[m463]

they've been playing this trick with top-fuel dragsters for decades - the "speed" was measured far before the end of the course. I think it was to keep the speeds below 300mph to help with track insurance.

[CodeWriter23]

They had a choice, lengthen drag strips everywhere or decrease the length of the race. Because physics / braking distance.

[m463]

the trap speed was before the 1/4 mile and measured a speed lower than the time at the end

[papa-whisky]

I don't think it's a "trick", it's purely for safety reasons. The distance change was made following a fatal crash.

[m463]

the trap speed was before the 1/4 mile and measured a speed lower than the time at the end