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Quarter Mile Calculator

Estimate elapsed time and final speed over a 1/4-mile distance

Vehicle Specifications

Estimated Performance

Enter your vehicle's specs and click "Calculate" to see the results.

About the Quarter Mile Calculator

The quarter-mile (402m) is a standard distance in drag racing used to measure a vehicle's acceleration performance. This calculator provides an estimate of the time (Elapsed Time or ET) and final speed (Trap Speed) a vehicle might achieve over this distance based on its power and weight.

How It Works

The calculation is based on the Moroso Power/Speed Formula, a widely recognized empirical formula developed by Dick Moroso. It provides a solid theoretical baseline by relating horsepower to weight:

  • Elapsed Time (ET) Formula: ET = 5.825 * (Weight / Horsepower)^(1/3)
  • Trap Speed Formula: Trap Speed = 234 * (Horsepower / Weight)^(1/3)

Important Considerations

This tool provides a simplified estimate. Real-world results are influenced by many other factors not included in this calculation, such as:

  • Traction: Tire type, suspension setup, and track conditions.
  • Drivetrain: Transmission type (manual/auto), gearing, and drivetrain loss.
  • Aerodynamics: The vehicle's drag coefficient becomes significant at higher speeds.
  • Environmental Conditions: Air density, temperature, and altitude.
  • Driver Skill: Reaction time and shifting efficiency.

For the most accurate results, use the vehicle's total weight (including the driver and any cargo) and its peak horsepower at the wheels (WHP), if available.

About Quarter Mile Calculator

The Anatomy of Speed: A Deep Dive into the Quarter Mile

Thirteen-hundred and twenty feet. Four hundred and two meters. One quarter of a mile. For over half a century, this specific distance has been the ultimate crucible for measuring raw, unadulterated acceleration. It is the benchmark in drag racing, the yardstick for muscle cars, and a pure, unblemished test of power-to-weight. But beyond the thunderous noise and tire smoke, a quarter-mile run is a perfect, real-world laboratory for the physics of motion. Our Quarter Mile Calculator is an advanced tool designed for automotive enthusiasts, amateur racers, and physics students to dissect this legendary sprint. This comprehensive guide will explore the deep physics of acceleration, the critical factors that determine a vehicle's performance, the meaning of ET and trap speed, and how you can use our calculator to estimate a car's potential on this hallowed strip of asphalt.

What is the Quarter Mile? More Than Just a Distance

The quarter mile is a standardized test of straight-line acceleration from a standing start. The goal is simple: cover the distance as quickly as possible. Two key metrics define the outcome of a run:

Elapsed Time (ET)

This is the primary metric, the number that truly matters for winning a race. It is the total time, measured to the thousandth of a second, from the moment the vehicle breaks the starting line's light beam until it breaks the finish line's beam 1,320 feet later. A lower ET is always better.

Trap Speed

This is the vehicle's instantaneous speed as it crosses the finish line. It is measured by a second set of light beams placed just before the finish line (typically 66 feet apart). While not the deciding factor in a race, trap speed is a powerful indicator of a vehicle's horsepower and its high-end pulling power. A car can have a great ET with a moderate trap speed (indicating a phenomenal launch), or a mediocre ET with a very high trap speed (indicating a poor launch but immense horsepower).

Our calculator aims to estimate both of these values by applying the fundamental laws of motion to the two most important characteristics of any performance vehicle: its power and its weight.

The Physics of the Run: A Journey of Non-Constant Acceleration

A quarter-mile run is a fascinating case study in **non-constant acceleration**. Unlike a simple physics problem where acceleration is a single value, a real car's acceleration is constantly changing throughout the run. This complex journey can be broken down into phases:

  1. The Launch (Traction-Limited Phase): For the first fraction of a second, the car's performance is not limited by its engine power, but by the grip of its tires. The engine can produce far more torque than the tires can transfer to the pavement without spinning uselessly. The peak acceleration occurs here, but only if the driver can perfectly modulate the throttle to maintain maximum grip without breaking traction. This phase is all about friction.
  2. The Pull (Power-Limited Phase): Once the car is moving and has sufficient grip, the limitation shifts to the engine's horsepower. The car accelerates hard through the gears. The acceleration is highest in the lower gears and gradually decreases as the car goes faster due to two main factors: gearing multiplication decreases, and the force of aerodynamic drag begins to build exponentially.
  3. The Top End (Drag-Limited Phase): In the final stretch of the quarter mile, especially for very fast cars, aerodynamic drag becomes a monumental force opposing the car's motion. The force of drag increases with the square of the velocity, so doubling the speed quadruples the drag. The engine is now fighting a hurricane of air resistance, and the rate of acceleration diminishes significantly as the car approaches the finish line.

