Drag racing is a type of motorsport in which two or more cars race to be the first over the finish line. Drag racing began in the early 20th century on airstrips and salt beds in the United States and was especially popular in Southern California. By the mid-20th century, drag racing had become an organized sport in the United States, led by the National Hot Rod Association. Drag racers aim to be the fastest on the track, requiring specialized equipment to participate in races. 

The essential piece of equipment in drag racing is a car. When the sport began in the early 20th century, people raced in the most popular vehicles of the day, like the Hudson Super Six or Ford Model A. By the 1930s, more and more drivers began racing customized cars with modified engines and lighter bodies to make them go as fast as possible. 

In the 1950s, the formation of several organizing bodies, including the National Hot Rod Association, turned street drag racing into a professional sport. After it became an organized sport, new categories were introduced. The first was Top Fuel, a quick acceleration car that runs on nitromethane. Another category is Funny Car, which has a carbon fiber body that sits over the chassis. The body must be lifted for the driver to climb in. These run on nitromethane and methanol. The first Funny Cars date to 1964. Organizing bodies regularly issue rules and regulations for each car class's minimum and maximum standards. Many drag racers decorate their cars with decals.

Because drag racers compete at high speeds, there is a risk of injury to the driver. Thus, drag racing has strict rules regarding safety equipment. Racing helmets were not mandatory before 1950, when the first drag racing associations were formed. However, drivers have worn full-face helmets to protect the head and neck from injury since then. Most race organizers specify helmets with a Snell SA safety rating to ensure maximum protection. Snell certification for helmets began in 1957 after the death of racer Pete Snell, one year earlier. His death prompted a team of scientists and engineers to collaborate on new safety standards for helmets. Many drag racers decorate their helmets with decals.

In addition to helmets, drivers must wear a fire-resistant racing suit. Generally, the suit is made from Nomex, developed in the early 1960s. Drivers also wear fire-resistant gloves, socks, and shoes. Many drivers keep their equipment in a hold-all-style bag. 

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There is considerable overlap in safety equipment between drag racing and other motorsports, like road racing. However, all drag racing equipment is made from fire-resistant materials because the risk of fire is more significant in this sport because of the types of fuel that drag cars require and the high speeds for which the sport is known. 

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In the WorthPoint Library

Classic Plastic Model Kits: Identification and Value Guide by Rick Polizzi. 

Books and Periodicals 

High Performance: The Culture and Technology of Drag Racing, 1950-2000 by Robert C. Post. 

Web Resources

Drag Racing – Races www.worthpoint.com.

What Was It Like to Drag Race In The 1960s www.motorious.com.