Eighth mile drags?

[Neil Davies]

I was talking to one of my students today about that Street Outlaws programme on the TV and he asked a question that I couldn't answer - why don't we have any eighth mile racing in the UK? It got me thinking, with Shakey likely not existing at the end of the season, leaving either Santa Pod or York, and with long straight stretches of tarmac being in short supply, would a shorter course be a more viable option?
Put it another way, would you race eighth mile drags if they were available?

[Fastbrit]

I used to be left cold by 1/8 mile until I started racing it in the States. Arguably there are several advantages:

a) From the spectators' point of view, you get to see the whole race without watching two tiny cars head off into the distance
b) Fewer accidents as most happen at the top end of the quarter mile
c) It's easier on parts
d) It suits street cars better because of the gearing – you can run a competitive 1/8th in three gears
e) There are insurance advantages from the track's point of view

[Russell]

Neil

We do.... it's call traffic lights in the UK 😄

More serious reply, I like the idea of that more focus on reaction time and take off and less worry about catching and passing the other lane

Only problem I see is that people that race an 1/8 all the time then get a chance to do a 1/4 will be unaware of how there car handles at a greater speed as they have less experience

[dragvw2180]

 I really like running 1/8th mile  , like Russel stated on the 1/8th it is about reaction time and being able to run your dial in .

[modnrod]

My preference too, especially with bracket racing.
Anything more than .060secs or so off on the deal and you're toast!
Great fun, way more passes too, good for everyone.