The Master Ingredients of Quarter Mile Performance

A vehicle's potential over 1,320 feet is determined by a complex interplay of factors. Our calculator focuses on the two most dominant ones, but understanding all of them provides a complete picture.

1. Power-to-Weight Ratio (The Undisputed King)

This is the single most important metric for predicting acceleration. It's not about how much horsepower a car has, but how much horsepower it has *for every pound it needs to move*. A 2,000-pound car with 300 horsepower will be vastly quicker than a 4,000-pound car with 400 horsepower. To find this ratio, you simply divide the vehicle's weight by its horsepower (lbs/hp). A lower number is better. Our calculator uses **horsepower** and **vehicle weight** (including the driver) as its primary inputs because their ratio governs the entire system, as dictated by Newton's Second Law (`a = F/m`). Horsepower is a measure of the rate at which the engine can do work, which translates to the force pushing the mass forward.

2. Traction and Grip

As discussed, power is useless if you can't put it to the ground. Several factors contribute to traction:

  • Tires: The type and compound of the tire are paramount. Soft, sticky drag slicks provide immense grip compared to standard street tires.
  • Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems can apply power through four contact patches, typically resulting in superior launches compared to Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles.
  • Suspension and Weight Transfer: During launch, the car's weight shifts to the rear. A suspension designed for drag racing maximizes this effect, planting the rear tires firmly onto the pavement for better grip.

3. Gearing and Transmission

The transmission's job is to act as a torque multiplier, keeping the engine in its "power band" (the RPM range where it produces the most power) as the vehicle accelerates. The choice of gear ratios and the speed of the shifts (manual vs. dual-clutch automatic) have a significant impact on the final ET.

4. Aerodynamics

While less important at low speeds, the aerodynamic profile (drag coefficient and frontal area) becomes a major factor at the top end of the track. A sleek, slippery car will have a higher trap speed than a boxy, unaerodynamic vehicle with the same power-to-weight ratio.

5. Environmental Conditions

Professional racers are obsessed with **Density Altitude**. This single value combines temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure to describe the density of the air. Denser, cooler air contains more oxygen molecules per cubic foot, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and make more power. A run at sea level on a cool, dry day will be significantly faster than the same run in high-altitude, hot, and humid conditions.

The Formula Behind the Magic: Moroso's Equation

Calculating a precise ET from scratch would require solving complex differential equations that account for the changing forces. However, over decades of racing, clever engineers and racers have developed highly accurate empirical formulas based on real-world data. Our calculator utilizes a widely respected and time-tested formula, often attributed to Dick Moroso, which relates ET and trap speed to the vehicle's power-to-weight ratio.

ET = CubeRoot(Weight / Horsepower) * 5.825
Trap Speed = CubeRoot(Horsepower / Weight) * 234

These formulas brilliantly capture the fundamental physics. The cube root relationship shows that to make a significant improvement in ET, you need a massive improvement in your power-to-weight ratio. The constants (5.825 and 234) are calibration factors derived from thousands of real-world drag strip runs, effectively averaging out factors like driver skill, gearing, and traction for a typical high-performance street/strip car.

How to Use Our Quarter Mile Calculator

Our tool is designed to be a powerful "what-if" machine, allowing you to see the direct impact of power and weight on performance.

Step 1: Enter Vehicle Horsepower

Input the horsepower of the vehicle's engine. For the most accurate results, this should be the horsepower at the wheels (WHP), which accounts for drivetrain losses, rather than the advertised crank horsepower. If you only have crank horsepower, you can estimate WHP by reducing it by 15-20%.

Step 2: Enter Total Vehicle Weight

Input the total weight of the car as it would be on the starting line. This is the "curb weight" plus the weight of the driver and any other items in the car. Every pound matters!

Step 3: Calculate and Analyze

The calculator will instantly apply the Moroso formulas to provide you with an estimated **Elapsed Time (ET)** in seconds and an estimated **Trap Speed** in MPH or KPH.

