Daktronics C44 - Manual (Page 57)

Glossary of B-1
Drag Racing Terms
Appendix B: Glossary of Drag Racing
Terms
Amber Countdown Lights- The three amber lights on the “Christmas” tree that drivers
attempt to time, in order to start at the exact time the green light comes on. These lights can
be set for intervals of .3, .4, or .5 seconds.
Breakout- In handicap racing, “breakout” means the contestant has run faster than his dial in.
Burn Out- A “burn out” is the spinning of rear wheels at high RPM, in water, to heat rubber,
which results in improved traction.
“Christmas” Tree- this is an electronic starting device incorporating calibrated lights
displaying a visual countdown for each driver, activated by a designated official.
Deep Staging- This is the practice of moving the car as far forward at the starting line as
possible in an effort to gain a few inches advantage over the other car. When this system is
activated, a blue lamp is lit on the “Christmas” tree.
Dial-in- A “dial-in” is a selection of elapsed time that the driver believes he will run.
E.T.- The “elapsed time” is the total time it takes to go from the start line to the finish line.
Foul Start- When a car leaves the starting line before the green starting light is activated, it is
called a “foul start”.
Guard Beam- This is a third photocell at the start line to prevent deep staging.
Heads Up Racing- This is another way of stating that there is no handicap.
I.H.R.A.- International Hot Rod Association
N.H.R.A.- National Hot Rod Association
Pre-stage- A “pre-stage” is the lighting of lamps to warn drivers that their vehicle is almost at
the point of the starting line.
Pro Start- In a “pro start”, there is no handicap and all three amber lamps light at the same
time.
Reaction Time- This is the difference in time between when the green light comes on and the
vehicle leaves the starting line, activating the E.T. clocks.
Speed Trap- This is a 66' space at the finish line area where breaking the first photocell beam
starts the MPH calculation and the second photocell ends the MPH calculation as well as the
E.T.
Stage- This lamp lighting advises driver and officials that the vehicle is ready and positioned
for the start of the race.
True Win- Where provided, this light will identify the true winner, taking into account
various occurrences that carry different penalty weights.