The Amazing Engineering of Top Fuel Dragsters

Ever wondered how top fuel dragsters can be the fastest accelerating vehicles in the world with up to 12,000 hp and make it from 0-330mph in 3.65 seconds well wonder no more as we look a the rather amazing engineering of top fuel dragsters.
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Written, researched and presented by Paul Shillito
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[@joepickles8689]

"If you want to become a millionare drag racing, just start with 10 million" Best quote ever.

[@VenturiLife]

Or just : "How to turn a large fortune into a small fortune..."

[@jcerullo5015]

How do you become a millionaire in F1 start out as a billionaire

[@stephenpenniket9976]

connie kallitta did it with tf racing and starting n airline both of which puts that joke/conventional wisdom to wrong

[@Bartonovich52]

@ Stephen Penniket Hollywood accounting and also convincing OTHERS to turn large fortunes into small ones.

[@jannadrielcervo7753]

@@jcerullo5015 Lol! Lawrence Stroll. As soon as he put more money in his Aston Martin F1 team, he will become a millionaire in few years to come.

[@DuckYou69]

Everyone should go to a NHRA Top Fuel race once in their life. It’s sensory overload on all the senses. The exhaust makes your eyes burn, the noise is deafening and you can feel the exhaust pulse pounding against your chest. It truly is a very unique experience

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

Same with the Drag boats

[@creator4413]

I grew up in Morrison, CO. a few miles from Bandimere so i saw a couple in my day (its a drag strip outside of Denver, nationals are held there for those who dont know) its insane how far across the city you can hear the waaaaAAAAhhhhhhhhhhppp!!

[@aggonzalezdc]

No, you feel the exhaust pounding INSIDE your chest. It vibrates the air so hard that if youre not holding youre breath during a run, it violently pounds the air in your lungs...

[@kylemitchell2052]

I've been to a drag strip where they had 2 Jet cars racing. I still remember the shockwaves and the sound and the flames. was one of the more interesting and fun experiences of my life. was almost 8 years ago.

[@Bartonovich52]

@ Ariana Just like a B-1B bomber. Except that it’s a mile away and doing that.

[@karlsangree4679]

My favorite Top Fuel story involved a fairly new owner who was concerned about the high cost of engines exploding. He asked the crew chief how to prevent it. The crew chief told him the only way to prevent a top fuel engine from exploding was to not start it.

[@andersjjensen]

Strictly speaking you can also chose to just lose every race by a laughable amount.

[@morgan4xl]

I do machining for a large aerospace company and as a 'thank you' I took six of the firms engineers to their first top fuel event.On the drive there I told them that whatever they are picturing, they are wrong, it will be much more extreme. On the drive home every one of them said they never imagined anything even close to what they just witnessed!!

[@metricstormtrooper]

did those aerospace engineers keep sending work your way? Was your investment worth the money?

[@aspjake123]

@@metricstormtrooper Angry?

[@kdwaynec]

@@metricstormtrooper Investment? You must have missed the 'thank you' part.

[@tonyklymson8096]

I have been and seating is important and l mean mid section and up wind with your hearing protection on.I will let you guess why .

[@Bassmasterwitacaster]

I consumed a man's soul

[@CuriousDroid]

Why did I make a video on drag racing I hear you ask, well I did do drag racing about 30 years at Santa Pod, Avon Park and York Raceway but in the rather lower 9.90 bracket class of Supergas where I raced a road-legal 1968 Chevy Camero SS called "Coco Connection" running a 650 hp 462 ci big block + 100hp of nitrous oxide. The car is still around on youtube but I think it's red now while it was metallic yellow when I had it. It was actually a Custom Car magazine centre page spread back in the 80s when it had just come over from Florida. Anyways, I always loved the Top Fuel cars and the staggering amount of speed and noise they created so I thought that I would revisit the fuelers to see what had changed over the past 30 years and its still extreme engineering like rockets, planes etc, hell maybe I should do Rocket/Jet cars sometime, their even more fun down the 1/4 mile :-)

[@rocklover7437]

I remember Coco Connection. I was at the Pod all the time and was there when Sammy Miller tried to beat the still record of 3.22 420mph set by Kitty O, Niel in 1977. Sammy went 3.52. Sadly Top Fuel Dennis Priddle the 1st Brit in the six,s passed away this week. My favorite racer back then was top champion Sylvia Hauser.... Great burn outs and wheel stands in her Dodge Challenger.

[@stingray427man]

Gen 1 Camaro, 68 best year imo. Respect ✊️

[@rocklover7437]

So you remember Money Hungry Camero ? Cover of Custom Car with Topless Nicola if my memory serves me lol.

[@Kabup2]

Well, I think I can say you hit the bull's eye here. Great video, a lot of good info, ty!

[@CuriousDroid]

@@rocklover7437 I was there in 1990 when Darrell Gwynn crashed his top fueler which I think was the fastest in the world at the time on a demo run, couldn't believe that he survived, it was a really nasty accident and put him out of racing.

