I've had several
requests to explain what the newer drag boats have done to be
safer and faster than those featured on this site. The easiest
way is to show them. Since most people have never even seen a
drag boat I'm making a date exception and will feature some great
shots from Larry McFarland taken at Firebird Lake outside of
Phoenix, AZ.
The engines in
a Top Fuel Hydro are the same as a NHRA Big Show Top Fuel Dragster
or Funny Car and capable of huge speeds. The upper class boats
also have dragster style roll cages covered by a canopy. Although
that did drop the mortality rate of drivers, they are still more
dangerous that their land counterparts and will bite you big
time.
Not being a historian
of the new breed of boats or those who race them the photos have
to speak for themselves. I can say the the TFH class has a record
in excess of 265 mph in the mid 4.50 range.
If you can add
any info on these, send it along. New
Style Drag Boats
