ABOUT DRAG BOAT RACING

Basics. The basics of drag boat racing are very similar to those of land drag racing. It is an acceleration race over a measured quarter mile straightaway on water between two high performance race boats. However, drag boats us a slight moving start. This starting system was implemented as a safety precaution because it is difficult for a boat driver to determine if the boat will launch straight from a standing start.

As two boats are “paired up” on the holding rope, a countdown clock begins before the boats get the green light. During competition, if either boat crosses the starting line before the green light is illuminated, it is disqualified.

Each boat is allowed to qualify for eliminations by making at least one quarter-mile timed run. Each of the boats is clocked for an elapsed time (ET) that is determined from the time it takes the boat to cover the quarter-mile race from start to finish. Drag boats qualify on Saturday for a two-day event and on Friday and Saturday for three day events. Only the top qualifying boats will compete in the championship elimination rounds. The winner of each round of racing advances to the next round until only one boat remains as the class winner.

Mechanics. Take a walk through the pits for a closer look at the equipment that makes drag boat racing unique. Consider different hull designs and propulsion methods, there are three basic boat types: hydroplanes, flat bottom and jets, each with a variety of styles.

The hydroplane drag boat uses a three point hull design to trap air. During acceleration, the hydro rides mainly on a cushion of air, with only its propeller and two rear edges of its sponsons (large torpedo-shaped pods on the sides of the hull that form a tunnel similar to pontoons on a catamaran) touching the water.

Flat bottom drag boats cannot be designed with a tunnel bottom, although a modification called a “runner bottom” is now accepted. The flat bottom resembles a family ski boat in design; in fact, many drag boats retire to become ski boats.

A jet drag boat can have any hull design, but differs from other drag boats types by the jet pump, which is its sole means of propulsion and steering.

Mentally take the driver’s seat in a racing flat bottom. At your feet are three pedals: on your right is the throttle and on your left, two petals that control the altitude of the bow with metal cavitation plates across the back of the boat. The motor’s 1600 to 4500 HP can provide enough torque to rotate the boat around the shaft. Skillful control of the cavitation plates keeps the boat from flipping. You can stage the boats to greater and greater speeds with the foot pedals controlling the throttle and cavitation.

Though the flat bottom and hydroplane can use the same motor, the tunnel hull makes driving completely different. Staging is not necessary with this wider, more stable hull type, but the boat must line up correctly at the starting line. Because the rudder is not functional at any speed, the boat simply goes where it is pointed. The hydroplane pilot can control the boat only with the throttle. Hydroplanes can reach speeds of 235 mph.

Drag boats do not use conventional Detroit-produced motors. In the beginning, racers converted salvaged Chrysler and Chevrolet motors. Today’s specialized cast aluminum racing motors include Keith black, Donovan and Arias, developed for drag racing.

In all professional classes except Competition Hydro, Flat bottom and Jet, motor have a size limit of 565 cubic inches (CI). Competition classes have a size limit of 470 CI and river racer classes a limit of 460 CI. The most common motor in the Blown Fuel class is a Keith Black, which is based on the Chrysler 392 CI Hemi-Head motor, a motor design from the 1950’s. The Donovan is also based on the Chrysler 392 CI Hemi, while the Arias, most commonly used in Blown Gas and Blown Alcohol classes, gets it’s design from the more current Chevrolet 454 block with a hemi-head adaptation from Chrysler. New, these motors can cost between $25,000 and $50,000.

Whether flat bottom, hydro or jet, the driver’s equipment is essentially the same. Each drive must wear a flameproof driving suit, crash helmet and goggles or face shield. A life jacket is also a must and a personal parachute is recommended for non-capsule-equipped boats. The parachute slows the driver down during a crash and pulls him away from the boat. Fuel and alcohol classes require flameproof boots, gloves and fuel masks.

Supercharged hydros also require drogue parachutes similar to those used with asphalt dragsters. These serve a dual purpose: they stop the boat from beaching beyond the finish line and keep it from crashing on power-down. Since the hydros travel on a cushion of air, a sudden reduction of power changes the aerodynamics dramatically. The parachute helps stabilize the boat tail and hull, keeping it under control.

For the protection of the drivers, officials and spectators, all boats, motors and driver’s equipment receive a careful technical inspection before event registration. Feel free to take a few minutes to visit the pits, talk with the crews and look at the sophisticated machinery and equipment that makes it all happen. 

 

 

DRAG BOAT SAFETY

Drag boats are exciting to watch, but in reality, how safe are they?  Without a doubt, drag boat drivers are at great risk because of the high speeds, potential accidents and the danger of drowning.  Most race boats do not have the same types of safety features standard in race cars-no roll bars, seat belts or on board fire extinguishers.

At the higher speeds, the Pro class boats have taken on some of the same type equipment seen in racecars.  This equipment has been changed to suite the watercraft and the inherent dangers of water borne crash.  Capsules now enclose the Pro driver, he has a racing 5 point seat belt restraint.  A roll bar is built into the capsule as well as a self-contained breathing system should the driver become submerged.  The capsule encloses the driver and is constructed of steel tubing with a fiberglass and Kevlar outer shell.  It is designed to separate from the boat hull, engine, and mechanical parts.  This particular safety device has been the most significant safety change in recent years and has been responsible for saving many racers’ lives since its inception.