[@davidcarpenter5154]

Listening to a English gentleman talk about Top Fuel is very entertaining 👌

[@martinross5521]

You’ll not hear that kind of instruction your side of the Atlantic. Listen well, we’re sinking fast and we’re all our own...

[@vicbitter2142]

But he got correct on every level

[@martinross5521]

Spot on Vic, every bit is right. Looks like every component is taken to the absolute limit. I learnt a lot. Just don’t ask me to drive one!

[@peterresetz1960]

The British do run Top Fuel in England, but only on a 1/8th mile (660 feet/201 meters) track. Santa Pod is popular track in England. Drag racing is also popular in Australia where their rules are for 1000 foot runs (302 meters) like here in the U.S. 1/8th miles drag racing has become popular here in the U.S. as puts less ware on the engines. In the U.S. the NHRA back in the 1980s reduced the 1/4 mile (1320 feet/402 meters) to a 1000 feet per run. The reason was that extra 320 feet didn’t add that much speed to the top speed, but increased the chances of the engines blowing up, which cost the teams big money, but more importantly is the engine oil and sharp metal shrapnel that engine disperses which has to be throughly cleaned up so the next run of cars don’t cut a tire or slip and losses traction.

[@kuiper921]

@Adam Vesely what do you mean

[@bldlv1964]

Dearest Paul I have been a Drag Racing Announcer for 30 years and I have seen so many people explain the Top Fuel class. You Sir, have gone above and beyond with your research and should stand proud! This IS the best video out there, Period.

[@MrDlt123]

I went to an NHRA drag race for the first time in my life a month ago. -The loudest sound Ive ever heard, without question. -and I was a jet maintainer in the Air Force.

[@aspjake123]

Same here, those throttle blips in the pits are something to experience!

[@A.J.1656]

Same. I thought hand-launching a U2 was the most intense thing I'd experience. I was wrong. Haha

[@willbrown6287]

There's a great story of Dario Franchitti testing an Indycar at Sonoma. He was pounding out the laps and was randomly feeling a bad vibration in his steering, severe enough to bring the car in to the pits. It turned out that there was also a top-fuel team running on the Sonoma drag strip and when they were doing burn outs they were shaking the ground to such an extent that Dario could feel it through the car.

[@walttrotter535]

I believe it. I've been in the stands while these beasts do their thing and you can feel the stands shaking under your feet and butt.

[@willbrown6287]

@@walttrotter535 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZLOnGSZhLWtpbs at 41:45 he talks about it; great little story. The only other sensation where I have expereinced anything like a top fueler or a funny car was at an airshow when 2 F-15s decided to pull up and go full afterburner. Mental :D

[@duster0669]

@@willbrown6287 Agreed. I was under an F-111 in AB on the trim pad. The noise and feelings in my bones was rivaled by top fuel cars.

[@MLK_Sold_Black_america_out]

Jesus

[@wtfarethesehandles]

i so need to go to one of those

[@JM-co6rf]

i'm not a car guy...but somebody brought me to a Top Fuel event. I had NO IDEA the FEELING of being near one of these. You become very aware of your guts.

[@SBluesBrotherhood]

Some of the most exhilarating moments of my life have been attending an NHRA national event. We walked through the pits, and watched them rebuilding an engine. When they fired up the engine and blipped the throttle, it was just as if a HUGE explosion had happened right next to you. It was funny watching the crew motioning to the crowd to cover their ears just before starting up, and watching the "badasses" standing there with their arms crossed. But after the blip of the throttle, EVERYONE was covering their ears (and crying because of the nitro fumes burning their eyes!). Watching them run at full throttle was like having Leon Spinks drumming on your chest with his boxing gloves on. It is the most incredibly LOUD thing that I have ever heard. Even when they'd break, or spin coming off the line and back off the throttle they'd STILL run a 9 or 10 second time COASTING all the way down the track and through the lights after that millisecond long blip of the throttle. Unbelievable!!!

[@HoosierDaddy_]

I don't think I've heard a better explanation of what we few fans consider sacred! If you see these beasts in person once, you will be forever changed. It's an indescribable experience! No one ice EVER seen that's a newbie is prepared for the literal body shaking violence these things put out. Just a jaw that hits the ground! Well done!

[@ab-bc2gr]

Yes! We saw the LA Hooker and Pheonix funny cars at Ruapuna Raceway in New Zealand in about 1977 & 78 ish. Amazing.

[@alexl9334]

Top fuel is an experience im glad to had the opportunity to see

[@theunprofessional5359]

One the greatest examples of "brute force" engineering out there. "Whatcha doing?" "Strapping a seat to a series of just barely controlled, highly volatile detonations." "Is that a good idea?" "Worked for NASA. And it sounds BRILLIANT!"

[@xiro6]

its not very far,just the fine balance between hydrolocking and full power harnessing must not be far from a rocket engine.yes,one needs to work always to not kill the crew,but the other dont have the same budget. didnt know about so many specific facts about top fuelers and i see it with different eyes now.

