Drag racing rules, origin and history: Everything you need to know before getting into the sport

Drag racing rules, origin and history: Everything you need to know before getting into the sport

Kevin Omuya
updated at September 12, 2023 at 3:51 AM

What is drag racing? Drag racing is a famous carport usually performed by professional automobile or motorcycle drivers. The race is completed on an artificially built straight racing track, followed by a short racing distance of a minimum of 1000 ft. (305 m) to 1320 ft. (402 m).

Drag Racing Rules
JR Todd (1 FC) Toyota Camry NHRA Funny Car makes a pass during qualifying for the NHRA Mellow Yellow Drag Racing Series AAA Midwest Nationals on September 28, 2019. Photo: Michael Allio
Source: Getty Images

The sport is thought to have begun in the United States, where two competitors engaged in a direct racing competition on a level drag strip, racing from the starting point to the finish line. Simultaneously, the racers' speed in covering the track was documented to establish the victor.

History Of Drag Racing

History Of Drag Racing
Matt Hagan (3) Operation Healing Forces Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car) during the Sunday NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals on June 11, 2023, at the Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tennessee. Photo: David J. Griffin
Source: Getty Images

The sport is believed to have its origins in the dry lake beds of the California desert. As motor engines advanced, speeds reached up to 100 mph. Speed racing increased parallel with drag racing, an underground sporting activity.

The inaugural drag racing event, dating back to 1949, was held at California's Goleta Air Base. This marked the beginning of organized drag racing. In 1951, the National Hot Rod Association (N.H.R.A.) was founded by Wally Parks, further contributing to the sport's growth.

As the 1960s rolled in, there were significant technical advancements. Electric lights were introduced to replace the previous flagmen who had stood between the participating cars, signalling the start of the race.

In 1957, the N.H.R.A. banned the usage of nitro-methane, but by 1963, the ban was removed by the efforts of C.J. Hart. In the same era, many big brands, such as the Fords, Chrysler, etc., started to battle to design new versions of drag racing cars. Since 1970, the sport has evolved into a modern, thrilling, adventurous one, for which significant companies started sponsoring along with N.H.R.A. sponsorship and substantial monetary prizes.

Drag racing rules

What Is Drag Racing
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme getting ready to drag race. Photo: McDomx
Source: Getty Images
  • All the riders can drive an automobile, which can run 8.60 and slower for a 1/8th mile and a 1/4th mile; the speed can be maximized up to 14.0.
  • The drivers are only allowed to enter in any single class. Two drivers can join with the same car but in two different courses.
  • All the participants can choose the lane by tossing a coin to the referee.
  • The switches used in the car should have a standard mechanical type connection. Use of any infrared lasers, special retinal scans and any finger-type lighting source and tow vehicles are prohibited.
  • All the drivers must have the N.H.R.A. license and the membership for cars faster than 6.39 or 9.99.
  • All the vehicles are required to be parked in their specified pits.

Small tire drag racing rules

1. No weight restrictions

2. Steel roof and quarters unless the factory produces composite

3. No wheelie bars

4. 28 10.5 non-w tire or 275 drag radial only

5. Must manually shift your car

6. Must have proper safety equipment

7. Must pass Builders Brawl tech. Safety, chassis, etc.

8. Any engine combo accepted

9. Any fuel accepted except gasohol

10. Must qualify as a builder

11. Instant green star

NHRA drag racing rules

NHRA Drag Racing Rules
Ron Capps (1) Napa Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car) during the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals on June 10, 2023, at the Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tennessee. Photo: David J. Griffin
Source: Getty Images
  • Credentials: Drivers must have a valid, unrestricted state or government-issued driver’s license, with no underage driving restrictions (i.e. supervised, provisional, etc.) or an NHRA Competition License, subject to inspection by officials at any time.
  • Helmet: If your car runs 13.99 or quicker, you must have a helmet with a SNELL 2015 rating or newer.
  • Roll Bar: Mandatory in cars running 11.00 to 11.49 (including T‐Tops), convertibles running 11.00 to 13.49, and all dune‐buggy vehicles running 12.00 and slower. See NHRA Rulebook Sec. 4A.
  • Fire Jackets: Required for drivers in cars running 11.49 or quicker meeting SFI spec. 3.2A/1: Drivers in cars running 9.99 and quicker must-have jackets and pants, meeting SFI spec. 3.2A/5.
  • Master Cutoff: A master cutoff for a battery is required for any car where the battery is relocated. The storm must be securely mounted as described in the NHRA Rulebook.
  • Catch Can: A catch can is required for coolant overflow— one pint (16 ounces) minimum. HRA Chassis Sticker and license are required for cars running 9.99 or quicker or 135 MPH or faster.
  • Driveshaft loop: A driveshaft loop is required on all vehicles running 13.99 or quicker and utilizing slicks, except cars running 11.49 or slower equipped with street tires.
  • Protective Clothing: Full‐length pants; short‐ or long‐sleeved shirt; closed shoes; and socks. No shorts. o tank tops. o open‐toe or open‐heel shoes or sandals. Synthetic clothing is not recommended.
  • Wheels: “Spinner” style wheels or any wheel design incorporating moveable pieces while the vehicle is in motion or stationary is prohibited.