Your Digital Drag Strip

This calculator is your sandbox for exploring the science of acceleration. Use it to:

  • Settle Debates: Objectively compare the potential of different cars based on their specs.
  • Plan Your Build: See how much a performance modification (like adding 50 horsepower) or a weight reduction (like removing 200 pounds) would theoretically improve your times. Is it more effective to add power or to reduce weight? Run the numbers and find out.
  • Understand the Physics: Develop an intuitive feel for the power-to-weight relationship and why it is the undisputed king of straight-line performance.
  • Set a Benchmark: Compare your calculator's ideal estimate to your real-world timeslip. The difference between the two can often be attributed to factors like driver skill, traction limitations, or environmental conditions, giving you a clear idea of where to find more speed.

A Tool for Enthusiasts and Aspiring Racers

The quarter mile is more than a race; it's a physics problem solved with horsepower and traction. It's a testament to the relentless pursuit of speed. Whether you're a seasoned gearhead, a weekend warrior, or a student fascinated by the application of physics, this calculator offers a window into the heart of performance. Plug in the numbers, explore the possibilities, and unlock the secrets of the 1320.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Quarter Mile Calculator?
A Quarter Mile Calculator is a physics-based tool that estimates the performance of a vehicle over a standing-start quarter-mile (402.336 meters). It uses inputs like vehicle weight, engine horsepower, drivetrain type, and aerodynamics to predict key metrics such as Elapsed Time (ET) and Trap Speed, helping users understand the factors that govern acceleration.
What primary results does the calculator provide?
The calculator primarily provides two key performance metrics: 1) **Elapsed Time (ET)**, which is the total time taken to cover the quarter-mile distance, and 2) **Trap Speed**, which is the vehicle's instantaneous speed as it crosses the finish line. Some advanced calculators may also show 0-60 mph times, G-forces, and performance graphs.
Why is the quarter mile (402.3 meters) a standard performance benchmark?
The quarter mile became a standard in the early days of drag racing in the United States. It's a distance long enough to allow vehicles to reach high speeds and fully test their acceleration, yet short enough to be conducted on a dedicated track (a drag strip). It provides a balanced test of a car's launch (traction), power delivery, and high-speed aerodynamics.
What is Elapsed Time (ET)?
Elapsed Time (ET) is the total time a vehicle takes to travel from the starting line to the finish line of the quarter-mile track. The timer starts the instant the vehicle begins to move, not when the green light illuminates. This makes ET a pure measure of vehicle performance, independent of the driver's reaction time.
What is Trap Speed?
Trap Speed is the vehicle's speed measured as it crosses the quarter-mile finish line. It is typically measured over a short distance (e.g., the last 66 feet) at the end of the track to calculate an average speed, which serves as a good indicator of the vehicle's horsepower and high-end acceleration capability.
What is the difference between Elapsed Time (ET) and Reaction Time?
Reaction time is the time it takes for a driver to react to the starting light and launch the car. Elapsed Time (ET) begins only when the car's front wheels break the starting line's light beam. A driver can have a slow reaction time but still achieve a fast ET. The total time from the green light to the finish line is reaction time + ET.
What fundamental physics principle governs the calculation?
The core principle is Newton's Second Law of Motion, **F = ma** (Force = mass × acceleration). The calculator determines the net force on the vehicle by subtracting resistive forces (drag, rolling resistance) from the propulsive force (engine power delivered to the wheels). This net force, divided by the vehicle's mass, gives its instantaneous acceleration.
How does horsepower (HP) affect quarter-mile performance?
Horsepower is a measure of the rate at which an engine can do work. Higher horsepower allows the engine to apply a greater force at higher speeds, leading to higher acceleration throughout the run. This primarily impacts the Trap Speed. A common rule of thumb is that a 10% increase in horsepower can lead to roughly a 5% increase in trap speed.
Should I use Brake Horsepower (BHP) or Wheel Horsepower (WHP)?
For maximum accuracy, you should use **Wheel Horsepower (WHP)**. WHP is the power actually delivered to the driving wheels after accounting for drivetrain losses (through the transmission, driveshaft, etc.). If you only know Brake Horsepower (BHP or crank HP), the calculator will estimate WHP by subtracting a percentage for drivetrain loss (typically 15% for RWD/FWD, 20-25% for AWD).
How does vehicle weight impact acceleration and ET?
Based on F=ma (or a = F/m), vehicle weight (mass) is inversely proportional to acceleration for a given force. A heavier vehicle requires more force to accelerate at the same rate as a lighter one. Reducing weight is one of the most effective ways to lower your ET, as it improves acceleration at all speeds.