[@paulhagerty2773]

Got us to the Moon and to 300+ mph and

[@jonpetter8921]

@@paulhagerty2773 Thanks to German engineering

[@jamesturner8080]

@Jon petter AMERICAN German they were no longer under dictatorship when they moved to the New World

[@d33pNacho]

Two features that keep me coming back to Curious Droid: 1. The intro theme 2. The shirts

[@Pau_Pau9]

And VERY interesting topics!

[@phdonme1]

And a nice, clean, and informative comments section.

[@LeReVaQ]

the theme comes from a sample of Iron Chef the old version. 😁

[@one-o-four889]

The shirt is as loud as a Top Fueler!

[@andreastommy5485]

his shirts is called batik. A traditional design shirts from Indonesia

[@christopherhawkins4521]

This is easily the best overview of a top fuel dragster's operation that I have seen. Great job.

[@harlanbaker7476]

Grew up watching Top fuel Dragsters. The in-person experience is mind blowing.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

Last time I went one of the "security watchers" was a young lady who was standing at the front rail of the grandstand watching the crowd about mid track. The first pass Funny car went by behind her and she took off like a rabbit and didn't stop till she was behind the stands. LOL her heart was doing more RPM than the engine.

[@stingray427man]

Yep, the sounds traveling through your body is numbing to say the least.

[@mick7sp]

I love the smell of nitro in the morning... :)

[@bxdxggxdxb2775]

Yep, top fuel drags, and air shows- The two best places to get blown away by the insane display of power, and to get kids to appreciate/love engineering, and machines.

[@dmeemd7787]

I absolutely think it's up there, as an essential in life, like a solar eclipse! lol

[@Davethreshold]

I'll never forget the mistake my brothers and I made, in the '70s, when we went to see a Funny Car up close in the pits. (Similar engine) They were tunning it, and it was idling. THEN they revved it!! That was the loudest thing I ever heard anywhere. It was so loud the flesh on my arms RIPPLED. Not kidding.

[@StephenPayne-xs3lw]

This is the most accurate, detailed, informative and entertaining explanation of top fuel racing I have ever seen. Bravo. Thank you.

[@A.J.1656]

I grew up drag racing with my buddies and was a crew chief in the USAF. I had seen and heard a lot of powerful vehicles, but I was really surprised when I went to my first NHRA Top Fuel race. The vibrations from the car passing literally shook my eyeballs in my head making it hard to see the car as it passed.

[@ianmangham4570]

🤠🤟

[@Larry82ch]

"Interesting car you've got there. What about its fuel consumption?" "20 liters" "...per 100 km?" "... per second."

[@JohnnyB129]

hehe, nice per second man.

[@gulammohiddin5747]

"Oh wow.. Very environmentally friendly car.."

[@olekdah]

Around 4,5 l/s at max( last half of the run). The fuel pumps deliver around 270 l/m.

[@BoredCapturer]

@@olekdah Nah bro way more than that.

[@BoredCapturer]

@Shad rocks Ah yes floor the made is floor of out

[@brianchristie2149]

There are no words to explain what it is like or sounds like when you stand between 2 Top Fuel cars on the starting line. My dad is a 2 time world champion and I have been around this sport for over 50 years and can tell you the chills,goosebumps and burning eyes feels damm good each and every pass they make.

[@mysteryguest9555]

I can't imagine the experience to be that close, probably terrifying the first few times. How's your hearing today? I can't imagine that their is enough hearing protection on this planet that could protect the ear from long term exposure to that. My ears always rang while in the stands in Las Vegas with double protection. I couldn't imagine being right in between the two on the starting line. I'd be deaf!

[@FinalFront]

Something I've always wondered is the V8 engine what's the most optimal for top fuel dragsters? I mean I have no doubt guys have done extensive experimentation with testing other engines like V10, V12, or even V16 and have found the V8 to be the most optimal in power/weight/rotational mass/etc. I genuinely don't know so I figured maybe you'd know since your dad has been involved in it for years. Like a lot of WW2 era fighter planes such as the P-51 Mustang use V12 engines so I always wondered how much power something like a Merlin V12 would be able to make if one were built to modern standards, ran on nitromethane & such.

[@THESLlCK]

@@FinalFront more cylinders means mores stuff to break

[@alphamale1717]

@@mysteryguest9555 I wear both plugs and muffs for the protection. The real thrill is the pulsating of the engines hitting you.

[@David-hm9ic]

@@FinalFront Those big engines were designed to produce their power at lower rpms. They would self destruct on 60+ pounds of boost and 90% nitromethane fuel. The engines, superchargers and fuel all have parameters that they have to meet per NHRA rules so even if something would be better, there are limitations in the rules. Top Fuel and Funny Car runs have already been shortened from 1/4 mile (1320 feet) to 1000 feet because the speeds were getting too high. I expect to see consistent speeds of 340 mph and someone touching 345 mph in the 2022 season.

