If this is your first pull, then a simple explanation of what you're going to see is in order. Unlike many motor sports, time isn't important in pulling. All they have to do is pull that LARGE piece of metal and wheels the entire length of the track and they WIN. Prior to hooking to the sled, each Hot Rod must go through a safety inspection and be weighed. The puller draws a starting position number and when it's his/her turn, he/she reports to the sled.
The number one puller is called the "test puller". After he/she makes his/her pull, he/she has the option to take that pull, drop three places, drop to last, or pull again right away. the track officials must determine if the weight transfer machine is properly set, and if it is - THE SHOW IS UNDER WAY!
The term "FULL PULL" is used when the Hot Rod goes the entire length of the course without stopping. If more than one has a "FULL PULL", then all return for what is called a "PULL OFF". The sled has additional weight added and we're off again until a winner is determined.
That rather large piece of equipment that is hooked to each Hot Rod is called a Weight Transfer Machine. It is the key element in every Hot Rod pull. In the sports' earlier days, large boards were dragged behind farm tractors, and at pre-determined intervals, men would step onto the boards (one by one) thus increasing the weight being pulled until the added weight would eventually stop the vehicle. This became increasingly dangerous as vehicles were refined and speed capabilities increased. Ingenuity won out and the Weight Transfer Machine was created. Today's machine is obviously more elaborate, yet it is quite simple to operate. As the sled is pulled down the track, the weight box at the rear of the sled moves forward by a series of chains. The box's forward motion and extreme weight pushes down on a large pan just behind the rear of a pulling vehicle and the friction caused by the pan slows and/or stops the vehicle. The object is to go as far as you can.
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Created By:
Amy Jo Flessner