What is the power-to-weight ratio and why is it so important?
The power-to-weight ratio (e.g., HP per ton) is a crucial metric that combines the two most important factors in acceleration. It's calculated by dividing the engine's power (WHP) by the vehicle's weight. A higher power-to-weight ratio directly correlates with better acceleration potential and is often a better predictor of performance than horsepower alone.
What is torque, and how does it differ from horsepower?
Torque is the rotational force produced by the engine, responsible for getting the vehicle's mass moving, especially from a standstill. Horsepower is the rate at which that torque can be applied (Power = Torque × RPM / 5252). High torque is vital for a strong launch and initial acceleration, while horsepower is more indicative of high-speed performance and trap speed.
What are the major forces a vehicle must overcome to accelerate?
A vehicle must overcome three primary resistive forces: 1) **Inertia**, the resistance of its own mass to a change in velocity. 2) **Aerodynamic Drag**, the resistance from moving through the air, which increases with the square of velocity. 3) **Rolling Resistance**, the friction between the tires and the road surface.
What is traction and why is it critical for a good launch?
Traction is the friction between the tires and the road surface that allows the engine's power to be converted into forward motion. A vehicle's acceleration is 'traction-limited' at the start, meaning the engine can produce more power than the tires can transfer to the ground without spinning. A good launch maximizes this available traction, which is crucial for a low ET.
How does the drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD) affect traction?
Drivetrain type significantly affects launch traction due to weight transfer. During acceleration, weight shifts to the rear of the car. **RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)** benefits from this by putting more weight on the drive wheels, increasing grip. **AWD (All-Wheel Drive)** provides the best launch traction by powering all four wheels. **FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)** is at a disadvantage, as weight shifts away from its drive wheels, making wheel spin more likely.
What is aerodynamic drag and how is it calculated?
Aerodynamic drag is the force of air resistance pushing against a moving vehicle. It's a major factor at high speeds. The formula is: **Drag Force = 0.5 × ρ × A × Cd × v²**, where ρ (rho) is air density, A is the vehicle's frontal area, Cd is the drag coefficient, and v is the velocity. This shows that drag increases exponentially with speed.
Why isn't acceleration constant throughout the quarter-mile run?
Acceleration is highest at the start and decreases throughout the run for two main reasons: 1) As speed increases, aerodynamic drag grows exponentially, creating a larger opposing force. 2) An internal combustion engine's power output varies with RPM, and gearing changes result in less torque multiplication at the wheels in higher gears. This results in a non-linear velocity curve.
How accurate are the calculated results?
The calculator provides a theoretical best-case scenario based on physics principles. Real-world results can differ by 5-10% or more due to factors not easily modeled, such as driver skill, launch technique, exact tire grip, track conditions, wind, and precise engine power curve. The calculator is best used as a comparative tool to see how changes in parameters affect performance.
My calculated time is faster than my actual time. Why?
This is a common outcome. The difference is often due to real-world inefficiencies. The most likely reasons are: 1) **Sub-optimal launch**: Not achieving the maximum possible traction, leading to wheel spin or bogging down. 2) **Driver skill**: Slower gear shifts or poor throttle modulation. 3) **Track conditions**: A slippery or unprepared track surface reduces grip.
My calculated trap speed is accurate, but my ET is slow. What does this mean?
This classic scenario points directly to a poor launch or slow initial 60-foot time. Your trap speed indicates your car is making good power (as it's a measure of high-end acceleration), but a slow ET means you lost significant time at the beginning of the run due to issues like excessive wheel spin, a bogged start, or slow shifts in early gears.
How do different tire types (e.g., street tires vs. drag slicks) impact results?
Tires are the single most important component for traction. **Street tires** have a hard compound and tread patterns designed for longevity and all-weather performance, offering limited grip. **Drag slicks** have a very soft compound and no tread, maximizing the contact patch and providing immense grip on a prepared surface, which dramatically improves launch and lowers ET.
What is rolling resistance?
Rolling resistance is the energy lost from the friction created as the tire deforms and flexes against the road surface. It's a relatively small force compared to aerodynamic drag at high speeds but is present at all speeds. It depends on factors like tire pressure, tire construction, and road surface.
How does altitude affect quarter-mile times?