[@DafyddPhillips]

I reluctantly went to watch top fuel dragsters in Vegas back in 2018. I say reluctantly as they don’t turn corners. Anyway, i’d go again tomorrow and recommend anyone to go and watch. I’ve never seen anything so loud and fast off the mark in my life. Can’t wait to go again 🏁🏁🏁👌

[@CommentFrom]

Yeah it's amazing I haven't had the luck of seeing them in person but I heard them a few streets over crazy loud

[@natemiller448]

It is the only motorsport that assaults all the senses.

[@z50king29]

Thanks for bringing your expertise, experience, and professionalism to this brutish racing sport. I have been to a top fuel race and there is something special about it. You can feel when a car makes a perfect run and you'll know it was the best of the day before the clock says so. Amazing sport and amazing video explaination

[@michaelhorn4540]

I've been a mechanic for over 30 years and it's amazing to me how they get that much power from a V8 engine! There's absolutely nothing like it on earth!

[@ksrebelbuck7936]

Not only that but a V8 that's built off of an ancient design. I want to see a top fuel dragster with a modernized engine 🤣

[@bac1308]

​@@ksrebelbuck7936from what it sounds like, they're already holding these things back for safety/insurance. It would be cool to see one that lasts longer or blows up less, but that's more for the team than the spectators.

[@spaxxor]

I remember my first NHRA top fuel national... I brought the noise cancelling earmuffs I take for shooting. I still had ringing ears afterwards, because the NOISE RESONATED THROUGH MY SHOES. it was a bannanas experience and I've been hooked ever since.

[@craigjensen6853]

yeah, those grandstands resonate and drive it up your bottom and into your spine too, it's awesome!

[@chrishaan5766]

I have been involved in 1/4 mile racing in one way or another since my first experience at OCIR when I was 12 I have worked with companies like Moroso performance, Competition engineering and have had the privilege of meeting and working with some phenomenal people who are responsible for getting these rockets to the finish line Some of these people have explained in detail to me over the years the many aspects of their responsibilities involved in making everything thing work together It is truly an art This man has done his homework and has put so much information in concise easy to understand format With some amazing video as well I learned some things and truly enjoyed it Well done 👏

[@ralphmcculley2085]

I used to live a mile down the railroad tracks from ocir had my reserved seating down at the sand pit yeah me and my friends used to sneak in all the time why they never fix that hole in the fence I'll never know as far as safety goes I think the industry owes a lot to big Daddy Don Garlits I was there from 69 to73

[@Hamchunk1968]

Great video. I remember reading an account of a race years ago. The car won, but when they tore the motor down, they discovered that the launch sheated the drives of the magnetos. The motor in essence dieseled it's way down the track, at full power. I thought that was amazing.

[@stinkycheeseman1723]

Dieseling happens a lot in these motors.

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

I could hear the NHRA world championships going on at Firebird Raceway from my school... 11 miles away

[@sadwingsraging3044]

15 miles as the crow flies to the track in Memphis and you can still differentiate between the two engines as they run.

[@walttrotter535]

If that is is in Chandler, AZ, I raced blown gas flat on the lake. The top fuel boats were under 4 seconds.

[@kurtwomack6473]

Tucson strip to Saguaro N.M. (1970s) about 12 miles.

[@taofledermaus]

Very interesting and enjoyable.

[@TechGorilla1987]

All the greatest KZbinrs are a pretty tight-knit community. Quality content begets quality viewership. PS - I am one of the idiots who was going to unsubscribe to you back in the day because I thought you were shooting at a highway as a backdrop not realizing that perspective, camera distortion and a flat plane makes that highway too far for even artillery to reach. You will know what I am talking about.

[@EngineeringNS]

@MichaelKingsfordGray lol wut?

[@---bs8dp]

What are you doing here?

[@jiveturkey9993]

@MichaelKingsfordGray why you say that?

[@willierants5880]

@MichaelKingsfordGray Are you too big a coward to explain your comment? Or is this something between friends?

[@preteristlab-endtimes5683]

EASILY the most intelligent and analytic examination of my favourite sport I've ever come across. Brilliant!! I'm speechless. All the questions I never thought to ask were answered here. Thank you so much for posting this. It really is an entry-level analysis of the chemistry, physics, and engineering of going 'really-fast.' Magic mate; two-thumbs up. Australia

[@alphamale1717]

I work at a company that sells performance parts in the automotive industry, thank you for showing a in depth video of what these cars go through in the mechanics of what happens when a launch occurs. I believe these drivers have a more harder launch than either the space shuttle astronauts or aircraft carrier fighter pilots.

[@Bob4golf1]

Great video! I'm a sports photographer and over the years I've shot a lot of T/F dragsters and I can tell you, there is nothing more frightening than standing at the wall (about 4' from the car as it passes by) and feeling the force just from the noise which is in the range of 150db (a 747 produces about 120db) that tries to blow you off the wall - not to mention the thought of an engine exploding. SCARY! I always had a few moments of apprehension prior to agreeing to shoot a weekend of T/F dragsters. I was always amazed that many of the crew (and a lot of fans) did not wear hearing protection. I always wore the best "mickey mouse" ears I could find and it still made my ears ring. I know a few folks that are having hearing problems later in life. Thanks again!

