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The chapter provides information about the physical characteristics and performance of a jet-powered funny car. There are many Chevrolet models which have been transformed into jet cars at the National Hot Rod Association. Most of the bodies are made of a lightweight carbon-fiber material. The National Hot Rod Association sets limits on how fast jet cars can go. The jet funny car is allowed 290 miles per hour.

The chapter describes the role of afterburners, auxiliary engines, which are an important part of jet-powered funny cars. The afterburner burns the unused gas-air mixture from the exhaust. The extra burning increases the engine's power and gravitational force. In the jet-engine's afterburner, fresh fuel is sprayed into the exhaust, where the gas-air mixture causes the fuel to ignite. Drag races are only a quarter of a mile long.

The chapter provides information about Roger Gustin, a professional race car driver. Gustin raced his 1949 Chevrolet hot rod at Raven Rock Dragstrip, in Portsmouth, Ohio. He created a car called the Lava Machine with Proctor & Gamble in 1987. That year the Gustin-Lava team reached a speed of 275 miles per hour and won all forty races on the circuit. Gustin conducted negotiations with the U.S. National Hot Rod Association, to pursuade them to license jet cars. He became the first driver to be licensed to race a jet car. His cars are constructed with carbon fiber, a lightweight material which contributes to the aerodynamic shapes of the vehicles.

The chapter describes the use of jet-powered funny cars in automobile races. Jet-powered funny cars run on nitromethane, a jet-rocket fuel. They are drag-racing cars with fiberglass bodies and front-mounted engines. Jet-powered funny cars do not race for prize money, but work to set speed records. The cars appear on the race circuit only as an exhibition.

The chapter provides information about Indy car tracks. Carl Fisher built the Indianapolis Speedway in 1909 with crushed stone and tar. This was replaced with brick and then finally asphalt. Indy teams move their race cars from track to track in big trailers. Championship Auto Racing Teams is the sponsor of the Indy race car season. The shapes of the raceways can be in the form of long and short ovals as well as road courses.

The chapter describes the safety features which are on Indy cars. Indy cars include a lightweight chassis which allows the wheels to fall off in a crash. If the car starts to roll, a roll bar behind the seat protects the cockpit and driver. Drivers wear a balaclava, a hood made of Nomex, under their helmets. In the 1970s rules for Indy cars limited the amount of fuel they could carry to forty gallons. Now it is safer for drivers to race at speeds of over 200 miles per hour.

The chapter describes the history of Indy cars. Early Indy cars used heavy sheet metal, spoked wheels, and a huge engine under the hood in front. Indy cars became lighter and faster throughout the years. Penske and Lola are the top contemporary race-car makers. The monocoque chassis, a type of Indy car, is made of aluminum and carbon fiber. It is covered in fiberglass and has wings to contribute to the downforce. Indy cars also have side pods that contain radiators and other parts. Engine makers such as Chevrolet, Cosworth, and Honda compete to make the fastest V-8 engines possible.

This chapter offers important safety tips for the dirt bike rider. You should always ride with someone else in case of injury. If you are in trouble, get off the bike. You should not try maneuvers beyond your skill level. You should always wear protective clothing. You should slow down when people or animals are present. You should not ride on private property. And, lastly, you should use common sense.

This chapter offers some basic advice in riding a dirt bike. Each hand and foot have specific functions in riding. One hand controls the brake and throttle while the other controls the clutch. One foot is used for the rear brake while the other shifts gears. Tips are given for climbing hills and going downhill. In order to conquer obstacles, popping a wheelie is an important skill to learn.

This chapter informs about choosing the right equipment when riding a dirt bike. The dirt bike should not be too tall, and the engine size is a consideration. Besides the actual bike, the equipment to be worn by the rider is important. Riders should always wear a helmet, goggles, a bright jersey so that other riders can see you, and pants made of a combination of nylon and leather with inserts for pads at the thighs and knees. Other equipment to be worn by the rider includes boots made of thick cowhide, gloves made of nylon with leather palms, and a chest protector to provide protection from flying dirt and rocks.