Higher altitude results in less dense air. This has two opposing effects: 1) **Less Power**: Naturally aspirated engines produce less horsepower because there is less oxygen available for combustion. 2) **Less Drag**: The car experiences less aerodynamic resistance. For most cars, the power loss outweighs the drag reduction, leading to slower times at higher altitudes.
What is Density Altitude (DA) and why do racers use it?
Density Altitude is a metric that combines altitude, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure into a single value representing the 'effective altitude' at which the engine and car are performing. Racers use DA because it's a more accurate predictor of performance than altitude alone. A high DA (hot, humid day) means the air is thin, and cars will run slower.
Can this calculator be used for Electric Vehicles (EVs)?
Yes, the physics principles are the same. However, the power delivery is different. EVs produce peak torque instantly from 0 RPM, giving them a significant launch advantage. The calculator can model this by assuming maximum available torque at the start, often resulting in very strong predicted 0-60 mph and initial acceleration times.
What is the Drag Coefficient (Cd)?
The Drag Coefficient (Cd) is a dimensionless number that quantifies how aerodynamic a vehicle's shape is. A lower Cd indicates a more streamlined shape that cuts through the air with less resistance. A teardrop shape has a very low Cd (~0.04), while a modern sports car might have a Cd of 0.25-0.35.
What is Frontal Area (A)?
Frontal Area (A) is the two-dimensional area of the vehicle as seen from the front. It represents the 'size' of the hole the car must punch through the air. A large SUV has a much larger frontal area than a small sports car. Total aerodynamic drag depends on both the shape (Cd) and the size (A).
Does a higher trap speed always guarantee a quicker ET?
No. It's possible for a car with a lower trap speed to have a quicker ET if it has a superior launch. For example, an AWD car with excellent traction might get a huge head start on a more powerful RWD car that spins its tires. The RWD car might be catching up and have a higher speed at the finish line, but still not enough to make up for the time lost at the start.
Can this calculator estimate 0-60 mph or 0-100 kph times?
Yes. By performing a step-by-step (iterative) calculation of the car's velocity over time, the calculator can determine the time it takes to reach specific speeds like 60 mph or 100 kph. This is often a by-product of the main quarter-mile calculation.
What is G-force and how is it calculated?
G-force is a measure of acceleration, where 1 G is equal to the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²). The calculator estimates it using the formula: **G-force = a / 9.81**, where 'a' is the vehicle's instantaneous forward acceleration in m/s². The highest G-forces are typically experienced right at launch.
How do I find my car's weight, horsepower, and drag coefficient?
You can find these specifications from manufacturer websites, car review magazines, or online databases. For the most accurate data, you can weigh your car at a public scale (like at a truck stop) and measure its wheel horsepower on a dynamometer ('dyno').
What should be included in the 'total vehicle weight'?
For an accurate calculation, you should use the 'curb weight' plus the weight of the driver, any passengers, and a realistic amount of fuel. In sanctioned racing, this is called the 'race weight'. Every pound matters.
How does reducing weight compare to adding horsepower?
Both improve performance, but in different ways. A general rule is that a 100-pound weight reduction can shave about 0.1 seconds off the quarter-mile ET. This is often cheaper and more effective for improving launch and cornering (not relevant here) than adding the equivalent 10 HP needed for a similar ET reduction.
What role does gearing play in the calculation?
Gearing acts as a torque multiplier. Lower gears (like 1st gear) multiply engine torque significantly, providing maximum force for launch. Higher gears trade torque for speed. A simplified calculator models this as a single 'effective' gear ratio, while more advanced ones may account for shift points and individual gear ratios to more accurately model the power curve.
What is the physics behind doing a 'burnout' before a race?
A burnout serves two purposes for drag racing tires: 1) **Cleaning**: It spins off any debris or dirt picked up from the pits, exposing fresh rubber. 2) **Heating**: It increases the temperature of the soft tire compound, making it stickier and dramatically increasing its coefficient of friction, which is essential for maximum launch grip.
Why do dragsters have large rear wheels and small front wheels?
The large rear tires ('slicks') have a huge contact patch to maximize traction for launching their immense power. The tall, soft sidewalls can wrinkle and absorb the initial shock of the launch. The small, lightweight front wheels are only for steering and have minimal rolling resistance and weight, as they contribute nothing to propulsion.
What are the limitations of this calculator?
The main limitations are the inability to perfectly model real-world variables. These include the dynamic nature of a tire's grip, the precise power curve of the engine, the exact time lost during gear shifts, and external factors like wind and track surface variations. It's a deterministic model for a chaotic, real-world event.