[@MrGaryGG48]

You've noted something Bob, that I was wondering about when I was shooting pictures at Sears Point Raceway, in Sonoma. Then I noticed that many of them are using the noise-cancelling ear-buds. I have no idea how something that small can be very effective but I've seen quite a few people using them. Personally, I use the best noise-cancelling headset I can find. Otherwise, the only music I'll be able to hear will be a brass band standing in front of me!!

[@Bob4golf1]

@@MrGaryGG48 Right On Gary! I've seen some using the noise cancelling ear-buds however I can't imagine them canceling 150 db as it screams by or even worse, sanding in back of the dragsters when they launch. I do remember on one occasion, I asked one of the team members if he was worried about hearing loss. He responded "huh?".

[@JT-iw2cw]

plugs and muffs.

[@IamChevalier]

When I was taking pictures on the starting line - back in the day @ the drag strip in Houston when you could walk into the 'office' and request a press pass for the line - I agree 100% - the noise was deafening (even with shooting ear protection - all I had) - BUT the one thing I still remember to this day was - the ground shaking when they launched. Wish I could find it, but my favorite pic was not Top Fuel - it was a Funny Car - the driver lost traction on one of the rear wheels causing the car to lurch toward the guardrail where I was standing - I got a pic of the car - but strikingly, a shot of his eyes - looking right at me.... He was able to bring it under control by throttling back & lucky for me (and him) - he didn't hit the guardrail - saw him in the pit area later - his comment was awesome - 'made you dance a bit, huh?' - definitely memorable. Damn I wish I could find that pic.

[@michaelthebigaussie]

Ill be doing this soon, have you got any advice?

[@Payner2644]

As the former owner of a TF/FC, I can tell you that there is NO other motorsport in the world that compares to the brute experience of being next to these things when they're running. The chemical/mechanical sophistication of what makes them do what they do has no comparison!! My driver used to say that at launch the negative 4-5 G's felt like a mule kicking him in the chest!!

[@negativeindustrial]

So many of us Curious Droid fans are racers. I would have never guessed.

[@frank8534]

I’d say it has to do with our curious mind on how things work and pushing the limits. I’m not a huge race fan but I respect it for their abilities to push limits.

[@Marinealver]

Because we know that Nascar and Fast & Furious is just too slow.

[@mortson978]

How do the dragsters reverse after the burnout?

[@negativeindustrial]

@@mortson978 A lot of them don’t. Those get pushed back by hand.

[@bxdxggxdxb2775]

Theres always been a natural fit between aerospace/aviation, and drag racing- The love of machinery and engineering, the thrill of making/watching something insanely powerful, a lot of tech goes from aviation, to racing (and then sometimes trickles down to everyday consumers)- disc brakes, alumium/magnesium/titanium parts, fibreglass, carbon fibre, the jet engines that are frequently used in exhibition races at Top Fuel meets. Go to the pits at a drag race, and a good proportion of the racers and crewmen got their skills wrenching on planes in the military. I think pretty much anyone who loves Top Fuel drags should appreciate the appeal of aerospace, and vice versa.

[@CharlesVeitch]

This is the manliest engineering video out there. Raised my testosterone by 17% just by watching

[@llperlrll]

Lolz stoneage dude did you fail to turn on your brain when Droid said the current fastest run was held by a woman... IN YA FACE SEXISM HAH!!1

[@Thestargazer56]

@@llperlrll Women have quicker reaction times than men. 90% of the time if a woman is running against a man if she doesn't have mechanical problems she will win. It is also the reason when my wife asks me what I have been doing, I am busted!

[@Lizzyluau]

Wonderful and informative! I have been in love with dragracing since a kid and a total "gear head", top fuel specifically. Experiencing these up close is awesome to say the least. The closest I have been is on the starting line with the crew. I assisted in the pits with building the supercharger, top end, piston assembly, gaping sparkplugs, and in general learning what actually goes into it. Each person on the team has a specific role: top end, bottom end, fueling, etc I almost wish I would have pursued actually education on this instead of nursing lol. Again, great video! If anyone reads this comment, go find you a dragrace- nhra or ihra in the states and go, you will not regret it! There is something about 10000 hp.....

[@top6ear]

Never would have thought you would do a video on TFD, awesome.

[@benbaselet2026]

I would have not guessed he used to race :-)

[@SteveFrench_420]

To visualize how fast these things are, at launch, when the rear wheels reach the spot where the front wheels were, it's doing 100mph.

[@ohger1]

How about this: you're travelling at 200 mph and blow by a stopped top fuel dragster. At the moment you pass him at 200 mph, he takes off. He will catch and pass you before the quarter mile passes.

[@eyesturnedeverinward]

Long O fast bois

[@beer1for2break3fast4]

I heard him say it took 60 feet to get up to 100mph.

