<P> On July 2 , 2008 , following the death of Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta , the NHRA announced that race distances for Top Fuel and Funny Car classes would temporarily be reduced to 1,000 ft from the traditional 1 / 4 mile ( 1320 ft ) . The measure was intended to be temporary while safety solutions were explored ; however , the races have remained at 1000 feet since Kalitta 's death . Although unpopular with the fans , the distance remains at 1,000 feet today at the request of the teams as a cost - saving measure , with no indication by NHRA officials of any intent of returning to the full quarter - mile format any time soon . By late 2012 , 1,000 foot racing became globally recognised as the 2012 FIA European title in Top Fuel became 1,000 - foot championships , as Santa Pod and Hockenheim ( the last two quarter - mile nitro strips ) made the switch , and Australian nitro racing switched to the 1,000 - foot distance only for selected tracks . </P>
<P> On July 2 , 2008 , following the death of Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta , the NHRA announced that race distances for Top Fuel and Funny Car classes would temporarily be reduced to 1,000 ft from the traditional 1 / 4 mile ( 1320 ft ) . The measure was intended to be temporary while safety solutions were explored ; however , the races have remained at 1000 feet since Kalitta 's death . Although unpopular with the fans , the distance remains at 1,000 feet today at the request of the teams as a cost - saving measure , with no indication by NHRA officials of any intent of returning to the full quarter - mile format any time soon . By late 2012 , 1,000 foot racing became globally recognised as the 2012 FIA European title in Top Fuel became 1,000 - foot championships , as Santa Pod and Hockenheim ( the last two quarter - mile nitro strips ) made the switch , and Australian nitro racing switched to the 1,000 - foot distance only for selected tracks . </P>
when did top fuel change to 1000 feet
when did top fuel change to 1000 feet
July 2 , 2008
July 2 , 2008