This chapter describes the type of dirt bikes available. The motocross cycle must be light, but tough enough to handle the rough terrain. The dual-purpose bike, which are heavier than the motocross cycles, are used for travel on road and trails. They are equipped with the necessary equipment for travel on the road, such as lights, turn signals and speedometers. The enduro bike is only used on trails and is used for endurance races. There are also bike designed to ride over sand and through deserts. These are called desert bikes.

This chapter describes the basic features common to all dirt bikes. The knobby tires, or knobbies, give the dirt bike traction through mud, loose gravel and sand. The suspension on a dirt bike includes the fork legs in the front and the shock absorbers in the back, and is designed to soften the ride over big bumps. The engines are placed high in the chassis so it may clear obstacles such as logs, stumps and rocks. The exhaust pipe is located high as well for the same reason as the engine.

This chapter describes the two different kinds of motorcycles. One motorcycle, called road bikes, is for riding on smooth surfaces like roads and paved race tracks. The other, called dirt bikes, is for riding on rough terrain like dirt, mud and rocks. Some people use their dirt bikes for work. For example, forest rangers take dirt bikes out on patrol. Other ride dirt bikes in competition. The different types of competitions are motocross, supercross, trials and enduro.

This chapter describes the routine of heading out to the trails to go dirtbiking. A list of all the items one needs to assemble including boots, gloves, goggles, and shoulder pads.

This chapter describes the future of Harley-Davidson. Many people came to visit the Harley-Davidson headquarters in Milwaukee (Wis.) to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the company. Harley-Davidson remains very popular with motorcyclists and will continue to do so.

This chapter describes customizing a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. One dealer made the 'Wide-Bro' by welding a wider fuel tank to a Softail motorcycle. Customization often increases the value of the motorcycle.

This chapter describes images associated with motorcycles. World War II veterans, who had rode motorcycles in the war, started riding after the war. In 1947, the Hell's Angels, who rode only Harley-Davidsons, were created and depicted as rebels. The movie 'The Wild One,' depicting a motorcycle gang, convinced Americans that motorcycles were for rebels. Competition from Honda hurt Harley sales in the 1960s. A motorcycle boom started in the 1980s that helped sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

This chapter describes the history of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson were neighbors in Milwaukee (Wis.) who worked in their spare time to create a motorized bicycle. They produced their first one in 1903. In 1908, Walter Davidson, a mechanic and the brother of Arthur, rode a Harley Single to victory in the New York Two-Day Endurance Run from the Catskills to New York City, making the Harley-Davidson motorcycle famous. In 1911, they introduced the V-Twin engine design.

This chapter describes some of Harley-Davidson's most popular motorcycles. The first of the Harley 'superbikes' is the XL Sportster, which was rolled out in 1957. The Duo Glide was created in 1958 and became the favorite of the California Highway Patrol. The Electra Glide featured redesigned aluminum engine heads giving it more horsepower. The Super Glide came out in the 1970s and combined a heavy frame with a sporty front end. The Low Rider is a factory motorcycle with a customized look.

This chapter describes the annual gathering of motorcyclists in the town of Sturgis (S.D.). More than 100,000 people annually attend the gathering, which is held in August. One attendee is William G. Davidson, grandson of Arthur Davidson who was one of the co-founders of Harley-Davidson. Davidson designs motorcycles such as the FXS Low Rider and the XLCR Custom Racer.

The glossary provides the definitions of several words which may help the reader learn more about street bikes. The words on the list include 'aerodynamic,' 'cylinder,' 'fairing, 'superbike,' 'wheelbase,' and more.

