Category: drag race

May 16

Tesla Cybertruck vs. Porsche 911: Debunking the Towing Drag Race Myth

Tesla’s Bold Claim Tested

Tesla grabbed headlines by showcasing its Cybertruck in a drag race outpacing a Porsche 911, all while towing another 911. This spectacle, circulated in a promotional video last year, positioned the Cybertruck not just as a capable electric vehicle but as a powerful contender against one of the world’s most iconic sports cars. The demonstration aimed to highlight the impressive towing capacity and acceleration of the electric truck.

Reality Check by MotorTrend

MotorTrend, curious about Tesla’s bold assertion, set out to replicate the race to see if the results held up under controlled testing. Despite Tesla’s claim, MotorTrend’s experiments painted a different picture. Their findings revealed that the Cybertruck, even when performing impressively, could not surpass the Porsche 911 in a quarter-mile race, the traditional measure for drag racing.

Analyzing the Performance

Further investigation by MotorTrend and insights from Engineering Explained’s Jason Fenske, who analyzed the race’s parameters, confirmed suspicions. It turned out Tesla had conducted the original race over a 1/8-mile distance—a detail not initially disclosed—likely because the Cybertruck’s performance might not measure up in a standard quarter-mile contest. While the Cybertruck showcases remarkable acceleration, hitting 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, its real-world performance in traditional drag racing formats may not live up to the hype Tesla has built. This event has sparked discussions about transparency and performance expectations in automotive marketing.

May 16

Tesla Model Y Performance vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Ultimate Electric Crossover Drag Race

Electric Crossover Showdown: Tesla Takes on Hyundai

The Tesla Model Y Performance has long stood as a favorite for enthusiasts seeking a swift, sporty electric crossover. Yet, as the electric vehicle (EV) landscape evolves, Tesla finds itself facing stiff competition from global automakers eager to showcase their prowess. Hyundai steps into the spotlight with its Ioniq 5 N, a track-ready EV complete with simulated gears, engine sounds, and even a drift mode, challenging Tesla’s dominance in high-performance electric crossovers.

Drag Race Dynamics: Comparing Two Electric Titans

Electric vehicles are renowned for their instant torque and thrilling acceleration. The Tesla Model Y Performance delivers with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, boasting 530 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N ramps up the competition with 641 horsepower, available through a special boost function, propelling it from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. Despite being heavier and more expensive than the Tesla, the Ioniq 5 N’s performance in a straight-line sprint offers a compelling showcase of Hyundai’s advancements in EV technology.

Cost vs. Performance: Is Hyundai Worth the Premium?

In a detailed drag race analysis by Supercharged BG, a Bulgarian YouTube channel, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N edged out the Tesla with a quarter-mile time of 11.28 seconds at 117 mph, compared to the Model Y’s 12.13 seconds at 112 mph. This performance comes at a cost, however, with the Ioniq 5 N priced significantly higher than the Model Y, even before factoring in potential tax credits available to Tesla buyers. While the Hyundai offers additional features like drift mode, prospective buyers must consider whether these extras justify the $22,000 premium. This comparison not only highlights the raw speed and innovation within the EV market but also underscores the broader economic considerations facing consumers in the rapidly growing sector.

Nov 20

Highlights from IAAPA Expo: Zamperla Unveils Go Go Bounce & Top Thrill Dragster Car; Rides 4-U Expands Production to Meet Growing Demand

Excitement and Anticipation at the IAAPA Expo

As the IAAPA Trade Show wrapped up on Friday, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and industry optimism. Participants were thrilled with the strong interest and robust orders, reflecting a promising outlook for the future. The event showcased innovative rides and attractions, underscoring the sector’s dynamic growth and enduring appeal.

Zamperla and Rides 4-U: Key Takeaways from the Expo

Zamperla made waves with the introduction of their Go Go Bounce and Top Thrill Dragster car, captivating attendees with their cutting-edge designs. Meanwhile, Rides 4-U is ramping up production to meet the surge in demand, signaling a significant boost in manufacturing efforts. This enthusiasm highlights the sector’s resilience and the growing appetite for new and exciting amusement experiences.

Jul 20

South Jersey’s Atco Dragway Suddenly Closes After 63 Years

Another drag strip has abruptly closed. Atco Dragway in South Jersey ended a weekend event, only to announce the next day it is closing for good. What’s going on?

It has happened again. After the final NHRA national drag race at Bandimere Raceway in Denver last week comes news that South Jersey’s Atco Dragway in Camden County is closing immediately after 63 years of racing. Tracks seem to be falling like flies at this point. Here is yet, another famous drag strip that will be no more. But its closing leaves many shocked as there was no hint it would happen.

