Drag boat racing: Talk like a pro

Learn the terms for the Showdown in San Angelo drag boat races with this handy glossary of drag boat racing phrases and procedures.

The lingo:

• A Run — a timed pass down the track
• Alcohol — a fuel for the boats made of pure methanol
• Nitro — a fuel for the boats composed of nitromethane
• The Big End — the last 25 percent of the track
• Blown — A motor that is "supercharged," wherein air is forced into the engine by means of a compressor
• Un-Blown — not supercharged
• Break Out — when a boat runs the track faster than its dial-in time
• Bye — a single run earned usually by having a top-qualifying speed, a no-show, or a broken competitor's boat
• Christmas Tree — the lights at the starting line, usually stacked in a vertical manner
• Dial-In — this is the ET (elapsed time) you think your boat will run
• Elapsed Time (ET) — the time that has passed from when a boat crosses the starting line to crossing the finish line of the track
• Foul, Foul Start — when a boat crosses the starting line before the green light comes on
• Holding Rope — A rope stretched across the starting line that can be lowered and raised. The boats hold here until it is their time for a run.
• Injected — a method where fuel is forced into the engine under pressure
• In Ramp — area where boats enter the water
• Out Ramp — area where boats are taken from the water
• Perfect Light — .000 reaction time
• Pilot — driver of the boat
• Pits — the area where boats are readied, assembled, maintained and stored when not actively in the water
• Reaction Time — the time it takes for a boat to travel from the holding rope to the starting line
• Red Light — signifies disqualification. Usually from leaving the starting line too early or breaking a rule
• Starter — the person who gives the boats the green light
• Time Trial — A timed run to determine qualifying position

The timed run starting sequence:

• Course Is Closed  — solid red lights are on
• Starter tells driver (by boat number) to watch the lights
• Get Ready Alert  — red lights go off and amber lights start flashing for 25 seconds. Drivers begin their starting procedures
• Get Set Alert — the amber lights stop flashing and go solid for 5 seconds
• Start Their Pass — the amber lights go out, and a countdown clock starting at "9" begins. When the "1" goes out, the green lights come on

Should a boat cross the starting line before the green lights come on, a red flashing light will come on, indicating a foul start in that lane.

After the lead boat has crossed the starting line, a minimum of 5 seconds will pass before the lights "go red" and await the next starting sequence.