The chapter describes the special features and popularity of superbikes. Superbikes are made with extra power or special features that make them good for racing at high speeds. Superbikes can also have special features that make them look more expensive or impressive. The demand for superbikes grew in the 1960s, when young people wanted possessions that reflected their wealth. Superbikes are often much better racers, because they are built to be aerodynamic and drive at very high speeds.

The chapter describes the many types of street bikes available, and the various features of each type. Lightweight models were made popular during World War II, when they were used for getting around quickly on battlefields. Lightweights made bikes popular, but high speeds and long distances were difficult. Middleweight bikes were developed in the 1960s, with improvements to the electrical system and brakes. Other types of bikes include café racers, and choppers, which are often customized.

The chapter describes the history of motorcycles and motorcycle racing. Motorcycles became popular in the early 1900s, when the British began building bikes. Many people drove motorcylces before affordable cars were widely available. Motorcycle racing became a popular sport in the 1930s and 1940s. Harley Davidson made the first American motorcycle, which was very popular with consumers. The first Japanese motorcycle, made by Honda, was made in 1959, and won every major race for years.

The chapter describes street bikes, and the reasons that people ride them. Street bikes can be used as practical, everyday vehicles, but they are also used for recreation. Riding a street bike is a good way to enjoy scenery, while they also serve as a practical way of getting around.

The chapter focuses on stock car drivers and racing. Stock-car audiences make up the largest segment of motor sport fans. Drivers race about 50 times a year. Richard Petty competed in more than 1,000 races and won seven national championships. He was named grand marshal of the Winston Cup race in 1992, the same year he retired.

The chapter discusses rules in stock car racing. There are specifications that the cars must follow in order to race in the Winston Cup or Grand National circuits. Specifications include that doors be welded to fender and quarter panels, small-block V-8 engines have standard measurements, transmissions be standard four-speed production transmissions, and the wheelbase must be 110 inches.

The chapter mentions some of the techniques used by stock car drivers to get the most out of their cars. Drafting follows the aerodynamic principle that two cars move through the air better than one. Bumping can give a driver an advantage over inexperienced drivers because the bumped car sometimes spins, or fishtails, out of control. Yellow flags are used to warn drivers to slow down when there is an accident and cars are blocking the track.

The chapter describes the inside of a stock car. The oil lines and exhaust create a lot of heat, which can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the driver's seat, and the engine makes a tremendous noise. Drivers keep the car in high gear even when they are using the brakes. They usually only change gear when they are going into or away from pits.

The chapter focuses on the role of Bill France in organizing the National Association for Stock Car Racing, or NASCAR. He thought that race fans wanted to see cars that were like their own automobiles. The organization has been successful because it has a point system that gives drivers credit for what they have done, rules for the size and power of the stock cars, and safety requirements for drivers and the cars. Race tracks were built in South Carolina, Florida, and Alabama.

The chapter explains how stock-car racing started in the South, in the 1930s, during Prohibition. Bootleggers needed fast drivers to get illegal whiskey to customers; so they modified their cars to go faster than the government agents who chased them. The first bootleggers' race took place in 1937 in Stockbridge, Georgia. Stock car racing has developed from dirt tracks in cow pastures to the Daytona Speedway.

The chapter describes stock car racing from the perspective of the crew chief whose car is in the pit area. The car is checked for tire pressure and front-end alignment because it lost a quarter panel and bumper after two other cars spin out on the sixth lap. Luck, skill, a good car, and a good crew are needed to win a race.

The chapter reports on sidecar motorcycle racing, which takes a team of two. Motorcycles with sidecars can reach speeds of more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) per hour. The driver must know how to control sidecars and kneels on the motorcycle to lower the center of gravity. The passenger moves from side to side to keep all three wheels on the road. The Grand Prix races take place in 12 countries. Sidecar racing is especially popular in California.

The chapter reports on owning and driving a sidecar motorcycle. Sidecar motorcycles can be driven in winter because they have more traction. Motorcyclists have to learn to drive a three-wheeler and practice making turns, especially the right turn. Some sidecars are designed with their own set of brakes.

