Sanctioned sand racing is not much different than your everyday asphalt race.  OK, so one is on sand and the other is asphalt.  The only other major difference is that the sand track is three hundred feet long while the asphalt's a quarter mile. Power, tires, driver knowledge etc. makes as much difference in sand as it does anywhere else.  Sand racers run in specific classes based on weight, power and so on. They also use timing lights identical to the asphalt.  

All safety precautions are taken just as they are in any type of racing format.  Helmets, roll cages, kill switches and driveshaft loops are just a few of the many safety items required before the machine hits the track.

"Top Dog" Craig Oates (center) stages for his run on the 

drag strip during Gravelrama XXXII

Mike Henderson from Oakland Township, Michigan gets a great start

off the line with "Mighty Mouse". With a D&S Engine Specialists

built 407 CI alcohol injected motor turning almost 1300 hp he makes

it to the finish line in no time.