Yesterday Atco Dragway posted this announcement on its website and Facebook page. “Effective immediately: Atco Dragway is permanently closed. Thank you for your valued business and support over the last 63 years.” That’s it. This is all we know.

CBS 3 in Philidelphia approached a man who said he was the owner but asked the crew to leave the premises without commenting on the closing. So it is still a big mystery why the legendary track would just suddenly close. It just held a regional event at the track this past weekend. And it was holding another one this coming weekend. That, obviously, won’t be happening.

Atco Dragway began quarter-mile racing back in 1960. Since then, it has been one of the go-to tracks for drag racers in the East. It fed off of enthusiasts locally from New Jersey to Philly, New York, Maryland, and Delaware. “We will not be open from this point on,” it said on Facebook. “The remainder of our schedule for 2023 will be canceled. Thank you all for your patronage and memories over the years.”

What is replacing Atco Dragway?

There was a full schedule of events through November. Many told ABC Philadelphia that nothing indicated this would happen. “This whole thing was kept hush-hush and quiet. And we don’t know what’s going on,” said Marc from Atco, New Jersey.

Bordering the drag strip are the New Jersey Pinelands. When contacted, an official said there had not been any applications for development at the former track. There was talk that an auto insurance auction company might purchase the property. But 42Freeway says the company found another location for its auctions.

How many drag strips have closed recently?

This follows the end of drag racing at nearby Englishtown Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in 2018. But plenty of other famous strips like Englishtown have seen their end in recent years. Denver’s Bandimere Raceway just held its last NHRA national event last week.

Then there is Houston Raceway Park, Wild Horse Raceway in Arizona, and Auto Club Dragway in Southern California, to mention only a few. And while there are rumors that there is a substitute parcel for Bandimere, many racers don’t hold out hope it will ever happen.

Is there any place left to drag race in Philadelphia?

This comes at a time when street racing and takeovers have become an epidemic. With no place to face off in grudge matches or otherwise blow off steam in a safe environment, this is what happens. People wanting to race take it into their own hands, sometimes with disastrous results.

The good news is the famous Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, is still scheduling events. Located in a pocket between Allentown, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Lancaster, it holds the Pepboys NHRA Nationals in September. We hope it continues for decades to come.

Jul 12

Farewell to Bandimere Drag Strip and Dodge’s NHRA Sponsorship: The End of an Era

The Last Mile High Nationals and Dodge’s Departure

This weekend marks the final NHRA Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Raceway in Denver, concluding both a historic racing venue and Dodge’s long-standing event sponsorship. For over three decades, Dodge has proudly backed this premier drag racing event, which first graced the NHRA calendar in 1978. The closure of Bandimere Raceway, set for October, signals a significant shift in the drag racing landscape and an end to a storied partnership.

A Sad Farewell to Drag Racing Icons

As Bandimere Raceway prepares to close its doors, the broader trend of drag strip closures becomes even more apparent. From Phoenix to Houston, iconic tracks are vanishing, eroding the heart of drag racing’s heritage. The Bandimere family, guardians of this beloved track for 65 years, hopes to find a new location in the Denver area, though rising land values pose a challenge.

Looking Ahead: New Opportunities and Future Tracks

Despite the loss of Bandimere and Dodge’s sponsorship, the NHRA remains hopeful and is already eyeing the future. New tracks like Flying H Dragstrip in Kansas City and Pine Valley Raceway in Texas are joining the NHRA circuit, bringing fresh opportunities for drag racing enthusiasts. These developments aim to sustain the sport’s momentum and offer new venues for the racing community to rally around.

Jul 11

Rivian R1T vs. Ford Explorer ST: All-American Drag Race Highlights

A Battle of Power and Performance

In a captivating drag race that pits electric innovation against traditional power, the Rivian R1T electric pickup takes on the Ford Explorer ST SUV. This race deviates from the usual high-stakes EV vs. supercar matchups, showcasing the Rivian’s impressive quad-motor setup with 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque, against the Explorer ST’s 400-horsepower EcoBoost V6. Both vehicles hail from the same state, with Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois, and Ford’s production in Chicago, adding a local touch to this exciting competition.

Speed and Specifications on Display

The Rivian R1T, with its hefty 8,532-pound frame, contrasts sharply with the Explorer ST’s lighter 4,345-pound build, creating a dynamic race between electric and gas-powered performance. Despite its weight, the R1T’s advanced powertrain, indicated by its yellow brake calipers, suggests it’s the high-performance variant, poised to dominate. The Ford Explorer ST, equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive, offers robust performance but may struggle against the Rivian’s superior torque and power in this all-American drag showdown.