Drag boat drivers have a specialized array of equipment to protect them in the event of an accident.  Drivers must wear a helmet that meets current Snell Foundation specifications and eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield.  Professional class drivers may wear a Nomex fire retardant driving suit with elastic cuffs.

Since neither drivers nor boats have brakes, the most important safety items are a form of parachute.  For Non-Pro drivers, this is called a Lifeline chute jacket, a Mae West design life jacket with thigh straps and a small parachute in back.  The driver holds the static line of the chute to the boat, and if he inadvertently flies from the boat, the chute deploys - retarding his velocity and putting him in the water feet first.  The lifeline jacket has saved more lives than any other drag boat safety feature.

Some boats also employ parachutes.  In the Pro & Blown boat classes a parachute hooked to the rear of the boat stops forward momentum at the end of the race.

Optional equipment for drivers includes fireproof shoes and large silver "Moon Boots" gloves, ballistic shorts, neck supports and balaclavas.  Many boat classes now require a capsule for the driver to prevent injury and suffocation. Each boat must pass a rigorous technical inspection of safety - related equipment at each race.  While it is true that drag boat racing is one of the world's most dangerous sports, careful attention to safety equipment and rules can protect the drivers from injury.

DRAG BOAT CLASSES

 

To maintain a high level of competition, the Sanctioning Body (IHBA) has classification system that organizes the boats into tightly matched categories. There are two basic categories: ET classes based on elapsed time and Pro classes based on structural differences. Drivers can choose either category and use this to their advantage.

Speed is not the determining factor in the ET classes – the only thing that counts is the time (seconds) needed to complete the quarter mile course. Drivers can clock slower times in their specific ET classes, but face disqualification if they go faster. There are no structural restrictions in the ET classes, which allow a wide variety of boats to compete. Driver skill and mechanical modifications producing acceleration are crucial in this category of classes.

The Pro classes depend on structure, including the variables: engine structure, fuel type and hull structure. Engine structure depends on physical size and method of introducing fuel. Engines can be normally aspirated by a carburetor or fuel injection system (Pro Gas) or supercharged (Blown). The supercharged engine uses a blower to force air into the engine, resulting in increased compression per cylinder. In the Pro classes, engines can not exceed 500 cubic inches and must burn a gasoline fuel. In Blown classes, engines can not exceed 565 cubic inches and can burn either methanol (alcohol), nitromethane (Top Fuel), or a combination of the two (Blown Fuel Jet).

The third variable in the Pro classification is the hull type, including hydroplanes, flat bottoms, or jets. By this definition, a gas burning boat with a carburetor or fuel injection system and a hydroplane hull is a Pro Gas Hydro (PGH). A methanol burning boat with a blower and a flat bottom hull is a Blown Alcohol Flat (BAH).

 

PRO CLASSES	ELIMINATOR (ET CLASSES)	PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
Top Fuel Hydro ( TFH )	Pro Eliminator (PE) 8.00-8.99	PWC I (Ages 10-14)
Top Alcohol Hydro ( TAH )	Top Eliminator (TE) 9.00-9.99	PWC II (Ages 15 & Up)
Top Fuel Jet ( TFJ )	Modified Elim (ME) 10.00-10.99
Top Alcohol Flat ( TAF )	Stock Eliminator (SE) 11.00-12.00
Pro Modified ( PM ) 7:00 Breakout	River Racer I (RRI) 12.00-12.99
Pro Comp Eliminator (PCE )	River Racer II (RRII) 13.00 plus
Pro Gas Hydro ( PGH )

 Drivers usually choose a classification at the beginning of each season and stay with their choice fro the racing year. A driver rarely changes classifications because of the point system. Points are based on performance, compiled over the length of the season. Changing classes would almost surely deny a driver the chance to take points honors in a particular class, for the season.

Drag Boat Lingo

A Run: A timed pass down the track.
Alcohol: Pure methanol.
Big End: The last 25% of the timed track
Blown: Supercharged, when air is actually forced into the motor by means of a compressor.
Break Out: When a boat runs faster than their dial-in time.
Bye: A single run, usually earned by virtue of top qualifying speed, a no-show, or a broken boat.
Christmas Tree: The starting system lights, stacked vertically at the starting line.
Dial-In: This is the elapsed time you think your boat will run.
Nitro: Nitromethane
Holding Rope: The initial holding area on the water where the boats wait their turn to run.
Injected: A method of inducing fuel into the engine under pressure.
In Ramp: The initial launching area.
Out Ramp: The outloading area, after a run is made.
Perfect Light: .000 reaction time.
Pits: The area where the boats are assembled when not in the water.
Reaction Time: The time it takes a boat to travel from the holding rope to the starting light.
Red Light: Indication of disqualification, usually by leaving the starting line too early or not adhering to rules.
Starter: The person who gives the boats the green light.
Time Trial: A timed run to determine qualifying position.
Un_Blown: Not supercharged.