[Laneco]

I prefer other types of racing to drag racing, but horsepower enamors me... That said, top fuelers are an assault on the senses that simply must be witnessed in person.

A few years back, the top fuelers came to Medford - "Top Fuel Tuesday." Kind of an odd night for a drag race, but the big boys were on their way thru to more important races. The fuelers ran a few 1/8 exhibition runs. That was pretty impressive, but not really that exciting. I was kind of thinking perhaps I'd spent my money unwisely.

Then they lifted the bodywork on the car and did "something". Even though I was only about 20 feet from the rail, I couldn't get a clear visual on what they were doing. But whatever it was, it flat woke up the growl in the bear!

Immediately the exhaust changed pitch and threw out a concussive thumping like a rock concert when you are way way too close to the speakers. You know that feeling? Like a flat hand slapping you on the chest? Only this isn't over amplified music, this is the music that engines make. The lights staged and on green, the world simply exploded with horsepower.

The cars launch so hard and quick they don't even look real. The exhaust sounds slam into your chest like fist, a physical impact that by itself is as shocking as grabbing an electronic ignition. Not the kindly rock concert slap on the chest, but a real blast, a physical PUSH. Then its over. That quick. The air is still whirling around you, your chest is tingling from the sound and it feels like your ears will never ever be right again. The chutes are out, the car is turning off-track. All over and shut-down. Did you blink? If you did, you missed the sight but never could you miss the sheer power of this.

Like I said, not a drag race fan, but I have to say the top-fuelers are unbelievable to watch in real life, up close.

angela