What is a street class in drag racing?

Drag Racing Rules For Street Cars
The Festival of Power Drag Racing at Santa Pod Raceway Northampton UK Street at the start line on April 19, 2014. Photo: Leo Mason
Source: Getty Images

The street car classes Wolcott refers to are traditional drag races in that the track is prepped, and the cars are much more attainable to the average driver. Any vehicles are similar to those on the street; some may even be cars driven on the road.

Street class drag racing rules

  • The speed limit in the pits is 10 mph. No icing intake or “AC” run in lanes or racing.
  • A minimum age of 16 is required to compete in list races.
  • To keep fluids off the racing surface, racers experiencing problems with their vehicle during any pass are requested to pull over to the edge of the racetrack and stop.
  • Passengers are not allowed in competition vehicles in any paired pass. Every passenger pass is done at the Track Starter's discretion.
  • If a racer at the head of the staging lanes fails to start their vehicle when called, the racer will be moved back one pair of cars in line along with their competitor.
  • Both racers are required to pre-stage first before either competitor stage. A racer thoroughly steps before their opponent's pre-stages and the Track Starter will back that competitor out of the lights and start the staging process again.
  • In case of dual infractions of the ordinary laws of drag racing during an elimination pass, what is known as the “First or Worst” rule applies.

What is no-prep drag racing?

Drag Racing Rules For Street Cars
Roger Goring's Firestorm Jet Car burn-out during The Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway on April 1, 2018, in Northampton, England. Photo: Leo Mason
Source: Getty Images

“A no-prep race is like your average drag race except the track is not prepared for it,” explains Carbon Motorsports, a Colorado-based off-road racing team. The procedure is accomplished before a race begins for a regular or traditional drag race. However, for no-prep racing, this process is not followed.

No prep drag racing rules

  1. Short course-based chassis (2wd), 12-13.5-inch wheelbase (4wd not allowed, 4wd to 2wd conversion not allowed)
  2. Any commonly over-the-counter RC car motor.
  3. Two cells (8.44v max, single pack)
  4. Rubber foam insert style rear and front tires, threaded or slick allowed. ( o O-rings) Running without foam insert allowed.
  5. It must have four surprises, each controlling a wheel as intended by typical manufacturers. Connected and operating hinge pin arms at all four corners of the car. Shocks must have movement visible and acceptable by the race director. “Tie Rods”.
  6. The car must use a 3-5 gear transmission (gearbox). B lets or link conversions are not allowed.
  7. Cars ready to run must meet a 4.54lbs (72.6oz, 2060 grams) Minimum
  8. May extend a maximum of 15” from the rear drive (CVA/Dog bone).
  9. The body must cover wheels (i.e. no buggies). Wheel wells must be cut, exposing 1/2 the wheel minimum.
  10. Rear wings/spoilers may extend off the body’s rear deck a max of 3 inches. The back side dam may not be higher than the car roof line and can raise off the body’s rear deck a maximum of 3 inches.
  11. The rear section of the body (valance/bumper panel) may be removed but must retain the original rear side quarter fenders, trunk lid and pickup bed. Rear spoilers supplied with a body are considered legal for that body in their intended design.
  12. Up to four (4) holes no more significant than ½” at any location on the body are allowed. Window cutouts are not allowed.
  13. Tire prep is allowed, but burnout is required before staging your car.
  14. No “Assist” receivers, gyros, or driving assist items are allowed. NAVC Receivers. NTSM receivers.

Drag racing rules generally include an approved helmet during the race. All drivers must wear seat belts and gloves until entering the returning road. They are required to act professionally and courteously. Drivers are also prohibited from using any steroid drug to enhance their efficiency or using any alcohol or substance.

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Authors
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Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.
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