About Drag Boat Racing

As the name implies, Drag Boat Racing is essentially Drag Racing in a boat rather than a car.  Much like its counterpart, the race consists of a quarter mile contest between two boats specifically designed for high-speed straight line racing.  Unlike the cars, these boats begin on a slight rolling start and progress down the track, at speeds up to 250 mph. The rolling start was developed as a safety precaution, as it is hard for the drivers to predict if a boat will launch straight from a standing point. Another trait that sets Drag Boat Racing apart is that the spectators are allowed in the pit area; which enables them to get a close-up view of the equipment, drivers and their crew.

Drag Boat Racing is an increasingly popular sport that originated in California and quickly spread across the country.  The sport migrated to Texas in the early sixties and lead to the formation of sanctioning bodies, such as the Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA), that is committed to educating its potential spectators, establishing rules that govern competitions, and adopting and enforcing strict safety standards.  

Drag Boats are divided into two categories, one for professional boats, and one for elapsed time (E.T.) bracket boats. The professional boats race on a heads-up format, in which they compete for “all-out speed” and elapsed time.  The E.T. bracket boats run an elapsed time format and can only run as fast their class allows. If they run faster than their allotted E.T., which is called “breaking-out”, that disqualifies the boat from further competition.

Drag boats consist of three basic hull designs. The first type is called a hydroplane, which is a three point design that allows air to pass under the boat. They run on hydro burning nitro fuel that can generate speeds in excess of 250 mph. The second type is called a flatbottom, this hull is flat on the bottom with small air tunnels that allows air to pass out the back of the boat. Flatbottoms use burning alcohol that can generate speeds in excess of 170 mph. The third hull design called a jet boat, which essentially scoops the water up and squirts it out the back of the boat, by means of a specially designed pump.  Jet Boats can reach speeds in excess of 140 mph. 

Drag Boats are powered by aftermarket automotive racing engines that can develop as much as 5000 horsepower in the professional classes.  There are numerous classes of boats and each boat is designed for a specific class that is governed by the sanctioning organization, and must adhere to the rules at all times.  Also, each entry must pass a rigorous safety inspection in compliance to class rules. To read more information about the various classes, click here. 

Drag Boat Classes

Southern Drag Boat Association