[@mirandabri834]

@@ohger1 speed of light ===670,000,000 mph!! And us humans think that a vehicle moving at 100 mph in 60 feet or a quarter mile at 300 to 330 mph is fast........ ROFL 🤣😂🤣

[@mirandabri834]

@@ohger1 also not to mention the Fact that light can circle the earth 7 times in one second or before your little dragster gets to the finish line light would have circled the Earth 21 times!!! ROFL 🤣😂🤣 Light makes your little dragster Look like a Slow moving turtle 🐢.........🤣

[@AllDayRayRay]

I love watching Top Fuel drag racing. The sound is incomparable, the shaking of the ground and your body as the Dragsters go by, the sheer speed they rip off the line, and the absolute spectacle of the fuel burning off the engine. Its incredible.

[@douglasjaeger1559]

Thank you for what is the most informative video I’ve ever seen on top fuel dragsters. It includes so many specifications and details such as RPMs, number of injectors, costs, tire inflations, types of metals, etc. Excellent!

[@anselmoverissimo7512]

Let’s help CD get 1 million subscribers... he deserves even more than that...

[@aevangel1]

969k subscribers? *NICE!*

[@mickeybowmeister1944]

Easy, ask Bald and Bankrupt over for a spot of tea.

[@joshuagibson2520]

1.02M as of today.

[@kerryhaycock9446]

Paul, I’m impressed with your versatility and just what subjects you can tackle .. great work

[@haywagonbmwe46touring54]

Indeed. I enjoy his usual content but would love to see more of this. Taking on subjects we normally wouldn't think about but are none the less fascinating.

[@narcoleptic8982]

About half way through this video, I realized that I was tensing up my entire body any time there was footage of the cars on track. Gonna take me a minute to relax after this one...

[@connorhallam9882]

I rarely comment on videos but the narration and explanation of this was absolutely brilliant. Thank you

[@GreenAppelPie]

I encourage everyone to go to a drag racing event at least once in their life to experience the insane amount of power these incredible machine put out.

[@stalwartarms9094]

Been into drag racing for half a century now, and have never seen as informative a treatment of these beasts as this, by a margin I would have never expected from any but the most immersed. Kudos, sir. I could almost feel my bones shaking...

[@stefanl5183]

Yeah, this guy does really good in depth videos. He clearly takes the time and effort to research and understand the things he talks about. One of the best channels on youtube!

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Let’s put him in the Tower with Alan, Joe, Johnny & the crew!

[@DwainDwight]

Earth shaking, eyes burning, defining roar, flames, the pungent smell of burning rocket fuel, smoke and acceleration that is impossible to believe even though you just witnessed it. Anyone that is into cars/motorsport should attend a world class top fuel event. It's sensory overload on another level.

[@patrolmaverick]

I'm a mechanic, but I've never found drag racing to be particularly exciting. However I do love seeing the "behind the scenes" side of it, and this video is a perfect example of that. It's always fascinating to see how it compares against your everyday road vehicle.

[@Tinas2Labs]

have u ever seen and felt a top fuel car in person.? I would say not.

[@zeviono4562]

You gotta see them run close up. You'll change your mind lol.

[@RtB68]

By jove - he's done it again! For something I had very little interest in 15 minutes ago, I'm now a dedicated top fuel dragster fan. This was a wonderfully informative and very enjoyable presentation Paul. One of your best. Well done.

[@markholtdorf56]

Go to the drags when the top fuel cars run.

[@mclarkson78]

The boosted Bois and PFI did some videos on Top fuel. The part that blew my mind was how the teams will save all the engine components and mix and match them based on the change in tolerances due to deformation from each pass.

[@THESLlCK]

those guys haven't a clue what they're doing but internet fame always helps get low men to high places

[@David-hm9ic]

During a rain delay last year I spent a lot of time talking with some of the engine guys. The parts either pass specs or they're scrapped. One of the things that they watch on the pistons is the heights of the ring grooves. When the pressure has collapsed the heights of the grooves too much, they're replaced. The steel clutch plates are replaced after each run. They are heated to around 700°F/370°C as indicated by their blue color after a run. They're scrap metal at the end of the run.

[@brebohol]

This is probably one of the best videos exploring the science & engineering involved in Top Fuel drag racing that I have ever seen. Fantastic job.

[@zone47]

I heard that the racing slicks are still manufactured in Akron, Ohio which used to be the rubber city at one time. Amazing technology for sure!!!

[@chadhelms4907]

Still is

[@mikedrop4421]

I'm watching today's Cleetus McFarland video and this hits my notifications. Probably the only thing that could get me to click over.

[@ALRIHAE]

Hell yeah brother

[@peterhineinlegen4672]

Do it for Dale!

[@joshhill5932]

I love the slow mo of dragsters. Something so satisfying about watch a huge amount of power trying to rip a car apart like it was made of jello.

[@richardlong6097]

Great video man. I encourage anyone to check out one of these events live. The force and sound of fuel cars vibrates ur entire body, it's like nothing u have experienced before. The access the NHRA gives to fans is insane, u can walk w/in 6 or 8 feet(roughly 2 meters) while the cars are in the "pits". No special ticket required, just ur entrance ticket. The sound, the smell, being covered in rubber particles, there's not a better way to spend a day.

