The world of drag racing is about to witness an exciting spectacle as drivers prepare for the four-wide racing events. This thrilling format, which differs significantly from the traditional two-wide races, will take center stage this weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, followed by another event in North Carolina's zMAX Dragway later in April. Fans and competitors alike are gearing up for a showcase of skill, focus, and precision.
Drivers share their thoughts on how racing four-wide presents unique challenges compared to its conventional counterpart. J.R. Todd, representing Kalitta Motorsports, highlights that maintaining concentration is crucial. Despite the additional distractions from three other competitors at the starting line, Todd insists that his driving approach remains unchanged. He emphasizes the importance of focusing solely on one's lane and timing the start correctly, regardless of the surrounding activity. Meanwhile, Buddy Hull from Jim Dunn Racing points out that while the technical difficulty might not increase, the chances for errors do. Hull acknowledges the heightened pressure but underscores the necessity of staying composed to avoid mistakes like premature starts, known as red-lighting.
Many participants view four-wide racing as an invigorating change of pace. SCAG Racing driver Dave Richards expresses optimism about the upcoming race in Las Vegas, confident that his team can build upon previous successes. For Funny Car champion Cruz Pedregon, these events offer a refreshing break from routine. Pedregon cherishes the opportunity to compete against three other vehicles simultaneously, relishing the challenge of advancing through rounds and ultimately aiming to cross the finish line first. Such races not only entertain spectators with increased excitement but also push drivers to elevate their performances under more complex conditions. This unique format showcases the adaptability and resilience of professional racers, inspiring all who follow the sport.