Funny Cars

Drag racing is one of the most exciting forms of motorsport out there, and nothing captures the imagination quite like the sight of a Funny Car hurtling down the quarter-mile at breakneck speeds.

These high-powered, highly specialized machines are designed for one thing and one thing only: to go fast and make people laugh. In this post, we'll take a look at some of the funniest and most entertaining cars in the world of drag racing.

First off, what exactly is a Funny Car? Essentially, it's a highly modified, tube-frame chassis with a carbon fiber or fiberglass body that resembles a production car, albeit with some pretty major differences. These cars are powered by supercharged nitro-burning engines that can produce upwards of 11,000 horsepower, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in less than a second. They are called Funny Cars because they often feature exaggerated, cartoonish body styles and paint jobs that are designed to be eye-catching and humorous.

But why were they called Funny Cars? The short answer: someone in the early 1960s looked at the design and said, “That looks funny.” Racing historian Leo Levine investigated who came up with the name, and determined the head of Mercury’s racing program, Fran Hernandez, first used the term.

One of the most iconic Funny Cars in history is the "Jungle Jim" Liberman Vega, which was one of the most successful cars in the 1970s. It was known for its wild paint scheme, featuring a cartoon jungle scene with monkeys, tigers, and trees. The car's name was inspired by its driver, who was known for his wild personality and love of practical jokes.

Another classic Funny Car is the "Snake" and "Mongoose" rivalry, which saw Don "The Snake" Prudhomme and Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen go head-to-head in a series of high-profile races in the 1970s. The two drivers were known for their entertaining antics, which included dressing up in snake and mongoose costumes, respectively, and staging mock battles before each race.

In more recent years, the Funny Car scene has continued to evolve and entertain. One example is John Force Racing, which is owned by legendary Funny Car driver John Force. His team is known for their over-the-top antics, which have included racing a car with a giant gorilla on top and having their drivers dress up as superheroes.

In addition to their outrageous appearance, Funny Cars are also known for their unpredictability and danger. The extreme speeds and forces involved in drag racing can make even the most seasoned driver nervous, and accidents are not uncommon. However, this only adds to the thrill and excitement of the sport, and it's what makes Funny Cars so popular with fans.

In conclusion, Funny Cars are a unique and entertaining part of the drag racing world. Their cartoonish appearance and high-powered engines make them a sight to behold, and their drivers' love of practical jokes and theatrics only adds to the fun. Whether you're a die-hard drag racing fan or just someone who appreciates a good laugh, Funny Cars are sure to put a smile on your face.