need info about 1/4 mile tracks/dragstrips

[RalphBullit]

I would like to know some details about ¼ mile tracks. I am sorry I bother You, but I’ve been searching the internet quite precisely and haven’t found information I needed. I am not an active poster here, but I read Your comments regularly and I know You are always helpful and kind to each other (what is not very common at various car forums). I am also aware that many of You drag race and attend meetings organised on tracks.

First of all, I would like to get technical knowledge about ¼ mile tracks. What are the dimensions? What types of surface are used on such tracks? Which of them are the best?
safety requirements? What devices are needed at such track?

Finally, what are the costs of building such a track? What about the maintanance costs? Etc.

I will be very grateful if You answer these questions. If you think that I should know something more, write everything You want. If You know any helpful web pages where I would find something interesting (containing the information I mentioned and pictures of Your favorite tracks) let me know.


Best Wishes to all TMS members
Ralph

http://www.vintageperformance.com/retrorockets/images/Dragstrip.jpeg

[FLAstangx3]

Tis the season: checkout NMRA, you'll probable need to dig deep for that type of info, but there should be links in there. www.nmradigital.com (http://www.nmradigital.com).

and.......................you'll find "better" pic's for your signature line too :)

[RalphBullit]

it seems my thread ain't very popular :D. thanks for the link FLAstang. I found some information about drag racing also on nhra.com but still not enough.
I will have to get to know some people who work in that business.

[karman]

As far as initial costs...
If you already have the land; grading, preparing and laying a half mile of road for the track should be less than $2 million although the price of asphalt seems to be rising at an alarming rate.

[RalphBullit]

2 million? ouch! I thought that 1 million would be enough. :doh:

the price of asphalt seems to be rising at an alarming rate.


the rising prices of land in the part of UE I live may be the biggest problem.
Thanks for Your post.

[RalphBullit]

I am glad I found official FIA regulations:
http://www.fia.com/sport/Regulations/dragregs.html

[gdm1965]

Have you checked into 8th mile insurance lot chaper? Looking to host big race or weekend deals?

[RalphBullit]

first of all weekend deals, big races yes but sometime in future

[dodaniel]

Your best bet would be to contact some of the smaller track owners and get some info from them...if you arent directly competing in their area, I'm sure they'd be willing to answer some questions.

[RalphBullit]

Your best bet would be to contact some of the smaller track owners and get some info from them...if you arent directly competing in their area, I'm sure they'd be willing to answer some questions.

I am thinking of getting a job at such a track to see how this kind of business thrives.
Canada would be my choice since I have some cousins there and Canada (unlike USA) canceled the stupid visa requirement for us Poles. I found a few tracks there. They aren't small though. Here's one motorsport park: http://www.torontomotorsportspark.com/raceway/home.htm
I bet there are many Canadian members here, feel free to share Your experience.