I always see someone that says " My grandmother can drive in a straight line." I think your grandmother drives around curves to the store everyday. She usually cuts me off. We will use bracket racing for the drag scene. So to the point. Who is better. Auto racing requires a driver to make precise timing in and out off turns to include braking, and fighting off the competion.But if a driver makes a mistake,there is many laps to make it up. Braket racing on the other hand, if you fall asleep at the tree, pack your shoes, your heading home early. Break traction, and your done. And to boot, you have to predict your time, and not go faster than. I am obviuosly leaning to drag racing. What do you choose and why ? I hope I did the poll right.
Who is the better driver and why ? Auto-cross or Drag racing
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zookeeper
Founding Member
We're comparing apples to oranges (again) but in all honesty I'd have to say that autocrossers and road racers are generally more skilled drivers. Now mind you, I'm the most hard-core drag race fan I know, but drag racing is more about the equipment. A great corner-carving driver can carry a so-so car (to a certain extent) but the best drag racer in the world can't overcome a slow car vs fast car race.
1970 slantroof
Founding Member
I have done both over the years and enjoyed them equally. They are both a blast. I do feel that the autocrossing requires a more diverse skill to be successful. A good car and good reactions will get the job done in drag racing. It takes a little more to be successful at autocrossing in my opinion.
Howard
Howard
man why do people start these stupid polls, we all know how its going to end up. to each his damn own. who cares if someone thinks diffrent, if you like it better then do that. i just can't see why we can't just share opinions without fighting.... looks its already started.
I would say that auto-x/road racers have a lot more skill. Not to say anyone is "better" than another. While you will always see a road racer accelerating and shifting in a straight line you will rarely see a drag racer negotitate a corner. Accelerating in a straight line is the simplest thing to do in a car. Who do you think would have the easier learning curve:
A.) Michael Schumacher learning how to drive a Top Fuel dragster in the 1/4, or
B.) John Force trying to learn how to drive the Ferrari F1 car around a road course.
***The above is just an opinion on a question asked in a forum. All responders should realze that opinions will vary, and no one should get personally offended.
A.) Michael Schumacher learning how to drive a Top Fuel dragster in the 1/4, or
B.) John Force trying to learn how to drive the Ferrari F1 car around a road course.
***The above is just an opinion on a question asked in a forum. All responders should realze that opinions will vary, and no one should get personally offended.
XStang302x
Founding Member
Sure there's a lot of thinking in drag racing...like it myself actually. But cmon...it only lasts a couple seconds...equipment plays a big role too.
Road racing I see would include much more skill, mental endurance, experience, strategy, etc. I guess I can only relate to the bike world in these cases...but drag racing is a blast dont get me wrong, however a couple hundred miles in the mountains/track will flat out kick your ass. It's like stretching that focused concentration you use on the strip for a few seconds out for a few hours while in the curves. You have to know your skill limits in the curves...on the strip, it's the vehicles limits in my opinion.
-Frank
Road racing I see would include much more skill, mental endurance, experience, strategy, etc. I guess I can only relate to the bike world in these cases...but drag racing is a blast dont get me wrong, however a couple hundred miles in the mountains/track will flat out kick your ass. It's like stretching that focused concentration you use on the strip for a few seconds out for a few hours while in the curves. You have to know your skill limits in the curves...on the strip, it's the vehicles limits in my opinion.
-Frank
Hack
15 Year Member
I disagree.none67 said:
Life would be boring if everyone thought the same way.
I think a race that involves corners as well as straight lines requires more of the driver. Either still requires skill though.
2bav8 said:Oh ya, last time I checked...
Jeff Gordan raced in NASCAR.
Unless things have changed in the last week, there are only two road courses in NASCAR's 36 week season and 34 ovals
Well, at least I was right about Force. Nascar does have a few turns in the course. Unless they race around square corners. Actually, I believe J. Gordon is a little square.
WORTH
20+ Year Stangneter 
I would say drag racing is easier, you get to run the smae car on the same length straight track every week,
In road racing, the same corner changes everytime you approch it.
In road racing, the same corner changes everytime you approch it.
In a drag race you fight for traction and have to have the timing, shifts, etc right on. In a road course, however, your tractions problems are not only from accelerating, but braking. Then you have acceleration while turning, braking while turning, and so on. In a formula 1 race those cars are pushing every component they have at 100%, lap after lap. In my *opinion* there is really no comparison.
Also, let's not forget in most autocross type races there is also a mini drag race to start things off.
Also, let's not forget in most autocross type races there is also a mini drag race to start things off.
bud4660
Founding Member
This is easy. As someone that has drag raced for 30+ years. As someone that has owned the number one championship car two years in a row here at the local oval track. I can tell you the answer.
