Nitromethane contains carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen,
but it is the latter element that really gives this fuel its
immense power. During the process of combustion – when
oxygen is mixed with the fuel in the race car’s mighty
engine – nitromethane burns so violently that nitrogen
escapes from the fuel and returns to its pure form. Thischain of events leads to a release of energy, which
propels the dragsters to breakneck speeds. Although
these races are an incredible spectacle to behold,
driving using nitromethane can be dangerous due to
the explosive nature of nitrogen when used in this way:
drag racers are taking a risk to win.156-157-Nitrogen_DPS.indd 157 02/12/16 6:52 pm