Welcome to the basics of
Drag Boat Racing

May 2005

A drag boat race is a contest of acceleration between two boats over a measured distance, much like any other form of regulated drag racing, whether professional or amateur. Unless track conditions preclude them from doing so, drag boats run the same measured distance as in the quarter mile asphalt drags – 1320 feet or 400 metres – but the main difference is that the course is run on water, hence the term, “liquid quarter mile”. The fact that the course is run on water can provide driver problems not seen on hard surface courses, because of water conditions and the like.

Another difference is the manner in which the boats are staged. Rather than starting from a dead stop, as our asphalt counterparts do, drag boats begin their runs from a rolling start. This system was implemented as a safety precaution since it is difficult for a driver to determine if the boat will launch straight from a standing start. The boats are either towed or driven to a rope, which is stretched across the width of the race course. As the drivers reach the rope, they grab onto in order to maintain their positions at the starting line. From the “holding rope”, the boats have 125 feet or 38 metres, before reaching the start. As the two boats are “paired up” on the holding rope, the starter will notify both boats to watch the lights. Amber will flash at the drivers on either side of the Christmas tree, and flash for 15 seconds. After 15 seconds, the flashing amber lights will stay solid, and this is the time that the boats approach the start. The starter will commence the race when he is satisfied that both boats are paired for a fair start. If one boat has been seen to not pair or charge the lights, that boat will be red lighted and disqualified from that pass.

Two separate performances are monitored for each run: elapsed time and speed. Upon leaving the staging area, the starter activates an electronic elapsed time clock, which is automatically stopped when the boats reach the finish line, by computer. The start to finish clocking is the boats elapsed time (ET), which serves to measure performance. Speed is measured in a 60’ or 18.28 metre “speed trap” that ends at the finish line.

The first boat to cross the finish line usually wins unless a red light infraction has occurred or, if the boat is competing in a speed bracket category, it runs quicker than the class determined speed. Additionally, a boat may be disqualified from that race if it crosses the centre line, striking a line buoy or any other fixture on the water.

This is a simple explanation of the basics of drag boat racing.

Contributed