How a 17th Century Farm Measurement Became Drag Racing’s Defining Distance

Drag racing’s iconic quarter-mile length isn’t just tradition, it’s history. As Jalopnik explores, the 1,320-foot distance traces back to the furlong, a unit used in 17th century England to measure farmland and horse races. That unit, 1/8 of a mile, stuck around, and when American hot rodders started racing on airstrips and backroads in the mid-20th century, the quarter-mile became the unofficial benchmark for straight-line speed.

By the 1950s, the NHRA cemented the quarter-mile as the sport’s official race length, and it’s remained the global standard ever since. It’s not just about distance; it’s about proving power, precision and performance in the space of a few heart-pounding seconds.

Check out Jalopnik’s full story to get a look into the full history of the quarter-mile.

Source: Charles Krome | Jalopnik.com

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