[@billnu]

I’m really glad he made this so well. Not surprising, just happy he applied his talent to this unique sport.

[@HylanderSB]

Growing up, I worked at a local dragstrip a lot and was very used to the noise of everything up to alcohol funny cars and even jet dragsters. I was not prepared for my first Top Fuel race. This was the 1992 Keystone Nationals where Kenny Bernstein broke 300 mph. Not a bad first Top Fuel experience.

[@HylanderSB]

Pro-tip: Open your mouth when they launch. It helps equalize the pressure on your ears.

[@loxybadcat]

your memory is abit off... bernstein ran 301.70 at 4:44 pm in the second qualifying session march 20 , 1992 at gainesville florida, not the keystones.

[@conradgittins4476]

It is mind boggling that so much fuel is used and so much power and speed is achieved by an engine that will only do 500 revolutions during a race.

[@soaringvulture]

Shockingly enough, you're right. At 8000 RPM, an engine will do 533 revolutions in 4 seconds; the best times are under 4 seconds.

[@crabmansteve6844]

Everyone should see a Top Fuel at least once. You feel it in your bones, it's incredible.

[@ph11p3540]

Always loved going to the top fuel drag races near my city. I feel so alive just feeling the energy of these cars exploding down the tracks. The sound alone is so powerful it can push you back.

[@digitalproductions4758]

Watched a PC build on Tavarish's channel the other day. It's a brave new world I tell ya...

[@jerrysinclair3771]

Paul, once again you have given me (and others) some valuable and entertaining information. I am not a racing fan, though it is very popular here in Florida. However, after watching your video, I understand a lot more about this fascinating sport. Please, keep 'em coming!

[@abbeyhall4624]

I just cannot get enough of TFs, they are supremely incredible. This is a good explanation video, thank you.

[@scottmccutcheon9828]

I've always LOVED Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars! Used to go to every meet possible in SoCal when I was much younger. This is a FANTASTIC video providing a glimpse in to the engineering of these MEGA brutal racing machines. LOVE IT! MANY THANKS for a GREAT video!

[@seaskimmer]

I'm no petrolhead but after listening to those stats and figures I was like, oh yeah baby!

[@puremaledark8305]

As a mechanic and racer, You did this video justice. But, i knew you would.

[@cliveradvan3414]

Many years ago i went to a top fuel event and one thing you never appreciate without being there is the thunderous noise that shakes your whole body! Great presentation. Thanks.

[@iamra_n3189]

Absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed that, thank Curious Droid. And my goodness, I’ve always liked top fuel dragsters, they’re absolute, ferocious monsters of engineering!

[@Maddog00427]

I never clicked on a video so quick.. I love Top Fuel Dragsters.

[@gixxusmetalman7435]

Gotta be the greatest sound and experience ever...bloody brilliant!

[@spurgear]

My grandfather was had a Chrysler factory sponsorship in the 60s - raced Cudas and Dusters. Impressive back then

[@anthonyquarrell9068]

Another fantastic video Paul. As a lifelong top fuel nut I can say you’ve got everything covered perfectly, your racing background is quite evident in this video. Here’s a random fact for others; the top fuel engine runs a wet sump, with the oil pump pushing some 250psi of 70 weight oil through the 6 thou mains & big ends. The oil pan also contains a pressure switch to kill the engine in an over pressure event, to reduce the chance of dumping the contents all over the track.

[@FESpecialties]

Awesome summation of the Top Fuel Sport! Thank You!!

[@Deusmecumest]

I remember an interview with John Force's head mechanic. He said "I would not step out of the electric chair to get into the cockpit of the monstrous thing". I always thought after that, they really gamble their lives for 5 seconds at time.

[@stefanl5183]

Austin Coil? That sounds like something Austin would say!

[@mykthafsh71]

When the sport was very young the car was set up with the engine in front of the driver. Not kidding, look it up.

[@fenderstratguy]

@@mykthafsh71 Yes indeed -- that's how Don Garlits lost part of his foot. Not kidding, either. The drivers used to have their feet straddling the transmission bell. Unfortunately the entire transmission would occasionally grenade.

[@THESLlCK]

@@mykthafsh71 what you're thinking of is slingshot dragsters, but those are actually after the earliest parts of the sport. The earliest stuff was just street cars and what we now call pro mods running on nitrometh

[@justaskmeiknow5584]

@@stefanl5183 Let's be honest, Austin was the brains that got the car down the track. Force himself has said he's just the dummy that mashes the pedal. Forces skill was talking sponsors out of their money, Austin qoute

[@d3Rm0Nk]

I can imagine the insurance company asking "Are you planning on traveling at high speeds with your vehicle?" - "No just 330mph" - "I see, that's within our margin. Anything above this would just be unreasonable"

[@zrora3094]

I wish the cop who pulled me over for going 60 in a 40 on a well lit, 2 lane road with great visibility thought the same...