The chapter describes different types of sidecars for medium and large motorcycles. The rigid side car has no suspension system. Sprung units use one or more shock-absorber systems on the sidecar. The flexi sidecar leans at the same angle as the motorcycle and has internal shock absorbers.

The chapter focuses on the history of sidecar motorcycles. In World War I (1914-1918) the soldiers used sidecars as ambulances to carry the wounded and to carry weapons over rough roads. After the war, there was a huge demand for motorcycles and manufacturers began designing new and different sidecars. Most motorcycle companies went out of business in 1929 with the Great Depression. In World War II (1939-1945) the German army used cycles with sidecars and machine guns. In the 1970s sidecars were popular again with the civilian sector.

The chapter focuses on sidecar motorcycles. The oldest motorcycle and sidecar races in the world are held on the Isle of Man in the English Channel. The motorcycles in the TT, or Tourist Trophy, races reach speeds of more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) per hour. Sidecar motorcycles are made by British company, Norton, and German company, BMW.

The entry presents a glossary of terms related to jet-powered funny cars and automobile racing.

The chapter provides information about the history of jet cars and the role of Walter Arfons in the early days of the sport. Arfons built the first jet cars in 1960 and tried them on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He used engines which were made of steel and titanium, from military aircraft. Many people argued that jet-powered cars should not take part in land-speed competition because they were not powered by piston engines. In 1962, the National Hot Rod Association banned jet-powered cars from racing on any of its circuits in the United States.

The entry provides a glossary of terms which are related to indy cars and automobile racing.

The chapter discusses how teamwork is an important part of Indy car racing. Before 1938, Indy mechanics rode in the race cars with the drivers. Modern Indy car drivers have a team of mechanics, engineers, fabricators, and scorers working with them. Every year Indy cars get more faster and more efficient.

The chapter profiles Carl Fisher, one of the first men in Indianapolis, Indiana to buy an automobile in the 1900s. He raced his car at county fairs and tried to convince American automobile manufacturers to make better cars. He built a race track in Indianapolis and offered automakers large amounts of money to race.

The chapter provides information about Indy cars and the Indianapolis 500. Thousands of people come to watch the race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The thirty-three fastest cars qualify to race and they hit speeds of up to 240 miles per hour on the straights.

The chapter focuses on the popularity of sidecar motorcycles. In the 1980s a magazine called 'Hack'd' was started by Jim and Chris Dodson to provide information and increase safety awareness. Sidecar fans can read about favorite rigs and top racers in the magazine.

This article offers a list of terms dirt bike riders should be familiar with.

This article presents a list of terms and phrases associated with motorcycles.

This chapter describes the success of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in racing. Harley-Davidson always made sure they had motorcycles entered into races when they started back in early 1900s. The company supported the American Motorcycle Association which sanctioned the races, so they had influence on the racing rules. Harleys always finished atop these races until Japanese and British motorcycles were allowed to compete in the 1960s. Harley-Davidson came out with the XR750 in 1972, and later with the XLCR.

This chapter describes the feeling of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

The article defines words used in this book about stock car racing. Aerodynamic means a streamlined shape designed to cut smoothly through air resistance. Bootleggers are people who make, sell, or transport alcoholic beverages illegally. Circuit is an association of teams, clubs, or arenas that is organized for competition. Fishtailing means to swing the rear end of a car as a fish swings its tail. V-8 engine is one with eight pistons arranged in a 'V' formation of four pistons per side. Other words.

The article defines words used in this books about sidecar motorcycles. Chain-drive means power is transferred from the transmission using teeth sprockets and a chain. Chassis is the steel frame, attached to the axles, that holds the body and motor of the motorcycle and sidecar together. Driveshaft is a rotating shaft by which power is transferred from the transmission to the rear wheel. Gravity is the natural force that causes objects to move toward the center of the earth. Other word defined.