SteemSports Editor and Founder:
What is a One Mile race?
Often referred to as the "One Mile" a top speed event where competitors accelerate from a standing start up to the maximum speed their vehicle can achieve over a distance of one mile or 1,609 meters. The speed is measured at the end of this distance using a time trap. Determining the winner is simple, the vehicle with the highest measured top speed, not the vehicle to travel one mile in the shortest time.
Who can enter?
In general terms, this type of event is usually open for anyone to enter with no need for any special license or previous experience. If you have a fast car and you feel the need, the need for speed, you can enter a One Mile event and see just how far you can push your own vehicle. Most road legal vehicles should fit within the rules of these events.
Age isn't a problem for Örjan Jonsson at 74 years old he's the fastest Grandad on two wheels I know.
What are the rules?
Events can have slightly different rules, so check the rules of the specific race you are thinking of entering. A road legal car with safety belts and no fluid leaks will be able to enter a One Mile event.
A scrutineer will check your vehicle to make sure it is safe to use in the race. Clothing made of cotton covering your whole body must be worn, cotton is more flame retardent than synthetic material, this includes gloves. In case you were wondering Crocs are definitely off limits here, at the very least canvas shoes with no holes are a requirement. You must wear a helmet, again check the local regulations for the personal safety requirements as they may require specific helmet certifications.
There are different classes you can enter, these might be specific for each event. For example, road legal cars & non road legal race cars, these might be further split into engine size groups, e.g. up to 2000cc, up to 3000cc and unlimited. Also with or without forced induction (turbo/supercharged).
What type of vehicles can be used?
In broad terms cars and motorcycles. This can be anything from a Vespa Scooter up to a firebreathing race car. I am guessing that the line might be drawn at entering with a Segway or mobility scooter.
Highly modified Vespa at the start line!
Harley Davidson accelerating from the start.
Porsche GT3 lines up for another attempt.
What are the maximum speeds achieved?
Just how fast are those guys travelling? As the vehicle passes the one mile marker you should see the speed achieved on a timing board. Speeds well in excess of 190mph (300kmh) are the norm for the most serious competitors. The current world record stands at 293.6 mph (472.5 kmh) set by a Ford GT built by M2K Motorsports.
Here are some results lists and a couple of links to One Mile runs:
https://www.usmileracing.com/full-results/?event=26
Swedish record for a car Toyota Supra 344 km/h - 214 mph:
World Record holder for a car Ford GT 472.5 km/h 293.6 mph
Swedish record holding Toyota Supra with horsepower figures well into the quadruple figures.
I want to try, where can I do this?
If you live in the US then take a look at the US mile racing website for the latest info:
https://www.usmileracing.com
They have previously organised events in Texas, Colorado and Arkansas.
In Scandinavia there is a One Mile in Sweden at Föne Airbase, an old military airbase in the middle of Sweden. This event is not scheduled under 2018, but will be run again in 2019.
Here's the website for the organiser in Sweden, Landracing:
http://landracing.se/
A marshall watches another competitor accelerate into the distance.
Sounds great, but how much does it cost?
This is dependant on your local event organiser, in Sweden where I live, it's relatively low cost. About 100 US dollars entry fee, plus a license fee for the day of about 20 US dollars.
The US mile is more expensive, but covers 2 or 3 days of racing, 450 or 550 US dollars respectively.
Closing thoughts
If you're a speed freak and own a fast car or bike, then why not try it out in the safety of a closed off smooth runway or strip.
A 7 litre Corvette C6 blasts down the runway with a thunderous roar!
