The Christmas tree counting down at 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 automobiles or 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.