What is a drag race ?
In very simple terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest from a standing start between two vehicles over a measured distance. The accepted standard for that distance is either a quarter-mile or an eighth-mile. These contests are started by means of an electronic device commonly called a "tree". Upon leaving the starting line, each contestants vehicle activates a timer which is, in turn, stopped whe that same vehicle reaches the finish line. The start to finish clocking is the vehicle's E.T. (elapsed time).
Who can compete ?
Virtually anyone can compete in drag racing. To drive a full sized vehicle, drivers are required to possess a valid State driver's license as a minimum. Certain performance levels/classes require a driver to possess an NHRA Competition License. In addition, New Jersey limits the minimum age of a contestant of a full size vehicle to 17 years. All vehicles must meet basic safety criteria (ie: good brakes, seatbelts, safety helmet). This applies to most streetable type vehicles. Faster, all-out race cars must meet more stringent requirements as outlined in the NHRA Rulebook.
In recent years, a new youth oriented program has developed. The JUNIOR DRAG RACING LEAGUE is open to children 8-17 years old. Competition is limited to the operation of a junior dragster only. Junior dragsters compete over an 1/8 mile course. Any driver 17 years of age or under must have a valid minor release waiver signed by their parent or guardian on file at the track.
What is Bracket Racing ?
Bracket racing is a form of drag racing whereby vehicles of different performance levels can compete on a potentially even basis. The anticipated elapsed times are compared for each vehicle, with the slower car receiving a headstart equal to the difference of the two. With this system, virtually any two vehicles can be paired in a competitive drag race. For example: car "A" has recorded times of 17.78, 17.74, and 17.76, and the driver feels that a "dial-in" of 17.75 is appropriate. Meanwhile, his nemesis, driver "B", has recorded times of 15.27, 15.22, and 15.26 on the same track, and has opted for a dial-in of 15.25. Accordingly, car "A" will get a 2.5 second (17.75-15.25=2.5) head start over car "B" when the Tree counts down to each car's starting green light.
Should a driver go quicker than their predetermined dial in, it is a "break-out", and grounds for disqualification. In the case of both vehicles breaking out, the win goes to the driver who broke out the least. Another form of disqualification is a foul start, or "red-light". This occurs when the driver reacts to the tree too quickly and drives away from the starting line before the green light activates.
I have never raced before, but want to try. What do I do ?
When you come to the track, you will first meet our gate personnel. First you will be required to sign a release waiver to enter the pit area. Minors under 18 will be required to have a minor release form signed by a parent/guardian. You will then proceed to the ticket booth where you will be for admission and be issued a tech card.
After leaving the ticket booth, you should immediately complete as much of the tech card as you can in ink, and legibly, before heading to tech inspection, where our inspectors check over your vehicle and make sure you have the minimum safety requirements. Having the card filled out neatly before you get to tech helps move things along much more quickly. After being teched and numbered, you are ready to go. When they call your class to the lanes, proceed to those lanes for time trials/ eliminations. If you are unsure if your class was called, or don't know which lanes you were to report to, feel free to drive up to the back of the staging lanes and ask questions.
REMEMBER STATE LAW REQUIRES 5 MPH IN ANY PART OF THE FACILITY OTHER THAN THE RACE TRACK ITSELF. We strictly enforce this since there are usually many people walking about in the pit area.
OK, now you are teched, numbered, and in a lane. What next ?
Please stay with your car in the staging lanes. As your lane starts moving, please move your vehicle up accordingly. Follow all instructions from the track personnel as you approach the burnout box. This is the area where, if you are running slicks, you will do a burnout to warm up your tires. If you are running street tires, it is a good idea to drive around the water, as street tread generally will drag water up to the starting line, and give you a poor start. The person in the burnout box will signal you when to start your burnout. Do not approach the starting line or start a burnout until instructed by start line personnel.
After the burnout area, you will approach the starting line. In the center of the track, close to the starting line is the"christmas tree". That's the pole with all the lights on it. Slowly approach the starting line until the "pre-stage" (the bug lights on top of the tree) and the "stage" (that's the second set of bug lights on top of the tree) are lit. At that point, you are set and ready to race. If there is anything wrong, or you are not ready, DO NOT LIGHT THE STAGE LIGHTS. When both cars are staged, the starter will throw the switch to activate the tree. If your car moves before the green light lites, you will get a "foul" or red-lite on your side of the tree. During eliminations, the first car to foul will get the red light. Once the tree counts down, you leave the starting line, and you're racing. Once you get to the finish line, immediately start slowing down, safely. There are a couple turnoffs, all to the left on the track. Take the one you can make safely. If you are in the right lane, do not cross over until you know exactly where the vehicle in the left lane is, and how fast he is moving. If you are unsure, just use the entire shutdown area and exit to the left at the end of the track. You will then come up the return road, and stop at the "timeslip" booth, where you will get a printout of your run.
One important note: If all the red lights are flashing on and off, that signifies there is a problem on the track. If you are staged, immediately back out of the stage lights carefully, a very short distance, and shut off your vehicle. If you are not staged yet, stop and turn off your vehicle where you are. If you should encounter any problems on the track (a strange noise, or think you broke your car or are leaking fluid) please pull off to the side and STOP on the track as quickly as safety will permit.
That's it, in a nutshell!