It takes money for first class equipment.
It takes a crew chief and crew that get the job done right.
It takes a driver that can get the driving done.
It takes long hours of dedication from everyone.
It takes a family that understands the drive and desire to win at all cost.
And most of all it takes a lot of luck. Cause with all the rest. You cant beat bad luck. Those .25 cent parts will get you everytime.
Now with that being said. They both have there challenges. With drag racing, you have the weather and the track conditions to make all that HP hook to. So the driver has to react instantly when the car makes a move. With roadracing the driver has to endure the length of time in the car. Heat and physical strength is the challenge for the driver. They both still have to be able to drive under extreme conditions. The pressure of driving to win is the same.
Now go race what you like. I like drag racing myself, if I'm driving. Worrying about one other car on the track is enough for me. If you like bump and rub with a bunch of other cars on the track, then go roadracing or oval racing.
Have fun and be safe. Cars can be fixed or replaced. Drivers arent aways that lucky.
It takes money for first class equipment.
It takes a crew chief and crew that get the job done right.
It takes a driver that can get the driving done.
It takes long hours of dedication from everyone.
It takes a family that understands the drive and desire to win at all cost.
And most of all it takes a lot of luck. Cause with all the rest. You cant beat bad luck. Those .25 cent parts will get you everytime.
Now with that being said. They both have there challenges. With drag racing, you have the weather and the track conditions to make all that HP hook to. So the driver has to react instantly when the car makes a move. With roadracing the driver has to endure the length of time in the car. Heat and physical strength is the challenge for the driver. They both still have to be able to drive under extreme conditions. The pressure of driving to win is the same.
Now go race what you like. I like drag racing myself, if I'm driving. Worrying about one other car on the track is enough for me. If you like bump and rub with a bunch of other cars on the track, then go roadracing or oval racing.
Have fun and be safe. Cars can be fixed or replaced. Drivers arent aways that lucky.
I'm going to have to agree with most of the others on this topic.
In "racing with turns" you have to do everything the drag racer does.... but for a couple hours, not a couple seconds.
...and yes, you have to have good equipment to last 2 hours with tons of power, screaming engines.....
In "racing with turns" you have to do everything the drag racer does.... but for a couple hours, not a couple seconds.
...and yes, you have to have good equipment to last 2 hours with tons of power, screaming engines.....
LOL...if you're using Jeff Gordon as an example of a non-drag racer, you need to get out more! 
I would have to say a world class road racer is a far superior driver to a drag racer or oval track racer. Go to a driving school and try to master heel and toe techniques, never mind apexes and braking points, and I think it would be hard to disagree.
Now for the part where I really get flamed: Have you ever seen a teenage chick win a significant road race?
(Asbestos flame retardent suit on)
I would have to say a world class road racer is a far superior driver to a drag racer or oval track racer. Go to a driving school and try to master heel and toe techniques, never mind apexes and braking points, and I think it would be hard to disagree.
Now for the part where I really get flamed: Have you ever seen a teenage chick win a significant road race?
(Asbestos flame retardent suit on)
Max Power said:LOL...if you're using Jeff Gordon as an example of a non-drag racer, you need to get out more!
I would have to say a world class road racer is a far superior driver to a drag racer or oval track racer. Go to a driving school and try to master heel and toe techniques, never mind apexes and braking points, and I think it would be hard to disagree.
Now for the part where I really get flamed: Have you ever seen a teenage chick win a significant road race?
(Asbestos flame retardent suit on)
Basically, in my opinion. Jeff Gordon fits into ANY non-racer category.
chepsk8
Founding Member
Hey, remember when John Andretti drove a Top Fuel Car and won a national event? 
My personal opinion is that the WRC drivers posess the highest skill set, followed closely by the road racers. Long hours of intense concentration.
yes, Drag Racing does require instant reflexes, but so do all motorsports.
Dirt track racing is tough too! (something I'd love to try!)
My vote for the most versatile race drivers ever: A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, Tony Stewart (bound to stir some arguments), Jeff Gordon (unfortunately), and other similar drivers, due to thier versatility. I purposely leave Michael Schumacher out, as he has not diversified enough. I want to see him wheel a sprint car! HAH!
My personal opinion is that the WRC drivers posess the highest skill set, followed closely by the road racers. Long hours of intense concentration.
yes, Drag Racing does require instant reflexes, but so do all motorsports.
Dirt track racing is tough too! (something I'd love to try!)
My vote for the most versatile race drivers ever: A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, Tony Stewart (bound to stir some arguments), Jeff Gordon (unfortunately), and other similar drivers, due to thier versatility. I purposely leave Michael Schumacher out, as he has not diversified enough. I want to see him wheel a sprint car! HAH!
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