IHRA: How to start your drag racing career

Wednesday, 11 May 2016

Steven Cole Smith / Image by Orlando SpeedWorld Dragway
One of the best things about IHRA drag racing is its accessibility – and we don't mean how accessible the cars and drivers are at a meet, because if you've attended an IHRA event, you already know how fan-friendly the weekend is.
No, we're talking about how accessible the racing itself is – that most anyone with a driver's license and a well-maintained car, truck, SUV or motorcycle can give drag racing a try.
Practically all the IHRA-affiliated tracks offer weekends targeted at the amateur racer, and many have a midweek "Test 'n Tune" night that allows a beginner to get his or her feet wet. Before you know it, you'll be lined up against a vehicle similar to yours, and you'll be racing.
The IHRA class that you'll likely start in is "Stock," which is just what it sounds like: a class where the vehicle's equipment remains just like it came from the factory. IHRA inspectors will give your vehicle a safety check, but whether it's a Honda or a Hummer, a Jeep or a Jaguar, they will find a place for you.
The Stock class runs on a handicapped start, based on the vehicle subcategory National Index, determined by a power-to-weight ratio. That means the Jaguar can actually run against the Jeep, because the Jeep will get a head start.
One of the IHRA tracks that embraces newcomers is Orlando SpeedWorld Dragway, which features Friday Night Frenzy, a Test 'n Tune session that costs only $12 for general admission and $10 for a TNT tech card. "If you wish to complete your IHRA license," the track advertises, "this is the perfect night to do it!"
How do you find a track near you? Go to IHRA.com, click on "Tracks," and you'll find a list of IHRA-affiliated tracks in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Australia and New Zealand.

 

I was at Orlando Speedworld Saturday night on my way back from Titusville where
Temple Baptist Church had 300 cars and donated over $8,000 to homeless veterans.
Event coverage is here:
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/e...-car-show.html