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Wednesday, July 16 Useful terms ESPN.com They'll be many terms tossed about in the ESPN NHRA Information Dragway this weekend. Here's what you need to know:
An electronic starting device incorporating calibrated lights displaying a visual countdown for each driver, activated by a designated NHRA official.
When a driver is approximately seven inches behind the starting line, illuminating the small yellow light atop his or her side of the Christmas Tree.
A driver is staged when the front wheels of the car are on the starting line and the second set of lights on his or her side is illuminated. The countdown of amber lights leading to the green may start at any time.
A driver is deep staged when, after staging, he or she rolls a few inches farther, causing the pre-stage light to go out. The driver is closer to the finish line, but dangerously close to a foul start.
The time it takes the driver to react to the green starting light on the Christmas Tree. The reaction time counter begins when the last amber light flashes and stops when the vehicle clears the "staged" beam.
When a cylinder becomes too rich (too much fuel in the fuel/air mixture), preventing the spark plug from firing.
When a driver lifts off the throttle, then gets back on it again, in an attempt to regain traction with the rear tires.
The rapid spinning of rear tires in water before a run. This heats and cleans the tire rubber, resulting in increased traction.
The final 66 feet of the track before the finish line. A driver's top speed is recorded here.
Elapsed Time. The total time it takes a driver to go from the starting line to the finish line.
Produced specifically as a fuel for drag racing; a result of a chemical reaction between nitric acid and propane.
Starting line advantage gained by the quicker-reacting driver.
When cars are raced two at a time, resulting in one winner and one loser. The winner continues to race in tournament-style competition.
Revolutions Per Minute. The number of times an engine's crankshaft revolves in one minute.
The time it takes a vehicle to cover the first 60 feet of the racetrack.
An aerodynamic device attached directly to a vehicle's body (usually to the rear deck lid). Airflow passes only over the top of the device, creating downforce, which aids traction and stability.
An aerodynamic device mounted to allow airflow to pass both over and under. This creates downforce, which aids traction and stability.
Attached to the back of a vehicle; designed to prevent excessive lifting of the vehicle's front wheel(s).
Fine-tuned exhaust system which routs exhaust from engine. Replaces conventional exhaust manifolds.
Short for "parachute" or "dragchute." Deployed to assist in braking from high speeds.
A blanket made from ballistic and absorbent material (often Kevlar) that surrounds the oil pan and serves to contain fluids and debris in an engine explosion.
Times recorded at the 60, 330, 660, and 1000-foot marks on the racetrack. Recorded primarily for the benefit of drivers and teams.
The length of track after the finish line in which drivers must come to a stop. ESPN and ESPN2 will feature the special informational program during the networks' regular coverage of the NHRA event at Denver: on ESPN Saturday, July 19 from 7-9 p.m. ET; and Sunday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. live on ESPN and 6-9 p.m. on ESPN2. NHRA2Day, ESPN2's weekly news show, will also continue the Information Dragway theme Sunday at 11 a.m. ESPN Radio's RPM Now with host John Kernan, Friday from 8-10 p.m. (check local listings), will feature live driver interviews.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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