Get Involved – Tips for the Entry Level Drag Racer

So you have the car and the desire, but currently you lack the right direction to show your hot rod. Pointing newcomers in the right direction is something I can help with. However, the desire to put in the effort and build a proper car that you enjoy is truly in your hands. Assuming you already have the race car, then you are well on your way to being ready to make your debut on the race track.

Making the decision to take your car to the race track is a wise decision. Alternative and illegal street racing is just that: illegal, reckless and deadly. Driving on public roads is a privilege, not a right. So always consider the consequences of reckless driving on the streets and understand that you are putting your life and the lives of innocent bystanders at risk.

The National Hot Rod Associate (NHRA) was founded over 50 years ago to combat an epidemic that existed then and remains a serious problem today. The NHRA’s original motto was and still is its “Dedication to Safety”. Organized drag racing sprang up all over Southern California in the early 1950s for a reason. Race organizers worked with law enforcement to create an alternative for speed enthusiasts. Rather than spend time and resources trying to catch and arrest illegal street racers, sanctioning bodies began organizing standoffs, offering a safe and legal environment to race their cars.

Today young tuners and hot rodders are offered the same opportunities. Test ‘n Tunes are the easiest way to get into the sanctioned drag racing scene. They are economical, safe and pleasant. Typical test and fit events cost approximately $15-20. Yes, that abandoned country road is free, but just consider that for just $15 you can race on a well-lit, professionally groomed racing surface where the pros race, collect time-lapse data about your car, and meet a group of fellow runners with your same interests.

Taking your car to the track for the first time is an exciting experience. Walking around the pits, doing laps around the track and showing off your wheelset is fun and rewarding. NHRA/IHRA-sanctioned racetracks require strict, though reasonable, technical specifications for the cars in competition. So before you get too lost in your daydreams of racetracks, make sure you have a race ready because that’s legal for track activities.

First, buy the latest NHRA rule book. Non-NHRA members can pick up a hard copy of the 2010 rulebook for $10. NHRA members have the option of downloading the free eBook online or spending $7 on a printed copy. Membership of that sanctioning body is NOT required to participate in the weekly support program of your local tracks or test ‘n tunes. The rule book will serve as your guide to race car requirements and safety equipment. In general, the quarter mile elapsed time and your vehicle’s mile per hour will dictate specific rule requirements.

For racers entering a test and tune-up at an NHRA-sanctioned track, their car is expected to meet the specifications set forth for the Summit Racing Series. The Summit Racing Series is the NHRA’s regular weekly support series held at NHRA member tracks. Summit Racing Series consists of four main classes: Super Pro (7.00 – 11.99 seconds ET), Pro (9.00 – 13.99 seconds ET), Sportsman (12.00 – 19.99 seconds ET), and Motorcycle (7.50 seconds ET and slower). Depending on the track, a high school only category may be contested.

Assuming you intend to take your vehicle legal from the street to the racetrack, your car will most likely only need to meet the NHRA Summit Racing Series pro and sportsman class requirements and specifications.

So you’ve given it some thought and finally chosen to take your street vehicle to the racetrack to get a first-hand idea of ​​what the racetrack is really all about. He doesn’t feel compelled to shell out his hard-earned money on a top-tier drag-only race right away. Just taking your street car for a test run will give you a taste of the race track and help you decide if this is something he really wants to get involved with. For many runners, a blast on the race track commits them for life as they instantly become addicted. That’s good. Yes, it’s an expensive sport, hobby, or profession, but you can spend your money, time, and effort in much worse ways.

So you have your original street vehicle and the desire to race. Now what? Well, it’s pretty simple at this point: do a drag race! Well almost. Let’s take a quick look at the driver’s license requirements.

All drivers of any level competing at an NHRA-sanctioned racetrack must have a state or government-issued driver’s license that exceeds the learner’s permit. However, if you plan to compete in an NHRA national or divisional level event, you will need to be a member of the NHRA and have an NHRA competition license. Licenses are also required for drivers who run 9.99 seconds or faster. There are four types of license: Type A: Wheelbase greater than 125″ (typically dragsters), Type B: Wheelbase 125″ or shorter (fun cars or cars with doors), Type C: Pro Stock and Pro classes Modified, and Type-D: Reserved for motorcycles or ATVs. For each type of license there are several classes that indicate which specific classes or ET the license allows the driver to run. For all specially licensed drivers that run 9.99 seconds or faster, a physical is required before licensing can begin.

As suggested in the NHRA regulations, novice runners are encouraged to seek advice to get started by calling NHRA headquarters at (626) 914-4761.