High Altitude Drag Racing

[Tim]

3% loss of power per 1000 foot increase in altitude from sea level. This is based on sea level being 15 degrees Celsius and at 29.92 inches of mercury. An average temp drop of 3 degrees per 1000 feet is about normal. Anything warmer than 0 deg Celsius or 32 deg f will also raise your density altitude and the drop in horse power will of course be even greater. Rule of thumb is 3% drop in power per 1000' above sea level in density altitude.

 

[HogWhisperer]

Bracket racer's rule of thumb.... 1/10 per 1000' Density Altitude or Oxygen Altitude

I've personally seen this to be the case over my years drag racing. Everybody here in West Texas goes to Dallas or Houston in the spring or late fall if they are wanting to 'run a number'. Our air out here is pretty much on '****' year round.