What is Drag racing?
[[Image:Tree counting down.JPG|thumb|225px|The Christmas tree counting down at [[Saskatchewan International Raceway|SIR]]. Note the blinder, to prevent the driver from being distracted by the light for the other lane.]] '''Drag racing''' is a competition between specially prepared [[automobile]]s or [[motorcycle|motorcycles]]. Racers compete, two at a time, to be the first to cross a finish line. Races are run from a [[standing start]], in a straight line, over a measured distance, usually a ¼-mile straight track. The race track, known as a [[dragstrip]], usually uses an electronic timing system to decide the winner. ==Basics of drag racing== Before each race, each driver is allowed to perform a [[burnout]] by spinning the driving tires. Burnouts heat the driving tires and lay rubber down at the beginning of the track to improve traction. The drivers then line up at the starting line. Races are started electronically by a system known as a [[Christmas tree (racing)| Christmas tree]]. [[Image:Pro Street Camaro at launch.JPG|thumb|225px|Camaro at launch, with ''Altered Vision'' in the right lane. [[Wheelie|Wheelstand]] means torque has been wasted lifting the front end, rather than moving the vehicle forward.]] Below the staging lights are three large amber lights, a green light, and a red light. When both drivers are staged, the tree is set to start the race causing the three large amber lights to illuminate, followed by the green light. If the front tires leave the starting line before the green light illuminates, the red light for that driver's lane illuminates instead. This indicates disqualification (unless a more serious violation occurs). Once a driver commits a red-light foul (also known as ''redlighting''), the other driver can also commit a foul start by leaving the line too early but still win, having left later. Should both drivers leave after the green light illuminates, the one leaving first is said to have a ''holeshot advantage''. The first vehicle to cross the finish line wins the race. The