So you have the car and you win, but currently you lack the correct direction in which 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 suitable car that you enjoy is truly in your hands. Assuming you already have the race car, then you are on your way to being ready to make your race track debut.

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

The National Hot Rod Associate (NHRA) was founded more than 50 years ago to combat an epidemic that existed then and remains a serious problem today. NHRA’s original motto was and remains “Dedication to Safety.” Organized endurance racing competitions sprang up throughout Southern California in the early 1950s for a reason. Race organizers worked with law enforcement to create an alternative to speed-hungry gearheads. Rather than spending time and resources trying to catch and arrest illegal street racers, sanctioning agencies began organizing drag competitions, offering a safe and legal environment to compete with their cars.

Today, the same opportunities are offered to young tuners and hot-rodders. Test ‘n Tunes is the easiest way to enter the licensed drag racing scene. They are inexpensive, safe, and enjoyable. Typical test and tune events cost roughly $ 15-20. Yes, that abandoned country road is free, but just consider that for only $ 15 you can race on a well-lit, professionally-prepared racing surface that the pros race through, collect data on your car with schedules, and meet a bunch of peers. . brokers with your same interests.

Taking your car to the track for the first time is an exciting experience. Navigating the pits, spinning around the track, and showing off your wheelset is fun and rewarding. NHRA / IHRA approved drag belts require strict, yet reasonable, technical specifications for competing cars. So before you get too lost in your daytime drag strip dreams, make sure you bring a race-ready car that’s legal for track activities.

First, buy the latest NHRA regulation. Non-NHRA members can obtain a hard copy of the 2010 regulations for $ 10. NHRA members have the option of downloading the free e-book online or spending $ 7 on a hard copy. To participate in your local tracks weekly bracket show or try ‘n tunes you do NOT require a membership with that sanctioning body. The rule book will serve as your guide to safety equipment and race car requirements. Generally, the elapsed time of a quarter mile and the mile per hour of your vehicle will determine the specific requirements of the rules.

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

Assuming you intend to take your street legal vehicle to the drag track, your car will most likely only need to meet the NHRA Summit Racing Series requirements and specifications for athletes and professionals.

So you’ve thought about it and finally chosen to take your road vehicle to the drag track to get a first-hand idea of ​​what the drag track really is. Don’t feel obligated to shell out your hard-earned money in a top-tier race, just drag a car right away. Simply taking your road vehicle for a test drive and tuning will give you an idea of ​​the drag track and help you decide if this is something you really want to get involved with. For many runners, a blast on the drag track compromises them for life, as they instantly become addicted. That is good. Yes, it is an expensive sport, hobby, or profession, but it can waste your money, time, and effort in far worse ways.

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

All drivers of any level competing on an NHRA licensed racetrack must have a state or government issued driver’s license that exceeds the learner’s permit. However, if you plan to compete in a NHRA national or divisional level event, you will need an NHRA membership and an NHRA competition license. Licenses are also required for drivers running 9.99 seconds or faster. There are four types of licenses: Type A – longer 125 “wheelbase (typically dragsters), Type B – 125” or shorter wheelbase (fun cars or door cars), Type C – Pro Stock classes and Pro Modified, and Type-D: Reserved for motorcycles or ATVs. For each type of license there are several classes that signify what specific classes or ETs that the license allows the driver to run. For all specially licensed controllers running in 9.99 seconds or faster, a physical exam is required before licensing can begin.

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

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