The burn out box is also sometimes called the "bleach box" cause a
chlorox type bleach is used to lubricate the box.
The burn out does several things. It heats the tires to get better
traction and it also lays down a strip of fresh rubber onto the "launch
pad", the strip of concrete that is installed from the start to about 50
feet down strip. Then the strip becomes asphault.
The dragster backs up exactly in that strip of fresh rubber it just laid
down. This gives the best launch off the start line.
Wheel spin is NOT desired at launch. Best traction is achieved at just
the point before spin. Spin and you don't win.
Today strips use a product called VHT on the strips. It costs $1000 per
gallon and it is not uncommon for a strip at a major meet to spray down
a gallon before the meet. It greatly inhances traction, but even the
slightest bit of moisture turns the stuff to snot, and traction is WORSE
than wet ice. It can only be removed by spraying down a mixture of 50%
Methanol and 50% MEK. This mixture will turn the VHT to vapor in short
order.
There, all you never wanted to know about straight liners.
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