requirements for the dragstrip

[Brian O Conner]

I was wondering if you guys could awnser these questions and more things that most would not know. You do have to wear a helmet correct? You can not have a passenger correct? Once the Go light comes on does the clock start from there or does it start when your car starts going?

 

[knochgoon24]

All those depend on the track.

At my local one.
-Helmets for sub 13.99 passes.
-No passengers - ever.

 

[sparky1987]

Helmet is only if you're running certain times. Passengers is up to the track but when I go to norwalk raceway park the passenger has to be wearing the same safety gear as you helmet, harness etc... they probably cut that out when the car runs to a certain speed for safety issues but I've riden with my buddy in his car running high 12s. So you'll have to go to the website for your local track that you'll be at the most and see what their rules are.

 

[racer009]

it could be different at other tracks, but the track i go to, you only have to wear a helmet if you go faster than 13's. you can have a pasenger as long as they have a racer wristband. the clock starts as soon as you leave the line, not once the light turns green.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

As far as a helmet and passengers are concerned, check with your local track as the others have already said.

This is one of the best articles I've read on the whole ordeal at the dragstrip for you first timers.

Drag Racing 101

 

[91stocker]

Once the Go light comes on does the clock start from there or does it start when your car starts going?

Nope you can sit there all day long after the light has gone green and will not effect your time(e.t.) at all. Your reaction time will be horrible though

You'll see alot of auto guys doing that, while they wait for their turbo to spool up. Just go when your ready. Sometimes those loud ass, open header, drag cars can screw you up. Just let them go, then you can concentrate on launching correctly.

 

[daren_p]

Helmet is 13.99 or faster in my area as well, though if your running mid to high 13's they don't tend to say anything. Passengers are allowed but I believe they want you to stick to 13's or slower. I've ran with a passenger a couple times, removed my helmet for the run (so they don't think I'm making a reg pass) & then usually run through 3 gears & cost through 4th to keep in the 13's, haven't had any issues. They typically care alot more if your running much quicker times & not meeting the rules.

 

[Brian O Conner]

what happens if you run high 10s with a passenger? Do they ban you or warn you or threaten??

 

[daren_p]

what happens if you run high 10s with a passenger? Do they ban you or warn you or threaten??

That really depends on the track, typically you would atleast get the boot for the day, if not longer.

 

[jdxnc]

I think the 2 local 1/4 mile tracks here require helmets for 12's and under. I've run many 13's with none and haven't every been told otherwise. The local 1/8th mile track requires them for runs under 8s. All 3 tracks allow passengers, they just have to sign a liability waiver similar to the driver.

 

[diambo4life]

Yes...it depends with the track. My local track used to let me run mid 10's with just a helmet and no roll bar in the car. There are other tracks that would not let me run quicker than mid 11's without bars in the car.

 

[Brian O Conner]

I guess I will probably get banned because I am not going to put a roll bar in my car. Anyways I hope they give me my time slip but anyways on that. I have the owners cell phone number I probably will offer him some extra money at the start so I do not need rollbars.

If it works. I just got his number yesterday to bring these up to him.

 

[RocCitySlayer]

My local track: Helmet not required but suggested, And You can have 1 passanger, Windows up and no A/C

 

[knochgoon24]

I guess I will probably get banned because I am not going to put a roll bar in my car. Anyways I hope they give me my time slip but anyways on that. I have the owners cell phone number I probably will offer him some extra money at the start so I do not need rollbars.

If it works. I just got his number yesterday to bring these up to him.

You're going to call and bribe the track owner?

If I were a track owner and got a call like that, I'd make sure you never raced at my track again.

Wow.... just wow.

 

[Blue Talon Boy]

As far as a helmet, it is up to the track when it is required. Most require if you run faster than 12.99-13.99.
Passengers, again, depend on the track rules.
E.T. is the time from when you leave the light, till you pass the finish.
R.T. (reaction time) is how long between the light turning green and you leaving the line.
R.T. becomes the deciding factor in bracket racing. The faster your R.T., the less room for error your opponent has.

 

[Boostdclips99]

Everyone pretty much summed it up as far as depends on track rules. From a personal standpoint, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I would recommend taking as many safety precautions as possible. Even if you trust your car and equipment you always have to be aware of the person in the next lane. You never know if they took the time to button up every nut and bolt. So if somehow they lose control and come over into the other lane I would rather wear a helmet and have a full harness/rollbar than take the risk. Just a little piece of advise

 

[Brian O Conner]

You're going to call and bribe the track owner?

If I were a track owner and got a call like that, I'd make sure you never raced at my track again.

Wow.... just wow.

OKAY??? now that was random

Any ways I was looking at the track rules and I did not understand why it said no electronics?? Did not understand why? On top of that it did not say anything about a roll bar but do most tracks require the roll cages that you guys have seen?

 

[Killa_dsm]

I guess I will probably get banned because I am not going to put a roll bar in my car.

No you will be fine. You won't be needing one anytime soon. Just buy a helmet.

 

[gofer]

If you aren't familiar with drag racing or tech I suggest you read the NHRA rulebook, there's a lot of good info in there including the safety requirements necessary, relative to the times/speeds your car runs. Each track, the event, and even a lenient tech inspector can change whats required. Some tracks, like the 1/8th mile here in San Diego, require a helmet no matter what time/speed you run and some cars run 11 flats and sub 70mph speeds.

Here's the rule book, Section 4, page 1 (Pg. 63 in Adobe) begins the safety requirements for stock body vehicles. 2012 NHRA Rule Book

 

[etay89]

Here's the rule book, Section 4, page 1 (Pg. 63 in Adobe) begins the safety requirements for stock body vehicles. 2012 NHRA Rule Book

That actually helps me as well. Thank you

For the record, at my local track, if I'm not mistaken:
-Passengers allowed 14.99 or slower. Windows up, No A/C (this I'm sure of)
-Cage required for 11.99 or faster
-Helmet at 13.99 or faster

 

[TurboATM]

That actually helps me as well. Thank you

For the record, at my local track, if I'm not mistaken:
-Passengers allowed 14.99 or slower. Windows up, No A/C (this I'm sure of)
-Cage required for 11.99 or faster
-Helmet at 13.99 or faster

...except people run 11s with passengers, and 9s with no cage. Test and Tune nights they dont car who lives or dies. o