Top dragsters to make their mark at Yas circuit

Abu Dhabi: The fastest and most spectacular form of entertainment on wheels will be on view today at the Yas Drag Racing Centre when two nitro burning Top Fuel dragsters will debut at the inaugural Drag Racing Festival.

To be driven by nine-time NHRA winner Tommy Johnson, Jr, and 2007 Top Fuel Vice Champion Rod ‘Hot Rod' Fuller, the Top Fuel dragsters have 8,000 horsepower and can accelerate from zero to over 480km/h in less than four seconds.

Motorcycles

The two-day Drag Racing Festival will also feature the region's top drag race teams competing with over 100 race cars and motorcycles in a variety of race categories led by the Pro Mods — highly modified vehicles with close to 1,700 horsepower.

The Pro Mod is a highly modified vehicle based on an American muscle car. The Camaro and Corvette are the two most popular styles, but racing fans can expect some Ford Mustang-bodied cars on the Drag Strip as well. The cars run around 321km/h in the quarter mile, according to the organisers.

Situated adjacent to the circuit's Formula One track, the Yas Drag Racing centre has two grandstands with a seating capacity of 5,000 and the racing action will be accompanied by a series of events to keep the whole family entertained.

Doors open at 4pm on both days with the drag racing action taking place from 6pm to 9pm each day.