What Shocks Actually Do in Drag Racing
Shocks in drag racing aren't just about smoothing the ride. They're launch timing devices. They control how weight moves on launch and during gear changes. Every time the car squats, lifts, or hits a bump mid-run, shocks determine how it responds.
Compression damping controls how fast a shock shortens.
Rebound damping controls how fast it extends.
Understanding and controlling both lets you optimize grip and manage wheelstands.
Shock Types: From Simple to Race-Grade
Single-Adjustable Shocks: One knob adjusts both compression and rebound together. Great for street-strip setups.
Double-Adjustable Shocks: Independent knobs for compression and rebound. A must-have for competitive drag racers.
Four-Way Adjustable Shocks: Split between high-speed and low-speed settings for both compression and rebound. This is what you'll find on serious no-prep and radial cars.
If you're serious about repeatability and adapting to changing track conditions, double or four-way adjustables are worth every dollar.