking spot in the farthest reaches of the parking area to the stands was via rickshaw. Enterprising young men pedaled fans across rain-soaked roads to within walking distance of the stands. Surely, their tips must cover next semester’s tuition, or at least, the price of their books.

Economic impact – The rickshaw ride through the parking lot provided my first glimpse into the economic impact of drag racing and all it entails. Row after row of high-priced RVs belonging to fans and support teams sent cash register bells ringing in my mind. And we hadn’t even made it to the pits with the high-priced rigs and the race cars. I don’t have a clue what it must cost to actually put a car on the track, what with the equipment and personnel, but clearly, it’s not chump change. It’s hard to find evidence of a recession here. Putting it in the larger perspective of entertainment dollars and professional athletes' multi-million dollar contracts, I guess it falls below the median. Yet, for someone who keeps a fairly frugal entertainment budget, the economic impact was startling.

Speed - Drag racing is all about speed – whether it’s a top fuel, funny car, pro stock car or motorcycle, the goal is to traverse the quarter-mile track faster than your competitor. Oh, I do understand, now, that there is considerable strategy involved, as well as driving skill and plenty of horses under the hood. And I appreciate the fact that the impetus that created the NHRA was to move drag racing off the streets and into safer venues. Moving dragsters, racing at 100 mph, off the streets and onto a track designed for such speeds was definitely a good thing. I’m just having a hard time getting my mind around the concept of the competitive drive required to get behind the wheel of a vehicle with the potential to do 325 mph. I guess it appeals to the same drive/instinct as an athlete – and that would explain why I have a difficult time even getting to the fitness center regularly – I simply don’t have enough competitive blood in me to “get in this race.” I’d like to suggest it’s a guy thing, but NHRA boasts a number of female drivers, some who are doing quite well.

Though I couldn’t see myself getting behind the wheel, I must admit to at least being wowed by the speed on the track, the drivers’ skill, and the supportive atmosphere in the crowd. If Duey’s willing to keep answering racing 101 questions, I’d consider another trip to the track.