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Drag Strip

A standard racing strip 60 feet (18.3 meters) wide by 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) long, where eighth- or quarter-mile-competition events occur.

Drag Strip

A race track that clocks a vehicle's acceleration time and speed in a straight line. Vehicles race on quarter-mile or eighth-mile drag strips, which have an extended shutdown area after the finish line. Two cars can run down the strip at the same time, and most races feature a ladder that pairs the winner from one round of racing against another winner from the same round (e.g., each semi-final round winner will race the other in the final round of competition). Most drag strips feature a Christmas tree at the starting line to tell the drivers when to launch. Drag races are either run heads-up or as a handicapped bracket race.

Dragster

A vehicle used for drag racing.

Dragstrip

See drag strip.

Drain

The portion of a field effect transistor that receives the holes or electrons.

Draw

The amount of electrical current used by any load, circuit, or conductor.

Draw Bar

See drawbar.

Drawbar

That part of a converter dolly that allows the fifth wheel to be repositioned on the frame.

Drawbar

A Class I or Class II weight-carrying hitch for use with relatively lightweight trailers, usually up to 3,500 pounds of gross trailer weight and 300 pounds of tongue weight. Weight-carrying hitches fall into two categories

Drawbar Capacity

The maximum, horizontal pulling force that can be safely applied to a coupling device.

Drawer System

A product designed for SUV and minivan cargo areas that divides the space into two or more distinct zones. One or more drawers reside underneath a solid platform, so smaller or breakable items can be stashed inside and larger items can be stowed on top. Some drawer systems are universal fit designs, in metal or impact-resistant plastic, while others are custom made to fit a particular vehicle. Many are lockable, too, and some of the higher-end models can be customized inside to accommodate hunting or fishing gear, or to secure sales samples, camera equipment or other valuables.

Drawer-style Box

A tool box design that covers a pickup truck's bed floor. One or more drawers are enclosed in a case, which typically can support a pretty substantial load. These lockable boxes are popular with contractors and hunters, too.

Drawn-over Mandrel Tubing

A type of seamless tubing with an accurate and precise inside and outside dimension; used in the construction of a race-car chassis.

DRB

Diagnostic readout box.

DRB-II

Diagnostic readout box-stage II.

DRB-III

Diagnostic readout box-stage III.

DRCV

Distributor retard control valve.

Dressing

A term used for belt dressing.

Drier

1. A tubular device containing desiccant, usually placed in the liquid line to absorb moisture in an air-conditioning system. 2. A catalyst added to paint to speed the time required for curing.

Drift

A controlled slide through a turn involving all four wheels.