NEW WORLD ORDER

AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACING MIGHT BE IN THE WARS AT THE MOMENT, BUT THE RADIAL MOVEMENT CONTINUES TO BUILD MOMENTUM. WE INVESTIGATE THE RISE OF THE AUSSIE RADIAL RACING SCENE

- LUKE NIEUWHOF

THE Australian radial drag racing scene has grown rapidly in the past five years, evolving from relative obscurity into the spiritual home of street-car racing. Inspired by the scene in the USA, where the flamboyant promotion has bred fanatical fans and teams alike, the number of Australian radial series and events has continued to increase, welcoming both streetcars and budget-conscious heads-up racers.

Radial drag racing is based on what are ostensibly street tyres, though Mickey Thompson and other radial manufacturers specifically note that their drag radials are not for street use. The tread pattern, restricted to a pair of intermittent lines in the middle of the tyre, is there simply for US Department of Transport approval. You’d frankly be a lunatic to do any kind of wet-weather driving on the street in these.

Recently nicknamed ‘magic tyres’ by US promoter Donald ‘Duck’ Long, drag radials have allowed for incredible performances. Provided you have perfect track preparation, they are actually more efficient than a bias-ply slick because there is no wheelspin – all the power you can send to the rear wheels is being used for forward motion.