Repost:
Everyone knows REAL auto racing is done one-quarter-mile at a time.
All that pressing on the throttle ...then the brake...whipping the steering wheel left ...then back to the right ...more throttle ...brake again, all the while driving around in circles in a search for some elusive ' Finish Line '?
Just borderline schizophrenia I say!
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Quote: "right before the race started a guy reached down at the rear, and on each side he tore something off. What?? '
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I can't see the video above, but if it has parachutes, he was possibly removing the safety clasps ( though that usually is done earlier ).
Or, checking the height of the wheelie-bars.
Or, most cars today run on-board electronic systems to collect each passes 'data'. Usually a crew member steps up to switch it on ...just before they light the second stage bulb.