What constitutes drag racing?

The characterization of drag racing as a competition between two or more people racing on public roads accurately reflects the nature of the activity. Drag racing specifically involves two or more vehicles competing against each other in a speed contest, typically over a straight distance. This form of racing is often associated with the illegal practice of racing on public streets, which poses significant risks to public safety due to high speeds and recklessness.

In contrast, the other scenarios described do not encompass the traditional definition of drag racing. A single driver with a stopwatch refers to an independent time trial, which does not involve competition against another racer, thus lacking the competitive element inherent to drag racing. Driving in a restricted area at high speeds could imply reckless behavior but does not necessarily mean that a race is taking place, as there might not be another competitor. Similarly, time trials on private property focus more on speed tests without direct competition against another vehicle, distinguishing them from the drag racing format.