Video: Top fuel drag racing on dirt

Dirt drag racing makes Speedway look sedate

OPENING the throttle on a top-fuel drag bike on the quarter mile would be terrifying enough... but how about doing it on dirt?

We've got serious respect for these drag racers at a recent meeting in the USA who keep the throttles pinned despite the rear wheels snaking wildly on the loose surface.

The specially modified drag bikes are fitted with tyres that wouldn't look out of place on a JCB - only they're powered by nitro-methane and put out well over 1,000bhp.