What is E.T. Racing?

      By far the most popular form of drag racing is a handicapped form of competition known as "E.T. Bracket Racing." In this form of racing, two vehicles of varying performance potentials can race on a potentially even basis. The anticipated elapsed times for each vehicle are compared, with the slower car receiving a headstart equal to the difference of the two. With this system, virtually any two vehicles can be paired in a competitive drag race.

      For Example: Car A has been timed at 7.78, 7.74, and 7.76 seconds for the eighth -mile, and the driver feels that a "dial-in" of 7.75 is appropriate. Meanwhile, the driver of car B has recorded elapsed times of 5.27, 5.22 and 5.26 on the same track and he has opted for a "dial-in" of 5.25. Accordingly, car A will get a 2.5-second headstart over car B when the "Christmas Tree" counts down to each car's starting green lights.

      If both vehicles cover the eighth -mile in exactly the predetermined elapsed time, the win will go to the driver who reacts quickest to the starting signal. That reaction to the starting signal is called "reaction time." Both lanes are timed independently of one another, and the clock does not start until the vehicle actually moves. Because of this, a vehicle may sometimes appear to have a mathematical advantage in comparative elapsed times but actually lose the race. This fact makes starting line reflexes extremely important in drag racing!

Provided by the NHRA