[@THESLlCK]

look one of those things in the wild, really incredible

[@lowkey213]

This was one of the best NHRA explained videos I’ve seen in a long while. The slomo clips and the information conveyed is impressive for under 17 minutes. Been a fan of your page for a while. Good job.

[@dgrn101]

This is by far the most informative and interesting videos I've seen. You sir have done your research and have some fantastic visual footage

[@JMW80]

This was absolutely brilliant Paul! Thank you.

[@bluefalconssuck5881]

Top Fuel is something that when in person, you FEEL, more than watch.

[@AudreyF2010]

I can't wait to tick going to a Top Fuel event off my bucket list! Thanks for a great video and the reminder of WHY I have wanted to do this since I was a kid.

[@jlinkels]

Great! You mentioned about a dozen technical details I was not aware of!

[@richardinjapan4578]

I had not expected something like this from Curious Droid, and found it not only surprising but very interesting. It reminded me of a flight I took from LA to Charlotte, NC about 20 years ago. The fellow next to me was a Top Fuel engineer. He was fascinating to listen to as we flew across the country, and it made watching this video even more fascinating. His specialty was in the main engine block and clutch, so the comments in this video about the tires and aerodynamics was especially interesting. Many thanks for such an interesting topic!

[@mysteryguest9555]

I've been to a few top fuel drag races in Las Vegas and can tell you that even in the stands that have a metal covering, you definitely need ear protection. The vibration in the air as the cars go down the track can even be felt in the parking lot and in the stands, it's insane. Very intense.

[@coreyandnathanielchartier3749]

I'm an old-school rodder from the 70's still race my old 56 Chevy gasser. It's fun to talk to all the young kids, who are talking to each other about their computerized cars, injectors, chips, maps, etc, and then I coyly mention that gasoline has more power per liter than nitro. Always good to pass on some education and they usually are amazed when you explain it right. Thanks for a great video.

[@danshaffer5916]

Fantastic insight into top fuel racing. Thank You for all the amazing visuals and numbers. WOW!!!

[@gregparrott]

It's great to see 'Curious Droid's' comment, mentioning his racing background His perspective is not just academic, but is also based on personal experience. It's mind blowing to know that but for rule based restrictions, the top fuel dragsters would go even faster. Even now, few tracks are long enough to allow for deceleration following runs exceeding 330 MPH

[@Balthorium]

I live 14 miles from a track and you can hear an ominous roar all weekend they race once a season. It’s insane. I have no idea why the crews aren’t deaf despite hearing protection.

[@alaric_]

Double hearing protection helps to mitigate almost all sounds. What i'm curious about the crew without any protection!?! There are many videos with the engine on and crew walking casually around. Yes they are not revving it but any person who has been next to normal road car without the exhaust or with just minimal headers *knows* how loud the exhaust sound always is. After all, it's the after effect of a mini explosion, contained and then realeased in an instant. And everything in top fuel dragsters is multiplied by a hundred or more!

[@codywilliams6057]

Yep i live in Washington and you can hear pacific raceways from miles away. Covid has kept them from coming to Washington for 2 years now so i have to wait until next year

[@THESLlCK]

@@alaric_ they simply have little to no hearing

[@redblue40rc33]

Well done sir on today's lecture on top fuel dragsters..loved it

[@aprilialover125]

not surprised Paul has the best and most in depth video explaining this madness.. thanks man!

[@chestersnapdragonmcphistic579]

One thing not mentioned in the video is how the clutch locks up. The plates get so hot that they weld themselves together. It's the short straw that has to remove the clutch pack in the pits.

[@harrysphincter6496]

750-900 degrees F at teardown in the pits

[@andrewyoung9751]

Great video. I've watched drag racing for many years in Canada but only had the opportunity to watch the top alcohol cars - which is cool too. But once I traveled to the USA to watch the fuel cars, my interest was brought to a whole new level. Both for the racing but also the tech. Seeing these cars live is truly incredible

[@drp1036]

This is a fantastic video. Perfect explanation. Perfect voice!

[@paulcummings1566]

Brilliant concise information. Thank you.

[@iluvinternalcombustion]

Great video! He was even thoughtful enough to always use both imperial and metric units!

[@HayK47]

Thank you Paul for taking over where the Discovery and History Channels left off. They were at one time both entertaining and educational.

[@robertrice1689]

Excellent summary. Clear, concise, informative.

[@tablatom]

thankyou for a brilliant presentation, clear and informative.

[@markfryer9880]

It seems to me that the more you learn about something like Top Fuel Drag Racing, the more insane it actually becomes. The sights and sounds are impressive to the ordinary punter but to know that the internal combustion engine is working on the cutting edge of material science and strength and that feeding the fuel into the cylinders is a hairs breath away from hydraulic compression vs fuel combustion is truely insane.

[@4stringmanagmaildcom]

The last thing I expected you to cover. Keep surprising us with your great content!

[@timmotel5804]

Excellent. Very educational. I have loved drag racing since about 1960 when I was 8 years old. Thank You. This is so well detailed.

[@gasratzcustoms]

Excellent video!! You did a great job!