[Superman]

You can watch these machines on TV, largely the same as seeing them in person. But listening to them on TV bears absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to the real sound. Some of the comments above will seem like hyperbole. It's not. The above remarks are understatements, and you will understand this better AFTER you have personally witnessed one of these events.

At one of these events, you will see street rods. Sixteen seconds. Then 14 seconds. Then twelve. Then eleven. Then ten and nine. By this time you're seeing cars that amateur racers have spend mega dollars to build. No mufflers. These would be the loudest cars you ever heard, but nothing compared to what comes later. Next, you will see the Pro Stock cars. These are the world's fastest gasoline-burning drag cars. The beginning of the professionals. A whole new level of noise and speed. And then they fire up the alcohol burning rails and funny cars. These are LARGE vehicles that are difficult to distinguish from the Big Boys (Top Fuel). The noise made by these alcohol burning cars, and their speed, can be misleading. They are a whole new world of noise and speed. But even at this point, you ain't seen nuthin' yet. When they fire up the first Top Fuel vehicle you will know why you brought the ear plugs. Again, the hyperbole above is understated. You really HAVE to see these cars at least one time. After you have done this, you will have a whole different perspective when you see them on TV.