The math
A mile is 5,280 feet. A quarter is one fourth: 5,280 ÷ 4 = 1,320. Alternatively, a quarter mile is two furlongs, and each furlong is 660 feet — 2 × 660 = 1,320.
| Distance | In feet |
|---|---|
| ¼ mile | 1,320 ft |
| ⅛ mile | 660 ftone furlong |
| 1⁄16 mile | 330 ft |
| ½ mile | 2,640 ft |
| ¾ mile | 3,960 ft |
| 1 mile | 5,280 ft |
A mile is 5,280 feet. A quarter is one fourth: 5,280 ÷ 4 = 1,320. Alternatively, a quarter mile is two furlongs, and each furlong is 660 feet — 2 × 660 = 1,320.
Since the 1950s NHRA races have been run over 1,320 ft. It's just long enough for most cars to reach terminal speed and short enough to fit on a decommissioned airstrip.