3/9/04

Drag racing is all about the numbers

What does it take to be #1 in NHRA drag racing? Here are a few little known facts.

The first thing you might say is to be quick and fast...NOT! In 2003 Tony Pedregon led in only two statistics: top average qualifying position (3.6) and winning percentage (75.8%).

Second, qualify high. All POWERade champs were tops in average qualifying position in 2003.

Third, don't lose in the first round. While, Greg Anderson won 80% of his final round appearances, he won 91% of his first round runs. Larry Dixon only lost once in the first round of Top Fuel, but lost five times in the fourth round.

Finally, don't beat yourself and let the others guys hand it to you. Even though Greg Anderson was beat by a holeshot five times last year, drivers red-lit 16 times against him. Similar stats for Geno Scali; he was 0-2 in the holeshot category, but drivers red-lit 11 times against him. Out of Geno's 30 round wins, drivers handed him over one-third of his wins! Below is a statistical breakdown for the 2003 champs' win/loss by type and round:

 

Win/Loss Type			W/L by Round
LARRY DIXON 2003
both good: 32-8	80%		1st: 22-1	96%
aborted: 25-6	81%		2nd: 16-6	73%
holeshot: 0-1	0%		3rd: 13-3	81%
redlight: 2-0	100%		4th: 8-5	62%
Total: 59-15	80%
TONY PEDREGON
both good: 19-7	73%		1st: 18-5	78%
aborted: 25-7	78%		2nd: 13-5	72%
holeshot: 1-0	100%		3rd: 8-5	62%
redlight: 2-1	67%		4th: 8-0	100%
Total: 47-15	76%
GREG ANDERSON
both good: 48-2	96%		1st: 21-2	91%
aborted: 2-1	67%		2nd: 19-2	90%
holeshot: 1-5	17%		3rd: 15-4	79%
redlight: 16-3	84%		4th: 12-3	80%
Total: 67-11	86%
GENO SCALI
both good: 14-4	78%		1st: 14-1	93%
aborted: 5-0	100%		2nd: 9-5	64%
holeshot: 0-2	0%		3rd: 4-5	44%
redlight: 11-6	65%		4th: 3-1	75%
Total: 30-12	71%