Funny Car

A Funny Car is a type of drag racing vehicle characterized by its fiberglass or carbon fiber body that loosely resembles a production automobile, but is mounted on a custom-built chassis. These cars are known for their powerful engines, typically fueled by nitromethane, and their short, explosive runs down the drag strip.

Unlike Top Fuel dragsters, which have open-wheel configurations, Funny Cars feature a fully enclosed body that hinges upwards or backwards, allowing access to the engine and chassis. This body is designed to improve aerodynamics and protect the driver in the event of a crash.

The term "Funny Car" originated in the mid-1960s when racers began experimenting with altered wheelbases, supercharged engines, and lightweight bodies on factory-produced cars. These modifications resulted in vehicles that looked "funny" compared to their stock counterparts, hence the name.

Funny Cars typically compete in a heads-up, two-car format, racing over a quarter-mile distance (although 1,000-foot races are also common). They are capable of reaching speeds in excess of 330 miles per hour and completing the quarter-mile in under four seconds.

Key features of a Funny Car include:

• A lightweight, aerodynamic body.
• A supercharged and fuel-injected engine fueled by nitromethane.
• A custom-built tubular chassis.
• A rear-wheel-drive configuration.
• A sophisticated electronic management system to control engine parameters and performance.

Funny Car racing is a popular and highly competitive form of motorsports, featured in major drag racing series such as the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. The combination of extreme power, speed, and close competition makes it a thrilling spectacle for fans.