How can I use this calculator to plan vehicle modifications?
You can use it as a 'what-if' tool. Input your car's baseline data to get a predicted time. Then, change one variable at a time—for example, reduce weight by 200 lbs or add 50 HP—and see the predicted impact on your ET and trap speed. This helps you prioritize modifications that will give you the biggest performance gain for your budget.
What is considered a 'good' quarter-mile time?
This is highly relative. A high-performance production sports car might run in the 10-11 second range. A typical family sedan might be in the 15-16 second range. A heavily modified street car running in the 9s is exceptionally fast. Top Fuel dragsters, the pinnacle of the sport, cover the distance in under 4 seconds.
How do temperature and humidity impact performance?
Both affect air density. **High temperatures** make air less dense, reducing engine power. **High humidity** displaces oxygen with water vapor (which doesn't aid combustion), also reducing power. The ideal conditions for a naturally aspirated engine are cool, dry air with high barometric pressure.
How are drivetrain losses estimated?
Drivetrain loss is the percentage of power lost to friction and inertia in the transmission, driveshaft, differential, and axles. A common estimation is ~15% loss for manual RWD/FWD cars, ~18-20% for automatic RWD/FWD, and ~20-25% for AWD systems due to the added complexity of a transfer case and extra differentials.
How do I interpret the Velocity vs. Time graph?
The Velocity vs. Time graph shows how your car's speed changes during the run. The slope (steepness) of the line represents your acceleration. You will see a very steep slope at the beginning, which gradually flattens out as aerodynamic drag increases and gearing becomes taller. The final point on the graph is your trap speed.
What does the 'traction-limited' phase mean?
This is the very initial part of the run, typically in first gear, where acceleration is limited not by engine power but by the maximum grip the tires can provide. Even if the engine could spin the wheels faster, doing so would just create wheelspin and slow you down. The calculator models this by capping the initial force to the maximum static friction force.
How is engine power converted into forward motion at the wheels?
The engine produces rotational force (torque). This torque is sent through the transmission (which multiplies it), down the driveshaft, through the differential (which turns the force 90 degrees), and out the axles to the wheels. The wheels then exert this rotational force onto the ground, and the ground's equal and opposite reaction force (friction/traction) pushes the car forward.
Is this calculator suitable for motorcycles?
Yes, the physics principles are identical. You would input the motorcycle's horsepower and total weight (bike + rider). Motorcycles typically have a much better power-to-weight ratio and smaller frontal area than cars, resulting in very strong acceleration and high trap speeds for their power level.
What is a 'holeshot' in drag racing?
A holeshot victory occurs when a driver with a slower ET wins a race against a driver with a faster ET. This happens because the winning driver had a significantly better reaction time to the starting light, giving them a large enough head start (the 'holeshot') that the faster car couldn't make up the difference before the finish line.
At what point does aerodynamic drag become a major factor?
While present at any speed, aerodynamic drag becomes the dominant resistive force above ~50-60 mph (80-100 kph). Since drag increases with the square of speed, doubling your speed from 50 to 100 mph quadruples the drag force. This is why trap speed is so heavily influenced by both horsepower (to overcome drag) and aerodynamics (to reduce it).
How does the Work-Energy theorem apply to a quarter-mile run?
The Work-Energy Theorem states that the net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy (Work = ΔKE). In a quarter-mile run, the work done by the engine's propulsive force, minus the negative work done by drag and friction, equals the vehicle's final kinetic energy (½mv²). Your trap speed is a direct result of this energy transfer.
What's the difference in physics between a standing start ('from a dig') and a rolling start?
A standing start ('from a dig') is a test of overcoming static inertia and managing traction, making torque and grip paramount. A rolling start begins with the car already moving, bypassing the difficult traction-limited launch phase. It is a purer test of horsepower and high-speed aerodynamics, as the initial acceleration from zero is removed from the equation.
What are key safety considerations for real-world quarter-mile attempts?
Performance testing should only be done on a closed course or sanctioned drag strip, never on public roads. Key safety measures include ensuring your vehicle's brakes and tires are in excellent condition, wearing a helmet, checking track safety rules, and ensuring your car has the required safety equipment (like a roll cage or fire extinguisher) for its performance level.

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