How To Bet on Drag Racing

If you want to bet on drag racing, you had better keep a close eye on the clock. Picking a winner means more than which car gets to the end of the track first. Speed is one thing; timing is everything. Here are some tips on how to get started.

Before any drag racing occurs, all competing vehicles are required to make a trial run. This run establishes the car's "bracket" in both time and speed. These results are usually written in white on the passenger side of the windshield. If a 427 hemi makes a run in 10.5 seconds at a speed of 100 miles per hour, he is bracketed as such. In the driver's competing runs, he cannot turn a time of less than 10.5 seconds. This is one sport where "sandbagging" doesn't really pay off. Trials are scheduled to determine a car's best run. If a driver is constantly breaking out of his bracket, he might be politely asked to leave the field.

Often, because time trials reveal a wide spectrum of performance, cars may compete with a disparity in bracket. It's not at all unusual to have a 12-second car race with a 10-second car. This puts an awkward pressure on the drivers. Of course, the natural instinct is to win, but the driver has to remain cognizant of his bracket. It's a certainty the 10-second car will get to the end of the quarter mile first, but if the driver turns a time of 9.9 seconds, he loses.

Another factor to consider when you bet on drag racing is the resolve of the driver. Before putting down your cash in hopes of making a mortgage payment, study your driver. How does he react to the green light? Does he drive within his bracket at a consistent level? Does he lurch the vehicle? Does he steer straight? Surprisingly, many drivers lose the race at the gate. Jumping the light or getting a poor start can disqualify a run. Lurching the vehicle sacrifices control and veering in the lane wastes valuable time. The safest bet is a reliable driver.

So, now you have the elements to determine your bet: brackets and driver response. It seems simple enough.  However, seeing as how this bet could mean the difference between steak or crackers for dinner, you have to ask yourself a question....."do I feel lucky?"

Well, do ya, punk?