I’d never try to even insinuate that it is easy to drive a high powered drag race car, especially one like the Top Fuel Dragster in this video. As you will see, stuff can go wrong in a split second. One minor lapse in concentration and your ass will be up and over a guardrail, potentially with the throttle hanging wide open as you will see below.
This video comes from the long dead Orange County International Raceway in California and the tag on it says that it was shot in 1980. I have no idea who was driving the dragster but we’re assuming that it was a new driver, or at least one new to Top Fuel. I am a big fan of this particular of dragster. We’re getting close to the first generation of rear engine fuel dragsters at this point and the low slung, spindly look will soon be replaced with longer more robust looking cars. I think these dragsters have an awesome look with their laid back driving position and small rear wing.
You’ll see the driver complete the burnout, engage the reverser and then for whatever reason, whack the throttle while the car was in reverse. This causes, in scientific terms, “the shit to hit the fan”. The car, which probably has a TON of camber in it as most dragsters do flings around like a bizarre mechanical whip, ultimately launching over the guard rail with the throttle open. Whoopsie doodle!
Press play below and learn how “easy” it is to drive a Top Fuel Dragster!
